Aphira’s pov

I fixed my hair in a bun while putting on a little bit of make up. This is nerve wracking. I’m up next. Against what my parents said, I am looking for a job to earn my own money. My parents told me that I didn't need to because I will be taking over our company anyways when they retire, but I’m a stubborn person and like to do what I want. I want to live independently and make my own money while my parents are still the CEOs. So I decided to move out of their mansion and live in a condo a few kilometers away.

"Last for today, Ms. Horris you're up," a woman's voice sounded over the speaker. Oh my gosh that’s me. I gasped and quickly fixed my stuff and myself before walking in the room. "Good afternoon ma'am,” I greeted her with a bow and took a seat in front of the woman. The woman took my resume and scanned it before writing something down. I was about to say something but the woman spoke. "You're hired. Come tomorrow at exactly 8am. Come a second late and we'll be hiring another one to replace you," the woman said before shooing me out of the room.

I stood out of the room in shock. How did I get the job so easily? I didn't even have to say anything! Did my parents do something?….Nah They know their boundaries. I calmed my thoughts before walking out of the building and rushing to my condo which was on the other side of the road. I went in my room and belly flopped on the bed opening my laptop. I immediately called my friend Shanelle.

“What the heck do you want?” on the screen, a girl with crazy bedhead and droopy eyes said. “Sha! I got a job,” I squealed and she yawned. “Cool. Congrats. Now le--” She was cut off when I continued talking. Rude, I know but I could care less right now. “I’m so excited for tomorrow. Wouldn’t it be cool being the personal assitant of a CEO? I could get close to him/her and then when I take over our company I could use our ties and make an alliance. This could also be a great chance to see how CEOs do their jobs,” I said.

“You talk as if you’re having some sort of Mafia business. Anyways, I’m proud of you sis,” Shanelle smiled at the screen. “Now don’t call me for the next hour or so. I need my sleep,” the screen went black as Shanelle ended the call. I sighed and stood up. Now that she went back to sleep what am I gonna do? I was planning on talking to her the whole day but I guess that won’t be happening anytime soon.I don’t wanna wake her up anyways; she’s a monster when she’s mad.

I changed in some pants and a shirt that said ‘Avocado’ and had a cute avocado printed on it. I went out and the busy streets filled my sight. “Wah what a nice day to go shopping. Sadly I’m by myself,” I said loudly catching some people’s attention. Would one of them ask me out? I dou-- “Wanna go out with me then miss? I’m alone too anyways,” a man stood in front of me with a dazzling smile. Holy shit this guy is hot. I eyed him up and down.

“Why thank you. You don’t look bad yourself,” he said and I turned red. “Did I really say that out loud? Hehehe I’m sorry,” I laughed nervously. Damn what was this man doing to me. “It’s fine I get that a lot. So you still up for a grab?” he asked casually putting his hands in his pockets. I blushed at the offer and the sight. It’s not like everyday you get asked out by a hot man for lunch. “Sure why not,” I finally said. He took me to a small fancy restaurant nearby.

“This place looks nice,” I said in awe while looking around. A waitress took us to a table and gave us our menus. I opened it and my eyes nearly jumped out of their sockets. The man must’ve seen it and he chuckled. “Don’t worry it’s all on me. Now may I know your name?” he asked and I gasped realizing they still don’t know each other. Stupid me. “Eh..Uh…I’m Aphira Horris. You can call me Aphira and I can pay for myself, thanks though,” I gave him a genuine smile.

“Aphira…what a nice name. Call me Ryu, nice to meet you Aphira and like I said, I’ll be paying for our food,” he gave a charming smile which could make anyone fall head over heels for him. I, on the other hand, am internally freaking out. Could this day get any better? First I got a job and now I got myself a date with a hot man named Ryu! I wouldn’t really call it a date though. The waitress came back holding a notepad. “Good morning ma’am, sir! May I take your orders,” she greeted us with a smile.

“I’ll have the Chicken Parmesan and 4 seasons, for the lady...” Ryu trailed off letting me speak. “I’ll just have the Alfredo Pasta and a lemongrass,” I said and we gave our menus to the waitress. The waitress bowed and soon left us.

