The assistant he never planned to need

Chapter 2: THE INTERVIEW :

Sam pov:

The city was still draped in darkness when I stirred awake, my mind buzzing with a cocktail of excitement and anxiety. Dawn hadn’t yet broken, but the thought of today—the first day at Knight world Enterprise—had my heart racing. I swung my legs over the side of the bed, my blonde hair falling in soft waves around my face, and i took a deep breath.

Knight world Enterprise wasn’t just any company. It was one of the most prestigious firms in New York, known for its cutting-edge innovations and fiercely competitive environment. But even more intriguing—or terrifying—was its CEO: Damien Knight. At thirty-five, Damien was considered the hottest bachelor in the city, with a reputation that preceded him in whispers and rumors.

He was rumored to be cold, calculating, and perhaps even gay, as no woman had ever been seen by his side since he took the helm, Samantha felt a thrill at the thought of stepping into a building dominated by someone so enigmatic, someone whose mere presence seemed to command respect, authority and fear in equal measure.

I moved quietly around the apartment, careful not to wake Emily, who was still curled up under a blanket. I made my way towards the kitchen to make myself a cup of coffee, the aroma filling the small kitchen and momentarily grounding my nerves. I set it down on the corner table near the flower pot in the living room, the sunlight beginning to peek through the blinds and catch the yellow petals in a soft glow.

I decided to pick an outfit that will boost my confidence, i chose a tailored blazer and pencil skirt, my blonde hair pulled back neatly to reveal my delicate features. I wanted to look professional, confident, and competent—ready to impress even the legendary Damien Knight himself.

As i left the apartment, i took one last look around the living room—the beige cushions, the small TV stand, the cheerful flower pot—and felt a pang of gratitude. This little apartment, my new life with Emily, and the opportunity at Knight world Enterprise represented a fresh start, a chance to leave my Texas hometown behind and prove myself in the big city.

The taxi ride downtown was quiet, giving me a moment to steady my thoughts. I tried to ignore the rumors about Damien as i rehearsed possible answers to interview questions in my head. Yet, deep down, a small, curious part of me couldn’t help but wonder: what was it like to meet a man so admired, so feared, and so mysterious? Could the rumors be true, or was there something else hidden behind those icy blue eyes she’d only seen in news articles and the company website?

By the time she reached the towering glass building of Knight world Enterprise, Samantha’s nerves had transformed into focused energy. Today wasn’t just about a job. It was about stepping into a world where ambition, mystery, and perhaps even unexpected sparks awaited.

I stepped out of the taxi and blinked. The building in front of me was colossal, gleaming, almost unreal in the early morning light. Glass walls stretched skyward, reflecting the city around it like a mirror, and steel beams caught the sun in sharp, brilliant lines. Everything about it whispered power, elegance, and precision. My stomach fluttered. I had imagined Knight world Enterprise before, but nothing could have prepared me for this.

The revolving doors felt heavier than they looked as I pushed through, stepping into a lobby that was almost cathedral-like in its grandeur. Polished marble floors stretched farther than my eyes could take in, cool beneath my heels. Minimalist sculptures punctuated the space, and tall plants in sleek ceramic pots brought life to the otherwise pristine environment. Light spilled in from enormous windows, bouncing off the shiny surfaces, and for a moment, I felt like I had walked into a dream.

“Good morning! How can I help you?” the receptionist asked, her voice warm but impeccably professional. I swallowed, smoothing my blazer, and told her I was here for an interview. She nodded, typing quickly on her keyboard. “Take the elevator to the 15th floor,” she said, her fingers flying over the keys. “The secretary there will guide you to HR.

The elevator doors glided open, and I stepped inside, my reflection mirrored on the polished steel walls. I pressed 15, and the car hummed softly as it ascended. Floor after floor, the city shrank outside the glass panes, and I focused on keeping my breathing even. The hum of the elevator, the quiet click of the floors passing, even the faint scent of polish and ozone—it all heightened the surreal feeling of the moment.

