Chapter One- The Interview

Selena Richard stood across the street from Lim Corporation and stared at the enormous glass building. Morning sunlight reflected from its silver walls, making the tower appear almost untouchable. People in expensive suits hurried through the revolving doors while black cars stopped along the curb.

Selena tightened her grip around the folder containing her résumé.

She had spent the last three years trying to build a quiet life. Quiet was what she needed. A steady job. A safe home. Enough money to pay rent, school fees, groceries, and everything else her son Adrian needed.

Nothing complicated.

Most importantly, nothing connected to the past.

Especially not Dexter Lim.

“Mommy?”

Selena looked down.

Adrian stood beside her with his little backpack hanging from one shoulder. His dark hair was slightly untidy, and his serious expression made Selena smile despite the nervous knot in her stomach.

“Do you think you will land the job?”

“I’m going to try.”

“Then you have to smile.”

Selena laughed softly. “Why?”

“Because you look scary when you’re worried.”

She knelt and adjusted his collar. “Is that so?”

“Very scary.”

She kissed his forehead. “Go inside with Mrs. Riley. I’ll meet you after school.”

“Okay.”

Adrian hurried toward the woman waiting near the small café entrance. Selena watched until he was safely with her before turning toward the building.

She could not fail today.

She walked into Lim Corporation and approached the receptionist.

“Good morning. How can I help you?”

“I’m here for an interview. Selena Richard.”

The receptionist checked her computer. “Executive assistant position?”

“Yes.”

“Twenty-third floor. The elevators are on your right.”

“Thank you.”

Selena entered the elevator. As the doors closed, her reflection appeared in the polished metal. She looked older than she had years ago. Stronger, too. She had learned how to survive without asking anyone for help.

The elevator stopped on the twenty-third floor.

A young woman behind the reception desk smiled. “Ms. Richard?”

“Yes.”

“Mr. Lim is waiting.”

Selena’s heart stopped.

Mr. Lim.

She swallowed.

Surely it could not be him.

The office doors opened.

Dexter Lim stood beside the enormous window overlooking the city. He wore a dark suit, his posture straight and controlled.

Then he turned.

Their eyes met.

For one impossible second, Selena forgot how to breathe.

Dexter’s expression changed from confusion to shock, then to something colder.

“Selena?”

Her name sounded like an accusation.

She forced herself to stand straight. “Mr. Lim.”

His jaw tightened. “You’ve got to be kidding me.”

“I didn’t know you’d be interviewing me.”

“Neither did I.”

Silence filled the office.

Dexter walked to his desk and picked up her résumé.

“Three years at Sterling Designs.”

“Yes.”

“Project coordination.”

“Yes.”

“Then two years freelancing.”

“Yes.”

He looked up. “What happened to your old career?”

Selena tightened her grip on her handbag. “Life got in the way.”

“That’s an interesting way to put it.”

“It’s the truthful one.”

His eyes remained on her.

“You vanished.”

“No,” she said quietly. “I left.”

“You vanished from my life without a word.”

Her throat tightened. “We’re here for a job interview.”

“I think some things deserve an explanation.”

“Not today.”

Dexter studied her for several seconds before looking back at her résumé.

“You’re qualified.”

Selena’s heart lifted slightly.

“But?”

“There’s always a but.” He closed the folder. “You’d be working directly under me.”

“I understand.”

“You’d have access to confidential information.”

“I understand.”

“The hours would be long.”

“I can manage.”

“And you’d have to put up with me.”

For the first time, Selena almost smiled. “I’ve survived that before.”

Something close to amusement appeared on Dexter’s face.

Then it disappeared.

“You start Monday.”

Selena blinked. “I’m sorry?”

“You’re hired.”

“Thank you.”

She rose and reached for her handbag.

“Selena.”

She stopped.

“What?”

“Is your husband aware you’re working here?”

“I’m not married, so I don’t have a husband.”

“Boyfriend?”

“No.”

Dexter’s gaze sharpened. “Then who’s the father?”

Selena froze.

She knew exactly what he meant.

Adrian.

“That’s none of your business.”

She walked out before he could say another word.

Inside the elevator, Selena leaned against the wall and closed her eyes. A tear slipped down her cheek, but she wiped it away and smiled.

She had returned to the city for one reason: to give Adrian a better life.

She had never imagined Dexter would become her boss.

And she certainly had not planned for him to discover the truth.

Not now.

Not ever.