The Last Person I Expected

Chapter Five: The Last Person I Expected

Alina’s POV

It had been two days since I left that hotel room.

Since I left him.

I didn’t look back. I didn’t try to find him. I didn’t even take more than what I needed from that black card he threw on the table.

All I wanted was to be invisible again.

But life had other plans.

That night, as I sat alone on the small bed of the cheap guesthouse I’d found, I saw an ad online.

“Hiring Administrative Assistant — No Experience Needed — Interview in Two Days.”

The name of the company caught my eye: LUXE Estate & Interior Designs. It sounded classy. Big. Maybe even out of my league.

But I clicked apply anyway.

I had nothing to lose.

Now, here I was… standing in front of a tall glass building, my palms sweating

“LUXE ESTATE AND INTERIORS,” the sign read in silver letters that reflected the sun. The place looked expensive, even from outside. People in sharp suits walked past me without a glance. Cars I had only seen in magazines were parked in front.

I almost turned back.

But then I remembered what it felt like to beg for food. To sleep with one eye open. To feel helpless.

No.

I wasn’t going to let fear push me away again.

****

The receptionist smiled politely as I walked in. “Good morning. You’re here for the interview?”

“Yes,” I replied, trying to sound calm.

“Name?”

“Alina Brooke.”

She typed something, then gave a small nod. “Take the elevator to the 6th floor. Conference Room B.”

I walked through the lobby, trying not to stare at the glass walls, the soft lighting, the indoor plants, or the smell of luxury that floated in the air. Everything felt so clean… so perfect.

I looked down at my simple black dress and borrowed shoes. I felt like a shadow in a room full of stars.

Five of us waited outside the room. All women. All well-dressed. One of them had a gold wristwatch and nails like she just came from a salon. Another had a file filled with certificates and letters of recommendation.

I had… nothing. Just me.

The door opened. A tall woman in glasses and a grey suit stepped out. “Next, please. Alina Brooke.”

I stood up slowly and walked in.

The room was big. Bright. At the far end was a table with three people seated—two women and a man. They didn’t look mean, but they didn’t smile either.

I stood before them, heart pounding.

“Why should we hire you, Miss Alina?” one of the women asked.

“I’m a fast learner,” I said honestly. “I don’t have much experience, but I’m hardworking, respectful, and I don’t give up.”

The man glanced at my form. “No office background at all?”

“No, sir. But I’ve worked with people. I can handle pressure. I listen well. I want to grow.”

They nodded slightly. Then they tested me.

Typing speed.

Sorting documents.

How I’d handle a rude client.

How I’d answer a phone call.

How I’d manage schedules.

I did it all.

My voice was clear. My hands didn’t shake. I forgot to be nervous. I just… gave it everything.

When it was over, one of the women smiled and whispered something to the others.

“She’s sharp,” the man said under his breath.

“Much better than I expected,” the other added.

They looked back at me. “Alina, most applicants wait a few days to hear back. But we don’t need to wait. You’re hired.”

I blinked.

“What?”

“You’re hired,” the woman repeated, smiling this time. “You’ll start as a personal assistant in the design department. We’ll send you the contract and schedule later today.”

I could barely believe it. My mouth opened but no sound came out.

“Thank you,” I finally whispered. “Thank you so much.”

They stood up to shake my hand.

One of the assistants was already bringing out forms for me to sign. I was still holding the pen when it happened.

The room suddenly went quiet.

Very quiet

I looked up, confused.

Everyone in the room stood still. Their faces changed—alert, serious, nervous even.

I turned slowly.

And then… I saw him.

The man I never wanted to see again.

He walked in like he owned the world. Dressed in a black suit, no tie. His sleeves were rolled up to his elbows. A watch glinted on his wrist. His face was sharp, unreadable. Powerful.

I froze.

He froze too.

His eyes landed on me. And stayed.

A flicker of recognition. Then tension.

He stepped forward slowly, eyes darkening. “You,” he said coldly.

I couldn’t speak.

“Follow me,” he added. “Now.”

The room was silent.

No one dared question him.

My legs moved before my mind caught up.

I followed him out.

The hallway was quiet, long, expensive-looking. I kept my eyes on the floor. He didn’t speak until we were in the elevator.

Then, still not looking at me, he said:

“You showed up at my company?”

“I didn’t know it was yours,” I said quickly. “I saw the ad. I needed a job.”

He turned to face me, expression unreadable. “And you just happened to end up here?”

“It’s the truth.”

He laughed bitterly, looking up. “I should have known. One night, and now you want to play assistant?”

I flinched. “I didn’t come here for you.”

The elevator dinged. He stepped out. I followed into a wide office—his office.

He shut the door behind us.

Then turned, slowly.

“Do you know who I am?”

I shook my head.

My name is Lucien Hale. I'm the owner of LUXE. Every stone in this building. Every project. Every name on every contract—mine."

I swallowed. "I didn't know."

He took a step forward. "And yet, here you are. Trying to work beneath me like nothing had happened."

"I need a job," I said to him. "That's all. Nothing more."

"Do you think I can just forget that night?"

"I already have."

That shut him up.

His jaw tightened. "This is a place for design, not for a whore."

I froze. His words cut, more sharply than a knife.

"I don't want someone like you here," he said coldly, his eyes never leaving mine. "But I am not going to make a scene, because I treat everyone the same."

He took another step closer, his voice lowering. "You have two weeks. Let's see if you can prove me wrong. Let's see if they'll still clap for you when they know who you really are."

I could barely breathe. My fists clenched at my sides as I fought the tears stinging in my eyes.

However, I looked him straight in the eye. "All I wanted was a chance. But thank you for reminding me who not to trust."

Then I turned and walked out.

Even though my legs were shaking.

Even though I felt like crying so much.

I didn't stop.