Bella sighs looking at her reflection in the mirror. She's been standing here for last half an hour without doing anything. She feels so nervous. She has an important interview for job today...and it's going to be for one of the most well known companies in the US. She thought she has no chance there because she just graduated three months ago. She has literally zero experience in working fields. But her mom, Andrea persisted her to take the opportunity. Bella herself got some confidence as well when they said they are interested in some fresh new employees. She parts her red hair slightly and combs it with her fingers to make it look more natural and fluffy.
She needs this job. Badly.
She finishes getting ready and takes her files from the table. She puts on her high heels and hurries downstairs.
"Bye mom, I'm leaving," She says shortly after giving her a hug.
"Good luck honey," Andrea gives her a kiss, "Be safe."
Bella nods and leaves, smiling. She still has two hours in hand. She walks by the footpath to go to her regular coffee shop. She orders a bagel for herself along with a classic cup of coffee. She sits down at a corner with her food. She's still so nervous. She brings out her earpods to listen to some indie music. Music has always helped her to calm down her nerves. Music has been always there for her when nobody is...and that's why she loves music so much. She aspires to be a singer someday. Not like a huge celebrity or something. Just a professional singer. It's the only consistent passion of her life. But she needs money to fulfill her dreams. And she needs to ace this interview to earn that money. She doesn't say it but she's tired of staying at her mother's house. She feels like a burden even though Andrea never made her feel like it.
A sudden touch on her shoulder, snaps Bella out of her daydreams. She looks up to notice a tall guy standing beside her with dark shades and completely black outfit. He mumbles something but she doesn't understand. She frowns. Then she realizes that she still has her earpods on. She takes them off and lifts up an eyebrow. "Were you saying something?"
"Move from this seat. It's reserved."
"Excuse me?"
"We have reserved this seat."
"How can you a reserve my favorite spot? I always sit here."
"Move or I'll have to take actions."
"Oh really? Let me see how would you take actions."
From the corner of her eyes she then notices a tall, blonde guy coming inside. She has never seen him here before. He seems to be a vip person. Then she realizes that it might be him who reserved her spot. Well no one stopped her when she sat down here. Then why should she move?
"What's wrong Tom?" The blonde guy says coming near them. Bella stands up abruptly feeling nervous. She better not get into any trouble today.
"This woman is not moving from the table, Sir," The guy whose name is supposed to be Tom says with an irritated voice.
"I came here first and there was no reservation sign here. Then why should I move?" Bella snaps back. At least hold back for today Bella what's wrong with you. Please don't get into any trouble, she whispers inside her head.
The blonde guy takes off his shades revealing his piercing blue orbs. He looks at her for a slight moment and then sits down on the table facing her. Bella's face drops. She doesn't have any idea about what to do now. He just casually sat there. She didn't expect this to happen.
"But sir," Tom speaks up and the blonde guy puts his shades on the table.
"It's okay. I don't mind having my breakfast with a stranger."
"There are several empty spots yet you decided to sit down here," Bella rolls her eyes.
The blonde guy doesn't feel the need to reply back to her remarks though. Bella makes a straight face and sits down. He orders for his food. From the corner of her eyes she starts noticing his features. He's blonde. Well. Apart from being blonde he has deep blue eyes, a cute nose and ridiculously sharp jaw. His accent made it clear that he's English. She looks at his veiny hands that move around to hold the cup of coffee. She gulps down and decides to start a conversation with him.
"So" Both of them speak up at the same time and laugh. Wow so he wanted to make a conversation too?
"You go first," Blondie says with his British accent.
"I haven't seen you here before. Are you new to the town?"
"No uh. Actually I visit this place once a month for personal reasons. And today I decided to have my breakfast here before heading to the office," He says with a calm voice, "What brings you here?"
"Me? I'm a regular customer. I come here everyday," Bella smiles.
"Oh. I should've known."
"The food is amazing here," She says.
"Yeah the coffee smells good. Um sorry for bothering you with the table situation. Actually I like to avoid the crowd and-"
"No it's okay," She cuts him off with a smile. This guy seems to be chill and mature. Unlike most of the guys these days. Bella looks at his veiny hands again but her eyes notice his wristwatch this time.
"Oh shoot, what time is it?" She hurries to unlock her phone and check the time, "Shit I've been sitting here for so long? I can't be late oh God." She places her phone and earpods back inside her bag.
"Bye blo- Wait what's your name?"
"Asher," He replies smiling at her. His dimples...
"Oh bye Asher, it was nice to meet you."
