Chapter 4

Lana

I stood before the tall skyscraper in front of me. It's one of the biggest hotels in the country, owned by the popular and renowned Molkov family. Thinking back to the past, I think this is where I met Magnus. He was a part-timer. Though I couldn't secure a job here in the past because I had no qualifications, Magnus ended up losing his job.

Now I'm back here again, where everything began. Not as the old Lana who became a slave to her husband, not as the foolish Lana who was mocked and looked down on, but as the 22-year-old Lana who's still beautiful, smart, and ambitious. Even without educational qualifications, I still believe I can make a name for myself.

This time, I'm not going to allow Magnus or any man to ruin me for a second time.

Taking a deep breath, I took the first step and made my way into the hotel. I got into the elevator and pressed the button for the second floor, where the interview would be held. Just as the elevator doors were about to close, a man appeared, his hands tucked into his pockets. The first thing that hit me was a familiar lemon scent. He walked in and stood beside me as the elevator doors closed.

The closer he was, the more familiar the scent became. It was such a calming scent. I felt like drowning in it. I wanted to ask the name of the cologne, so I figured I might as well start a conversation.

"Hey." I flashed him a warm smile.

He didn't say a word to me. He had a stoic expression, which caused me to notice how handsome his masculine features were. He was wearing a tuxedo.

"Are you also here for the interview?" I asked, but he still kept quiet.

"You're not holding any files. Could it be that you're not educated like me? I didn't go to college. Actually, I attended high school, but my parents couldn't afford college."

He lowered his gaze since I was shorter and finally looked at me.

"You're not educated. Why are you here?" His words were precise and spoken with an accent.

"Come on, who says only educated people can work in a hotel? I'm capable and smart too." I pouted.

He stared at me and didn't say another word. At that moment, the elevator opened, and he stepped out first.

"Hey." I grabbed his arm.

Swiftly, his head turned, and his gaze landed on the arm I was holding.

"We're here for the interview. Since we don't know anyone, don't you think we should stick together?"

"Together?"

"Hmmm." I nodded, my smile widening.

He paused, looking as though he was thinking about it.

"Fine, but can you let go of my arm?"

I glanced at my hand.

"Hehe..." I gave an awkward smile and gently released him.

We began walking to the venue where the interview was going to take place. I hated the silent atmosphere. I've always been bubbly, so I thought of a way to lighten it.

"What's your name?"

"Why should I tell you?"

"Why do I feel like you're proud and cocky?"

He stopped and again lowered his gaze to me. This time, he tucked one hand into his pants pocket, and for some unknown reason, he looked so domineering. If he wasn't here for the interview, I would have said he was one of those rich kids.

"I'm proud and cocky. Would you stop clinging to me now?"

"Hmph." I scoffed. "You..."

I was about to say something when the door before us opened, and Magnus was standing there.

Shocked was an understatement as I stared at him.

"Are you two here for the interview? I was instructed to lead all of you to the waiting room."

I was too stunned to speak.

He turned and began leading the way.

In the past, I was the only one he met standing here, and that's how we started talking before we eventually ended up dating.

"Here, go in. You'll meet the other applicants."

I was about to open the door when my hand was suddenly grabbed.

I slowly looked up and met Magnus's gaze.

"Can I speak with you for a moment?"

His eyes were soft and alluring. If it were in the past, I would have fallen for them.

I glanced up, and the guy from earlier was still standing there, staring at me.

Wait... is he waiting for me?

I immediately pulled my hand away from Magnus and shifted closer to the man beside me. I linked my arm with his and proudly turned to Magnus.

"Sorry, I'm with my boyfriend."

His eyes widened before slowly being replaced by a frown.

Without saying another word, he stormed off.

As soon as he left, I quietly unlinked our arms.

"I'm sorry."

"Why? You're my girlfriend, are you not?"

A taunting smirk lingered at the corners of his lips.

"Of course not. That was just to scare him off."

"Too bad. I take words seriously."

He said that and began walking inside. This time, he was walking faster, forcing me to run after him.

"Wait, what do you mean by that?" I panted heavily, trying to catch up with him.

He suddenly stopped, and my head ended up colliding with his chest.

"Ouch..." I winced, rubbing my forehead.

He lowered himself, and right now his face was so close to mine.

His eyes were beautiful and captivating.

"What are you doing?" I whispered because of how close he was, tilting my head backward as his gaze pierced mine.

"Practicing how to kiss my short girlfriend.”