Elena's POV
My hand still tingled from the slap.
I shoved my files into my bag and straightened, glaring at him.
"I hate men who think they can touch me," I said, voice sharp. "Sleep to get a job? I don't work like that."
His jaw tightened. He didn't move.
He probably wasn't used to women slapping him. Too bad. I will gladly do it again.
I spun on my heel and stormed out.
Outside the office, I exhaled so hard I thought I might collapse. My heart raced.
That was… insane.
What the heck did I just experience?
Across the street, a small café blinked its neon sign at me.
Salvation.
I marched in and ordered a latte. No sugar, just caffeine to calm my shaking hands.
I found a seat near the window, close enough to watch the street outside.
Life went on around me, but I couldn't stop thinking about what I'd just done.
The moment it arrived, I chugged it like my life depended on it. Halfway down, I realized—I had just slapped the CEO of a company I was trying to work for.
Brilliant! Absolutely brilliant!
I groaned, burying my face in my hands. "Why do I always mess things up?" I muttered. Then I laughed loudly.
"No. Stop it. You did the right thing," I said to myself, straightening.
I raised my cup like a toast. "To independence. To self-respect."
I checked my wristwatch and saw I still had time before my afternoon shift at the convenience store.
I rested my head on the table, looking out the window as I thought about everything that had just happened.
"You did the right thing," I repeated like a mantra. Over and over.
****
Night came.
At home, the apartment smelled faintly of dinner and instant noodles.
Drake sat across from me, spooning noodles into his mouth.
"How was the interview?" he asked, eyebrows raised.
"Uh… bad," I said, not meeting his eyes.
Too complicated to explain.
He shoved a big forkful toward me. "Eat. You'll need your energy."
I laughed, taking the noodles. "Aww, so sweet."
He shrugged, trying not to grin. "Someone's got to look out for you."
"I have another one tomorrow. Last interview this week. I'll be glad when it's done," I said, thinking of all the companies I'd applied to.
Drake nodded. "Tomorrow will work out well. You'll see."
"I hope it's my last hunt."
*****
The next day, I stood in front of the building.
KINGSTON CORP. gleamed in gold letters above the entrance.
I took a deep breath and stepped inside.
A receptionist directed me to the elevator. Floor 13—the interview floor. I pressed the button and rode up, watching the numbers light up one by one.
When the doors opened, I saw a row of candidates waiting. Some were quietly reviewing their notes, while others scrolled on their phones.
I took a seat among them, trying to calm my nerves.
The interviews began. One by one, people were called in and returned, some with smiles, some looking tense. Eventually, my name was called.
I walked to the interview room and was greeted by the HR department. They asked the questions, and I answered. Nothing felt personal, just a standard process. When it was over, I thanked them and stepped out.
Sitting down, I couldn't help but think about all the other candidates.
More experience, well-dressed, sharper resumes.
Of course, I had no chance.
This was a hopeless fight.
Later, at the club, Marcus slid me a glass of wine. "Cheer up. Don't let one interview ruin your night."
I smiled weakly. "Yeah, thanks."
He patted my shoulder. "You'll see. Something good is coming."
My phone buzzed. I pulled it out and stared. My eyes widened.
Elena Becket, you have been selected as the CEO Secretary, Kingston Corp. Please report on Monday at 9:00 a.m.
"OMG!"
I screamed. I screamed so loud that Marcus jumped.
"Hey! What's going on?" he asked, eyes wide.
I waved my phone at him, grinning like a fool. "No way! Marcus, I got it! I actually got the job!"
"Hey, careful! You're louder than the music!" he teased.
"I don't care! I got the job! I got the job!" I shouted, spinning.
A customer's hand landed on the counter. "Excuse me, miss…"
"Coming!" I said, grinning, my heart pounding with excitement.
****
Monday morning.
I stood in front of my mirror, fully dressed, and stared at myself. Excitement and nerves tangled in my chest.
Tears slid down my cheeks.
After weeks of struggling, endless interviews, and dead-end jobs, I was finally here.
I got a job! Not just any company, but Kingston Corp., the biggest firm in New York City.
I wiped my face, took a deep breath, and adjusted my blazer one last time.
"Are you crying?" Drake's small voice broke the silence as he appeared in the doorway.
"No," I said quickly, forcing a smile.
"You look amazing, sis. They're lucky to have you," he said, placing a hand on my shoulder.
I grinned, ruffled his hair, and stepped out.
By the time I reached the company, the sun had fully risen. I walked past the gleaming glass doors and approached the receptionist.
"I'm Elena Becket, the new secretary for the CEO," I said.
She smiled politely and pointed toward the elevator. "Press 'V'," she said.
The elevator hummed as it climbed. When the doors opened, I stepped onto the penthouse floor.
The polished wood floors, glass walls, and calm quiet made me swallow hard. This floor was reserved for the CEO alone.
My heels clicked against the marble as I approached his office.
I knocked lightly.
"Come in," a deep voice called.
I opened the door. A man sat with his head bent over a stack of files. He must be my boss.
A glass nameplate on his desk caught my eye: ADRIAN KINGSTON.
The office was all glass and polished wood, calm and intimidating.
"I'm Elena Becket," I said, trying to keep my voice steady. "Your new secretary."
He lifted his head just slightly, enough to glance at me.
Holy macaroniiii….
What a beauty!! God's own creation? How can a person be this handsome…
"I was right. It's you," he said, cutting through my thoughts.
I don't understand. "Pardon?"
Without another word, he returned to his files.
"Quit staring at my beautiful face," he muttered without looking up. "Your first task—"
I blinked. "Excuse me?"
He pointed at a folder. "Organize all client files from the past six months. I want them digitized, sorted by priority, and ready for review in thirty minutes. Then prepare a summary of urgent matters and mark all contracts that need my immediate signature."
My stomach lurched. "Excuse me?!"
His eyes didn't lift from the papers. "Time is ticking. Get to work."