Chapter 1

I sat at my computer and rubbed my eyes as I ran my paper through Grammarly. 

This was the final paper I needed for my class before I graduated college, and it needed to be perfect. To say that I’m stressed is an understatement. Not to mention I have an interview in an hour for the biggest company in my field, Zane Incorporated. They’re a Software company specializing in everything, from websites to video games. 

The company is run by four brothers who are, according to the press, incredibly brilliant and, according to some of the women in my class, possibly the sexiest men in the entire city, perhaps the whole world. 

I pushed the thought out of my mind as I finished the last of the edits and quickly scanned over it before submitting it to my professor. Once the notification that it was sent came up on my computer, I closed it and headed to the shower to freshen up. 

The scent of pumpkin and autumn leaves filled my senses as I stepped out of the shower and began getting dressed. 

Since it’s Fall, I decided to wear a burgundy sweater dress, tights, and short brown boots. Braiding my hair to the side, I grabbed my mustard-colored cardigan and keys and was out the door.

The cab made its way toward the building in record time. 

I stepped out, looking at the tower that stood tall over the city; I took a breath and headed inside. The interior’s architecture was stunning; it took my breath away. I made my way to the receptionist, who greeted me with a bright smile, “Hello, Ma’am, I’m Amber; how can I help you?”

“I have an interview today.” I told her, “Lillian Whispers.” She nodded and looked at her computer before looking back up at me, 

“It looks like they are in a meeting, but they should be done soon.” Amber informs me, “Just have a seat over there, and I will let you know when you can head up.” I nod and make my way to the waiting area with stunning floor-to-ceiling windows. I took out my notes and studied as I awaited my interview. 

It felt like I had been waiting forever when Amber came over to me, “Miss Whispers, the Zanes’ will see you now.” I got up, put my notes away, and followed her to the elevators. When the doors opened, Amber reached her hand inside and pushed a button, then allowed me to get on, “This will take you to the top floor.” She told me, “Once you’ve arrived, go to the end of the hall. They will be waiting for you in the main office.”

“Thank you, Amber,” I tell her; she wishes me luck as the door begins closing.

When the elevator dinged, I took a shaky breath and made my way toward the end of the hall. My hands shook as I reached up to knock on the double doors. I knocked four times, then waited a moment until I heard someone call out, “Come in.” I opened the door and walked in, seeing the four of them sitting at a long table with a single chair right across from them, 

“Hello, sirs,” I said as I walked in; the four of them glanced up, staring at me. 

“Hello, Miss,” 

“Whispers.” I replied, “Lillian Whispers, but everyone calls me Lily.” 

“It’s nice to meet you, Lily,” the one at the end said. “I am Anthony Zane, and these are my brothers, Brandon, Connor, and Dustin.” Anthony pointed to each of his brothers, who happened to be sitting in alphabetical order. 

“Please, have a seat,” Connor said. I nodded and sat down across from them. 

“So, Miss Whispers,” Dustin said, “Why do you want to work here?” 

“Well, sirs,” I said, “I am about to graduate from Alador University with a degree in Software Engineering as well as game development.”

“Yes, we saw that on your resume.” Anthony said, “That doesn’t quite answer my brothers’ question.” I smile,

“Of course.” As I begin to explain, I say, “My dream is to have my own software company and maybe become as well known as your company. That’s why I want to work here. I want to learn how to run a successful business and build a company I can be proud of. I want to learn from the best, and that is what y’all’s company is. It’s the best.” 

They each shared a glance with one another like they were having a discussion without even speaking to each other. It was a bit strange, I’ll admit. I sat there quietly as I waited for one of them to address me; at that exact moment, Anthony stood, walked around the long table, and stood right in front of me. My breath hitched in my throat as he reached his hand out for mine. I took his hand and immediately felt fireworks dance across my skin. 

“Miss Whispers,” he said, his voice deep and mesmerizing like his dark eyes that seemed to stare at the depths of my soul, 

“Y-Yes,” I said, trying to clear my throat. For a moment, just for a moment, I could have sworn I had seen him smirk at my flustered state. 

“Welcome to Zane Incorporated.” He said. Is this a dream? I wondered. I slowly took my hand from his and moved it to my arm, pinching myself. It isn’t a dream. This is real! “You’ll start first thing tomorrow as our personal assistant.” My excitement turned to curiosity. Assistant? 

“I’m sorry, Mr. Anthony, but I believe there’s been a mistake.” I said, “I didn’t apply for the assistant position.” 

“We are aware, Miss Whispers.” He said as he made his way back to the table, “However, hearing you say you want to learn from us gave us a better idea of what you need.” 

“You see,” Brandon said. “You would not learn how to run a company like ours by working in software.” 

“We pulled your grades and have spoken to your professors.” Dustin added, “You’ve done very well, seeing that you are at the top of your class. We believe that it will benefit you more to work closely with us so you can learn how this company runs.” 

“So,” Connor says as he and the others join Anthony on the other side of the table. “Do you accept the job?” I stared at each of them as they awaited my answer.

I’d be crazy not to tell them yes. This is my dream. It’s been my dream since my parents died… They always told me to find something that you’re good at, that I love, and the rest would follow. 

I hope they’re right.

“Alright.” I say, “Yes, I accept.” I stood and shook each of their hands and began gathering my belongings. 

“Perfect.” The brothers said in unison, “Report in this office tomorrow morning at eight, and we’ll get you started.” 

“Thank you so much, sirs.” I say and walk out, “I will see you all tomorrow!” The moment the door shut, I squealed with excitement! I just got my dream job! I hope you’d be proud of me, Mom and Dad. I love you guys. 

When I turned around, Dustin Zane stood, watching me with a smile. “Mr. Zane,” I said, clearing my throat and collecting my composer, “I’m sorry.” Dustin chuckled and moved closer to me, 

“It’s fine.” He tells me, “I like seeing beautiful young women happy.” My cheeks began to flush as I smiled,

“Thank you, Mr. Zane.” He nods, 

“I’ll see you tomorrow, then.” 

“See you tomorrow.” I got on the elevator and kept my eyes on Dustin as the doors began closing. Realization soon hit me; was one of my bosses flirting with me? My mind started racing as I made my way home; I had so many questions and no answer. I decided to chill out and head home to prepare for my first day as a personal assistant to the most powerful name and hottest men in all of Alador City. 

I hope I can handle this.