"Do you need a ride?" He asks watching her spazzing out.
"No no it's fine. Thank you for the offer though," She says and hurries outside the coffee shop. She better not be late today.
After finishing his food, Asher leaves for office as well. He has a long day ahead today. There's still a playful smile on his lips. The redhead had an interesting personality. He forgot to ask her name. Nevermind. She's not someone important anyway.
In the office he takes interviews of several candidates but none of them seems to be fit for the position. He sighs being annoyed. One last candidate left.
"Who's next and why are they taking so long?" He asks Martha being irritated. He hates it when people doesn't show up in time.
"Asher, her name is Bella Jones. But I'm afraid she's not here."
"Fucking irresponsible people, already dismiss her. We don't allow employees who are late to office. Especially on their interview."
"I'm so sorry sir. I'm here, I'm so sorry," He looks up from his laptop to see a redhead coming inside his office. He frowns his brows realizing it's the same girl from the coffee shop today.
"You?" She looks at him in disbelief but immediately composes herself. If this guy is the ceo then, God forgive, no one in the earth can give her this job today. Shit. She looks at him with big eyes and sits down.
"You're already dismissed, please leave." Martha says but Asher stops her.
"Let me take care of it," He says being curious.
Martha gives her a look and goes out.
"Your name?" Asher speaks up breaking the silence.
"Bella Jones," She replies with a calm voice. She's sure that he's going to reject her today but a girl can try.
"So Miss Bella, what attracted you to our company?"
"Um I've done some researches prior the interview and I loved the company's values and missions. They're really unique. No wonder why it's one of the top companies here. I saw myself having an opportunity when the company showed interest having some new fresh interns. That's why I decided to apply."
"Tell me about yourself."
"I'm 22 years old. I just finished my graduation on Economics three months ago. I'm from Nashville and I love indie music," She replies with a tight lipped smile and Asher smirks.
"Hmm, tell me about some good quality of yours,"
"Uh, I'm usually straightforward. I love taking challenges. I'm loyal and trustworthy. My communication skills are great so you can count on that."
"Your academic grades are good," Asher looks at her and passes the glass of water, "Quench your thirst."
"Thanks," Bella says taking a sip of the water. How did he know that she was thirsty?
"Now tell me about some negative traits of yours."
"I can get uncomposed and messy sometimes. I have trust issues. And that's all I can't think of anything else right now to be honest."
"Let me tell you then. You're irresponsible, you don't have proper manners and you seem to forget about who you are sometimes."
"Wow that was rude."
"See I was talking about this," Asher stares at her and she gulps down.
"I'm sorry sir."
"Do you have any passion?"
"Yeah, singing actually. I aspire to be a singer someday."
"Then why are you here?"
"Because I need money."
"You were going good so far but you messed up here. If you want to become a singer then you're going to give your whole attention to something else rather than the job. Which is harmful for my company and I'm not going to allow that."
"I'm sorry that it came out like that. But just because I'm interested in music doesn't mean that I can't take responsibilities of the job. I think you're making a mistake there."
"You were late at the interview, you didn't knock on the door while coming inside, you didn't ask for my permission before sitting down and now you're telling me that I'm mistaking something? Why should I hire you?"
"I'm so sorry for my behavior earlier. As I said I get messy sometimes. But I can't take the last sentence back. I still think that I'm capable of taking responsibilities for the job. You're mistaking with the idea that I wouldn't put my everything to this job just because I have passion for music."
"Well I still don't think you're worthy for the position so you're not getting it."
Bella shuts her eyes closed feeling sad. She worked so hard for this interview today. It feels bad seeing all her hard works go down in veins. She sighs and stands up from her chair.
"It's fine sir. It was nice to meet you."
"Miss Jones," Asher calls her from behind with a frowned expression, "I haven't dismissed you yet so you better come and sit down."
Shit. Why's she doing everything wrong today? Well she's not getting the job anyway. She turns around on her heels and sits down like a robot.
"I'm going to ignore your childish behavior."
"So that means I'm getting the job?"
"No."
Bella frowns. What does he mean then?
"I'm giving you the position of my personal assistant. Are you interested in it?"
"B-but-"
"Yes it's a bigger position and you'll get double salary for the job."
"Yes oh my God. Thank you so much blon- Mr. Anderson." She says with a huge grin, "But that girl earlier. Wasn't she your assistant though?"
"Martha. Yeah. She's leaving the job due to some personal reasons."
"Oh thank you so much, I don't know why did you choose me but thank you."
"You may start your work from tomorrow," He says focusing his eyes to the laptop.
