Chapter 5
1143 Words
ANNIE'S POV
It was another morning, and I needed to prepare for my interview.
I rushed to the bathroom, freshened up quickly, and put on a black pencil skirt, a white off-shoulder top, and black heels. I tied my hair into a sleek ponytail, giving myself a polished and professional look. Grabbing my handbag, I headed downstairs to the dining room.
Hannah, the housekeeper, served my breakfast as soon as I sat down. While eating, I scrolled through my phone to check the day’s news. That’s when I saw an article that stopped me cold.
The headline featured Leonardo Dicosta, the CEO of the Dicosta conglomerate, and his girlfriend arguing with a woman. Intrigued, I clicked on the video attached. My heart sank as I recognized the scene—it was from the mall, with Isabella causing a scene and dragging me into her drama.
Shock coursed through me when I realized the man in the video wasn’t just Isabella’s boyfriend; he was also the CEO I was about to interview with.
I froze. Should I even go through with the interview? How could I work with a man who sided with Isabella and acted so entitled?
Before I could decide, my phone buzzed.
“Hello, princess,” my brother Vicento’s familiar voice came through, easing some of my tension.
“Annie, are you there?” he asked after a pause.
“Yes,” I replied softly, my voice shaky.
“I saw the video,” he said, sighing. “If you don’t want to go to the interview, you don’t have to. I’ll secure a position for you in our company. You don’t need to stress yourself over this.”
His concern brought tears to my eyes. “Don’t worry about me,” I said, trying to sound confident. “I’ll go to the interview. I won’t let this bring me down or destroy my confidence. Just wish me luck.”
“I have faith in you, Annie,” he replied warmly. “You’ll do great. I’ll call you this evening to check up.”
His words strengthened my resolve. This was a big opportunity, and I wasn’t going to let anything, especially Isabella—stand in my way.
As soon as I stepped outside, Mike, my driver and bodyguard, greeted me by the SUV.
“Are you sure you want to go through with the interview?” he asked, concern etched on his face.
“Yes,” I nodded, climbing into the car.
The drive to the Dicosta skyscraper took about 30 minutes. When we arrived, I couldn’t help but marvel at the towering building—it exuded wealth and power.
“Good luck, Annie,” Mike said as I stepped out.
I walked to the reception area, where a blonde woman sat behind a large circular desk.
“How may I help you?” she asked politely, but her expression quickly changed. Her eyes widened in recognition. “Oh my God, you’re the woman from the video! You’re even more beautiful in person.”
Her comment made me blush. “I’m here for the interview,” I said quickly, trying to steer the conversation back on track.
She gestured to the elevator. “Take it to the 120th floor. The secretary there will assist you.”
As I rode the elevator, my nerves kicked in. Isabella’s drama had followed me to California, but I resolved not to let her ruin my life again.
The secretary on the 120th floor greeted me warmly and directed me to a seating area where seven other candidates were waiting. Some were chatting loudly, boasting about their connections.
One girl confidently claimed, “My father is close friends with the head of HR. This job is as good as mine.”
Another chimed in, “I graduated from the top university in the country. They’ll pick me for sure.”
I ignored their chatter and quietly prepared myself. I wasn’t here to flaunt connections or pedigree—I was here to prove my worth.
One by one, candidates went in and came out, some with smiles, others with frowns. When my name was finally called, I stood up, took a deep breath, and followed the secretary to the interview room.
“Come in,” a voice called.
I entered confidently, though my nerves churned beneath the surface. Behind the desk sat a man and a woman, both studying my résumé and certificates.
Their expressions seemed impressed as they reviewed my academic achievements. The questions began, ranging from my education to my personal skills.
“Why do you think you’re qualified for this position?” one interviewer asked.
I answered confidently, detailing my experience and strengths. They nodded approvingly.
When they asked if I’d be willing to work overtime or travel internationally with the CEO, I hesitated only briefly before answering. “Yes, I’m ready for any challenge.”
Their smiles widened.
“Miss Johnson, you’ll hear from us soon,” the woman said as we wrapped up.
Relieved, I left the interview room, my mind buzzing with thoughts of how it had gone. As I walked toward the reception area, I wasn’t paying attention and bumped into what felt like a wall.
But it wasn’t a wall.
A pleasant citrus and woodsy cologne filled my senses, and I instinctively looked up. Standing before me was none other than Leonardo Dicosta.
The infamous CEO.
His piercing eyes locked onto mine as I awkwardly apologized. “Sorry, sir. I wasn’t looking where I was going.”
He nodded curtly and walked past me without another word, heading toward the elevators.
I exhaled, my heart pounding. What are the odds?
When I got back to the SUV, Mike opened the door for me. “How did it go?” he asked.
“It went fine,” I replied, though my encounter with Leonardo had left me shaken.
As we drove, I asked Mike to take me to a restaurant. I needed to clear my head.
The place Mike chose was upscale, with an air of exclusivity. He initially wanted to wait outside, but I convinced him to join me.
We ordered our meals and talked casually, but my peace was shattered when the door opened and Leonardo Dicosta walked in with two men.
His presence filled the room instantly, and I felt his eyes on me as soon as he entered. I tried to focus on my conversation with Mike, but I couldn’t shake the thought of Leonardo.
Why am I thinking about him? I scolded myself. He’s nothing but trouble.
The waitress arrived with our food, and I focused on my plate of angel hair pasta with grilled chicken.
But deep down, I knew this wasn’t the last time I’d cross paths with Leonardo Dicosta.
Should I reject the company if they decide to hire me ?
- Writer
