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...

Chapter 5

I woke up early, feeling a mix of excitement and nervousness. Today was my first day at Lycaon Enterprise, and I was determined to make a good impression. The sunlight streaming through the window highlighted the dust particles dancing in the air, and I could smell the aroma of freshly brewed coffee wafting from the kitchen into my room.

I got up and did my normal morning routine. Now I was dressed in my new suit, trying to smooth out the wrinkles as I looked in the mirror. The fabric felt crisp and cool against my skin, and I nodded in approval at my look. I took a deep breath, feeling a sense of determination wash over me.

As I made my way to the living room, I could hear Isabella typing away on her laptop, the soft click-clank of the keys a comforting sound.

"Good morning, Isabella" I said, and walked into the kitchen to pour myself a cup of coffee. The rich aroma filled my senses, and felt a surge of energy.

Isabella looked up, a warm smile on her face. "Morning, my love, how are you feeling about your first day at work?" She asked, her eyes sparkling with curiosity.

I took a sip of my coffee, feeling the bitterness on my tongue. "To be honest, I'm a bit nervous. It's a new and entirely different place, and I don't want to mess up."

Isabella nodded, her eyes sparkling with encouragement. "You will do great, Selena. Just be yourself, and don't let anyone intimidate you. Even including your boss, if he does anything to bother you." she said jokingly to lighten up my mood and ease my mind, which works.

I laughed out loud. "I'll try, ma, I won't allow anyone to mistreat or do anyhow" I said taking another sip of my coffee.

"Enough with all your antics, I am running late" I said, dropping the coffee cup and grabbing my bag heading towards the door.

"Alright take care" Isabella said. I nodded, feeling a surge of gratitude towards my friend.

The cab was already waiting for me downstairs, and I slid into the backseat, feeling a sense of anticipation. The ride to the office was a blur, and before I knew it, I was standing in front of the Lycaon Enterprise building, looking up at the sleek glass and steel structure.

As I entered the building, I was greeted by Lyla, the first receptionist on the down floor. Her smile was friendly and her eyes were filled with curiosity.

I smiled back, "Hi morning" I replied, walking straight to the elevator.

The elevator ride was a whirlwind, and before I knew it, I was standing on the first floor. I was greeted by Sofia, the friendly receptionist with a smile. "Good morning, Selena! Welcome to Lycaon Enterprise. I hope you enjoyed your first day at work. Let me show you your office."

Do I really get an office? I thought I would be around the CEO 24/7 since I am his PA.

"Morning Sofia, thank you" I said and followed her.

And soon we arrived and she opened the door of the office beside the CEO's "This is your office, so it will be convenient to reach the CEO immediately when he calls for you. What do you think, do you like it" she asked.

"Yeah I love it, thank you" I said my office was beautifully designed and with a stunning view of the city. I felt a surge of excitement as I took in the sleek lines and modern decor.

"You're welcome," she said, "and it's exactly time for the meeting scheduled for today. It's for the top‑position people who work closely with the CEO."

"Where is that taking place? And do I have to attend" I asked.

"At the conference room on this floor. Yes, you have to attend. Maybe you should follow me so we can go together," she replied.

I nodded, dropped my belongings at my desk, locked the door, and fell into step beside her.

As we walked to the conference room, Sofia chatted about the company and the people who worked here, also about how handsome the Coo was.

"There's a lady called Lyra. She doesn't like any woman getting close to the CEO. She acts like the CEO's wife, the madam of the Company and she is also the CEO's childhood friend. Be careful around her."

She warned. I thank her for all that information.

As we reached the conference room, we walked in. I scanned the room to see a few people already there. We took our seats, and soon people started coming in. After some time, the CEO entered the conference room with Coo Aiden I think, who was as handsome as the CEO and both have this unique aura around them.

Marcus's eyes scanned the room until they landed on me. He smiled at me and walked straight to the head table and sat down. "Good morning sir" we all greeted them.

"Good morning," he said, his voice smooth as silk. "Please, you all should take a seat. let begin the meeting"

I nodded, trying to calm my racing heart. As I took my seat, I couldn't help but notice the way Marcus eyes lingered on me for at times. Why is he always handsome and sexy? He looks more attractive as he listens to the meeting.

The meeting was a blur of introductions and discussion of a new project the company is doing right at the moment. I tried to focus, but my mind kept wandering back to Marcus, wondering what he was looking for in a personal assistant.

As the meeting was about to adjourn, Marcus suddenly spoke. "We have a new member among us who just joined this morning, she is my personal assistant. Miss Isolde, please introduce yourself" he said and I stood up

"Hi, everyone, I'm Selena Isolde, please take care of me" I said and sat down. "You are welcome" I heard from everyone.

"The meeting is adjourned. Miss Isolde, I want you to follow me to my office" he said and I followed after him.

He wasn't alone, Aiden was right beside him. I couldn't help but notice the way they moved together, a quiet confidence that was both captivating and intimidating.

The three of us slipped into his office; they claimed the chair while I was ushered to the couch. Their low, clipped discussion filled the room, and after a tense few minutes Aiden rose, his chair scraping the floor as he prepared to leave.

Watching the two of them, I was sure they were either family or the kind of friends who'd die for each other.

"Hey, Miss Selene, welcome to Lycaon Enterprise. My name is Aiden. Nice to meet you" he said, extending his hand.

I shook his hand "Nice to meet you too sir" I said.

"If you need anything don't hesitate to reach out to me, I will do what I can. Even if it's this blockhead that's troubling you" he said motioning to Marcus. "Thank you sir" I said.

He grins and walks out, leaving me alone with Marcus.

The office fell into an uncomfortable silence. Why did he call me here? I thought he had some work for me.

"Miss Isolde, I thought you promised not to look at me at all, but why are you staring at me all the time during the meeting? Am I really that handsome that you can't resist and drool every time you see me?"