"Should I go now, Sir?"
"Yes," He replies not looking up from the laptop screen. Bella stands up enthusiastically and darts towards the door. She can't wait to give this news to Andrea. Double salary means she can rent an apartment. Oh God. As soon as she's about to leave from the door her body clashes with another woman and her papers fall down on the floor.
"What the hell," The woman speaks up being irritated at Bella instead of saying sorry. She was the one who came in abruptly.
"Babe are you okay?" Asher runs towards her to make sure the woman is not hurt.
Bella looks at the black haired woman in front of her with a puzzled face. Babe? She doesn't say anything just picks up her files.
"Who's this girl?" The woman asks with a snort.
"Oh, she's Bella. My new assistant," He says, "Bella this is Jennifer. My wife."
"Nice to meet you Mrs. Jennifer," Bella says with a tight lipped smile. He's married to this woman?
"Call me Mrs. Anderson," Jennifer smirks at her with the fakest stare. Bella nods abruptly.
"Sure. Mrs. Anderson."
Bella looks down to check her files again and then leaves his office. Today's been so dramatic.
Today is Bella's first day at the office as an employee. She was late yesterday so she doesn't want to make the same mistake again today. She still can't believe she got the job even after being so late at the interview. She honestly messed up. Maybe her manifestations are working after all. I wish I could tell him why I was so late. She sighs while washing her hair. After coming out of the shower, she puts on her black turtleneck dress. She curls her red hair on the edges slightly and puts on some makeup for the office look. She hopes everything goes well today.______________________________________Asher wakes up feeling the same tension inside his head again. He keeps having these weird dreams these days where he'd see his wife cheating on him with some random guys. He looks beside to see his wife sleeping peacefully next to his body. But her sweet face gives him anxieties. He always feels like she's not happy with him. She's
The next day, Bella manages to be in the office before Asher. She didn't forget to buy the coffee and has perfectly scheduled his day. She has also brought homemade food to prove her boss wrong. She can already feel that today is going to be a great day. She will be unstoppable today.Few minutes later, Asher steps inside the office, so Bella hurries to go and greet him. She follows him like a lost puppy and enters his office."Good morning, Sir.""Morning Bella.""Here's your coffee," She places it on his table. He doesn't even say a 'thank you'."And here's your schedule for today," She says but he's still busy on his phone. Is he going to say something or not? She waits for five damn minutes."Sir?""Asher?""Blondie?" Bella speaks out to examine if he's paying attention to her or not. From the neutral look of his face, she can tell tha
It's been almost three hours and Asher still hasn't showed up in the office today. Bella sits on her desk and bites her nails being nervous. She agreed to help him yesterday. Well it was a clever decision since he said that she doesn't need to finish all of the papers if she agrees to help him. That sounds like a manipulation as well. But...nevermind. She still wonders what his plan is going to be though. Imagine if he asks her to murder his wife? Well no, stop, you're going too far now. She sighs dropping her head on the desk and stays like this for few minuets. But Asher still doesn't show up. She opens her laptop and starts scrolling through his schedules. The office is a little bit chaotic today, given the fact that he hasn't come yet. Few minuets later, Nick shows up in front of her desk. Bella puts her phone down lazily and smiles at him. "Hi," She mumbles softly. "Hey, what are you doing here al
"Good morning sir," Bella greets Asher the next day, as he arrives in the office. He just nods and enters his room without saying anything. She follows him behind. What happened at his house yesterday just changed her perspective towards him. She used to see him as a pathetic strict boss but now she can see how he's just a helpless victim. He's adopted. His dad abuses him both mentally and physically. His wife is cheating on him. God knows what else is going on in his life.Even after having so much of wealth, he's the unhappiest person she has ever seen. She felt it last night when he cried on her shoulder. She could see the pain in his eyes. It made her heart wince with ache too. She desperately wanted to take this pain away from him. She doesn’t know why she feels so invested in his life but...she is."What's my schedule for today?" Asher asks placing his bag down."I didn't allow much work today sir. You just nee
"This place is actually a secret. Nobody except for my trusted bodyguards know that I've rented this apartment," Asher tells Bella as they enter the living room."Well now I know too," Bella chuckles while eyeing the vintage apartment. It seemed smaller from the outside look but it's actually a huge place. Of course, a man like him wouldn't stay in a small apartment. He literally lives in a palace most of the times."Yeah you do. Better keep it a secret.""Of course, sir," She smiles nervously. An awkward silence arrives between them. What does she do now? Bella starts wondering. Should she sit down? Or...take a look at the whole house? No that's a bit too much. Why's he not saying anything?"Make yourself comfortable miss Jones. I'll bring us some snacks," He speaks up being awkward."But we just ate at the restaurant sir.""Oh...yeah right."She smiles a
