Chapter 2

I stared at my phone screen, my heart racing like a jackrabbit on steroids. "Oh, my goodness, this can't be true" I exclaimed, my voice echoing through the small living room.

I immediately closed the email and clicked on it again to be sure I wasn't seeing things, my eyes scanning the words as if they were a golden ticket to a better life.

Lycaon Enterprises@gmail.com

"Dear Miss Selena Isolde,

We are pleased to inform you that your application has been selected for an interview at the Lycaon Enterprise.

The words danced on the screen, taunting me with the promises of a brighter future. This was it, the chance to escape the dullness and my boring life and start anew. I can't believe this. If I was chosen, my life would change forever.

I had mentally and emotionally prepared for this moment several times, but nothing could have prepared me for the rush of excitement coursing through my veins. I am so happy.

"Selena" I felt someone shaking me. I look up to see Isabella's worried face looming over me.

"What's wrong? What happened? Why are you screaming like that? and have been shouting your name, what did you see on your phone that makes you not hear me until I shake you" Isabella asked in a rush.

I blinked, taking a deep breath as I turned to face her. "Calm down, which one should I answer first, huh? Just read the email, it will answer all your questions" I said, handling her my phone, trying to contain my excitement.

Isabella's eyes widened as she read the screen. "What? You have been asked to come for an interview at Lycaon Enterprise? Is this for real? The same Enterprise that's one of the largest and most prestigious organizations in the world? Wow, girl you have made it."

Isabella read the email once again, her eyes checking out each word to be sure. "But it is tomorrow" she said and I immediately looked at her.

"What do you mean tomorrow?" I asked, my voice laced with a hint of panic. "Look at it yourself," she said, passing me the phone.

I snatched the phone back, my eyes scanning the screen once more. "And the interview was scheduled for 10 am tomorrow. Please do not come late and let us know if you will be unavailable tomorrow." I read out.

"Oh my god, how do they want me to prepare? I hope I don't mess up tomorrow, if I really get the job at the Enterprise, I have made it," I whispered, my heart sinking, and I was already running out of time.

Isabella placed a reassuring hand on my shoulder. "You will be fine, Selena. You've got this. Just be yourself and show them what you're capable of, I trust you"

I nodded, feeling a surge of determination. I was going to nail this interview and get the job.

"So now, madam, please go to your room to sleep early so you will be able to wake up early and in good condition. I'll help you prepare in the morning," Isabella said as she pushed me towards my room.

I felt a sense of unease creeping in. As I entered my room.

What if I wasn't good enough? What if I messed it up?

I pushed the doubts aside, focusing on the excitement coursing through me. I lay on my bed, staring at the ceiling as the possibilities swirled in my head. This was a chance to change my life and I was going to take it.

Lost in thought, the sound of my phone ringing jolted me out of my thoughts-and I saw it: my parents calling.

"Hey, mom," I said, answering the phone.

"Hi, sweetie, how was your day?" My mom asked, her voice warm and caring.

"It was okay," I replied, trying to sound casual.

"How was the job interview you had today? Did it go well," she asked.

"You don't have to ask about an obvious thing, you are so stupid. Of course it didn't go well, didn't you see? She didn't say anything about it. If it went well she wouldn't have kept quiet immediately she picked up. She is the same as you. She can't do things right," my father said, and I immediately changed my mind about telling them about the job interview I had with the Lycaon Enterprise.

My mother's voice was like a match to gasoline, igniting a fire of anger and frustration. "Hey, wait what do you mean she's just like me, and can't do things right? what have I not done right, and moreover I didn't ask you or talk to you. Why do you have to interfere in everything" She spat, her words dripping with venom. And with that another round off argument has started.

"I will call you back after I am done dealing with this cheap cheater" My mom's words were like a slap to the face, a harsh reminder of the toxic dynamic that had become their norm.

The call ended abruptly, leaving me feeling like a spectator in a car crash, unable to look away. The silence was oppressive, heavy with unspoken words and unresolved anger.

As I lay there, the darkness seemed to close on around me, suffocating me with the weight of their dysfunctional relationship. My adoptive parents, a pair of individuals who couldn't stand each other, yet remained trapped in a loveless marriage.

They had been like this even before they adopted me at the age of 6, and I had grown accustomed to the tension, the arguing, and the silent treatment.

Soon I drifted off to sleep amidst my thoughts, my mind racing with what-ifs, and I couldn't shake the feeling that my life was about to change in ways I couldn't even imagine.

