CHAPTER 1

Atticus straightened out her slightly wrinkled dress as she stood up from the long wait. Her name had just been called for the interview. Many applicants were competing for the position of secretary to the owner of Royal Everette Manufacturing Company, a firm that produced luxury yachts for the wealthy across the globe.

She took a deep breath, preparing for the questions that awaited her. This was her fifth interview, and she had failed the previous four because she couldn’t provide proof of her educational background. She hoped things would be different this time. She was determined to show the CEO of Royal Manufacturing Company that she was fit for the job, even without a diploma or transcript of records.

Compared to other applicants she felt that she was the only difference there with her plus-size body compared to those sexy applicants.

She was hoping that her soon-to-be boss wouldn't be based on body size or look.

She desperately needed this job. It had been almost six months since she last had steady work, and her money had run out. The small savings her late grandmother left behind were gone. She needed income to pay for water, electricity, and food.

If she didn’t get this job, she feared she’d end up on the streets. Just imagining becoming homeless sent chills down her spine. She prayed that today would be different.

“Ms. Atticus Roan,” the receptionist called her name a second time.

“I’m here,” she replied, standing up with confidence.

The woman slightly opened the door to the CEO’s office and gestured inside. “Mr. Everette is waiting for you.”

Atticus swallowed hard, took a deep breath, and walked through the door.

Some of her anxiety eased when she saw a seating area with a desk, which she assumed belonged to the secretary. There was a wide computer monitor, two filing cabinets behind it, and stacks of papers on the desk. The CEO’s office must be through another door.

Discreetly, she wiped the sweat off her forehead and clenched her cold, trembling fists. This always happened to her during interviews. She felt like she was about to faint from nerves. She’d rather run a business, but her small convenience store wasn’t profitable enough to support her needs.

I need this job to survive.

“Relax. Mr. Everette won’t hurt you,” the receptionist said with a reassuring smile. They stopped in front of the door to Mr. Everette’s private office. “He’s waiting for you. Go in.”

Atticus nodded. “Okay.”

“One tip,” the receptionist said, gripping Atticus’s shoulder and whispering, “Be confident. If he senses your nervousness, your application will be denied immediately.”

Atticus nodded repeatedly. “Noted.”

“Alright. Go on in,” the woman smiled again.

“Yes, ma’am,” Atticus replied formally, then walked into the office.

She drew a deep breath and gathered her courage. I can do this. I’ve got this.

Atticus’s anxiety doubled when she saw Mr. Everette, busy with a pile of papers on his desk. He was focused on reading and signing documents, so much so that he didn’t notice her enter.

She cleared her throat. “Good morning, Sir.”

He immediately looked up, his eyes widening and his mouth slightly agape as if he’d seen a ghost.

Atticus froze in place, captivated by his deep green eyes, which were filled with shock. Those green eyes… They seemed familiar, but she couldn’t quite remember where she’d seen them before. He’s so handsome that I can’t look away. She stared, memorizing his face — the chiseled jaw, the straight nose, and those soft, full lips that looked too inviting. His broad shoulders and tailored suit only enhanced his attractiveness.

What would he look like without the suit? she wondered briefly.

Atticus shook off the thought. If this man became her boss, she’d be in trouble because she’d be admiring him every day. Those piercing green eyes and kissable lips were enough to make any woman swoon, and she wasn’t immune to his allure.

Mr. Everette was the kind of man you could stare at forever. His presence unsettled her, making her self-conscious about her curvy, plus-size figure. As she stood there, a mix of nervousness and attraction bubbled inside her.

She cleared her throat again. “Mr. Everette—”

“Atticus…” he whispered her name, his voice strained.

Her brow furrowed. “You know me?”

His forehead creased in confusion. “Why the hell are you asking me that? Of course, I know you!” His shocked expression morphed into anger. “What are you doing here?” He placed his hands on his hips, his eyes blazing with fury. “What do you want now? Get out of here. I don’t want you here.”

Her heart clenched painfully at his words. What’s going on? Why does he hate me so much?

“Uh, Mr. Everette…” she swallowed, trying to calm her racing heart. “I’m here to apply for the secretary position.”

He laughed bitterly, stepping closer. “You want to work for me? After everything?” He shook his head in disbelief. “Are you playing games with me, Atticus?”

Confused and shocked, Atticus’s nerves turned to frustration. “What are you talking about? And how do you know my name? Did you read my résumé?”

His jaw tightened, and he stared at her like she was playing some cruel trick. “You disappeared for two years, and now you’re here, pretending you need a job? What game are you playing?”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” she said, bewildered. “I don’t know you, Mr. Everette.”

He laughed like he wasn't buying what I was saying.

“Looks like your prized figure isn’t the same anymore. You’ve gained weight — it’s clear you don’t care about your appearance the way you used to. Are you trying to tell me you’ve changed? That you’re no longer the Atticus who was obsessed with being perfect?”

“W-what are you saying?” I don’t get it. Is he insulting me?

His eyes darkened with rage. “Get out of my office. Now!”

Tears pricked her eyes as she turned and hurried out the door.