Three days have passed, and I have been restless and had sleepless nights. Maya had decided to take care of this month's rent, but I know it took a big toll on her finances and I don't want to be a liability, life in this city was going so well before Liam frost. His name alone makes me want to barf, I hate this man to the bone.
I picked up my phone to call my little sister and mom who lives a state away from me. Mom works in a hospital but she's old and I have begged her to retire,but how can she retire now that I have no means to support her.
I hissed as I picked up the phone to call my sister.
" Hi Ari, I've missed you," my little sister Everest said. "I've missed you to baby" I replied smiling from ear to ear, I love that girl
"I'm not a baby anymore Ari, I'm a junior in high school now" Everest replied emphasizing the high school part so i get the message.
"You're still my baby no matter what" I replied " how's mom" I asked. "Mom's good she left for work not too long ago, you good"
"Yeah yeah I'm fine, just checking in." I replied, we talked for a while before we hung up, hearing my baby sister's voice was all I needed today.
I was lying on my bed, still confused on what steps to take, since I've been blacklisted, I need to check other fields of interest and that includes hospitality business.
I'm not giving up, no I wasn't raised that way, I'm going to keep on trying and trying and I found my laptop, scrolling through endless seas of vacancies that's when I saw
My chest tightened. Cleaning wasn't my dream. But I didn't have the luxury of pride.
I clicked apply, uploaded my resume and hit submit and within minutes:
Interview today. 4pm. Arcs tower, floor 21.
My breath caught, Arc tower was one of the most iconic skyscrapers in the city owned by a massive corporation
I didn't know which one
I didn't care
I just needed that job.
....
I rushed into the building, hoping not to miss my interview, I got dressed in my best pants and plaid shirt and loafers, my brown hair slicked back in a ponytail, my palms were sweaty but I was more confident in myself.
The lobby was sparkled with marble floors and lush furniture, everything screamed wealth and power, employees in suits moved around in the space.
I approached the receptionist desk, a blond lady with way too much makeup was behind the desk and a little cleavage too
"Hi I'm here for my interview by 4pm for the cleaning position"
The receptionist smiled warmly. "Name?"
"Ariana Lane."
The woman typed, then paused. Her smile faded slightly, eyes flicking up.
"Ariana… Lane?"
My stomach twisted. "Yes. Is something wrong?"
The receptionist hesitated, then forced a smile again.
"No, everything's fine. Please take the elevator to the 50th floor. Human Resources will meet you there."
50th floor? That was too high for cleaning staff interviews. But she nodded and stepped into the elevator, pressing the button.
As the doors slid closed, she exhaled a shaky breath.
This is my chance. I have to get this job.
Ding.
The doors opened.
The 50th floor was silent, luxurious, private. Dark wood, soft lighting, glass walls with a breathtaking city view. Not a cleaning supply in sight. What sort of company is this?
"Hello? I'm here for the post of the cleaning crew. I frowned
A voice cut through the silence behind me
"I didn't expect you to give up so easily Ariana"
I knew that voice! Motherfucker!
I turned and lo and behold Liam frost stood by the window hands in pockets staring at me as though he wanted to kill me. His office was breathtaking.
My throat tightened " no no way, this is- is " I stammered
"You're in frost holdings" he said calmly "this is my building"
I wanted the ground to swallow me up.
"This is some trick right, you blacklist me and then you bring me here?"
"I offered a job. You came running." He shrugged. "I suppose desperation makes people humble."
My chest burned with rage and humiliation.
"You did this on purpose. To laugh at me? To drag me here and embarrass me?"
Liam stepped closer, eyes locked on hers cold but curious.
"No. I brought you here so we can discuss something."
"I have nothing to say to you," I hissed. "I'd rather go hungry or starve"
He smirked slightly. "You already are."
My breath hitched not because he was wrong, but because I hated that he knew.
Then he said it:
"I'm offering you a job. Full-time. In this building."
I just stared at him, stunned.
"What kind of job?"
He stared right back at me , voice low and deliberate.
"Personal assistant."my heart stopped.
I shook her head. "I would never work for you. I hate you."
Liam stepped closer until I could feel the heat of his presence.
"Good," he said softly. "Hate is still a type of passion. It means I haven't lost your attention."
My voice trembled with fury.
"I will never be at your mercy."
His expression is dangerous, unreadable.
"Oh, Ariana," he whispered,
"You've been at my mercy since the moment you hit me."