Ella - POV
My cab driver dropped me off at the interview venue amidst the rush and bustle of the streets and the towering skyscrapers. I stood at the entryway, feeling palpable nervousness as I prepared for the interview with a major corporation. After working for a subpar firm for four years, I finally had the opportunity to interview for a top position at a high-profile company.
Just as I arrived, my phone rang, and I saw my father's number on the caller ID. I answered the call before entering the interview.
"Princess, it seems you have reached your destination," my father said.
"Dad, please stop referring to me as a princess. I am 25 years old, for goodness' sake," I grumbled.
"It doesn't matter how old you become, you will always be my princess. Did you get anything to eat? I'm sure you didn't, so I put some sandwiches into your bag," he responded.
"Dad, until I finish this interview, I won't be able to eat, and I'm determined to get a job with this firm," I replied. This job was crucial for me. Since my mother passed away when I was young, my father has supported me throughout my life. Now that my father is unwell, I need to be financially secure to pay for his medical costs and survive in the city.
"This is not good for your health, Princess. So, don't skip your breakfasts. I know how much you want this job, and I am certain that my Ella will ace the interview," he said, his words having a favorable impact on me. "I believe in you, Ella. You are the greatest in your line of work. Have trust in yourself."
"You always know how to calm me down and understand me better than I know myself," I spoke in hushed tones, a grin flickering.
"Of course, your father has the finest judgment. Best of luck, Ella," he replied. "I'm certain you'll get this job." The jitteriness I had been experiencing during my journey didn't seem to weigh me down anymore. I savored the sandwich my father had prepared for me; it was delicious. Even though I longed to be in California, I had to leave work and return to New York because of my father's deteriorating health.
To avoid going bankrupt, I had set aside enough money to keep me afloat and cover all of my expenses for the time being. The following month, I would need to transport my father to a reputable medical facility to treat his rare condition. Unfortunately, I was so engrossed in my thoughts that I didn't notice when the front desk called my name.
"How may I assist you, miss?" she stated.
"I am here for an interview for the position of Assistant Secretary, and the contact person is Miss Avery Reyes," I responded as I double-checked the contact person's name for my interview on my phone.
"The interview will take place on the fifth floor, and here is the paperwork you must complete before being scheduled for an interview," the lady at the front desk remarked.
I grabbed the paperwork and filled out all the information before proceeding to the fifth floor of the corporation. I waited outside Miss Avery Reyes' cabin, observing the others who were also waiting. Just then, my phone alerted me to a new message.
"I wish you the best of luck, darling. I am certain that you will get this position," my fiancé James' message made me smile as I read it. Even though he was still in California, he supported my decision to go to New York to be near my father.
The entire interview process took me the entire day, and all the rounds were exhausting. I felt relieved that it was down to just myself and another
lady, Sofia Collins, who appeared to be a model-type woman. My heart raced as Miss Reyes shifted her gaze from Sofia to me, creating a sense of anticipation. Her brown eyes revealed nothing about her feelings, making figuring out what she was thinking challenging.
"Congratulations, Miss Hart. The CEO has chosen you based on all the screenings," Miss Reyes responded with a business-like expression. "You will be the secretary of the corporation, Miss Ella Hart, rather than the assistant. That position will be assigned to Miss Sofia Collins here." I was taken aback by this news while Sofia managed to hide her despair. Hearing the news delighted me, and I was even more thrilled to be offered the well-paying position.
"When can I start working?" I smiled, concealing my happiness beneath a solemn mask.
"You may begin working today," came a chilly voice behind me. As I turned to look, I saw a figure with a Herculean physique, hazel eyes glaring at me with coldness. His untidy black hair matched his chiseled jawline, which looked great against his tan complexion. My heart rate began to rapidly increase.
"Miss Hart, this is Mr. Darcus Miller, the company's CEO," Miss Reyes introduced. My excitement over landing this job shattered when I discovered that this guy was my ex-boyfriend and my college love.