The sunlight burst through my window, shining into my face. I groggily opened my eyes, the bright light making me squint.

7:30, the time glared at me from my phone screen, a harsh reminder that I was running late. I slept late last night and the excitement was overwhelming.

I sprang out of bed, my heart racing as I rushed to the shower. The water was so refreshing, I felt my senses come alive. I dressed quickly, my fingers flying as I buttoned my suit and smoothed my hair.

The sun was reflecting through the living room window casting a warm orange glow over the living room and kitchen.

I walked to the kitchen, made a coffee and some waffles for breakfast. I sat at the kitchen table and had my breakfast. Isabella walked in. "Good morning, how was your night" she asked, eyeing the waffles

"It was fine, and yours?" I replied, taking a bite of my breakfast.

"Good, and are you ready for today's interview?" Isabella asked, her voice laced with excitement.

I nodded, feeling a surge of confidence. "Yeah, ready and confident" I said, checked the time, 8:30, and my heart skipped a beat. I grabbed my laptop, and my bag was already packed and ready to go.

"I am set, and ready to face today's interview with courage and hope. And my cab is here" I said, hearing the honk outside.

Isabella smiled, her eyes shining with encouragement. "Alright, then wish you the best of luck" She said, and I knew she meant it.

I walked out of the room, straight to the cab waiting for me. I slid into the backseat, my heart pounding in my chest, and gave the address of Lycaon Enterprise, feeling a thrill of excitement mixed with a dash of nervousness.

As I arrived at the office building, I felt a sense of awe wash over me. Here I am standing in front of a magnificent building, which is truly the most prestigious company in the world.

I walked into the lobby, my heart pounding in my chest. The receptionist smiled and greeted me. "Hi am Selena Isolde here for an interview"

"Oh, one second," the receptionist said, typing on her laptop trying to confirm my name was on the list of interviewers. "Just go to the top floor, someone will receive you there" she said and I walked to the elevator. I walked into the elevator and soon I reached the top floor.

I took a deep breath, smoothed out my suit. The elevator doors opened, and I stepped out into the sleek, modern lobby of the top floor. I made my way to the receptionist desk, racing with anticipation. "Hi, I'm Selena Isolde, here for an interview" I said.

The receptionist smiled and nodded. "Right this way, Miss Isolde. Mr. Lycaon is waiting for you. And do you know you are here for a personal assistant job? You are quite lucky that the CEO is looking for a P.A urgently" She said.

I shook my head, feeling a bit surprised. "No, I wasn't aware it was not included in the email" I said.

"Oh, there might be a mistake with the email. You are here for the position of the personal assistant of the CEO" she said. "Oh thank you for letting me know" I said to her.

"You are welcome" she said. And she nodded and led me to the CEO's office. I look confident but I was nervous, an interview for the big boss personal assistant. Wow. As we arrived in front of the CEO office, my heart started pounding faster in my chest.

The receptionist knocked on the door, and a voice called out, "come in"

She opened the door and entered. I also walked into the office, the bright sunlight and hum of the city outside contrasting with the sleek, modern interior. The interior was so beautiful.

"Sir the lady for the interview is here" I heard the receptionist say, I was still behind her unable to see the boss. "Alright you can go" said a voice I believe was of the boss. It was the most enchanting and cool voice I have ever heard.

The receptionist moved away and walked out then I was greeted by the most captivating sight I had ever seen.

The CEO sat behind his desk, his piercing blue eyes seemed to bore into my soul, he was the most captivating man I had ever seen and his chiseled features made my heart skip a beat.

"How could there exist someone as handsome as this? Is he really my boss and not a god on earth" I whispered, my voice barely audible, without realizing I had spoken out loud.

The CEO's gaze met mine, and a hint of a smile played on his lips. "I am a human not a god, miss Selena" he said, his voice dripping with amusement, leaving me mortified.

I felt my cheeks flush with embarrassment, I quickly looked away, trying to compose myself.

The CEO's eyes sparkled with amusement as he leaned back in his chair, his gaze never leaving mine. "Shall we begin the interview, Miss Isolde?"

Chapter 3

"Yes, sir, I am ready for the interview," I said.

As I sat across from the CEO, I tried to focus on the interview questions. But my mind kept wandering back to the way his eyes seemed to see right through me, the way his smile made my heart skip a beat. What's wrong with me? I should not be thinking of him. My mind was supposed to be on the questions.

