You're Still The One

Chapter 1

The Interview

June 20, 2019

I was about to step inside the elevator but then stop when a group of men suddenly walks in. So I step aside and let them go first.

7:37am. It’s still early for my interview but I don’t want to be late. I’ve been waiting for their text message regarding my final interview in this company. I’m lucky enough to be one of the applicants in their final lists.

Instead of taking the elevator I took the escalator instead. I was already on the 24th floor when my phone beep. I was walking while looking for my phone inside my bag when I bump into someone and drop my bag and the folders which contains my credentials.

“I’m so sorry,” I apologize as I collect my things. “Gosh I’m really sorry I’m not looking on-”

I stop when I look at him and saw that familiar face. He’s helping me collect my things but then stop when he saw my resume. I immediately snatch that paper on his hand and gather my things quickly.

“I’m really sorry,” I said again and run on the escalator going to the 25th floor.

It is him. I’m sure that’s him. He may have change because he grew taller and his features became mature, but I know That’s him.

Johann Cristoff Lee.

My phone beep again so I get it out my bag.

From Autumn:

Sky, that company you’re talking about, it’s one of the L.Y Group of Companies.  

From Autumn:

He’s the CEO.

I don’t care if he’s the CEO. I don’t think I will get to see him more often if I will be able to get this job.

I clutched my phone and put it back on my back. I sigh before walking towards the receptionist. I told her that I’m one of the applicants who made it to the final interview. She asked for my ID and checked on something in her computer before she lead me to enter into a room and wait.

I look around the room and my eyebrows furrowed  when I notice that this room is more of an office than a waiting room.

“You must be Skylar.”

I was thinking so deep and looking around on that office so I didn’t notice that someone already entered the room.

“I’m Atty. Rena Lee,” she sat down in front of her desk. “Come here.”

I don’t have a choice so I sat in front of her desk and gave her my credentials. She read through my files for a minute and then smiled.

“Actually when I read your resume, I was impress by your background. You manage to go to L.Y International University so that’s great because I know it’s not easy to enter in that university unless you have money and brains,” she laughed. “But you, you even got a scholarship so minus the money, you’re really smart. Too bad you didn’t graduate there. May I asked why?”

I gulped. I know it’s been years since that things happened but for me, remembering those things felt like it just happened yesterday.

“I lost my scholarship and my mother cannot afford the tuition fees so I had no choice but to transfer to a public school.”

“That’s sad. I also noticed that you stop schooling right after you finished highschool because there’s a three year gap from when you graduated in highschool and entered in college.”

“Yes,” I answered.

“And then you managed again to enter into a well-known law school in the country and got another scholarship.”

It made me smile and nod.

I decided to get a job as an assistant in a law firm while revewing for my upcoming BAR exam. I know it wouldn’t be easy but I have to.

It was Ruth, a friend from my old school, who refer me to this job as an assistant of their Legal Consultant. So instead of following my original plan, I took the opportunity because I get to work with a lawyer and see it as an opportunity to get an experience about the profession I’m pursuing.

Someone called her on the telephone so she excused herself for a while. She sounded disappointed actually after the call ended. She look into my credential files that I gave her.

“Actually after reading your file, I was already convince to hire you,” she said.

I smiled but I know, she has something more to tell.

“But?” I ask that made her laugh.

“I really like you Skylar. I really do. And if I had a choice, I really would hire you as my assistant here. But the HR just called me and told me that I already can’t hire you as my assistant and they got another one applicant for me so she will be here in a minute for an interview.”

I can see the sincerity in her eyes so I know that she’s not saying these things to make me feel better.

“I’m really sorry. But hey, you should be happy.”

“Huh? Why?” I asked. I’m rejected. That mean I need to look for another job so why should I be happy?

“I can’t hire you anymore because they already chose you as the secretary of the CEO of this company. That’s why I told you to be happy.”

“W-what?”

There was a knock on the door and then a girl came in and greeted as good morning.

“So Skylar, I hope to see you around. You can actually come to me if you have free time if you need some help for your review on you BAR exam. I read on your file that you’re actually planning to take it.”

“Y-yeah.”

“You may now proceed to the 31st floor of the building.”

I tried my best to fight back my tears from falling and sigh a few more times.

“Hi Miss Muller. Please come with me. Mr. Lee is waiting for you.”

I looked at the man in front of me and he just smiled. It’s Hunter, his butler. I don’t have much choice so I just followed him to the elevator until we reached the 31st floor of the building.

He knocked the door to his office before opening it for me.

“Miss Muller is here, Sir.”

I slowly walked into his office and there I saw him sitting in front of his desk, doing something on his computer.

Hunter lead me to the visitor’s chair in front of Johann’s desk and then left the two of us.

It was a deafening silence. Only the click of his mouse and keyboard are the noises in his office.

“How are you?” he asked all of a sudden making me startled.

“I’m alright,” I said and looked at him but immediately look away when I meet his eyes.

He sigh before getting a folder from his drawer and giving it to me.

“Sign this. You can start tomorrow,” he said.

I read the papers inside the table and realize that it was  the company’s contract. So instead of signing them, I just gave it back to him.

“I’m applying for you Legal Consultant’s Assistant so if I am not qualified for that job, I’ll just look for another one. I can’t be your secretary, Sir. I’m sorry.”

I stood up and was about to go when he talk again.

“Aside from your salary, the company will shoulder your mother’s hospital bills and settle your tuition fee in full on the review school of your choice.”

I stop and hold by bag tighter before turning to him.

“Accept the  job, Skylar.”

I walked again towards him and stop when I am just in front of him.

“Atty. Rena was planning to hire me as her assistant which is the job I’m applying for but then all of a sudden, the HR called her and told her that there was another applicant for that job and I was already hired as the CEO’s secretary so she can’t hire me anymore,” I sigh and look straight in his eyes. “Why?”

“What”

“Why did that happen? Did you have something to do with this, Sir?”

He looked away from me before answering.

“I needed a secretary and I want someone whom I can trust and I happened to bump at you earlier. You’re someone I know.”

I laughed sarcastically, not minding if I am talking to someone with the highest position in this company. I’m not his employee yet, anyway.

“Someone you know? But I’m not someone you trust, Sir.”

I saw a emotion pass in his eyes but he immediately looked away from me.

“Take the contract and read it carefully. You can comeback tomorrow with your decision.”

“My decision is final, Sir.”

With that, I walked out on his office.

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