The Beginning of More

Chapter 5 – The First Impression

The mansion wasn’t just large, it was silent. Everything looked polished, carefully arranged, almost untouched. The luxury wasn’t loud or flashy, it was controlled.

It made her feel slightly out of place.

Her eyes moved around slowly, absorbing the space, when Dylan’s voice pulled her back. “Please have your seat, Ms. Brooks.”

She blinked and quickly sat. “Thank you.”

Dylan gave a small nod. “Would you like tea or coffee?”

Ariana hesitated briefly, then shook her head. “I’m okay, thank you.”

“Alright then,” Dylan replied calmly. “I’ll be back shortly.”

With that, he turned and left the room.

The silence returned almost immediately.

Ariana exhaled softly and adjusted her posture. For a moment, she just sat there alone, surrounded by quiet luxury.

She reached into her bag and pulled out her phone, glancing once more at the interview email.

“I never expected the place to be this… luxurious,” she murmured to herself.

Her eyes lifted again, scanning the room.

“No wonder the role comes with good pay and accommodation,” she added quietly, almost trying to reassure herself.

A faint, nervous smile crossed her face.

Just then, footsteps approached. Ariana quickly looked up as Dylan returned.

“Please come with me, Ms. Brooks,” he said.

She nodded, slipping her phone back into her bag and standing up.

Together, they walked toward the staircase. Each step made her heartbeat feel slightly louder.

At the top, Dylan led her down a quiet hallway and stopped in front of a door.

He knocked gently, then opened it after a brief pause.

Stepping aside, he gestured inside. “Please go in.”

Ariana hesitated for only a second before nodding. “Thank you,” she whispered, then stepped inside.

The door closed softly behind her and the sound made her flinch slightly.

Now she was fully inside the room and her gaze lifted slowly.

A sleek table sat near a wide window, sunlight spilling across its surface. Papers were neatly arranged, and a man sat behind it, focused on what looked like documents.

Ariana froze. She didn’t even realize she had stopped walking.

For a moment, she just watched him, unsure what to do next.

Then, slowly, the man raised his head. His eyes met hers.

His voice was calm, but firm. “Are you going to keep standing there?”

Ariana blinked, snapping back to reality.

She quickly shook her head and stepped forward.

As she moved closer, she stopped on the opposite side of the table.

He studied her briefly.

She swallowed lightly. “Good afternoon, sir. I'm Ariana Brooks.”

His expression remained unreadable. “I know who you are,” he said simply.

Ariana paused slightly at the tone.

Then, after a beat. “Sit.” Ethan said.

She nodded quickly and took her seat.

Ethan continued writing without looking up.

Ariana sat quietly, her hands folded neatly in her lap, unsure whether she was meant to speak or wait.

Then, without lifting his eyes from the document, he said, “Can I see your resume?”

Ariana froze for a split second. “Oh... yes, sir,” she said quickly.

Her expression shifted as realization hit her. She slowly reached for her bag, then paused.

A small, awkward whisper escaped her lips. “Uh-oh…”

Ethan looked up immediately. His expression remained calm and unreadable, but his attention was now fully on her.

Ariana’s eyes widened slightly. She gave him an apologetic smile. “I’m so sorry, sir. I didn’t bring it with me. I thought since I already submitted it online, I wouldn’t need a hard copy.”

There was a brief silence.

Ethan leaned back slightly in his chair, studying her. “Really?” he said calmly. “That’s what you thought?”

Ariana swallowed hard. Her confidence wavered for a moment as she realized she had clearly made a mistake.

Ethan exhaled lightly, then continued, “So I’m assuming... since you don’t have your resume, you remember what’s in it.”

Ariana straightened immediately. “Yes… yes, sir,” she said quickly. “I do.”

Then, as if something inside her had switched into panic mode, she started speaking faster than intended.

“I’m a university student, final year approaching. I’m hardworking. I can handle house chores, cleaning, cooking, organizing. I’m also very welcoming and I can attend to guests properly.” She explained.

Ethan raised a brow slightly. “Why are you speaking so fast?” he asked calmly.

Ariana blinked. “I... am I?” she said, then immediately realized she was. “Sorry.”

Ethan nodded once. “Try again. Slowly.”

Ariana took a breath, nodding. “I can cook,” she said carefully.

She paused then continued. “I can clean.”

“I know how to do the dishes.” She stopped abruptly, realizing how basic it all sounded when listed like that.

Her confidence dipped slightly.

Ethan observed her quietly for a moment. Then he said, “From your application, Dylan mentioned you don’t have much formal work experience.”

Ariana nodded quickly. “Yes, sir. I don’t have professional experience, but I’m very good with household tasks. I learn quickly, and I’m willing to work hard.”

Ethan leaned back slightly, studying her.

Then, after a brief pause, he asked, “Why do you look like you really need this job?”

The question caught her off guard.

Ariana hesitated. For a moment, she didn’t speak.

Then she took a breath. “Yes, sir,” she said honestly. “I really do need this job.”

She continued more steadily now. “I want to be able to support myself and plan for my future. I’m still in university, but I know life after school requires responsibility and preparation. I want to start building that now.”

Ethan watched her without interruption.

When she finished, he nodded slowly. “I see.”

Then he added, “The position was listed as urgent because the previous house assistant had to step down due to health issues. The household needs proper management as soon as possible.”

Ariana nodded. “I understand, sir.”

Ethan closed the file in front of him. “I’ve heard what you have to say,” he said evenly. “I’ll decide whether you’re suitable for this position.”

Ariana’s fingers tightened slightly in her lap, but she nodded. “Yes, sir.”

Ethan’s gaze returned briefly to the documents. “You may leave.”

Ariana stood immediately. Without another word, she turned and walked toward the door.

Her hand paused on the handle for a brief second before she gently opened it and stepped out.

The door clicked shut behind her.

Downstairs, the mansion felt just as quiet as before.

Dylan was already waiting in the living room. He looked up as she descended the staircase.

A polite smile appeared on his face. “Hope the interview went well, Ms. Brooks.”

Ariana exhaled softly, trying to steady herself. “It… went fine,” she said lightly, though her expression carried a hint of uncertainty.