chapter 4
1263 Words
Sophia’s POV
The call came just after 8 a.m., slicing through the morning silence like a blade.
“Good morning, is this Sophia Moore?”
My voice cracked as I answered. “Yes?”
“This is Human Resources from Trevor Group. We received your application yesterday. You’re shortlisted for the secretary position. Can you come in for an interview today at 10 a.m.?”
I sat up straight, the thin blanket pooling at my waist. “Today?”
“Yes, ma’am. All interviewees were contacted this morning. Please check your email for location and details.”
The call ended before I could ask anything else.
I stared at my phone, heart hammering. Then I checked my inbox, and there it was—an email from Trevor Group, Executive Office HR.
Why would a company that big want to interview me on the same day?
Was that normal?
It didn’t feel normal.
But I didn’t have the luxury of doubts.
I scrambled out of bed, flinging open my closet. The only white blouse I owned was a little snug, the navy skirt barely ironed. My black flats had a peeling sole, but I had no choice.
I scraped my hair into a low bun, swiped a quick gloss across my lips, and slipped my CV into a folder.
By 9:15 a.m., I was out the door.
The bus ride was quiet, but my thoughts screamed the entire way. My fingers clenched around the folder, knuckles pale.
What if I mess this up? What if I can’t answer their questions?
I kept picturing a sleek glass building, a receptionist with perfect nails looking me over like I didn’t belong there.
When I reached the address, my breath caught.
Trevor Group Tower glistened under the morning sun—tall and sharp, like a sword stabbing the sky.
Inside, the air was too cool, too clean, like I had stepped into another world. The receptionist on the ground floor scanned me with professional indifference and sent me up to the 19th floor.
The elevator doors opened to a sleek hallway. A sitting area held four other applicants—two women and two men.
Their eyes flicked to me as I approached. I offered a small, nervous smile.
“Hi. Interview too?”
One woman nodded. “Secretary role. They called this morning.”
So it wasn’t just me.
I sat at the far end, knees pressed together, trying to slow my breathing. Just be calm and don’t embarrass yourself.
Then a man’s voice exploded from the office ahead.
“This is not kindergarten! You either come prepared or don’t come at all!”
The door slammed, the sound ricocheting through the hallway.
One of the men shifted uncomfortably and stared at his shoes.
Nobody spoke, but the tension lingering between us was undeniable.
The next candidate was called in. Ten minutes later, the door opened again with the boss’s voice booming.
“Your CV says ‘organized,’ but you can’t even present your work properly. Out!”
The young man practically ran out, face pale.
I swallowed hard as fear coursed through my veins.
Will I also be dismissed like that?
It went on—another name, another harsh dismissal.
The waiting room grew heavier with dread.
Finally, the receptionist called, “Sophia Moore.”
My pulse spiked. I nearly tumbled as I stood and walked to the door.
The moment I stepped inside, everything in me froze.
Behind a massive glass desk, sleeves rolled, shirt collar open, and gaze buried in a document.
My breath hitched so sharply I almost dropped the folder.
It was him, the handsome stranger from that night.
Except now, he wasn’t just some strange guy from the club. He’s the CEO of Trevor Group, one of the largest private firms in the state.
His dark hair was slicked back neatly and looks so sharp and commanding— not the version of him I met that night.
This one looked like he would devour me if I didn’t arrange the files on his table perfectly.
There was nothing soft about him. He radiated intimidation without even trying.
I stood frozen, wide-eyed.
He didn’t look up as he spoke.
“Sophia Moore?” he asked, flipping another page.
I didn’t respond immediately. I was still staring at him, stunned speechless.
He finally glanced up, and something in his tone turned amused.
“What?” he asked dryly. “Have you seen a ghost?”
That look on his face—it looked so distant, like I’m just another stranger he’s meeting. There was no recognition in his eyes.
But how is that even possible?
“Are you sure you need this job?” he barked, snapping me back to reality.
I flinched, blinking at him before forcing my lips open.
“Yes—I’m sorry, sir, I just—”
He cut me off sharply. “Then stop apologizing and start acting like you deserve to be here. Do you even know how nervous you look right now? I don’t hire liabilities.”
Heat rushed to my cheeks. “I… I understand, sir.”
“Sit,” he ordered.
I obeyed, gripping my folder so tightly the edges bent.
“Resume,” he said, holding out his hand without looking up.
I handed it over quickly.
He scanned it with a frown. “You studied at Queens Community? That’s hardly impressive. Why should I believe you’re capable of handling a fast-paced office?”
My throat went dry. “I—I’m hardworking, sir. I learn quickly.”
He leaned forward, his cold eyes pinning on me.
“Everyone says that. What makes you different from the five people I just sent out of this room?”
My chest tightened. “Because I won’t fail you.”
His expression didn’t soften.
Then he said it. “Honestly, you’re not really fit to be my secretary. But my previous one feels I’ve been maltreating her and stormed out without notice. So here we are. I need someone now, and out of the mediocre lot I’ve seen this morning, you’re the least disappointing.”
I swallowed hard, unsure whether to feel relieved or insulted.
“Typing speed?” he asked.
“Seventy words per minute.”
“Filing systems?”
“Efficient in digital and manual. I’m organized.”
“You’d better be,” he said curtly. “Your appearance doesn’t exactly scream prepared. If this is how you show up on your first day, then I shouldn’t expect much from you.”
I felt my face burn, but I forced myself to nod.
He tossed the resume onto his desk.
“You’ll resume tomorrow. 8 a.m. sharp.”
“Thank you, sir.”
“Don’t thank me,” he snapped.
“Prove I didn’t just waste my time hiring you. One mistake, one late arrival, one personal drama brought into this office, and you’re gone. Understand?”
I swallowed hard. “Yes, sir.”
“Dismissed.”
I stood on shaky legs, gave a small nod, and left the room, the sound of my own heartbeat roaring in my ears.
The moment the door closed behind me, I let out the breath I’d been holding.
I can’t believe the man I slept with that night is now my boss.
God, how do I even look him in the eyes every day and not remember what we had together?
I bit my lip, fingers twisting nervously around the edge of my folder.
But wait…
Does he truly not remember me… or is he just pretending?
- Writer