I forced myself to concentrate, answering his questions with as much confidence as I could muster. But I could feel his gaze on me, piercing blue eyes that seemed to bore into my soul.

As the interview drew to a close, the CEO leaned back in his chair, his eyes never leaving mine. "Tell me, Miss Isolde, what makes you think you're the right person for this job?" He asked.

I took a deep breath launching into my prepared speech. "I think I'm the right person for this job, sir. I'm not just looking for a job, I'm looking for a challenge.I have the skills and qualifications, I'm just looking for a chance to prove myself and make a real impact. And I'm willing to work hard to make that happen. I'm a quick learner and I promise not to stare at you too much, sir"

Oh no, did I just say that? I felt my face flush with embarrassment as the CEO's eyes sparkled with amusement. Why can't I stop embarrassing myself before this man.

"I'm impressed, Miss Isolde," he said, his voice dripping with charm. His eyes sparkling with amusement. "You certainly have a way with words. But words are just words. I need to see action. I need to see that you're willing to put in the work and make sacrifices for the company."

He leaned forward, his voice taking on a more serious tone. "This is a high-pressure job, Miss Isolde. You'll be working long hours, and you'll be expected to keep up with the demand of the company. You'll be privy to sensitive information, and you'll be expected to keep it confidential. Are you prepared to make all those commitments?"

His gaze locked onto mine, as if searching for any hint of hesitation. But he was bound to be disappointed because I am ready to do it all. I know he was probably testing me, pushing me to see if I am truly serious about the job which I am.

"Sir, as I said earlier I just need a chance to prove my worth and I will not disappoint you. I'm prepared to make all those commitments, sir" I said.

As I finished speaking, he nodded, a hint of a smile on his lips. "I think you'll do just fine, Miss Isolde. You got the job, start from tomorrow, I will be expecting you by nine am."

I beamed, trying to contain my excitement. "Thank you, sir. I promise to do my best and be good..." I said.

"And I'm Marcus Lycaon," he interrupted, his eyes sparkling. "I'm sure you don't know my name"

I felt a jolt of surprise, wondering how he knew that. I just know everything about the company except for his name since people don't talk much about him. "How did you...?"

He chuckled, a low, husky sound. "You've got a lot to learn, Miss Isolde. And has anyone ever told you, you're an open book? All your words are always on your face"

Is he for real but anything the boss said is right, and I nodded. "No one has ever told me that, you are the first sir" I said.

"Okay, goodbye I need to get back to work," he said, his voice playful. "or are you that reluctant to leave me? I also don't want you to leave. You can stay as long as you don't disturb me"

I laughed, feeling a sense of ease with him that I couldn't explain. "No, sir, continue with your work. I will get going. Goodbye sir, see you tomorrow" I said.

As I left his office, I felt a sense of relief wash over me, for finally leaving that demon. I feel attracted to his handsome look which is normal. Everyone loves beautiful things. It can't be beyond that. I have to be careful around the CEO. His look can make one do some crazy things and embarrass oneself.

But, at last I had finally gotten the job and I was excited to start. But I couldn't shake the feeling that Marcus Lycaon was more than just a handsome CEO.

As I reached the receptionist I chatted with her and informed her about getting the job and resuming tomorrow. I got to know that her name was Sofia and she was nice. She told me a lot of things about the CEO such as he is nice but also strict and jokes with works he loves, worker diligent and punctual. I chat with her for a while before walking out of the building and hail a cab home.

I burst through the door, my heart still buzzing with excitement. Isabella isabella was lounging on the couch, her eyes fixed on the laptop screen as she chatted with Liam, her boyfriend via video call.

The warm glow of the screen illuminated her face, and I could almost feel the love radiating from her voice. I felt a pang of happiness for my friend, but my own news could wait. Liam and Isabella met in college during our first year since they started dating. That's how I also know him, through Isabella and the three of us become friends. Liam was out of the country for some work.

I slipped into my room, shedding my work clothes for a comfy pair of yoga pants and a soft t-shirt. The cool water of the shower revived me, washing away the stress of the day. As I towel-dried my hair, the scent of sizzling veggies wafted from the kitchen, making my stomach tingle with anticipation.

I had whipped up a simple stir fry, enough for both of us, and the table was set with a steaming hot plate of noodles and a side of garlic bread. Just as I was finishing up, Isabella walked into the kitchen, her phone still held in her hand.

"Sorry about that, Liam says hi, and how was the interview" She said, flashing me a quick smile.

I grinned, feeling like I was bursting at the seams. "Guess it?"