“Are you new here? I haven’t seen you around before,” Ryu started off. I fiddled with my fingers under the table nervously. “Yeah I’m new here. I just got here yesterday and I got a job there.” I point at the building right across the road. Mark looked at it and chuckled “Seems like you’re our new officemate,” he said.

Officemate! This really must be the best day for me! Wait, I sound like a teenage girl. I really should calm myself down. I took a deep breath. “Yep that’s right. I’m your new officemate so you better get used to me,” I said with a wink and he chuckled. What the hell was that wink! He probably thinks you’re flirting with him.

“What position did you apply for?” he asked snatching the tissue paper off the table and started playing with it. “I applied for the CEO’s personal assistant and got accepted. I can’t wait to start tomorrow. May I know who the CEO is?” I asked. When I said what I applied for his eyes widened momentarily before he smirked. OH. MY. GOSH. Can this guy get any hotter? “You’ll know tomorrow. I don’t like spoiling things,” he said.

He placed down an origami crane folded from the tissue paper. “Wow! You know how to do origami? I did these before for fun but I rarely do them now,” I said while holding the crane in hand admiring it. “I only know the simple stuff like that crane, a frog, rabbit, mostly animals,” he said. The waitress came back with our food and drinks.

“Chicken Parmesan and 4 seasons and Alfredo Pasta and lemongrass. Enjoy,” she placed down our food and left. I took my fork and stab it in the pasta before twirling it and putting it in my mouth. Mmm this tastes great. I gulped down the pasta and smiled. “This tastes good! “ I ate more and before I knew it, I finished the whole pasta. I gulped down my lemongrass and burped. “Oops. Excuse me,” I said blushing in embarrassment. That was so impolite and rude. Stupid digestive system. Ryu looked at me in shock and then laughed. “No it’s fine. That was a cute sight,” he said and I blushed even more. Stop making me blush dammit.

I ended up ordering a coffee jelly for dessert and finished it with him eating his meal. We chatted happily ‘till his phone rang. “Excuse me for a moment,” he stood up and walked a little bit away to answer the call. He said a few things before he came back.”I’m sorry it looks like I have to go. Duty calls. Don’t worry I’ll make sure to make it up by having lunch with you tomorrow,” he said while taking out his wallet. He placed down money on the table.

“Oh no It’s fine really. You don’t have to. I guess I’ll see you tomorrow then. I had fun,” I said smiling. He smiled back and walked out of the restaurant. I watched from the window as he crossed the road and walked towards the building. He stopped for a moment and turned around catching my gaze. He gave a small wave before walking in the building. I blushed and buried my face in my hands. Oh my gosh he caught me staring at him. He knew I was staring at him. Great job Aphira. I sighed and took my stuff walking out. I can’t wait for tomorrow.

The next day came by fast for me. I woke up 4 am and immediately took a bath. I dressed inn decent clothes that I think would give a good impression to the CEO and to look presentable to Ryu. I cooked and ate breakfast before brushing my teeth. Once I realized it was only 5 am I ended up binge watching anime on my couch.

“What no! He can’t die! What the he--” my screaming was cut off by my alarm. I shot up and quickly grabbed my bag rushing out of my room to the elevator. What the hell was I thinking! I lost track of time. It’s 7:50! I ran out of the condo and quickly crossed the road nearly getting hit by a car. “Watch it lady!” the driver yelled and I ignored him rushing in.

“Ms. Horris nice to see you alive. Follow me,” the woman from yesterday popped up in front of me scaring the shit out of me. We went in the elevator and it was a silent way up to the highest floor where I think is the CEO’s Office. We got out and was met by another lady. They greeted each other good morning and we smiled at each other. The woman pushed open the sliding doors and I was shocked to see Ryu from yesterday with another man.

“Here she is Sir,” the woman said and pushed me in front of her. I smiled. Is Ryu the CEO! Is this why he didn’t want to tell me yesterday? “Ryu, we’ll continue this conversation later. How about lunch? Is that cool with you?” the guy asked. I guess I’m wrong. “I have a date during lunch. We’ll talk tomorrow," he passed by me winking and I blushed. Why does he always make me blush?

“You must be Aphira Horris. Nice to meet you, I’m Damian Salvator.”