Chapter 1 - Mister Mich

"Bonita Helmes. You're up next."

I blew air into my cheeks when I heard my name.

This was my tenth interview in two weeks.

Yuup. One interview per day.

This time, unlike other interviews, it was being conducted by the CEO himself, because it was for the position of a personal assistant.

A position I loathed so much. But my current state of finance didn't leave me with any choice. My three roommates were strippers and I desperately needed an apartment to myself.

But I wasn't prepared for the surprise in front of me when I stepped into the office.

Mich Monte?

He was one of the hottest guys and my bully back in Ridgesview Highschool for four freaking years. I was only able to get my revenge during our prom night, and I'd left the school right after that because my family relocated.

Guess what I did?

Well, nothing much. I just spilled some slimy liquid on his path. He slipped like a dummy and fell right in front of his date and crush, Kwinnie, one of the hottest, popular and richest girls in school back then. It was so hilarious and embarrassing.

That night, I had the best laugh of my life. I laughed till I coughed and choked on my breath. Luckily for me and unfortunately for Mich, my family moved out that weekend from Sacramento to San Francisco. So we never got a chance to meet again.

Till date.

I just graduated with honors in Mass Communications from UC Berkeley, and was still trying to find a footing, but here was Mich Monte, who I could bet was barely a year older than I, the CEO of La Monte Luxuries?

He smirked at me, rocking his comfy swivel chair left and right as I stared back in shock, “Bonnie M.”

Yeah. That was what everyone called me in school back then.

I hated the way he stared condescendingly at me, head to shoes, like I was a slave who had been brought before him for sale.

“Bonnie M." He called again with a wicked chortle, nodding his head in pleasure. “What evil wind blew you here? You can have a seat anyway." He gestured at the empty waiting seat in front of him.

I scoffed. What's the point? He would NEVER hire me.

But Lord, he was so hot and freaking gorgeous with his dope haircut. A textured crop with a clean taper fade on the sides and back.

I gave him my sweetest smile. “It's so good to see you, Mich. You look great.”

“MIS-TER MICH.”

Oh. Touché.

“Whatever. Good luck. Sorry, I'm not interested" I turned around abruptly, feeling flushed and super embarrassed.

"Bonita Helmes. You're expected to have a seat for the interview, not walk out on the CEO.”

I turned around stiffly. "MISS BONITA HELMES.” If he really wanted to go with the honorifics, then I was so ready.

"Have a seat, ma'am.” he gestured with a mock bow. “We'll see if you're qualified for the job or not."

I exhaled in exhaustion. It was fine if this was the way he wanted to get back at me. Reject me in the face.

"I see…your CV here states that you schooled at UC Berkeley and graduated with honors. Interesting. Too bad you're still job hunting.” He clicked his tongue as he went through my files.

I sincerely felt like snatching the papers from him and stomping out of the office. The exquisite office. I felt so out of place with my striped chiffon shirt and tight black skirt which I had gotten from a thrift store, in contrast with his exotic customized suit and flair.

“Twenty-four….Bonnie Elizabeth Helmes. Wow. You're Elizabeth?”

I rolled my eyes. "Listen, Mich. Just hand over my documents and tell me I'm not qualified. I'd totally understand and gladly find my way."

“MIS-TER MICH."

I rolled my eyes again. Whatever.

"I want to hear you say it. Mister Mich.”

I scoffed. “Is that on the job description?”

He dropped my papers with a knowing nod and fixed a long hard stare on me.

I held his gaze too. He must think so highly of himself because all the ladies would be worshipping and bowing and cringing at his feet.

Well, not me.

“Congratulations, Bonita Helmes. You got the job." He suddenly muttered dryly.

I snickered and rose to my feet as I grabbed my cheap handbag. "I know. I know it's a prank, so forget it. Just give me my documents.”

"Uhm ...your startup salary would be five thousand dollars monthly. That's about twenty-eight bucks an hour."

I stood speechless this time. He wasn't kidding?

He stared up at me as he reached out to his office phone. “Are you still leaving? I'm about to call my secretary to prepare your letter of appointment.”

I slumped back to the chair stiffly in shock. "Hold on, Mich. Did you just say you're giving me the job?"

“Mister." He murmured in a warning whisper with arched brows.

“Okay. Mister. Mister Mich." I literally gulped down my pride.

“Good." He proceeded to dial a number on the phone. “Dismiss the rest of the candidates who came for the interview. I've gotten a replacement.” he said to the mouthpiece.

My heart actually started to race then. I couldn't believe he had just actually offered me the job. No, this had to be an expensive joke.

"Look, Mich. I know you hate my guts and would totally want to have your revenge on me, but you don't have to give me the job if you don't want to or if you have sinister intentions.”

He exhaled deeply and nodded. "Fine. Since you're refusing the offer, I'll just tell her to call the others back then." He reached out for the phone again, but I grabbed his hand in desperation, only to realize myself and pulled back immediately like I was stung.

I felt like the ground should just open up and swallow me. “I'm sorry. I…I actually need the job. I'm not refusing the offer. I'm just surprised that you…" I trailed off.

“Listen very carefully, and I'll tell you something very important. For each time you call me Mich, I'd deduct two dollars from your salary. Is that understood?"

What? I've barely started and he was laying down rules already?

“Did you hear me or not?"

Hey, be humble girl, and play your cards well. No job is yet to offer you even half this amount.

"Did you hear me or not, Bonnie?” He hit a fist on the table.

“Bonita. It's Bonita."

Let the show begin.