The interviewer went through all the formalities, explaining the role, the responsibilities, and the expectations for the CEO's secretary. His voice was calm and professional, but I could barely focus. Beside him, standing like he owned the entire room, was the CEO himself. Sir Enzo Bellini.
And I couldn't—could not—tear my eyes away from him. The way his tailored suit hugged his broad shoulders, the subtle shine of his watch catching the light, the dark intensity in his eyes… it was hypnotic.
And then, suddenly, he looked at me.
My whole body froze like I'd been turned to stone. My heartbeat thudded painfully in my ears, loud enough that I was sure he could hear it. I didn't know what to do. Should I look away? Should I pretend to take notes? My mind blanked, completely useless, and so… I smiled.
I SMILED. Like an absolute fool.
I wanted to sink into the floor, to be swallowed by the earth, to disappear entirely. Every inch of me burned with embarrassment. And yet… he smiled back. That smile. The one that didn't belong to anyone else, the one that was impossibly smooth, a little teasing, and incomprehensibly… comforting. My chest tightened, my stomach twisted.
I realized I was imagining things I shouldn't. Imagining him close to me in ways that were… inappropriate. My mind conjured him leaning down, whispering in my ear, holding me close—when in reality, he was just standing there, arms crossed, casually observing the room, perfectly composed, listening to the interviewer.
But my imagination… my imagination was relentless. And with every word the interviewer said, I couldn't stop picturing him leaning in just for me, that dark intensity of his gaze softening only when it landed on me. My hands gripped the edge of the chair, knuckles white, as if holding on for dear life.
And then he looked at me again, just for a heartbeat longer. My pulse stuttered. My breath caught. I could feel a blush creeping up my neck and burning across my cheeks. Every rational thought evaporated like mist in the sun.
I was completely lost.
Completely.
And utterly, undeniably captivated.
After thirty minutes, each of us would have a private talk with the CEO. By the time the interviewer finally called my name, my legs felt weak, like they might give out any second.
It was finally my turn.
I took a deep breath and walked into his office.
The room was huge, with floor‑to‑ceiling windows and dark wooden furniture that made everything feel expensive and powerful. He was already there, sitting behind his desk like he belonged on a magazine cover. When his eyes met mine, my chest tightened.
He looked at me and said gently, "Sit, miss?"
The way he said it felt like he was asking for my name too, so I panicked and immediately stepped forward, sticking out my hand for a handshake.
"Hannah. Hannah Smith." I said, my voice slightly shaky, before sitting across from him.
He leaned back slightly, studying me like he was trying to read every thought in my head.
"So… what are your skills?" he asked.
And that was when my brain betrayed me.
"I can make you happy and satisfied." I blurted out confidently, without even thinking, because damn… I was completely mesmerized by him.
The moment the words left my mouth, my soul left my body.
"Ah—N-no, no… uhm… I am a quick learner, I have experience being a secretary, I graduated from school and have a degree in business…" I rushed, desperately trying to make him forget what I had just said.
He chuckled softly.
"Ohh… you can make me happy and satisfied? Not a bad answer."
His voice was playful, teasing, and somehow warm at the same time. Just listening to him made my thoughts spiral into places they had no business going. I imagined him whispering my name, his voice breaking as he begged—
Arghhh!!! I'm going crazy!
Why the hell is this guy so blessed? Looks, family background, money, and even—My gaze lowered unconsciously to his crotch.
When I looked back up, he was already staring at me… smiling.
He caught me.
He caught meeee staring at his pants!!!!!!
My face felt like it was on fire.
"Ha ha ha~ you can leave now, Miss Hannah." he said, still laughing.
I couldn't tell if he was laughing because of how stupid I acted, or because I couldn't stop staring at him. But one thing was for sure.
I was doomed.
After everything I said… and did… There was no way I was getting picked.