"What?""What what?""Why are you looking at me like that?""Like what?""What were you doing in my room?""You were screaming in your sleep.""Was I screaming for you to come and lay down on the bed with me?""Sir...""Explain...""You were crying and shouting so I thought of checking up on you. You were the one who pulled me to the bed...""I told you not to come to my room.""Yes but you were crying in the sleep.""It happens all the time miss Jones, I'm used to it but I'm not used to the affection...It's fine anyway, I should've warned you about this. Listen if next time I act like that in my sleep don't bother to calm me down. I'll eventually get tired and sleep again," He mumbles while taking a sip of his morning coffee in the dining area."WHAT? Doe
The car stops in front of a huge mansion. It's been decorated gorgeously for today's event. Bella gets down from the car and tries to fix her dress again. It was already a short dress for Serena and judging by their heights it's dangerously short for Bella. She shouldn't have sent those outfits back so soon. She can't believe Serena turned the offer down just like that, leaving her in this mess. Alone. She doesn't even know how to flirt with guys...Gulping down her breathe, she opens her purse and takes out the card. The guards then let her in. As she walks through the crowd, several people start eyeing her outfit intensely and that makes her feel even more anxious.She wanders around the huge ballroom trying to find a glimpse of Asher. God knows where he is. From the corner of her eyes she sees a group of women eyeing her while whispering things to each other. She sighs and decides to go somewhere else. As she passes by the corridor a st
Asher's eyes widen as the realization finally hits him. She's kissing him and it's not in a subtle way...He sighs and gently puts his arms around her body, bringing her closer towards him."Okay then, I won't cause any scene here," He murmurs looking at her face when she finally pulls back."I think I need another drink," She gulps down trying to hide out from the mess. What the hell she has done now..."Don't," He grabs her hands and pulls her closer for a kiss again."Sir?" She gasps out being mortified. This better not become a casual part of their act."Shh. She's looking at us," He whispers and kisses her again."But you're not even facing her this time," She internally screams."I can feel her gaze.""Seriously?" She scoffs looking at the couple behind them...and boy she's really looking at them, with a super annoye
Later in the evening after finishing her work in the office, Bella comes back to his apartment. She walks to the kitchen hearing the subtle noises of utensils. Reaching there, she finds Asher making dinner alone. "Why did you leave like that?" She asks him genuinely, placing her handbag on the table. "Like what?" He responds with his deep british accent, still trying hard to act unbothered. "You know what I'm talking about." "Your show off in front of Jennifer was over so I thought of leaving," He mumbles and turns around to open the fridge and bring out the ingredients. "I wasn't acting," She frowns. He stops his movements, looking back at her with confused eyes. "You were supposed to leave today," He changes the topic and focuses on the boiling pasta. "Can I stay here for few more days? My aunt had to get hospitalized and-" "You can," He answers before she could finish her sentence. "Thanks," She sighs in a tight lipped smile. "Maybe go get freshen up, I'll serve the dinne
"Wh-why? No...thanks. I can do it on my own." "You can't it's stuck." "Sir!" She internally cries in disbelief. "What? Are you shy in front of me?" "Nn-no." "Weird..." "You're the one who's weird here...Why do you think I would let you unzip my dress?" "Because I wanted to help you?" "I...for God's sake, do not need your help," She throws her hands in the air. "Yes you do," He spins her around and unzips her dress in a swift motion before leaving the room being unbrothered. She stands there in disbelief for few seconds...What the fuck just happened? She groans and steps out of the dress in relief, still trying to process why'd he do that. He even unzips dress in a professional way. He did not touch her skin or anything...He just unzipped her dress like he said he'd do...So chaotic Bella...so chaotic. You better stay away from him. Oh wait congratulations you can't...guess what you're his mistress
Asher's eyes widen as the realization finally hits him. She's kissing him and it's not in a subtle way...He sighs and gently puts his arms around her body, bringing her closer towards him."Okay then, I won't cause any scene here," He murmurs looking at her face when she finally pulls back."I think I need another drink," She gulps down trying to hide out from the mess. What the hell she has done now..."Don't," He grabs her hands and pulls her closer for a kiss again."Sir?" She gasps out being mortified. This better not become a casual part of their act."Shh. She's looking at us," He whispers and kisses her again."But you're not even facing her this time," She internally screams."I can feel her gaze.""Seriously?" She scoffs looking at the couple behind them...and boy she's really looking at them, with a super annoye