Ella - POV Water splashed over my face as I stared into the bathroom mirror. I was grateful nobody was around to witness my pale complexion. Dealing with Darcus Miller was proving to be a challenge; I found his good looks to be so insufferable that it induced hatred. What a predicament I found myself in. Yet, I couldn't afford to leave my well-paying job. I needed to muster strength and professionalism to navigate this situation. My emotions, or my past, for that matter, couldn't rule me. After freshening up my makeup and fixing my hair, I felt ready to face the day. Footsteps echoed, and Sofia appeared beside me, applying lipstick and observing me through the mirror with a somber expression. "Congratulations, Sofia," I said, maintaining a polite tone. We were to work closely together, after all. Sofia acknowledged me with a nod, but irritation flared in her eyes, her stoic face barely concealing it. Just as I was about to exit, she broke the silence. "You don't deserve the positio
Ella - POV "Are you engaged?" Mr. Miller's voice rose, brimming with a mix of fury and jealousy. His firm grip on my hand tightened. I wriggled, trying to break free, but his grasp was unyielding. "Mr. Miller, are you blind? Can't you see the ring on my finger? Of course, I'm engaged," I retorted. His eyes widened at my response, and the hazel color of his irises flickered to a golden tint. Was it just a trick of the light, or had I imagined it? I gasped. The sudden shift in the room's atmosphere took me aback. Releasing my hand abruptly, Mr. Miller stood up, adjusted his suit, and spoke with feigned normalcy. "Congratulations, Miss Hart." His words echoed in the room as he made his way out, leaving me alone to ponder his strange behavior. "What was that all about?" I muttered to myself. The enigma that was Mr. Miller was beginning to become too complicated. I thought the time might have changed Darcus Miller, but it seemed like he was still the same arrogant person. I slumped into
Ella - POV As Mr. Miller folded his umbrella, he joined me under the bus stop shelter. The scene was undeniably awkward, and I found myself focusing intently on my phone screen, attempting to pinpoint the location of my incoming cab. According to the app, my ride was still two minutes away. "Why did you come back to New York if you were in California?" Mr. Miller asked, trying to cut through the uncomfortable silence. I glanced at his profile, his gaze fixed on the relentless rain. "I came back because my father needed my help," I replied, double-checking the taxi's status on my phone. "I see..." Mr. Miller let his sentence trail off, his glinting gaze leaving mine. "Were you assuming that I came back for you, Mr. Miller, just like Mr. Evans suggested earlier?" I asked, annoyed at their presumption. "What did he say?" Mr. Miller inquired, his eyes still scanning the wet streets. "You should ask your best friend about what he said. I don't wish to talk with you unless it's relate
Ella - POV The message from an unknown number startled me, urging me to step outside and check my mailbox, which I did, but it turned out to be empty. Ignoring the text, I placed my phone on the table, wondering who could be telling me such a cruel joke. With only a few close friends, imagining who would attempt such a trick was hard. But amidst my confusion, one person stood out as someone I could always rely on in tough times: my best buddy, Hana. I felt a presence behind me while washing a cup in the kitchen sink. I turned around to find Hana holding the mug. "I'll take care of that cup while you get some rest," I said in a low tone. "Ella, it's impossible for me to sleep when everything in my life has turned upside down. I was completely unaware that Luke would do something like this to me. I accepted his illogical explanation and placed my total confidence in him. And you know what, Ella? I am pregnant with his kid. When I went to tell Luke, I saw him making out with a female c
Ella - Pov "What are you doing, Mr. Miller?" I demanded, my eyes filled with anger as I took a step back from his imposing presence. "Mr. Miller, why are you holding me accountable for something I had nothing to do with, especially when you know the truth?" I said, folding my arms and struggling to keep my voice steady. "It was a strategic move, considering others witnessed you slap Miss Collins. I understand that you're claiming to be the victim, but who are you to question my judgment, Miss Hart?" Mr. Miller's harsh tone masked a hint of amusement. Sofia and Mr. Miller were fueling my anger with every word, and I felt an overwhelming urge to lash out at them both. What was the point of enduring Mr. Miller's presence once again when I could find a new job that didn't require me to deal with him? "Are you just going to stand in my way, or do you have something to say?" Mr. Miller's voice brought me back to reality. "I would like to resign from my position at the company, Mr. Mill
Ella - POV Ella _ POV "Darcus, what on earth are you doing? Why did you kiss me?" I exclaimed in frustration. Mr. Miller and Hazel stood there, devoid of emotion, their stances rigid. Finally, I approached and slapped him across the face, only to gasp in agony as my palm struck his hard, unyielding face. "Are you all right, Ella?" Mr. Miller's voice held an undercurrent of concern as I cradled my injured hand. How could slapping a human cause such excruciating pain? Is he a human or a vampire? What am I even thinking right now? Mr. Miller walked over to me and examined the palm of my hand. He halted his steps as I instinctively moved back. "You forcibly kissed me, Mr. Miller, and now you're concerned about my well-being. I am an engaged woman. How could you do that?" I snarled through the agony. Seeing my struggle, Mr. Miller proceeded to the desk and retrieved a first aid kit, grabbing my right hand and forcing me to sit on the sofa against my will. "Please, do not touch me, Mr.
Ella - POV I approached Mr. Miller's cabin but paused upon hearing a woman's voice. I stayed back, avoiding being seen as I eavesdropped on their conversation. Standing in the shadows, I could hear a woman's voice screaming. The silence in the hallway made it easier to focus on their words. "Darcus, why are you keeping that woman close to you? I told you to sever all ties with her," said the woman's voice. "When it comes to that woman, I'm not interested in her. It's purely business. So don't interfere, Mom," Mr. Miller's voice was icy. "The stoic mask you wear can't hide your true feelings, and as your mother, I'm tired of you lying to me about it. Don't you still have emotions for her, despite all the effort I've put into erasing that bond?" Her voice turned furious. "It's time for you to leave, Mom. I have work to do," Mr. Miller's remarks conveyed an underlying resentment. "Fine, but don't think I'll let this issue go. Meet me at home, and we'll find a way to get rid of that
Ella - POV "I don't understand what's going on, Ella," asked my dad. I didn't respond to my dad's words because I wanted to chase Mr. Miller away. As I marched towards the door, I snatched my phone from Mr. Miller's grasp. Just as I was about to slam the door in his face, Mr. Miller stopped me and stormed inside. I gave Mr. Miller a disapproving frown, while Dad maintained a bewildered expression. Hana and Luke stopped squabbling and stared at me. Mr. Miller knew my father was completely unaware that his company employed me. "I apologize for barging in like this, but I need to clarify things, Mr. Hart. I believed, Ms. Hart, that you always spoke the truth, but I was mistaken." I felt the weight of my father's gaze upon me, and the guilt building up inside me surfaced. "Mr. Miller, are you getting involved in an issue that has nothing to do with you?" I inquired firmly. "Could you both please stop arguing and explain what is happening in this room?" Dad yelled sarcastically. "We ar