CHAPTER 10

Days Later 

~ Christian ~

'Sir, the interview is today' I was reminded by one of the workers who took upon himself the responsibility of acting as my Personal Assistant for the past six days. He mentioned he'd stop once I find one for myself.

I inclined my head affirmatively. 'When did you set the time to be?'

'It's starting by 2:00pm sir' he responded.

I took a quick glance at my wrist watch and frowned.

'It's two already'

He smacked his lips. 'It skipped my miind to tell you before hand. I'm sorry sir'

I wheezed out a breath.

'I'll accompany you there' he offered.

I adjusted my tuxedo and approached the room where the interview is to take place.

I have decided to personally handle this interview so I can get a suitable working partner for myself. If someone was to choose for me. I might not be so satisfied.

'How many people applied?' I asked as I settled on the chair. 

'Four hundred sir but I picked out specific ones that are certified for the job, using their CV and experiences as a guide. So fifty are outside, waiting to be interviewed..

'That's thoughtful of you' It would have been extremely strenuous to have four hundred people interviewed when you're looking for just one person.

Two bright spots appeared on his cheeks and he shyly looked to the floor at the compliment. I scoffed lightly. 

He soon got over it and handed me a number of documents.

'These contain the profiles of the potential workers out there. You might want to have a thorough look at it'

I rolled my eyes. 'How's it possible I have a thorough look at it right now. Please, start calling them in' I asserted.

…An Hour Later..

'Is that all on the list?' I asked, massaging my thigh to relieve my myself of the cramps that was starting to creep in.

'No sir. It's remaining one more'

'Call him in immediately. I'm exhausted as it is'

Few seconds after he departed the office, he came back, ushering the person in.

'Please, have your seat' he urged 

'What's your name?' I asked, looking through the pile of profiles I was entrusted with.

A moment of silence passed and the only thing I heard were sounds of breathing.

'Your name, please?' I asked again.

'Lauren Palmer'

As if on cue, her profile appeared the same time she said her name.

My head shot up immediately and I froze. Consequently, her shoulders tensed, her fingers fondled apprehensively around each other as they leaned on the table. She had her face downwards and her blonde hair did a great job in hiding most of her facial feature. My heart pounded in my chest and I can swear that an amount of blood oozed in my ear. My hands tightened on the document I was holding.

'Excuse us for a moment' I told him, not taking my eyes off her.

He bowed slightly and obliged instantly..

I leaned in on my chair, stared at her as she continues to avoid eye contact..

'What are you doing here?' 

'I'... I'm he…re for the j.. job' she stuttered.

'Here for what job? The post of being my personal assistant?'.

She nodded. 'You got that right, sir'

I shook my head unbelievably. 'Can you stop it already?!' I thundered. 'What do you think you're doing? You think you'll get a chance at the job? You're betrayed me.. you decieved me.. you broke all your promises! Did you even think about how I'll feel when I see you again? You piss me off, Lauren' 

'Let's keep personal relationships aside..' she trailed off, avoiding to look directly at me.

I clenched my jaw, my resolve almost shattering at the sight before me and when she lifted her face, Darn it!! I had to remind myself how much pain she caused me. She played me.. broke me… ridiculed me. Good reasons I shouldn't let myself fall for her fake innocence.

How did she even get the guts to show her face up here?.

'Speaking of relationships.. Does he know you're here? Or did he send you here?' I grimly queried.

'He doesn't'

I slowly lifted myself out of the chair.

'Leave… I don't want to ever see you again. Ever!'

'But Dylan…'

'Not Dylan anymore. I am Christian Forbes' I cut her short, slammed her profile on the table and left the office. Tears streamed down my eyes. As much as I tried to hold them in, it just didn't work.

'Boss. Are you okay?'

I paused to face him. 'That woman in there'

'Miss. Lauren Plamer?

'She is prohibited from coming in here. Never let her in. No matter what her reason is'

'I understand, sir'

'Send her out of the office this instant'