Isabella's eyes widened. "Tell me, tell me it is what am thinking"

"I got the job girl" I squealed, jumping up and down

Isabella shrieked, throwing her arms around me. "Congratulations, Selena! I knew you could do it"

We hugged and laughed, tension broken. "I'm so happy for you," Isabella said. "Thank you dear" I replied. "Now gist me about your day at the Enterprise" Isabella asked.

As we sat down to eat, I recounted the events of the day, from the sleek office building to the enigmatic Marcus Lycaon. Isabella listened, her eyes wide with excitement, her fork hovering above her plate.

"Whoa, sounds like you made quite an impression on your new boss," she teased, wiggling her eyebrows.

I rolled my eyes, feeling a flutter in my chest. "He's just... Nice, okay? And handsome, in a brooding, Alpha-male king of way"

Isabella squealed, nearly choking on her food. "Selena, you are blushing!"

I laughed, trying to play it cool. "Shut up, it's just a harmless attraction. Everyone loves attractive things. You know I'm not looking for love"

"hmm, you and this your single vow, all is well. But I know that very soon there will come a man who makes you believe in love and fall in love with him" Isabella said.

"You know that's not possible," I said. Isabella's phone rang as she was about to retort, and she jumped up to answer it, leaving me to my thoughts. As I washed the dishes, my mind wandered back to Marcus, his smile, eyes voice everything seared into my brain.

Just as I was finishing up, Isabella poked her head into the kitchen, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "Hey, Liam wants to talk to you, he said, he has some news" She said, handing me her phone.

I took the phone, feeling a sudden jolt of unease. What was Liam's news?

"Hey, Liam, what's up?" I asked, trying to sound casual.

There was a pause, and for a moment, I wondered if the connection had dropped.

"Selena, I have some news, on what you asked me to find out" Liam said, his voice low and serious. "And I think you should sit down for it"

Chapter 4

I sat down next to Isabella, my heart racing as I put the phone on speaker. The soft glow of the phone screen cast a pale light on our faces, and I could feel Isabella's concerned gaze on me.

"Am seated now, Liam, what is it?" I asked, trying to keep my voice steady.

The phone crackled, and Liam's voice came through, low and serious. "It is the result of your biological parents' investigation,"

I felt a shiver run down my spine as I leaned forward, my hands clenched into fists. "What's the result?" I asked in a rush.

The silence on the phone felt suffocating. My heart thudded so loudly I could hear it echoing in my ears. Even the ticking clock on the wall seemed to pause, as if the entire room was waiting for Liam's next words. I could feel my palms growing clammy, sweat beading across my forehead despite the cool air drifting from the AC.

A knot tightened in my stomach as an uneasy coldness crept through my chest. Part of me wished he would just say it, whatever it was so my mind would stop running wild with possibilities I wasn't emotionally prepared for.

Isabella wasn't even blinking. She watched me like she already knew something terrible was coming, and that alone made my anxiety worse.

"Well according to the investigator, they might have offended some people who erased their existence and don't want people to know about them based on the information you provided." He said and I could almost hear Liam's hesitation.

My mind reeled as I tried to process the words. "How could that be?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.

My throat burned with every breath I took. The room felt too quiet, too still, like the world had momentarily frozen around me. My childhood memories played in my mind like a broken film reel: blurry faces, muffled laughter, warm hands holding mine... and then darkness. A door closing. A goodbye I never understood.

What if all of that wasn't real?

What if everything I remembered was just a story I created to comfort myself?

A faint ache spread across my chest. The kind that comes from losing something you weren't ready to accept was gone.

Isabella's hand closed around mine, offering a comporting squeeze. "What do you mean, Liam?"

Liam's voice was gentle, but his next words sent a chill down my spine. "There is no couple with the name Nina Isolde and Noah Isolde at Willow Creek City."

I felt like I'd been punched in the gut, my breath knocked out of me. I stared blankly at the phone, my mind racing. "I think I really remember it correctly... I was smart and at the age of 5 had known some things, I am sure their name is Nina and Noah. I will never forget their surname and name. That's why I am still using it till now."

Isabella's grip on my hand tightened, and I knew she was worried about me. But I couldn't let my emotions get the better of me, not yet.

"I remember we used to be a loving family." I continued, my voice shaking. "Just one afternoon, everything changed, I was sent away... I want to know why."

"But now you are telling me there is no one bearing those names in the same city" I said looking blankly is my memories wrong.

