The Unanswered

Eye to eye again.

TOK! TOK!

Amanda knocked on the oak door a few times. Is there anyone in there? After moments of silence, she hesitated. Maybe she should go back to the receptionist's desk and ask for help.

“Come in!”

Upon hearing a man’s voice deep behind the closed door, she quickly composed herself before reaching for the metal door knob and slowly pushing the wooden door until it was wide open. Gathering her confidence, she stepped inside. Letting her slim body slipped through the opening gap. Closing the door behind her, she stepped forward. Reaching the black chair in front of a dark mahogany desk, she stopped. Should she just take the seat or should she wait until he told her to do so? She was about to open her mouth when she heard the voice of the man in front of her.

“Amanda Everingham.”

The man’s voice somehow sounded familiar. Who is he? Is he someone she used to know? She took a glance at the man’s back. His straight dark brown hair seemed neatly cut. His broad shoulders perfectly fit his blue shirt. His sturdy body figure made her assume he was someone in his late 20’s or maybe in his early 30’s. And that round of age seemed quite young to be very successful. Furthermore, to be appointed as the CEO of such a huge company. Maybe he’s a genius. Or maybe he was born on a silver plate. For sure he's lucky. Without trying to take a look at the man’s face, she started to adore him. What does he look like?

“I am.” After moments of self-thought, she finally replied to him.

Right after her soft voice spilled out from her lips, the man turned his chair. Revealing his handsome smiling face.

“You are…” She didn’t finish her line. No, she couldn’t. What's happening here? Screamed a voice in her head. Is she dreaming? Unfortunately, this wasn't a dream. It really happened.

“William Daniel Sinclair.” He stood up. Confidently offered his hand to her.

Looking at his strong hand, she hesitated at first, but after a moment of courage, she did what she’s always good at. Offered him a calm face with a genuine smile. She pushed her emotions deep down inside her heart, she accepted his warm hand but quickly ended the session.

“Have a seat.” He offered her.

“Thank you.” She replied in a polite manner. She then sat right after him. Sitting across him, it feels like she's being exposed. How come she ended up here? So careless of her for not thinking straight. WDS Inc! It's clearly him!

“So you are here for the personal assistant position,” he said in a stern voice.

“Yes, Mr.Sinclair.” She nodded. But deep down inside, she’s not sure anymore. Should she just stand up and run? Yes, she should!

“Daniel!” He’s voice sounded deeper.

“Hah?” She responded in shock.

“Call me Daniel!” He instructed.

“Mr.Sinclair would be nicer.” She refused politely. Trying hard to act professionally. Could she?

“What’s wrong with Daniel? Does my name ring a bell to you? Or maybe it somehow doesn’t fit my face?”

What is this? Are we going to discuss this? Really? Did he just forget she’s here to be interviewed? “Mr.Daniel.” She whispered with a nod.

“It would be nicer if you could just drop Mr.” His blue eyes staring straight into her sparkling green eyes and calm face. How come she looks unbothered?

“I’m here to be interviewed.” She reminded him.

“Yes. I’m aware. So you have just finished your secretarial course. As far as I know, you should get a degree in marketing.”

“The plan changed.” She quickly answered.

“Why a sudden change? You always dream of starting your own company.” He asked, as if he had known her forever.

“I believe being a secretary or personal assistant will get me a better future.” She said in a calm voice.

“Means?” He raised one of his eyebrows.

“They say by being a secretary, I can easily get a rich boss. If I don’t get the boss, maybe his friends. Or maybe his brother, cousin or son.” She confidently talked.

“So you are on a hunt for a rich man!” He assumed.

“You can say so.” Her green eyes sparkled.

“You are very straightforward.” He straightened his body and leaned forward. Eyeing her looks with his pair of blue eyes. Her flaming red hair was tied neatly in a top knot bun. Her big green eyes beautifully sparkled. Her pointed nose and full sexy lips in a natural shade of lipstick perfectly fit her oval-shaped face. She’s stunning and attractive as ever. But despite her formal looks in blouse and blazer, he would love to see her in a casual outfit. Her slim body surely looks sexier in a casual dress with her flaming wavy long curly hair down and flowing to its nature.

“I am.” She smiled. And didn’t even bulge, knowing he was eyeing her.

For a moment, he lost his voice. Did she mean all the words or was she just being sarcastic? Sadly, he could’t read her mind. He took a look back at her resume.

“You don’t have any working experience,” he mumbled.

“I believe if I can find a compatible boss to work with, experience is just a matter of unnecessary.” She calmly spoke.

“What does it mean?” He couldn’t hide his shocking face.

“You know the boss and secretary things!” She gave him a naughty smile.

How did she become like this? His hand moved up to his neck, loosened up his tie. It somehow suffocated him.

“How much is your salary expected?” He chose to change the topic.

“The higher the better.”

Very determined! He commented in silence. “I see.” But then let out only a small whisper.

She gave a nod.

“Are you okay working with your ex?” He spilled the question out of the blue.

Her lips gradually curled into a smile. “An ex is just another stranger to me.”

He lifted one of his eyesbrows. “I see.”

“Yes.” Again. She nodded.

“So I assume you don’t have problems working with me.” He smiled cockily. Yes! He was her ex-boyfriend.

“No, I don’t.” She lifted up her shoulders.

“Good!” He closed the resume in his hands. Put it down on the table. “You are hired!”

She blinked for a second. Really? What’s his plan? Are they really going to work together?

“Do you really want me to work with you?” She asked. Working with an ex? Is it a good idea?

“Why? You suddenly hesitate?” He narrowed his eyes to take a clear look at her. “An ex is just another stranger to me. You clearly say that.”

“Yes, of course! But did you forget I’m on the hunt for a rich man?” She asked again. Wasn't he bothered by that? She said that on purpose. And it was to offend him.

“I’m aware!” He replied.

“Do you have a rich friend? A cousin or maybe a brother?” She continued to play. It’s getting interesting! He would pull back his decision to hire her in a split second.

“No, I don’t!” He raised his voice a tone higher. You think you can play with me?

“Then?”

“I think we’re compatible together. You know… the boss and secretary things!” He wanted to laugh. Indeed, that’s what she said, right? Now eat your tongue back!

Nonsense! She silently murmured.

“You think so? Should I start now?” But pretended to get excited.

“If you insist.” His hand started working. Unbuttoned the first button of his shirt.

She gulped. This man is out of his mind!

“Should I help you with that?” She pointed her finger straight at his chest. But she wasn't naive either. She could handle him if he insisted on playing.

He stopped. This is fascinating! He had to keep her close to see what’s more she had. Did she really mean all the things she said? Or was she just trying to stir his emotions? If so, he would gladly accept the challenge because he was dying to know what was hidden behind her calm expression and her smiling face. Is she happy to see him again? Is she excited about working with him? Or does she really see him as a stranger? An ex is just another stranger to me! Her words repeatedly echoed in his head. Treated me as a stranger. It feels so rough. Really, Amanda!