Chapter five: The interview

I had finally managed to pull myself together, but it took a lot of effort, ice cream tears and binge watching my favorite shows.

And finally, I felt like my old self again, close though.

I had blocked Alex and Lily, Alex had tried to beg with flowers and coffee, but I poured the coffee on the pathetic cheating self.

Because who the fuck apologizes for cheating with a two dollar latte, I'll tell you who, Alex!

Quitting my old job had been a necessity ,it was more like an act of self-preservation.

Working in the same office as my cheating ex-boyfriend and my so-called best friend had become unbearable.

Especially when they announced they were dating officially, I almost died, but not of the heartbreak of the feeling of betrayal.

It was as if the encounter with Ethan had removed all the feelings I thought I had of Alex.

But I don't talk about Ethan anymore, it never happened.

The whispers at my former workplace were something I couldn't handle, the pitying glances, and worst of all, the smug satisfaction on Lily’s face whenever I walked past her, it was beyond suffocating.

So I left, with no plan, no savings, and only a desperate need to escape.

Now, I had a chance to start fresh. Blackwood Corp was one of the most powerful companies in the country, and I had landed an interview for the position of executive secretary to the CEO. Happy me!

It wasn’t my dream job, but it was prestigious, well-paying, and, most importantly, a way to move forward.

The morning of the interview, I took extra care with my appearance, I had to look my best.

I wore a navy-blue pencil skirt that hugged my waist perfectly giving the illusion of an hourglass figure, a crisp white blouse buttoned just enough to look professional but not stiff, and my hair pulled into a sleek low bun, I tied the look down with a black red bottoms that made me look way taller, then I decided on wearing a single silver piece minimalistic jewelry.

I needed to look composed like a woman who had her life together, even if my stomach was a wreck of nerves.

So I decided on a light, natural makeup, which consisted of mascara, eye liner and lipstick, simple yet beyond effective.

As I applied a final touch of nude lipstick, my phone buzzed for the fifth time.

MOM

I sighed, staring at the screen before declining the call, I think she needed to get the memo, I did not want to talk to her.

The last thing I needed was another reminder of why I never relied on her. She only called when she needed something, and I was too exhausted to entertain whatever selfish reason she had this time.

You could say my relationship with my mother was troubled.

Arriving at Blackwood Corp felt unreal. The building itself was intimidating, all steel and glass, reflecting the blinding sun like a show of wealth and power.

It was more than my old workplace, a lot more.

As I stepped inside, the lobby was quiet but everyone did their thing not creating a fuss.

I took the elevator giving myself a small talk as I tried to call my nerves

I could do this.

Blackwood Corp needed me.

I was going to get the job.

But what were my odds against twenty something women?

A group of candidates waited for their turn, some shifting nervously in their seats, others whispering among themselves.

“I heard the CEO is insanely hot and young,” a woman next to me whispered, her voice laced with excitement.

Normally, I wasn't interested in petty gossip but this one caught my full attention.

“Yeah, and a complete nightmare,” another scoffed. “People leave his office in tears.”

I swallowed hard, forcing myself to focus. I couldn’t afford to be intimidated.

One by one, the candidates ahead of me walked in and walked out looking pale, some even on the verge of tears.

Great.

The man was a monster.

“Sophia Carter.”

Finally, my name was finally called, I felt dizzy, but I tried to control my spiraling emotions.

It wasn't as if my whole life was hanging on this job.

Actually it is! Without this job I would drown in debt and have to run back to my mother.

I would rather be homeless.

So I kept my emotions in check, taking steadying breath and walked into the office, my heels clicking against the marble floor.

And then my heart stopped.

Sitting behind the massive desk, radiating authority in his perfectly tailored suit, was him.

Ethan. The man from the club.

The one who took me to his mansion and who I almost slept with.

The man who I left my underwear in his house, yes that Ethan.

Fuck my life.

I might as well turn away and act as if I wasn't here for the interview, but it was already too late. I was here already, wasn't I?

His piercing gaze locked onto mine, lips tilting into a slow, knowing smirk.

He fucking remembered!

“Miss Carter,” one of the interviewers began, oblivious to the storm raging inside me. “Meet Mr. Blackwood, our CEO.”

My breath hitched. My world went upside down.

And Ethan? He just leaned back in his chair, looking completely at ease. As if he had expected this moment all along