Chapter Three

Aurora's POV.

The chime of my inbox was the sweetest melody I'd heard in two weeks. My fingers trembled as I clicked on the email.

'Dear Miss Aurora Lupin,' It began. 'We are pleased to inform you that you have been selected for an interview for the Marketing Associate position at Sterling Innovations...' I almost screamed as I finished reading the email.

Relief washed over me as I dropped my phone on my lap, sighing deeply.

Two weeks ago, after the talk with John, late in the night I got a call from a friend, Karen, she told me about her company needing someone with my marketing skills, at first I rejected it as I wasn't in the best mental state to respond, but after some days, I decided to reply her.

She was right, I needed some personal space for myself. Karen doesn't know what had happened, but somehow in a way it felt like she did.

"Aurora, you can't keep isolating yourself like this," she said, her brows furrowed. "You have a business management degree gathering dust! Sterling innovations is growing like crazy, and they need someone with your skillset. Just apply! What's the worst that can happen," she then sighed and leaned against the chair. "Besides, you can use the money to get your own apartment and leave your drunkard father. You're a grown lady, you need your space."

I remembered her words from that day and I realized she was right, besides I was going to become a mother soon. I had to start planning, and I had to start now.

I had to put all the past behind me and focus on the future. Just me and the child growing inside me.

Some Days Later.

The day of the interview finally came. I wore my best professional looking blouse and skirt, meticulously applying makeup to hide the lingering shadows under my eyes.

I needed this job. Desperately. More than I could ever imagine.

"Where are you going?" I was startled when my father's voice suddenly boomed behind me. I turned to see him standing at the doorway with his arms crossed and a curious look in his eyes.

"A job interview," I replied curtly, turning to face the mirror to continue applying my makeup.

"Oh? That's great then. You'll ace it."

My anger subsided upon hearing him cheer me up, I turned to face him with a small smile. "Thank you dad, it means a lot."

He returned my smile with a small smile. "I'll make breakfast then, you just get ready."

I nodded. "Sure."

I watched as he left, a huge ache began to tug in my chest.

I loved my father, but I hate this version of him, ever since mom died, he became miserable. All he did was drinking, staying out late, and more drinking. Nothing else.

John and I practically raised ourselves. John had no mother just like me- well, in his case, his mother abandoned him at birth so he was raised by dad until dad married my mom. They were happy, and then I was born, completing the whole family. Unfortunately mom passed away when I was six and ever since then, my father died too- but inside.

Right now, all I see is the shell of a man I used to look up to.

I feel terrible for feeling this way, but John and I had it rough too...but we still tried....why wasn't my father trying to heal?

My thoughts were shattered when I heard my father call from downstairs. "Do you want your toast with anything?!"

"The usual!" I yelled back.

Well, at least today we'd finally have breakfast together as a family...For the first time in years. A frown formed on my lips as I remembered the last Christmas I spent with my father. Mark was there too, he was the reason why my father and I ate on the same table.

I dropped my brush on the table, the eagerness to continue had left.

Will I ever be okay from this?

I shook my head and packed my things. No, I shouldn't be thinking about Mark on a day like this, it may bring bad luck.

After one last glance at the mirror, feeling satisfied I left my room, headed downstairs for breakfast.

Breakfast was quick, extremely quick, I had to arrive early to make a good impression. I left home and boarded a taxi that took me straight to Sterling innovations.

I arrived exactly on time for the interview. The interview itself was surprisingly straightforward. Mr. Harrison, the marketing manager, was quite friendly and professional, he asked questions about my experience and goals. I tried to exude confidence highlighting my strengths and minimizing my weaknesses.

"Well, Miss Lupin," Mr Harrison cleared his throat as he leaned back in his chair. "We're very impressed with your qualifications. We'll be in touch within a week."

A week felt like an eternity. I spent the next few days alternating between frantic resume-polishing and binge watching TV, trying to distract myself from the overwhelming anxiety.

John and my father tried to be supportive but it did little to calm my nerves.

Then- FINALLY. The email arrived.

'We are pleased to offer you the position of marketing associate at Sterling innovations. Your start date will be Monday, the 15th.'

I cried with relief, then called Karen and told her the news. She was extremely happy.

I guess...maybe things were changing for the better. Nothing could ruin this.

~

My first week at work was a whirlwind of onboarding, training sessions and introductions. Everyone was welcoming and helpful, making the transition smoothly. Karen, on the other hand, was more than happy to have me working with her, regularly pulling me aside for coffee breaks and gossip.

'New Employees Meeting-Mandatory attendance by 10am.'

"Well, that's impromptu," I said under my breath as I stared at the email. 10am, I glanced at my wall clock. Less than 20 minutes.

It was a welcome address from the CEO, a chance for all the new hires to officially meet the man at the top.

I wonder what he's like.

I've heard alot about him. Zane Wilson, a young, self made billionaire who'd inherited his father's business and taken it to new heights.

I've never heard about him before until I came here, he sounds a bit okay- I guess.

I felt a familiar knot of anxiety tightened in my stomach as I stood up from my chair.

Alright, let's do this.

The conference room was buzzing with dozens of new employees milling around. I took a deep breath and stepped forward.

Just then, the door at the head of the room opened, and a hush fell over the crowd. All eyes turned towards the entrance.

The moment he stepped in, I felt my heart fall to my stomach.

No no no- it couldn't be. There was no way.

He was the least person I had ever expected to run into in this entire life!

My heart hammered against my ribs as he looked up and his eyes landed on, I had hoped he didn't recognize me at all but from the slow predatory smile that spread across his face told me otherwise.

The spark in his eyes con

firmed that our night had left a lasting impression on him.

Oh my God-

How can my one night STAND BE MY BOSS?!