THE CONTRACT BETWEEN US

Chapter 2- The Interview

Amelia’s POV

I couldn’t remember the last time I was this nervous for an interview.

The email from Knight Holdings sat open on my phone screen, almost as if I needed to pinch myself into reality.

Interview Invitation.

Those two words completely changed my morning.

I must have checked the time at least thirty minutes before leaving the house.

My interview wasn’t until ten o’clock, yet I was ready by seven.

Sleep had been impossible. I pictured myself walking out of Knight Holding with a job offer. Other times, I’m thinking of how I might get rejected waiting before I get home.

I couldn’t afford another rejection.

Not this time.

Standing in front of my mirror, I fixed my wine blouse for what felt like the fifth time. I paired it with a black penciled skirt and matching heels. It wasn’t expensive, but it was neat , professional, and the best I’ve worn.

I brushed my loose strand of brunette hair by my ear before then taking a deep breath.

“You can do this Amelia Hart” I whispered to my reflection.

I sounded too confident and grabbed my documents.

I walked down to the kitchen.

Dad was in the kitchen cooking breaking fast .

The smell of toast filled the room, reminding me of mum. She always insisted that breakfast is the most important meal of the day.

Dad looked up at me.

A smile spread across his face.

“Well , aren't you beautiful this morning?” He said proudly.

I laughed softly.

“I’ve never been more nervous for an interview.”

He placed a plate in front of me while I took a seat at the table.

“Nervousness is good.”

“It doesn’t feel good.”

“It shows you really want this job and you care.”

“Why do I get rejected?” My smile is fading.

“They’d be making a mistake.”

I smiled again.

“I’m serious. You’ve worked too hard, my Amelia, you deserve this opportunity.” His expression softened.

I nodded slowly.

“I wish mom was here.”

“I do too.”

For a moment there was silence, not awkward.

It was familiar.

Dad reached his hand across the table to hold mine.

“You know, your mom always believed in you. You are capable of anything.”

It hit like a sting in my eyes.

“Thank you dad.”

I stood up at the table to hug dad tightly.

“Don’t want to ruin my makeup.” I laugh softly.

After breakfast, Dad walked me to the front door.

Just before I stepped outside, he pulled me in for another hug.

“I’m proud of you.” He whispered with a giant smile.

“I’ll call you as soon as it’s over.”

“I’ll be waiting.”

I smiled climbing into my taxi I’d booked.

As we drove through downtown Los Angeles, my stomach tightened the closer I was to the company.

Soon, the driver stopped.

“Ma’am we’re here.”

I looked out the window.

Here I was, as Knight Holdings stood before me like something out of a movie.

I gasped.

The towering exterior glasses reflected the bright California sky, while employees in tailored suits went in.

This place was nothing like the small interview companies.

Everything about Knight Holding screamed success.

I paid the driver, stepped out, and took a deep breath.

Upon walking in , the lobby itself was breathtaking.

The marble floors bloomed beneath the chandeliers, then the massive silver Knights Holdings logo stood proudly at the receptionist desk.

My heart, beating so fast I felt the receptionist could hear it.

I calmed myself down, while approaching the receptionist.

“ Good morning.”

She looked up with a welcoming smile.

“Good morning, how can I help you?”

“My name is Amelia Hart, I have an interview with Mr Sebastian Knight.

She typed into her computer, nodding.

“Yes, Mrs Hart. Please have a seat, someone will be here shortly.”

“Thank you.”

I settled into one of the waiting chairs , carefully holding my folder on my lap.

Around me, I could see employees walking through the lobby discussing meetings or deadlines.

Everyone seemed to know exactly their way around.

Only a few minutes passed, then elevator doors slid open.

A lady in a navy blue suit stepped out. She looked elegant and composed, holding a tablet in one hand.

She had the most beautiful professional smile I’ve seen.

She headed to the receptionist who handed her a file.

She walked towards me and for some reason my nervousness grew.

She glanced down casually..

Then paused.

Her eyes rested on my surname.

Hart.

A small smile appeared on her lips.

She looked up.

“Miss Amelia Hart?”

I stood immediately.

“Yes.”

She extended her hand.

“I’m Emma Sinclair, Mr Knight’s personal

assistant.”

In gaze I shook her hand.

“Nice… nice to meet you.”

She smiled. “You as well.”

There was something calm about her voice that made me feel at ease.

“Come with me, Mr Knight is ready to see

you.”

I nodded and followed her towards the exclusive elevators.

As the doors opened behind us , I couldn’t stop wondering why she smiled at my file when she say my name.

Did she know my family?

Before I could ask, the elevator stopped.

Emma led me down the hallway lined with floor to ceiling windows overlooking the city.

Everywhere looked slick and extremely expensive.

She stopped in front of a pair of huge dark wooden doors.

Turning round to me,giving me an encouraging smile.

