STIMULATED

Elena shook her head as she stood in front of the mirror in her room, unable to believe that she had applied for a job opportunity based on unsubstantiated rumors spread by the boisterous females in her neighborhood. She was well-groomed and grinned at her attractive self, but she grimaced again when she realized she still owed money for many expenses, including her high rent.

"Oh my goodness!" She took a deep breath, stepped out of the house, flagged down a cab, and mentally prepared herself for potential embarrassment.

The drive was brief, and as Celine Donne's somber melodies infiltrated her fraught psyche, her countenance mirrored the inner turmoil that roiled within. The vehicle stopped before a colossal edifice - based on rumors, it appeared to be the company's headquarters. Opulently-clad individuals shuffled in and out, expensive sporting suits and gleaming footwear, each exhibiting a distinct facial expression.

Her mind raced, but she spoke silently to rejuvenate her confidence as she gracefully walked the lawn.

"Excuse me, ma'am! Are you here for the interview?" A tall and domineering-looking man asked, and he seemed to be leaving.

As she lowered her head in deference and whispered, "Yes sir," she couldn't help but wonder if this was the infamous domineering figure that her neighbors had been buzzing about.

With a satisfied grin, the man produced his phone and dialed a number. "Listen, I know you don't want any more hassle, but I've got a surprise for you - another lady is on her way!" he exclaimed, promptly ending the call before the other person could speak.

"I just did you a favor since you're polite enough. But beware of him since he might be pissed right now," he waved to her and left.

Elena stood silently as she listened to him until he left. She was unsure if his actions had helped her or made things more difficult. She struggled to comprehend the situation entirely but ultimately decided to continue despite the uncertainty.

As she entered the building and inquired about the interview, she was immediately sent upstairs to the exact CEO's office. As soon as she knocked, a firm voice responded, "Please come in."

She entered and saw the back of the man. He appeared to do what he pleased. He sat in an executive chair with a slight tilt.

"I understand Brian didn't bring you here, so kindly have a seat. I was watching on the CCTV, but let's get this over with," he said, facing her.

"Thank you, sir, for the opportunity," Elena smiled gently.

"You've already passed the first test, and for the second criterion, fill in this form," he tossed it to her.

"I'm done. Is that all?" She asked, wondering if the first test was about her dress or looks.

"I can't stretch things out any longer; you'll be the third and final lady I choose today. If you're interested in the position, you'd best remember that my former secretary was fired because she dared to defy my orders." After inspecting the form she filled out, he gave her a stern look and added that she met the requirements for the job before handing her a document.

Elena was surprised, but she composed herself and skimmed the document while she awaited additional directions from the angry-looking man, who appeared to be about her age. It appeared that what Brian-his friend, had done had enraged him, but all he had to do was decline, so why was he now acting so enraged? She wanted to leave his company as soon as possible. She recognized his name as Ezekiel Rudolf from the final page.

He said firmly, "Leave right away; you'll receive an email with additional instructions."

"Alright, sir, I'll be expecting," Elena said, cautiously getting out of the chair because she was tense.

She took a deep breath and closed her eyes as soon as she exited his office. She then recalled his features, which included a very serene and endearing face yet an intense demeanor. She added after going downstairs, "I don't blame that ex-secretary."

As she left the building, the cleaners, receptionists, and other staff members she could see, besides the executives who were in various offices, all looked at her as if they were expecting something awful to have happened. She disregarded their stereotypical responses and left for home.

*******

Ezekiel exhaled a sigh of relief and mentally prepared himself to test various women in the hopes of getting what he wanted. He made a call while raising his hand and keeping his head down to send the candidates some information.

"Fortunately for me, there are no meetings scheduled for this month. Should I rejoice that all my executives are swamped with that mammoth contract, or not? Haha, well, it allows me to select a new secretary with utmost care; the trio of ladies vying for the position aren't half bad," he chuckled, rising from his seat to depart.

Ezekiel departed from the workplace and went homeward, causing those who crossed his path to tread carefully lest they fall afoul of his wrath. Despite being keenly aware of their suspicion, Ezekiel remained unperturbed so long as his subordinates executed his directives with precision. While Mr. Bernard, the company's manager, was an astute man with a gift for diplomacy, Ezekiel insisted on attending all major and minor business meetings himself, allowing Bernard to tend to other matters.

Ezekiel left the building soon and thought of all the ladies that applied. He thought of Elena; she seemed pretty humble, although a bit nervous. As he drove home, he evaluated all the applicants in his mind.

Ezekiel started using his car's horn before getting close to the gate. The gatekeeper opened the gate swiftly as his boss drifted in.

Ezekiel gave the order, "No one is to bother me for the rest of the day unless it is essential," and he walked away without waiting for a reply.

Kenzie opened the door and welcomed him with a kiss as they exchanged pleasantries.