FORBIDDEN AFFAIR

The Beaumont Enterprises building was even more intimidating in person. Clara Monroe stood outside the massive glass tower, clutching her folder tightly while staring up at the company logo shining against the morning sky. Beside her, Lily Bennett adjusted her blazer dramatically. “Why does this place look like rich people breathe different air?” Lily whispered. Clara laughed nervously. “Please don’t embarrass me before the interview.” “No promises.” Luxury cars stopped one after another near the entrance while professionally dressed employees hurried inside. Everything about Beaumont Enterprises screamed power. It was the kind of company people dreamed about joining. The kind that could change lives. Clara took a slow breath before entering the building with Lily. Inside, the lobby was enormous. Black marble floors. Gold lighting. Security guards everywhere. Clara instantly felt underdressed. Dozens of applicants sat waiting near the interview area, all looking tense. Except one. A tall man sat casually near the window, scrolling through his phone with zero concern. Dark hair. Sharp jawline. Expensive black watch. Dangerously attractive. Lily leaned closer instantly. “Oh my God.” Clara elbowed her quietly. “Stop staring.” “He looks illegal.” The man suddenly looked up. Their eyes met. For a second, Clara forgot how to breathe. Then surprisingly… he smiled. Not arrogant. Not flirtatious. Just calm and strangely knowing. A staff member entered the room. “Next applicant. Clara Monroe.” Clara stood immediately. “Good luck,” Lily whispered dramatically. As Clara walked past the stranger, he spoke quietly. “You’ll do fine.” She blinked in surprise. “Excuse me?” “You don’t look like someone who gives up easily.” Before Clara could respond, he returned to his phone. Weirdly enough… his words calmed her. — Almost two hours later, Clara exited the interview room exhausted. Lily immediately rushed toward her. “How bad was it?!” “I think I blacked out halfway through.” Lily gasped. “You what?!” Before Clara could answer, the attractive stranger stood from his seat. Looks like his interview was next. He slid one hand into his pocket lazily before looking at Clara. “Told you you’d survive.” Lily stared between them suspiciously. Clara crossed her arms. “You sound very confident for someone who hasn’t interviewed yet.” The stranger smirked slightly. “Maybe I know things.” Then he walked toward the interview room. Lily grabbed Clara’s arm aggressively. “Who IS that?!” Clara glanced toward the closed door. For some reason… she had a feeling meeting him wasn’t coincidence.