The car stops in front of a huge mansion. It's been decorated gorgeously for today's event. Bella gets down from the car and tries to fix her dress again. It was already a short dress for Serena and judging by their heights it's dangerously short for Bella. She shouldn't have sent those outfits back so soon. She can't believe Serena turned the offer down just like that, leaving her in this mess. Alone. She doesn't even know how to flirt with guys...Gulping down her breathe, she opens her purse and takes out the card. The guards then let her in. As she walks through the crowd, several people start eyeing her outfit intensely and that makes her feel even more anxious.She wanders around the huge ballroom trying to find a glimpse of Asher. God knows where he is. From the corner of her eyes she sees a group of women eyeing her while whispering things to each other. She sighs and decides to go somewhere else. As she passes by the corridor a st
"What?""What what?""Why are you looking at me like that?""Like what?""What were you doing in my room?""You were screaming in your sleep.""Was I screaming for you to come and lay down on the bed with me?""Sir...""Explain...""You were crying and shouting so I thought of checking up on you. You were the one who pulled me to the bed...""I told you not to come to my room.""Yes but you were crying in the sleep.""It happens all the time miss Jones, I'm used to it but I'm not used to the affection...It's fine anyway, I should've warned you about this. Listen if next time I act like that in my sleep don't bother to calm me down. I'll eventually get tired and sleep again," He mumbles while taking a sip of his morning coffee in the dining area."WHAT? Doe
"This place is actually a secret. Nobody except for my trusted bodyguards know that I've rented this apartment," Asher tells Bella as they enter the living room."Well now I know too," Bella chuckles while eyeing the vintage apartment. It seemed smaller from the outside look but it's actually a huge place. Of course, a man like him wouldn't stay in a small apartment. He literally lives in a palace most of the times."Yeah you do. Better keep it a secret.""Of course, sir," She smiles nervously. An awkward silence arrives between them. What does she do now? Bella starts wondering. Should she sit down? Or...take a look at the whole house? No that's a bit too much. Why's he not saying anything?"Make yourself comfortable miss Jones. I'll bring us some snacks," He speaks up being awkward."But we just ate at the restaurant sir.""Oh...yeah right."She smiles a
"Good morning sir," Bella greets Asher the next day, as he arrives in the office. He just nods and enters his room without saying anything. She follows him behind. What happened at his house yesterday just changed her perspective towards him. She used to see him as a pathetic strict boss but now she can see how he's just a helpless victim. He's adopted. His dad abuses him both mentally and physically. His wife is cheating on him. God knows what else is going on in his life.Even after having so much of wealth, he's the unhappiest person she has ever seen. She felt it last night when he cried on her shoulder. She could see the pain in his eyes. It made her heart wince with ache too. She desperately wanted to take this pain away from him. She doesn’t know why she feels so invested in his life but...she is."What's my schedule for today?" Asher asks placing his bag down."I didn't allow much work today sir. You just nee
It's been almost three hours and Asher still hasn't showed up in the office today. Bella sits on her desk and bites her nails being nervous. She agreed to help him yesterday. Well it was a clever decision since he said that she doesn't need to finish all of the papers if she agrees to help him. That sounds like a manipulation as well. But...nevermind. She still wonders what his plan is going to be though. Imagine if he asks her to murder his wife? Well no, stop, you're going too far now. She sighs dropping her head on the desk and stays like this for few minuets. But Asher still doesn't show up. She opens her laptop and starts scrolling through his schedules. The office is a little bit chaotic today, given the fact that he hasn't come yet. Few minuets later, Nick shows up in front of her desk. Bella puts her phone down lazily and smiles at him. "Hi," She mumbles softly. "Hey, what are you doing here al
The next day, Bella manages to be in the office before Asher. She didn't forget to buy the coffee and has perfectly scheduled his day. She has also brought homemade food to prove her boss wrong. She can already feel that today is going to be a great day. She will be unstoppable today.Few minutes later, Asher steps inside the office, so Bella hurries to go and greet him. She follows him like a lost puppy and enters his office."Good morning, Sir.""Morning Bella.""Here's your coffee," She places it on his table. He doesn't even say a 'thank you'."And here's your schedule for today," She says but he's still busy on his phone. Is he going to say something or not? She waits for five damn minutes."Sir?""Asher?""Blondie?" Bella speaks out to examine if he's paying attention to her or not. From the neutral look of his face, she can tell tha