CALI

I stepped into the office where the interview was taking place, and my gaze immediately met Smith Bryan's.

Goodness-he was striking.

I forced myself to look away, fighting the heat creeping into my cheeks. I could admire him later-if I got the job. Right now, that was all that mattered.

"Have your seat," he said coldly.

Only then did I realize I was still standing.

"Thank you," I replied, sitting across from him.

His eyes moved over me in a way that made my skin prickle-not professional, not respectful. I shifted uncomfortably in my chair.

"Introduce yourself," he said gruffly.

I scoffed silently, cleared my throat, and began, "My name is-"

"Cali Rillion," he interrupted flatly.

I looked up, startled. Our eyes met for a brief moment before I quickly looked away. My heart pounded. Why did I suddenly feel like I was being examined instead of interviewed?

"What qualifications do you have?" he asked after what felt like an eternity.

"I studied Business Administration in college," I said carefully, "and I previously worked at Winthrop Enterprise. You can take a look at my CV."

"I don't need it," he snapped, stopping my hand halfway.

I screamed internally. What is wrong with this man?

"Do you need this job?" he asked.

Then he leaned back in his chair, folding his arms.

"How badly do you need it?"

The question felt wrong-too personal, too loaded. I clenched my jaw, resisting the urge to lash out.

"Very badly," I replied, already irritated.

He studied me for a moment, as if weighing something in his mind.

"To get this job," he said slowly, "you'll have to prove your loyalty."

My stomach dropped.

"What do you think you're implying?" I asked, standing up. "Who do you think you are?"

His face remained unreadable.

"So because I said I need this job, you think you can disrespect me?" I snapped. "If that's the case, you can keep it."

I grabbed my bag and headed for the door, my vision blurring with unshed tears. Why did this always happen? Why did interviews never just stay professional?

"Resume work tomorrow by 8:00 a.m.," he said calmly.

"You're hired."

I froze and turned back, wiping my face quickly.

Was this real?

"So this was a test..." I whispered to myself.

"Thank you, sir," I said quietly, nodding.

As I turned to leave, he stopped me briefly to make a call, informing someone named Mr. Henry that the other candidates could be dismissed.

He hired me.

A wide smile broke across my face-today was my lucky day after all.

"You may go," he said. "And congratulations once again."

I nodded and stepped out.

Gosh this me alot to me I can't believe this guy had to put such crazy test up and my outburst it was fucking crazy why the hell did I have to say all those words, I thought and chuckled. When the other lady came out crying i was super scared and I didn't know what to expect but I thank God I was able to succeed.

CALI

I placed my hands on my chest as I stepped out. I looked around but didn't see any of the girls again-most of them had already been dismissed by him. I left the building and took a cab home, disgusted by what I thought was meant to be a celebration, and I let out a bitter laugh.

BRYAN

No girl had ever resisted my offer before, but this one clearly did. Not only that-she yelled at me. At me. Who dares do that? Yet she did.

The funniest part was that I still gave her the job. That was exactly what I wanted. I didn't need a secretary who would drool over me or try to seduce me.

She's perfect for the position. The look on her face when I asked for sex showed she was decent. Still, I needed to rest. I thought as I placed a call to Catherine, my PA.

CALI

I got home and shut the door behind me, dropping my bag by the couch. I immediately noticed the house was empty-Edward wasn't home yet. Worry crept in.

Just as I was about to sit down, the doorbell rang.

I rushed to the door, already preparing to reprimand Edward for staying this long at the hospital. I opened it, ready to talk, but froze when I saw the house owner standing there. I sighed and rubbed my forehead in frustration.

"Good afternoon, sir," I greeted, bowing slightly as I let him in.

"There is nothing good about this afternoon, Cali," he said coldly as he walked in.

"Your rent is due, and you know that."

His harsh tone made me flinch. He suddenly started walking toward me, forcing me backward until my back hit the wall.

"What?!" I yelled.

He reached out and touched my hair. I slapped his hand away.

"You know you could pay with your body," he said suggestively, staring at me in a way that made my skin crawl.

"Are you mad?!" I shouted. "I just got a job. Give me this month and I'll pay everything!"

"You're being stubborn," he said angrily. "I'll be back next week for my rent."

With that, he stormed out.

Gosh... where would I get $80,000 to pay rent? I thought helplessly. And Edward-where was he? If he didn't come home by tomorrow, I would call the doctor.

I went upstairs, freshened up, and arranged the clothes and items I'd need for the next day. When I was done, I sat in the living room and picked up my phone to call the doctor-but my phone rang first.

"Good afternoon," I said, unsure of who was calling.

