The Unexpected Encounter

Adeline’s POV

The school bus came for Maya some minutes ago, and Ethan left the house already too, so I had all the time in the world to dress up for the interview.

Immediately I finished dressing up, I got my pretty flat shoes from my small shoe rack. Yes, I’m still obsessed with flat shoes. I put them on and rushed out immediately.

The door to Julia’s room was opened too and Ashe came out.

“Julia” I smiled.

“You look prettier when you dress corporate” Julia remarked, locking her door.

“Stop teasing me” I replied.

“Teasing? No. I’m only stating the fact. You look like a Goddess.” Julia said, and I laughed out loudly as we left the house together.

“Did you tell Madam Brooke at the restaurant already?” Julia asked. 

“Sure” I replied and Steven’s car pulled out in front of the house.

“I made it” he screamed as he winded down.

“Steve?” Seriously, what are you doing here?” I blinked surprisingly.

“You told me about the interview, and I have a modelling shoot to make close to Hartley corporation this morning. Moreover, it’s the company of someone I adored. So, hop in, I will give you a ride.”

“Wow! Thanks Steve!” Julia jumped in immediately.

“Thanks Steve, I should probably start paying you now” I said, and he smiled as he drove us down the road. 

“But…you don’t know Damien Hartley for real? My boss is very popular, the surest real estate dealer.” Julia said facing me.

“I really don’t have time to check up men online.” I replied.

“He’s rich, handsome, even his son is very cute! His mom has a clothing brand that is popular…hmmmm….yes…the name is Panora.” Julia said again.

“Do you have a crush on him?” I asked.

“Not only a crush Adeline, I want to marry this man...gosh…he’s so hot” Julia gushed and I couldn’t help but laugh.

“Wow” I said.

“Any woman will want to marry him though” Steve said from the front.

“Thanks for saying that Steve, but I think he has a problem with women. I’ve never seen him with any woman except for Mira Cole, his best friend.” Julia said sadly.

“Oh…” I blinked.

Steven finally pulled up in front of Hartley’s Corporation and we came out of the car.

“I’ll call you, Steve” I said and he winked seductive before driving away. 

“It’s obvious Steven likes you” Julia said.

“Like me? Scratch it Julia, he is four years younger than me and I’m married.” I said showing her the ring on my finger.

“Oh please, that mentally unstable husband of yours?” Julia rolled her eyes and I went silent as we stepped into the magnificent building.

“Wait…are they all staffs too?” I said as I stare at the people rushing inside the elevator.

“No. They came for the interview like you” Julia replied.

“For the PA post?” My eyes widened.

“Calm down Adeline. Several other staffs are needed too. So over 20 people will be hired today, and that's why I said you’d definitely get hired” Julia replied and I breathed in relief as we entered the second elevator which is almost full.

We rode to the first floor, and Julia took me to her office when we arrived.

“Here! This is my office” she said.

“Wow! You alone? This is so big” I gasped.

“Not just me. I’m not the only office assistant here. There are two others so we share this big space” Julia replied while pointing to two other desks.

“And here they are” Julia smiled as two guys came in.

I faced them and my eyes came wide so mad. The bartenders.

They stopped on their tracks too immediately they saw me. “My…my bar men?” I muttered.

“The drunkard?” They chorused, and I dropped my bag on the table, rushing to hug the both at once.

“Godd, you don’t know how hard I searched for you both after that day! I went back to the bar but you both stopped working there already. I also lost my phone back then, so I lost your contact. I searched so hard!" I cried, breaking the hug.

“The bar was bought by another person so we had to leave, I’m sorry about everything.” The first one said.

“Come to think of it, I don’t know your name after everything you guys did for me, I feel so ungrateful “ I said, wiping my tears with the back of my hand.

“I’m Alex” the one said.

“I’m Stefan “ the second one said.

“Nice meeting you guys” I said hugging them again and they hugged back this time.

“When you are all done, let me know” Julia interrupted from behind.

“Someone is jealous” I said while laughing so hard.

“They are my long lost brothers, and I’m too happy to see them here.” I added.

“Wait…have you seen the owner of this company? I mean our boss.” Alex asked.

“Stop” Stefan held him. 

“Is there a problem?” I blinked.

“The candidates are to gather for their numbers right now!” The announcement came and I rushed out of the office to join them.

“Let her see for herself” Stefan said.

I got number 10 among the 25 people and I was already praying inwardly as I was called in.

It took just five minutes before I came out and I resumed praying silently again.

Though the interview was very simple than I had expected. I was still nervous.

After an hour, the result was posted and we all rushed to the board to check. There was 20 names on it, meaning that 20 people got hired like Julia said.

I scanned for my name hastily but I couldn’t find it. My eyes widened when I saw it. It was number one on the list! I got the PA post.

“Oh my gawd! I can’t believe this! Finally! After several years !!! I screamed. People stared at me but I didn’t care. 

“Mrs. Adeline Orlov?” Come with me” a man said from behind and I faced him with a quick bow before following him. 

He stopped at the front of the CEO’s office amd faced me. “Wait inside, I have a quick lecture to give you before handing over” he said, looking at me intently. 

“Sure” I smiled and went in.

My eyes widened immediately saw the interior of the office. It was so wide and warm. There’s a burning heater and comfortable sofas , with a golden name slate on his nest desk.

I walked to the desk and touch led the name on the slate. Damien Hartley.

“Today is the day I’d see if he’s really as handsome as Julia described him” I smiled, feeling so happy.

I gasped when I suddenly remembered Steve. I got my phone amd quickly dialed his line. He picked up so fast.

“Tell me you got the job.” He said.

“I got it!!!!!” I screamed, jumping up.

“I can imagine you jumping up” he laughed.

“I’m literally jumping!” I gushed.

“I’m so happy for you Miss…I mean Adeline. Congratulations you really deserve it.” He said.

“Thank you so much Steve, I’m just s…” 

That was all I could say befor the door opened slowly, and I turned to the door slowly.

Damien came in with Theo, and my eyes widened insanely immediately.

I couldn’t talk anymore, my mouth only hung open as our eyes met.

Damien stopped on his tracks too, and it’s like time stopped for just the two of us. The air froze, damn cold like ice.

His eyes widened too, and Theo looked at him as he continued standing shockingly by the door, staring at me.

“Hello? Miss Adeline?” Steve’s voice came from the phone when he heard nothing from me. 

“Miss Adeline?” He said again, but I was still busy staring unbelievably at Damien. 

My mind had gone completely blank.

Eight years.

Eight years, and somehow the stranger I’d given my son to was standing right in front of me.

The father of my child. The man who destroyed my life 

Damien Hartley.