Chapter One
Nancy’s POV
“Nancy! Nancy! Nancy!”
I heard my aunt’s voice, faint and distant, calling me. It felt like it was coming from far away… almost like I was still half asleep. Then, a light tap on my shoulder made me frown... it was real.
“Nancy, wake up already,” she said, this time clearly.
Okay… definitely real. I slowly opened my eyes, then had to close them again against the bright sunlight streaming through my window.
“I thought you’d never wake up,” she teased.
“Good morning, Aunt,” I mumbled, covering my face with my arm.
“Good morning,” she replied, standing to leave. “But just so you know… it’s eight-thirty already.”
“What?!” I yelled, springing out of bed. My eyes went wide as I glanced at the wall clock. She was right!
“Oh my God! Why didn’t you wake me?” I groaned, rushing to the bathroom.
“Say that to the person who’s been tapping you for ages,” I heard her call after me.
God, I’m so dead… I thought, brushing my teeth frantically. I have a job interview at nine. If I mess this up, all my hard work will be wasted.
I quickly washed my face, dabbed on my face lotion, and applied body lotion. No time for a full bath; even the universe would understand today. I rushed to my wardrobe and chose a black pencil skirt that stopped just below my knee and a grey button-up shirt. I tied my hair into a ponytail, sprayed on some perfume, and fastened my wristwatch.
I grabbed the necessary files, my black handbag, and shoes. Just as I was about to dash out, a thought struck me.
“Oh, no!” I cursed, running back to the nightstand to grab my phone.
“God help me,” I muttered, running out again.
I sprinted downstairs toward the main door.
“Aren’t you going to eat breakfast?” my aunt called from the dining room.
“I would be crazy to!” I yelled, opening the door.
Just like heaven was on my side, a taxi was passing by. I waved frantically, and it stopped. I jumped in without even telling the driver where I was going.
“Hey, you haven’t told me your destination,” he said, raising an eyebrow.
“Oh…” I murmured, quickly giving him the address. He started driving.
I checked my wristwatch. Eight fifty. I bit my lip, tapping my finger impatiently on my thigh.
“Mister, can you please drive faster?” I asked, trying to keep my cool.
“You don’t expect me to fly, do you?” he replied immediately.
I opened my mouth, ready to snap back, but thought better of it. Laws are laws, I reminded myself, even if he was being rude. I clenched my teeth and stayed silent.
After what felt like forever, we finally arrived. I paid him and dashed toward the company entrance. A security guard stopped me.
“What do you want?” he asked.
“Um… I’m here for an interview."
He frowned, glancing at his watch.
“I know I’m late, but I really need to go in,” I begged.
He gave me a long look, then finally said, “Go in.”
“Thank you so much!” I breathed, relief washing over me as I hurried inside.
I approached the receptionist.
“Good morning, ma’am,” I greeted, giving my warmest smile.
“Good morning, Miss. How may I help you?” she asked.
“I’m here for the interview,” I said.
“Oh! That?” she asked, giving me a wry look.
“Yes… yes,” I stammered.
“All the applicants have already been called in,” she said.
“So… can I join them?” I asked, hopeful.
“I’m sorry, but it’s against our ethics. You were expected before nine,” she replied.
“I know, but…” I started, but a deep, husky voice interrupted me.
“What’s going on here?”
I turned—and my eyes fell on the most beautiful man I had ever seen. God… damn gorgeous.