Liam's voice was soft, understanding. "I'm sorry, Selena. There are no such people as Noah and Nina Isolde. So it might be either your memories are wrong or someone erases traces of their existence."

I pulled my hand away from Isabella's standing up and walked to the window.

The cool glass pressed against my fingertips as I stared out the window. The city lights blurred into streaks of gold and blue, glowing softly against the night sky. People were still walking along the streets below, laughing, talking, living their normal lives.

For a moment, I envied them.

They didn't have lost identities hanging over their heads.

They didn't go to sleep wondering if their entire childhood was built on lies.

I rested my forehead against the window, letting the faint vibration of passing cars ground me. But the heaviness in my chest refused to lift.

Isabella's voice was soft behind me as she touched my shoulder. "We"ll figure it out, Selena. We will find out the truth"

I nodded, feeling a sense of determination wash over me. I would uncover the truth, no matter what it took.

"I was dropped off at the orphanage at the age of 5. I was not raised in the orphanage." I said, my voice barely above a whisper.

"I was left there by someone but not my parents, like a package with no return address." I shook my head. I squeezed my eyes shut as the memory of that day flickered in my mind. A silhouette. A hand on my shoulder. The smell of something faintly metallic. But every time I tried to grasp it, the image slipped away like smoke.

Whoever dropped me at the orphanage didn't want to be remembered. Or didn't want to be found.

A strange shiver crawled up my spine, and the air around me felt heavier, as if someone had whispered a secret I wasn't meant to know.

"If my biological parents wanted to abandon me they would have done it at birth, not after I was old enough to remember some things about them." Though I don't remember what they look like

Isabella's eyes were wide with sympathy, but I knew she was worried. Liam's silence over the phone was deafening.

"Or maybe they are dead," I continued, my voice cracking.

"And their family doesn't want to raise me, so they dropped me at the orphanage and they erased my parents' existence to avoid any complications," I said, hoping Isabella and Liam wouldn't get worried.

But I knew deep down that there was more to my background than the eye could meet.

Liam's voice was bright.

"Yeah, that's the only logic I can think of, Selena," he said.

"But what if we hire a supernatural undercover to investigate? They must be able to discover something."

I shook my head immediately.

"No, don't investigate anymore. Not yet, at least."

My instincts were screaming in protest, warning me not to involve the supernatural undercover. My instincts were never wrong, they'd saved me countless times.

Isabella's eyes narrowed, but she knew better than to argue.

"Okay, we'll drop it for now. But promise me you'll be careful, Selena, because we don't know if your biological parents have an enemy who's looking for you."

I nodded, forcing a smile.

"I promise."

I handed the phone back to Isabella after removing it from the speaker, then walked to my room. I closed the door and sat on the edge of my bed.

Lately I've been having a terrible nightmare, a dream more like a blurry unclear memory. Which makes me try to know my true family and investigate the name of my biological parents, which I've remembered since I was dropped at the orphanage.

I know that name might be fake. Which it was.

It turns out to be as I suspected. I don't even remember the face or the identity of the person who dropped me off at the orphanage. All I knew was that someone dropped me at the orphanage.

Recently, my hearing has been sharper, louder. Especially at night. I'd catch the faintest sound outside the window or feel a strange prickle at the back of my neck, like unseen eyes were following my movements.

A few times, I even paused in the hallway of our apartment building, certain I heard quiet footsteps that stopped whenever I did.

Maybe it was stress.

Maybe it was something else entirely.

But every time I ignored the feeling, it only grew stronger.

All this is not normal, but all I can do right now is wait for the time those that dropped me would come to the orphanage to ask for me.

I know that in our world it's not only for us humans there are other supernatural beings like the Lycan, who fight against the other races for the right of us humans and help us regain our freedom from slavery; then there's the vampire, witch, angel, fae, demon, and so many other races among the supernatural.

They are still in contact and cooperate with us humans. Only the Lycan secluded themselves from the world after the war, no one has heard from them.

The supernatural beings rarely interact with us ordinary humans they deal only with nobles and leaders. They stay within their empires, and we humans rarely set foot in theirs.

So are my parents also supernatural creatures? Or did they offend one and have their existence erased, then hand me off for safety?

No matter which, I just hope I and those I love won't be in danger.

I should forget all this for now and sleep. I have to wake up early tomorrow for my new job and I can't be late on the first day the first impression I gave my boss was wrong already, and I can't let anything ruin the second one.

I don't know how tomorrow is going to be...