"Good afternoon. Am I speaking to Cali Rillion?" a woman asked.

"Yes," I replied, sitting upright.

"You are Edward Rillion's guardian, correct?"

"Yes, I am."

"I'm calling from B&S Specialist Hospital, where your brother was admitted."

My heart skipped as I jumped to my feet.

"Miss Cali, your brother needs surgery immediately. If not operated on, the cancer may spread, and it could become very dangerous."

I felt completely lost.

"Are you still there?" she asked.

"Yes... yes," I replied weakly.

"You'll need to deposit $120,000 to commence the surgery. It's urgent."

My heart sank.

"How is he now?" I asked, my voice trembling.

"He's stable for now, but you must get the money within 72 hours. Otherwise, we risk losing him."

"Okay... thank you," I whispered.

I dropped onto the nearest couch as she ended the call.

What kind of mess is this? I cried out loud. How do I get $200,000 to fix all of this?

"Edward, I'm so sorry you're going through this," I cried until my eyes burned. Exhaustion finally took over, and I fell asleep on the couch.

UNKNOWN

I sat back in my chair, smoking quietly while waiting for my boys to give me feedback.

I swore to myself that once I got my hands on her, I wouldn't let her go again. A slow smile crept onto my face as dark thoughts crossed my mind-just then, my phone rang.

It was my spy. I picked up immediately.

"Boss, we found her," he said.

I exhaled, an evil grin spreading across my face.

"Where is she?" I asked.

"She's currently in Gorgie City, on an unknown street," he replied, then paused. "We'll get her as soon as we see her."

"No," I said calmly. "Don't touch her. I'll take her myself."

I smiled and hung up.

I'm coming for you, babe. And this time, I'm not letting you go, I thought, smiling sarcastically.

GORGIE CITY - HERE I COME.

BRYAN

"Mom, good evening," I greeted as usual.

"Hi, son. How are you?" she replied happily.

"I'm fine, Mom," I said, pausing.

"What's making you so happy?" I asked.

"Guess," she replied mischievously.

"I can't," I said, rubbing my forehead.

"I'm coming over next week, and I need to meet your girlfriend," she squealed like a child.

I stayed silent.

"And if you don't have one," she continued, "I'll personally arrange one for you. The only thing I ask, son, is grandchildren."

She sounded sad now. I sighed, rubbing my temple.

"But Mom-"

"No buts," she cut in sharply.

"Bye, my child. See you next week."

The call ended.

"Gosh... what kind of pressure is this?" I muttered.

Later, I explained everything to my best friend, Henry. Instead of helping, he laughed and told me to find a fake girlfriend-someone who would act lovey-dovey while my mother stayed at my mansion.

I didn't even know who to choose. I knew almost any woman would agree-

but not my new secretary, my subconscious reminded me.

CALI

I woke up on the couch with tears in my eyes. I stood up quickly and looked around. Through the window, everything outside was dark-that's when I realized it was already night.

I needed rest. I'd think about everything later.

For now, I reassured myself that I would get the money for the surgery-no matter what it took.

I went to my room, lay on the bed, and drifted into a deep sleep.

NEXT DAY

I woke up feeling tense and checked the time-7:00 a.m.

I jumped out of bed, freshened up, and got dressed. After making coffee, I drank it with four slices of bread. The house felt lonely without Edward, but I pushed the feeling aside and forced myself to stay positive.

I rinsed my cup, locked the door properly, and rushed out.

By the time the cab dropped me off, I was ten minutes late. With help from the receptionist, I located my office. When I entered, I saw a young lady about my age standing with her arms crossed, clearly waiting for me.

I dropped my bag.

"Hey! Don't you realize I'm standing here?" she yelled.

I flinched.

"What do you want?" I asked tiredly, still dizzy.

"The boss wants to see you in his office," she snapped, then stormed off.

Just hearing the word boss made all the dizziness fade.

What did I do to this girl? We've barely known each other for five minutes, I wondered.

I knocked on the boss's door, and his husky voice told me to come in.

"Good morning, sir," I greeted, bowing slightly.

"Good morning," he replied coldly.

"What's wrong with this man?" I thought.

"You're twenty minutes late. Why?" he asked, lifting his head.

"I-I'm sorry, sir. I had an emergency," I replied nervously.

"That shouldn't affect your work," he said, clearly unconvinced.

"I'm sorry, sir," I apologized again.

"Next time you come late, Miss Rillion, I'll deduct it from your salary," he said firmly.

"You understand?"

"Yes, sir," I replied.

"Now leave."

His voice was cold and bossy as I scrambled out of the office.