5: The Interview

Two years later...

The hospital room was dimly lit, save for the soft glow of the monitors that beeped steadily beside Oliver’s bed. Amelia sat at his side, holding his small, frail hand. Her heart ached as she watched him struggle to smile despite his pale complexion and labored breathing.

The doctor’s words from earlier echoed in her mind.

“Ms. Lane, I’m afraid Oliver’s condition is worsening. Without proper treatment, his chances are slim. I know this is difficult, but we need to act fast.”

Difficult wasn’t the word. It was impossible. Amelia’s savings were long gone, eaten away by hospital bills, rent, and basic survival. Her job search had yielded nothing substantial in two years, and the odds of affording Oliver’s treatment seemed as distant as a dream.

But Amelia wasn’t about to give up. Oliver needed her to be strong.

After kissing his forehead and promising to be back soon, she left the hospital, her resolve hardened. The next few days were a blur of job interviews, rejections, and growing despair.

“We’re looking for someone with more experience.”

“We’ll keep your resume on file.”

“Thank you for coming in, but the position has been filled.”

Each rejection chipped away at her hope. Exhausted, Amelia wandered aimlessly through the city, her mind clouded with worry. She passed a trash bin where a crumpled flyer blew out, carried by the wind. It fluttered to her feet as though placed there by fate.

She picked it up, smoothing out the wrinkles.

“Assistant Role Available at Best Enterprises: Apply Within!”

Best Enterprises. It was one of the most prestigious companies in the city, a place she’d never dared to dream of working. The idea felt ridiculous—she was grossly underqualified for such a role. But something about the flyer’s appearance felt like a sign.

With Oliver’s face in her mind, she decided to try.

---

Amelia stood in the sleek, glass-walled lobby of Best Enterprises, clutching her resume with clammy hands. The towering office building screamed wealth and power, and she felt out of place in her secondhand blazer and scuffed shoes.

The receptionist raised a perfectly arched brow as Amelia explained her purpose. “Take the elevator to the 15th floor,” she said curtly.

The interview didn’t last long.

“I’m sorry, Ms. Lane,” the HR manager said, her tone polite but dismissive. “Your background doesn’t meet the requirements for this position. Best Enterprises seeks individuals with advanced qualifications and substantial experience.”

Amelia’s heart sank. She stood, thanked them for their time, and walked out with her head low, each step heavier than the last.

Just as she reached the gate, a voice called out behind her.

“Ms. Lane, wait!”

She turned, startled, as a young man in a sharp suit approached her, slightly out of breath.

“The CEO would like to see you in his office,” he said.

Her brows furrowed in confusion. “The CEO? Why?”

“I don’t know,” the man replied, gesturing for her to follow. “But when Mr. Best makes a request, it’s best not to keep him waiting.”

---

The CEO’s office was nothing short of breathtaking. Floor-to-ceiling windows offered a panoramic view of the city, and the furniture was sleek and minimalist, radiating quiet power.

Behind the large desk sat Andrew Best, a man whose name was synonymous with success. He looked up as she entered, his piercing gaze locking onto hers.

Andrew Best exuded an air of effortless authority. His tall, athletic frame was complemented by a perfectly tailored charcoal suit, the sharp cut accentuating his broad shoulders and narrow waist. His crisp white shirt was open at the collar, adding a touch of casual sophistication to his otherwise polished appearance.

His face was striking, with chiseled cheekbones and a strong jawline that gave him a commanding presence. A light stubble added ruggedness to his otherwise refined demeanor. His dark, neatly combed hair framed his face, a few stray strands softening his intense features.

But it was his eyes that truly captivated—piercing gray, sharp and discerning. They were framed by thick lashes, and their depth carried a weight of experience and confidence that demanded attention.

He was the most handsome man Amelia has ever set eyes on.

“Ms. Lane,” he said, his voice deep and measured. “Please, have a seat.”

Amelia hesitated before sitting. She clutched her resume tighter, her nerves threatening to unravel.

“I happened to see your application,” Andrew said, leaning back in his chair. “You’re underqualified for the role you applied for, but there’s something about you that caught my attention.”

Amelia blinked, unsure how to respond.

“Tell me,” he continued, steepling his fingers. “Why did you apply here, knowing the odds were against you?”

Her throat tightened, but she refused to let fear silence her. “Because I have no other choice,” she said, her voice steady despite her racing heart. “My son is sick, and I need this job to afford his treatment. I’ll work harder than anyone else. I’ll prove myself if you give me a chance.”

Andrew studied her for a long moment, his expression unreadable. Then, to her shock, a faint smile tugged at his lips. "I see." he scratched his chin for a moment. "Do you know why I've asked you to come, Ms. Lane?"

It was a question Amelia dreaded and couldn't possibly answer. Swallowing, she raised her head to meet his steel gray eyes but her courage failed her. "No."

"Because I have another offer for you, a job if you're interested." he answered.

Amelia blinked several times, as suspicion curled in her belly, "What kind of job?"

"A Personal Mistress."

She took a deep breath at his words. He couldn't mean, surely he's not implying what she thought. "I can't..." she replied slowly.

A slow smile tipped one corner of his mouth. "Full benefits, a huge pay, and all travel expenses paid." He wrote something on a small piece of paper and passed it over to her. "This should be sufficient for a starting salary."

The sum on the note almost made Amelia faint. She could pay for her son's treatment, and have more than enough money to feed and take care of other bills.

"Why me?" she asked, wanting to know why a man of his calibre wants her as a mistress.

"Let's just say I have a feeling you're very qualified for this job." he winked at her. He wasn't too surprised she hadn't recognised him, it has been two years since that night. It was the picture he took of her that made it easy for him to know she was the one. The woman he has been looking for.

"I want this in writing." she said with a shaky voice. She couldn't believe she was really doing this.

"That can be arranged," he said, "but first i need to interview you further for this position." Andrew stood up and moved to her. "Stand up, bend down and put your elbows on the desk."