03 - Emily Harris

Emily Harris

I step into the elevator, cursing the CEO of the company in every possible and imaginable way. Once I run out of words in my native tongue, I start cursing him in other languages. Yet none of it seems to be helping me control the rage boiling inside me. I realize I'm hyperventilating in anger, furious at Mr. Walker's discriminatory behavior.

“He's such an arrogant idiot...”

Shielded by the mirrored walls of the elevator, I start to acknowledge something else: besides being insufferably arrogant, Mr. Walker is incredibly handsome. His face doesn’t reveal his actual age. While researching the company, I was surprised to discover that he’s only thirty-four years old and already the CEO of Walker Corporation.

After his father’s death a few years ago, he inherited the company. From what the reports say, since he took over, the company has become even more prominent and continues to grow by the day. This shows that, in addition to being arrogant, he has an impressive vision for the market he operates in.

But when he judged me, I felt an overwhelming fury toward him. Not even the stunning sight of his broad shoulders, the way his muscles filled out his tailored suit, or the tie that matched the color of my skirt sparking unbidden thoughts. It could ease the discomfort of knowing he didn’t want a woman working by his side.

Seeing the expression on his face, one of a man who knows what he wants and how to get it, left me both irritated and unsettled. Inappropriate thoughts crept into my mind about the man who might become my boss.

Hearing him say the position was intended for a man made me question whether the corporate world is really the place for me. Feeling slightly calmer while still in the elevator, I decided to let go of any expectations of being called to fill the role. I take a deep breath as I reach the ground floor and approach the reception desk to return my visitor badge.

I offer the receptionist a polite smile and rummage through my bag to find my phone, intending to text Emma and let her know I’m heading home. I mentally prepare a simple excuse to explain the disastrous interview I just had-if it can even be called an interview. Mr. Noah Walker had only asked me a single question before making it abundantly clear that he preferred a man for the position. My eyes roll in frustration at the CEO's arrogance.

As I open my bag, I realize I left the envelope containing all my documents in Mr. Walker’s office. I stop in my tracks just before exiting the building, take a deep breath, and glance toward the receptionist. I debate whether it’s worth going back up to retrieve my papers and face that man who acts like he owns the world.

"Can I get replacements for everything I left up there?"

I stand frozen in the lobby, lost in thought, but it seems I’ve caught the receptionist’s attention. She approaches me with a questioning look, clearly wondering why I’m still lingering by the entrance.

I smile and muster the courage to explain myself to the receptionist, who greets me with a warm smile. I took a deep breath, knowing it would be a hassle to replace all my documents and feeling embarrassed at the thought of asking my professors for new recommendation letters.

“Miss, is something wrong? Do you need help?” the receptionist asks kindly.

I notice her glancing toward the building's entrance, as if concerned someone might be pressuring me. Her attentiveness makes me feel surprisingly supported at that moment. Feeling awkward, I try to appear as friendly as possible.

“I just realized I left an envelope with all my documents and some other important items in the office I visited earlier,” I say gently, trying not to sound like a threat.

A kind smile spreads across her face, and I feel an enormous sense of relief when she hands me back the badge I had just returned. Grateful, I gather the courage to retrieve what I left behind. I take the badge from her hand and clip it back onto my blouse.

I head toward the elevators, bracing myself for another encounter with that man who, despite his arrogance, is undeniably sexy. The memory of his gaze lingering on me makes my knees feel weak. A whirlwind of butterflies churns in my stomach, and a nervousness I didn’t feel on my first trip up begins to take hold, leaving me breathless.

When the elevator doors open on the executive floor, the scent of his cologne, woodsy and commanding-hits me. It’s a fragrance that exudes authority and respect. I try to remain composed and walk toward his secretary’s desk. Her workspace is piled high with documents, a clear sign of how busy she is.

Before I can say a word, the commanding voice of Mr. All-Powerful echoes through the phone on her desk. She nods in response to his instructions and gathers some items. But just as she steps away, a stack of documents slips from her hands and scatters across the floor.

Looking at the woman who didn’t seem to be having her best days, I couldn’t help but feel sorry for her. I crouched down to help her with the task and didn’t realize that, when the box opened and scattered all the documents, the door to her office opened, and I entered while still crouching.

"Sorry, Mr. Walker, I’ll organize all this mess!" the secretary said, and I swallowed hard.

While I was crouched down helping the unfortunate secretary, I felt someone watching me, and it made me even less willing to face the CEO, who was probably sitting on his throne. I sighed and handed the woman all the papers that had fallen.

I stood up and straightened my posture, taking one last deep breath before facing the CEO’s blue eyes. But when I looked at him, I noticed that at that moment, he wasn’t wearing his suit, his tie was loose, and his top button was undone. His gaze was different-I felt like I was being analyzed, as if I were prey.

His thick eyebrows were furrowed, and I assumed he was wondering why I was there again.