His Obsession, My Fate

Chapter 4

Ophelia stared blankly at Ryan. All she had screamed were all in her head. She couldn’t bring herself to mess things up again.

“I’m sorry,” she said, swallowing all her pride even though her stomach was in knots. “I was already stressed about the interview.” She lied. “When you spoke to me the way you did, I lost my temper. It won’t happen again.”

Pride won’t add money to her bank account. Her rent is due in twelve days and she had only three digits in her credit card. She needed the money, she needed this job, and it almost felt impossible now that she discovered he was the CEO.

Ryan studied her for a long time, it made her nervous. He finally leaned forward, resting his forearms on the desk.

“Here’s what’s going to happen, Miss. Parker.” He started and Ophelia held her breath, it felt like she was in a court room and the judge was about to read her verdict to her. “Your HR interview has been cancelled. You will not be speaking to them today.”

Ophelia’s heart sank as she squeezed her eyes shut, her heart was filled with regret. If only she hadn’t ran, if only she patiently apologized, if only she hadn’t stomped on his feet, then…

“But,” Ryan continued, interrupting her thought. “I haven’t decided what to do with you yet.”

Ophelia opened her eyes as she stared at the man, she wanted to lash out, to scream at him, to point her finger at him, to say he was also at fault here, but she pressed the words back in as she watched him tap a finger on the desk.

“You have two options right now.” He began. “Option one, I call security, have them escort you out of the building, and make sure your name is flagged across every major company in Los Angeles. You will never work in this city again.”

The color drained out of Ophelia’s face. Ryan Harrison was a big name in the city, and she knew he wasn’t bluffing now.

“Option two,” he leaned back slowly. “You convince me, right here, right now, why I shouldn’t destroy your career before it even begins.” He glanced at his wrist watch. “You have three minutes.”

Ophelia’s mind raced under her chest. She contemplated if she should walk him through their whole mistake at the lobby, or…

She paused, then straightened her back and looked him dead in the eyes, the same fire from the lobby flickered back as she parted her lips.

“I’m the best interpreter you will find in this city,” she said, trying to keep her voice leveled. “I speak fluent English, Spanish, French, Mandarin, and Italian. I’ve worked high-pressure environments before, and yes. I have a temper, but the same temper means I don’t give up easily when things get difficult.” She said in a single breath.

“If you want someone who will only smile and nod while translating for you, then I’m not your person.” She paused to see his reaction, but his expression remained unreadable.

“But if you want someone who will tell you the truth even when it’s uncomfortable, someone who can handle arrogant billionaires and difficult negotiations, then maybe I’m exactly what you need.” She finished, breathing hard.

Ryan stared at her intrigued. For the first time since he met her, his lips drew back in amusement, he steepled his fingers.

“Bold,” he murmured, then glanced down at his right foot, then back at her. “You still owe me for my suit, and the bruised ego.”

Ophelia thinks quickly before answering. “Since your suit is expensive, I can start paying for it with my first paycheck… if you give me the job.” She blurted out before she could stop herself.

Ryan lifted an eyebrow and scoffed. He pressed the intercom. “James, come in.” He said before releasing it.

Ophelia glanced at the office door curiously when it opened. She nervously turned to Ryan again wondering what he would do.

Ryan glanced once at Ophelia before looking at James. “Escort Miss. Parker out.” he instructed and Ophelia blinked in confusion, her eyes dilated wondering if he had chosen option one.

“Let’s go, Miss. Parker.” James said, gesturing toward the door.

Ophelia stood up. She looked at Ryan whose eyes were now on the document on his desk. Her brows creased slightly before she followed James out of the office.

Outside the company, Ophelia looked at the large building and drew a sharp breath. “That jerk!” she cursed under her breath. “He should have told me if I got the job or not, s**t, I couldn’t breathe well in front of him, his office was just so icy!” She ran her hand through her hair.

“Well, as long as it wasn’t option one.” She rubbed her tired forehead with both hands. “I should start looking for a job, I already lost this one.”

She took a step to leave when her phone buzzed and she took it out. Her face lit up instantly when she saw Vincent message flash on her screen.

She read the message. “Meet me at Diamond city, 7 P.M.”

Ophelia jumped in excitement as she grinned. At least one good thing was going to happen to her today. All the anxiety from the interview immediately vanished as she rushes to hail over a taxi.

Ophelia arrived home and tossed her handbag and file on the sofa, she rushed to her closet and started pulling out different dresses.

“This?” she shook her head. “Too bright.” She pushed it aside. “This?” she bit down her lips. “No, too dark.” her fingers stopped in a bright red dinner dress that Vincent had once admired on her.

She pulled it out and rushed to the mirror, fitting it on her body as she stared at her image. “Perfect.” Her lips curled into a bright smile as she imagined the proposal and how she would blush and say yes.

She quickly dolled up, wearing light makeup and styling her hair into pretty curls. Ophelia admired her reflection on the mirror and paired the dress with black heels. She picked up her purse and turned to leave, just then, the door was pushed open.

Janet walked in and stared at the dolled up Ophelia. “Umm… what’s the occasion?” she asked.

Ophelia’s eyes twinkled. “Vincent just asked me out.” She said with glee. “I think he’s going to propose to me, I’ll buy us some champagne when coming back to celebrate okay?” she kissed Janet’s cheek and happily left the house.

Janet’s face fell as she stared at the shut door. “I’m sorry, Ophelia, I’m truly am, but I can’t stop now, not for my baby.” She slowly rubbed her hand over her abdomen.