WORKING FOR HIM

INTERVIEW

I ran out of the office as fast as my heels could carry me. I quickly stopped in my tracks before I bumped into the approaching figure.

I felt my heart skip a beat as my eyes fell on his face.

We were very close. Too close.

I assessed the features of his face.

He looked so surreal with those almond-shaped emerald green eyes that gazed back at me. His jawline was sharp and defined, and his nose looked as if it had been sculpted by Donato di Niccolò (Donatello). I had never seen such milky, glass-like skin. My eyes slowly trailed down to his lips.

Damn!

They looked so plump and sweet as they sat prettily on his face with a blush pink color. I bet they taste like carabao mango.

I bit back a curse that threatened to escape; it was almost as if I could feel them on mine

“Can you hear me?” I heard his deep voice drag me out of my daydream.

Shit! How long had I been staring at him? And how long had he been calling me?

I felt my cheeks heat up with embarrassment.

I quickly took a step back, with the intention of trying to create enough space between us.

“I’m so sorry, sir. I tried knocking, and I walked in not knowing no one was around,” I rambled hopelessly.

He was quiet for a few seconds, not saying or doing anything. Although I could feel him staring at me. I diverted my gaze to the floor, not daring to look back at him.

I felt his body shift and move past me as he walked into the office. He sat down comfortably in his chair and stared intensely at me.

He made me feel like a bug under a microscope, it was so uncomfortable.

I slowly looked up at him. He seemed vaguely familiar, there was something about him that tugged at me. I took my time to access every detail of his features again, his face had matured— stronger jawline, his eyes, his neck… I squinted slightly, focusing on a faint scar near his neck.

I felt my breath hitch. Zach.

The realization dawned on me. The image of a bony little boy, falling as she pushed him, flashed through my mind— this was the same boy I used to bully as a child, now grown into a man, bearing the scar I left as a cruel reminder of our past.

“s**t!” I cursed under my breath, as I realized I was in big trouble. I whispered a silent prayer within myself, hoping he wouldn’t recognize me.

“Ms. Alexandra Damine,” I heard him murmur. He looked up at me, and I could swear I saw recognition flash through his eyes.

I gulped, accepting the fact that I was done for. A little voice nudged at me to run for it, another beckoned me to keep still and explain myself if it comes to it.

He picked up my resume. “Or aren’t you Ms. Alexandra Damine?”

I felt relief wash through me.

“Y...yes, I am she,” I nodded. I noticed a little smile play on his lips. He leaned back in his chair, his posture relaxed, as he stared deep into my eyes with intensity.

“Introduce yourself and tell me why you’re here,” he commanded, not taking his eyes off me.

“Um… um, my name is Ms. Alexandra Damien. I applied for the position of your personal assistant…”

“Why were you fired from your old job?” he questioned, cutting me off before I could finish.

“I honestly do not know. I was doing my work when I got told that I had been relieved of my duties,” I lied effortlessly.

He rubbed his chin, thoroughly examining me. After what felt like minutes of his staring, he finally spoke.

"Ms. Alexandra Damien, I believe you must have heard a lot about this organization and how we have zero tolerance for crap and a lackadaisical attitude towards work," he said, leaning back comfortably and swinging his chair from side to side.

“Yes, sir,” I nodded. Truth be told, I have never heard anything about this organization. All I knew was that I needed a job, and I saw an opening which I in turn applied for.

“Ms. Damien,” he called, his voice deep yet smooth.

“Yes, sir.”

He stood up, walked around his desk, and sat on it. This gave me a full-body view of his masculine frame. He looked so athletic; I could tell he worked out often.

“I have gone through your resume, and it’s certain that you’re very qualified for this job’’.

A thrill ran through me, like a mini Alexa doing a backflip inside.

“…but I need to let you know that I don’t tolerate crap from anyone. If you cause any trouble for my organization, you’re fired’’.

I swallowed hard.

His warning about causing trouble brought back memories of my previous boss and how my nude pictures had circulated around the company and probably the entire community by now.

I forced a little smile, pushing away those thoughts. “Understood, sir.”

“Good. You’re hired. Tell Mrs. Penelope to show you around. You start work tomorrow at 9 a.m. sharp,” he said, returning to his chair and engrossing himself in some documents.

Really, I just got the job? That easily?

“Thank you so much, sir,” I said, grinning from ear to ear. “…and thank you, Lord, for not letting him recall me.”

He didn’t respond, already buried in his work. I walked out of his office, all smiles. I was sure my face must be all shades of red from all the smiling.

I’m so glad things are looking up for me.

I approached the lady who had assisted me earlier to Mr. Smith’s office.

“Hi, are you Mrs. Penelope?” I asked her, realizing that I didn't get her name the last time.

I caught her sizing me up with her eyes.

What’s this lady’s deal with me?

“Yes, I am.”

“Mr. Smith asked that you show me around.”

“Huh… you got the job?” I could sense some sort of sarcasm in her tone.

“Yes, I did,” I replied.

Her eyes widened a little when she realized I wasn’t joking.

“Are you serious? But you were in there for what... five to eight minutes? Besides, every other person was rejected…” She covered her mouth before she completed her sentence.

I squinted my eyes at her, wondering what she was trying to say. She had this distasteful expression on her face. Since I got here, she’s been giving me dirty looks and remarks; she didn’t seem happy that I got the position.

I let out a soft sigh.

“Well, whatever. It’s about time. I’m tired of doing all the paperwork. Come, let me show you around,” she said, stepping out of her seat.

I nodded and followed quietly.