1. Her family

Elena’s POV

Sitting with my family at a dinner table is just like sitting with strangers. No, not strangers; even they care about the people around them.

I was sitting at the table facing my father, Jon, who was busy eating his dinner. And then there is my lovely stepmother, Caroline. The biggest bitch I have ever seen in my life. And then, my brother—or I say stepbrother, Nathan, but he never gave me a vibe of one.

After my mother died while giving birth to me, my father accused me of being responsible for her death, and that’s why he hates me and  treats me like shit. He never supported me in anything and always beat me up for small things.

After he married Caroline, things only became worse. She bitched about me to my father and accused me of the things she did. 

Once, she stole money from his pockets and told my father that I stole it, and I still remember that day when he beat me up like a dog, and I wasn’t able to go to school for a whole week. 

The only support I have in this house is from my brother. I don’t like calling him my stepbrother because he loves me more than his own mother. But now I can’t bear more of this abuse. I want to get out of this house. I need to get out of this house. 

After applying to multiple companies, I finally got called for an interview for an assistant position.

I cleared my throat before speaking, “Tomorrow is my interview.”

I was staring down at my food when I could feel three gazes starting at me. Caroline was the first to speak up, “An interview? Well, at least you’ll finally put that overpriced degree to some use…maybe.”

“At least I have a degree to use. Unlike some people who married their way into relevance,” I replied. Just as these words left my mouth, her snarky smirk faded and her face turned red.

“How dare you talk to me like that?!” she asked angrily.

“If the truth offends you, maybe it’s not my words you’re upset with—maybe it’s your reflection.”

“ENOUGH!” My father slammed his hand on the table, making us jump. “I have already set your wedding with my colleague’s son. You’re not going for any interview.”

Just as these words sank, I felt something burning behind the back of my eyes, but I refused to let the tears fall. 

My voice broke as I said, “But why? And when? And how? YOU DID IT WITHOUT BOTHERING TO ASK ME?!”

“DON’T FUCKING SHOUT AT ME!” He shouted before I could react. He stood up and gave a tight slap on my face, and what I knew was a moment before I was on the chair, and the next I’m on the ground. 

“Dad! No!” Nathan shouted and came rushing to me.

“I don’t need your permission to fix your wedding. This house runs on my decision, and you will marry the person whom I say you will.” He continued ignoring Nathan as the taste of copper filled my mouth.

 “I’m your daughter… not a deal you made over coffee.” I said, and a kick landed right on my stomach. I growled in pain, but as he turned on his heels, I grabbed his leg. “Please, Dad! Don’t do this to me! Please give me a chance, and I’ll prove myself! Please, Dad!” I begged.

After what felt like eternity, he finally said, “Okay, I’ll give you 2 months to prove yourself, and if you fail—” he took a small pause before continuing, “you know what will happen.”

I eagerly nodded, “Thanks, Dad.”

************************************************

The sharp rays of the sun slipped through the cracked window blinds, falling straight on my eyes. I winced and slowly turned my head, a dull ache crawling up my spine. My back was still sore from last night’s lesson—as he always liked to call it—and my cheek throbbed with every heartbeat.

I sat up with a wince, brushing my fingers gently against the side of my face. The bruise was dark and angry-looking.

I dragged myself out of bed, ignoring the stiffness in my body. Every movement was a reminder of how unwanted I was in that house, of how replaceable I was in my own family. No, not family. But maybe…just maybe, today would be the start of something different.

I looked at my reflection in the cracked mirror—messy hair, swollen cheek, and eyes that refused to give up. “You’ve got this,” I whispered to myself.

After taking a shower and wearing a lot of foundation to hide the mark, a black shirt, a peach coat, and pants, I was ready to leave. Just as I grabbed my bag, my phone rang, and I already knew who it was. Natalie, my crime partner or to say my best friend.

Natalie: Go girl and nail it!

Me: I hope I will 

Natalie: I know you will <3

A smile appeared on my face as I made my way towards the main gate.

“Good luck, sissy,” Nathan’s voice came from behind.

“Thanks, Nate.” I replied with a smile just as the woman appeared whom I didn’t want to see this morning.

“Just make sure you don’t embarrass yourself. Or worse, the family name.”

Bitch. I didn’t bother to even reply to her. My mood was amazing, and I didn't want to ruin it for someone not worthy of my time.

************************************

Even my back hurts from trying to see the top of this building. So huge. So tall. 

Finally, after applying for almost 100 jobs here, I am. Standing in front of the Blackwood Corporation. The most successful corporation in North America.

I entered inside the building. Wow. The interior was perfectly designed, but it was not my time to appreciate it. I made my way to the reception. “Hey, I would like to know where the assistant’s position interviews are going on.”

“Good morning, ma'am, that would be on the 29th floor; take a left turn. The applicants are supposed to sit there.”

“Thank you,” I said with a warm smile before making my way towards the lift. 

**************************************************

There are lots of applicants here. And to my luck, my number is the last. I sat on the couch as I noticed the girl beside me was sweating, nervousness maybe. Her blonde hair strands were coming on her face, and her green eyes looked like they were about to cry. I took out a handkerchief and offered it to her.

“Thank you,” she said with a small smile.

“My pleasure.” I replied, “You look very nervous,” I added.

“Actually, this is my first interview, and I heard that the CEO is very rude, so that is why.”

“Oh,” I said in acknowledgement.

“Bonnie!” a woman called.

“Yes,” she replied.

“Please come in for the interview.”

“All the best,” I whispered from the side. She gave a small nod and left.

She came out after a few minutes as I stood and asked, “How was it?”

She forced a smile and said, “It was…good. I’m leaving. All the best.”

I gave a small smile, and she left. I let out a sigh and went back to my seat. Natalie looked…sad.

After waiting for what looked like an eternity, finally I got called. 

“Elena Hart?”

“I am,” I said, raising my hand.

“Please come for the interview.” 

I took a deep breath before standing up and walking towards the door.

You can do it. You can do it. 

The voice inside my head screamed. I again took a deep breath and knocked at the door. “Come in,” a deep, thick voice came from inside as I pushed the door.

“Good morning—” Before I could complete my sentence, my body froze. Goosebumps peppered my skin as I looked at the person who was sitting right in front of me. I can’t even breathe. 

Only one word left my mouth.

“Rowan”