Chapter 5 News

SELENA POV

"Yes, sir, I am ready for the interview," I said.

As I sat across from the CEO, I tried to focus on the interview questions. But my mind kept wandering back to the way his eyes seemed to see right through me, the way his smile made my heart skip a beat. What's wrong with me? I should not be thinking of him. My mind was supposed to be on the questions.

I forced myself to concentrate, answering his questions with as much confidence as I could muster. But I could feel his gaze on me, piercing blue eyes that seemed to bore into my soul.

As the interview drew to a close, the CEO leaned back in his chair, his eyes never leaving mine. "Tell me, Miss Isolde, what makes you think you're the right person for this job?" he asked.

I took a deep breath and launched into my prepared speech. "I think I'm the right person for this job, sir. I'm not just looking for a job, I'm looking for a challenge. I have the skills and qualifications, and I'm just looking for a chance to prove myself and make a real impact. I'm willing to work hard to make that happen. I'm a quick learner, and I promise not to stare at you too much, sir."

Oh no, did I just say that? I felt my face flush with embarrassment as the CEO's eyes sparkled with amusement. Why can't I stop embarrassing myself around this man?

"I'm impressed, Miss Isolde," he said, his voice dripping with charm. His eyes sparkling with amusement. "You certainly have a way with words. But words are just words. I need to see action. I need to see that you're willing to put in the work and make sacrifices for the company."

He leaned forward, his voice taking on a more serious tone. "This is a high-pressure job, Miss Isolde. You'll be working long hours, and you'll be expected to keep up with the demands of the company. You'll be privy to sensitive information, and you'll be expected to keep it confidential. Are you prepared to make all those commitments?"

His gaze locked onto mine, searching for any hint of hesitation. I was ready to do it all. I knew he was probably testing me, pushing to see if I was serious about the job.

“Sir, as I said earlier, I just need a chance to prove my worth, and I will not disappoint you. I'm prepared to make all those commitments, sir,” I said.

As I finished speaking, he nodded, a hint of a smile on his lips. "I think you'll do just fine, Miss Isolde. You got the job. Start from tomorrow; I will be expecting you by nine am."

I beamed, trying to contain my excitement. “Thank you, sir. I promise to do my best and be good…” I said.

“And I'm Marcus Lycaon," he interrupted, his eyes sparkling. "I'm sure you don't know my name.”

I felt a jolt of surprise, wondering how he knew that. I knew everything about the company except for his name since people didn’t talk much about him. "How did you…?"

He chuckled, a low, husky sound. “You've got a lot to learn, Miss Isolde. And has anyone ever told you that you're an open book? All your words are always on your face.”

Is he for real? But he was right, and I nodded. “No one has ever told me that. You are the first, sir,” I said.

“Okay, goodbye. I need to get back to work," he said, his voice playful. "Or are you that reluctant to leave me? I also don't want you to leave. You can stay as long as you don't disturb me.”

I laughed, feeling a sense of ease with him that I couldn't explain. “No, sir, continue with your work. I will get going. Goodbye, sir. See you tomorrow,” I said.

As I left his office, a sense of relief washed over me. Finally leaving that demon, well, that irresistible man, felt freeing. I felt attracted to his handsome looks, which was normal. Everyone loves beautiful things. But it couldn't go beyond that. I had to be careful around the CEO. His looks could make anyone do crazy things and embarrass themselves.

At last, I had finally gotten the job and was excited to start. I chatted with the receptionist, learning her name was Sofia. She was nice and told me a lot about the CEO: he was kind but strict, loved to joke with workers, and valued diligence and punctuality. I talked to her a while before walking out of the building and hailing a cab home.

I burst through the door, my heart still buzzing with excitement. Isabella was lounging on the couch, her eyes fixed on her laptop screen as she chatted with Liam, her boyfriend, via video call.

The warm glow of the screen illuminated her face, and I could almost feel the love radiating from her voice. I felt a pang of happiness for my friend, but my own news couldn’t wait.

I slipped into my room, shedding my work clothes for a comfy pair of yoga pants and a soft t-shirt. The cool water of the shower revived me, washing away the stress of the day. As I towel-dried my hair, the scent of sizzling veggies wafted from the kitchen, making my stomach tingle with anticipation.

I had whipped up a simple stir-fry, enough for both of us, and the table was set with a steaming hot plate of noodles and a side of garlic bread. Just as I was finishing up, Isabella walked into the kitchen, her phone still in hand.

"Sorry about that. Liam says hi. How was the interview?" she asked, flashing me a quick smile.

I grinned, feeling like I was bursting at the seams. "Guess what?"

Isabella's eyes widened. "Tell me, tell me! Is it, what I’m thinking?"

"I got the job, girl!" I squealed, jumping up and down.

Isabella shrieked, throwing her arms around me. "Congratulations, Selena! I knew you could do it!"

We hugged and laughed, the tension broken. "I'm so happy for you," Isabella said.

"Thank you, dear," I replied.

“Now gist me about your day at the Enterprise,” Isabella asked.

As we sat down to eat, I recounted the events of the day: the sleek office building, the enigmatic Marcus Lycaon, and the interview. Isabella listened, eyes wide with excitement, her fork hovering above her plate.

"Whoa, sounds like you made quite an impression on your new boss," she teased, wiggling her eyebrows.

I rolled my eyes, feeling a flutter in my chest. "He's just nice, okay? And handsome, in a brooding, Alpha-male king-of-a-man way."

Isabella squealed, nearly choking on her food. "Selena, you are blushing!"

I laughed, trying to play it cool. "Shut up, it's just a harmless attraction. Everyone loves attractive things. You know I'm not looking for love."

"Hmm, you and this single vow of yours, all is well. But I know very soon there will come a man who makes you believe in love and fall in love with him," Isabella said.

"You know that's not possible," I replied.

Isabella's phone rang just as she was about to retort, and she jumped up to answer it, leaving me to my thoughts. As I washed the dishes, my mind wandered back to Marcus. His smile, his eyes, his voice everything was seared into my brain.

Just as I was finishing up, Isabella poked her head into the kitchen, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "Hey, Liam wants to talk to you. He said he has some news," she said, handing me her phone.

I took the phone, feeling a sudden jolt of unease. "Hey, Liam, what's up?" I asked, trying to sound casual.

There was a pause. For a moment, I wondered if the connection had dropped.

"Selena, I have some news about what you asked me to find out," Liam said, his voice low and serious. "And I think you should sit down for this."