“You’ll be fine.”

“I hope so.” I gave a nervous smile.

Emma knocked gently.

“Mr Knight.” She said as she stepped inside.

“Your interview candidate is here.”

“Send her in.”

A deep voice answered from within.

I was shaken by the fact I was rude to this man last night.

Emma stepped aside

“You may go in.”

I took a final breath before stepping through into the office.

The man I saw sitting behind the large mahogany desk slowly looked up from the documents in front of him.

My eyes widened.

The arrogant man who nearly ran me over yesterday.

His expression remained unreadable.

For a brief second, our eyes locked.

I had a feeling this interview was about to be anything but ordinary.

He didn’t speak yet.

I just stood in the middle of this large dark room, the silence choking.

His piercing grey-blue eyes fixated on me the entire time I stood, making me want to melt away.

Emma walked over and placed a file neatly on his desk.

“Miss Amelia Hart’s resumé sir.”

“Thank you, Emma.”

She gave me one last reassuring smile before walking out the office.

The soft click of the door echoed through

the room.

Now it was just the two of us.

“Please, have a seat.” He said, gesturing his hand towards the seat opposite him.

I nodded carefully and carefully sat down.

He opened my resumé without saying a word.

His eyes scanned the files until he saw my surname.

Hart.

His hands froze for the briefest moments.

Something shifted in his expression, not enough to make anyone notice.

But I did.

He looked up at me.

“Amelia Hart.”

“Yes, sir.”

“Tell me about yourself.” He glared at me so focused.

I straightened up.

“I am Amelia Hart. I’m twenty-four years old and recently graduated with a degree in Business Administration. I’ve been actively searching for a position where I can grow and help my family.”

He listened without interrupting.

He remained fixated and unreadable.

“What interests you about Knight Holdings?” He leaned back on his chair.

I took a slow breath.

“It’s more than the company’s reputation”

One of his brows lifted, as if interested in what I was saying.

“I admire how Knight Holdings has continued to grow while maintaining its influence all round. I want to work where I would be challenged to do better.”

“And what can you offer to this company?”

“My willingness to learn.”

He said nothing.

“I know I don’t have the experiences you need , but I’m very hardworking .” I said, sounding nearly sad.

His eyes lingered on me.

Longer than necessary.

I was starting to think I looked a mess or there was something on my face.

Did I say something wrong?

The way he kept staring made me even more nervous.

I lowered my eyes to my hands.

“I’m sorry..”

My voice interrupted his thoughts.

“For what?”

“I thought.. I answered the questions incorrectly.”

“You answered the question.”

“Then why do you stare at me like that?”

The words escaped before I could stop them.

His eyes widened.

Did I really just question a CEO?

I thought I had really ruined everything for

myself.

To my surprise, the corners of his lips almost moved.

Almost.

“You ask a lot of questions, Mrs Hart.”

Heat rushed to my cheeks

“I apologize.”

“You don’t need to.”

He closed my résumé.

“What would you do if you’re give a task you’ve never done before?”

“I’d learn.”

“And if you failed?”

“I’d learn from that too.”

A faint smirk appeared on his face.

Then there was silence again.

He picked up a pen, gently tapping it on the

desk.

“ I have one final question.”

I nodded.

“What motivates you?”

I didn’t have to think to answer.

“My family.”

The words came out immediately.

“My dad sacrificed everything for me to have a good life. If I have the chance to make things easier..” I smiled

“…I’ll take anything.”

Something flickered through his face.

This time..

It almost looked like sadness.

He looked away for a brief moment before clearing his throat.

“The interview is over.”

I blinked.

That was it?

No difficult questions?

No assessments?

Nothing?

I slowly stood.

“Thank you for your time, Mr Knight.”

Just as I turned towards the door..

“Miss Hart.”

I stopped

“Sir?”

“You got the job.”

I wasn’t sure if I heard him correctly.

“Pardon?”

“You heard me.”

I stared at him.

“ I- I got this job?”

“You did.”

A smile spread across my face before I knew it I was crying.

“Thank you, Mr Knight. I promise to not disappoint you.”

“I expect that you won’t.”

I almost laughed in relief.

His tone remained calm, but something told me he was satisfied with my performance.

I thanked him once again before leaving his office.

The moment I stepped out of the office, I let out a big breath I didn't know I was holding.

“I got the job.” I whispered.

I actually got the job.

Emma was waiting outside.

The moment she saw the smile on my face , she smiled too.

“I hope the interview went well.”

“I got the job.”

Her face brightened.

“I knew you would.”

“ I still can’t believe it.”

“Congratulations, Amelia.”

“Thank you.”

Unable to stop smiling, I walked towards the elevator.

I couldn’t wait to tell dad.

And I already knew who I was calling after

that.

Sophie would scream to the news.

Maybe things were finally starting to change. This could be the change for us.