When the doors opened, the hallway that stretched before me felt almost like another world. Glass walls separated offices, and muted lighting gave everything a soft, sophisticated glow. I noticed subtle details: a carefully placed vase on a side table, the faint hum of a printer somewhere down the hall, the soft tap of heels echoing against the polished floor. A secretary smiled warmly as I approached. “You must be here for HR?” she asked. I nodded, and she gestured to a small waiting area. “Please have a seat; I’ll direct you in just a moment.”

I sank into one of the cushioned chairs, letting my eyes wander. Around me, nearly twenty people waited, each impeccably dressed—tailored suits, polished shoes, hair styled perfectly. Confidence radiated from them in quiet but unmistakable waves. I felt small, almost fragile, sitting among these polished professionals. A thought crept in uninvited: Maybe I don’t belong here. Maybe this is too big, too fast. Maybe I should just go home.

But then I remembered why I had come. The text confirming the interview, the months of preparation, the dreams I carried from Texas

all of it reminded me of the faith I had in myself. Faith that I belonged here, faith that I could face the challenge. I straightened my back, letting my shoulders relax just enough to breathe, and focused on the rhythm of the waiting—inhale, exhale, inhale.

The secretary returned, a folder in her hands and a reassuring smile. “Right this way,” she said. I rose, heels clicking softly against the polished floor, following her through glass doors into a corridor lined with offices. Every step made my heart race, not with fear, but with the exhilarating sense that this—this moment, this company, this day—could change everything.

The interview felt like it had lasted both a lifetime and a heartbeat. Questions were sharp but fair, and I did my best to answer with confidence, even when my stomach twisted with nerves. The HR manager’s eyes were attentive, and her questions pushed me to think quickly, to show the best version of myself.

When it ended, she smiled politely. “Thank you for coming in. We’ll review everything and get back to you soon,” she said, standing and extending a hand. I shook it, feeling a mix of relief and lingering anxiety. I had given my all, but now it was out of my hands.

The ride home was quiet, the city moving around me like a living, breathing entity. My apartment felt small and safe compared to the vastness of the skyscrapers outside. Emily was waiting with a grin. “So… how’d it go?” she asked. I hesitated, choosing my words carefully. “I think it went… well.

They said they’d get back to me soon.”

I couldn’t stop my mind from replaying every question, every answer, wondering if I had impressed them enough. But I reminded myself that the hardest part was done—I had shown up, faced the intimidating building, the polished professionals, and I had held my own.

Later that evening, my phone buzzed. It was the HR manager, confirming that she would call me the next day with news. Relief mixed with anticipation swirled inside me. I told Emily and promised myself I would wait patiently, even though the urge to check my phone every five minutes was almost unbearable.

The next day, I was back at the office before the sun had fully risen, nervous and hopeful. The receptionist greeted me as I arrived, and I followed the familiar path to the 15th floor. The same corridor, the same glass walls, but this time, the elevator ride felt different—less intimidating, more like stepping into a place where I belonged.

The HR manager met me with a smile that seemed warmer than before. “Samantha, thank you for coming back. We’ve reviewed everything, and we’re pleased to offer you the position,” she said, extending the offer letter. My heart leapt. Relief, pride, and excitement collided, making it hard to think clearly.

I couldn’t stop myself from smiling, a grin that probably looked ridiculous but felt unstoppable. I thanked her, promising to start as soon as possible. As I left the office and stepped out into the sunlight, the city felt different somehow—like it had been waiting for me to arrive, and now, finally, I had.

The ride home was a blur of happy thoughts. Emily squealed when I told her the news, hugging me tight. “I knew you’d get it!” she said, her eyes sparkling. And in that moment, I realized that all the fear, all the doubt, all the nerves—it had been worth it. Faith, patience, and courage had brought me here. And this was only the beginning.