05 - Emily Harris

Emily Harris

As I leave the building, I step into the first cab I see, feeling a bit safer, though I can’t explain why.

The CEO's glances left me so unsettled that I didn’t recognize myself. Even though I know his questions about the document in my hands were meant to gauge my knowledge of the field, they didn’t lessen the tension his gaze caused in my body.

Still feeling my core pulsating with desire for him, I managed to read through the audit documents and show him that I’m a valuable addition to his team.

I felt shaken when he said he wanted someone entirely by his side. That sent a shiver down my spine. I took a deep breath and tried to understand the reason behind his disbelief that I could manage both the internship and my studies.

I push the thoughts of what happened in that office aside. I don’t want to think about it, especially because he doesn’t know me.

When I get home, I decide to head to the kitchen and start preparing ceviche for dinner. I might not contribute financially to the apartment I share with Emma yet, but she loves my cooking skills.

I smile as I recall happy memories with my dad, who always believed I’d work with food and become a great chef. To his surprise, I’m studying business administration, and I’m sure I’ll make him proud.

I was engrossed in preparing our dinner when I heard a very excited Emma walk in. I watch as she puts her bags on the sofa and walks over to me with a bottle of champagne adorned with a red ribbon in her hands.

I smile and shake my head, trying to understand her enthusiasm. My gaze shifts between her and the bottle, noting the confusion in her eyes.

“We’re celebrating your acceptance into Noah Walker’s team!” she exclaims, as I continue seasoning our dinner.

“I don’t know, Emma. I don’t think I’ll get hired,” I reply, lowering my head and focusing on what I’m doing.

I glance at all the ingredients, trying not to look at my friend, who sits next to me, waiting for me to explain what happened.

“He made it clear he wants a ‘male employee’ who lives for the internship,” I sigh, feeling defeated as she maintains her confused expression.

“Seriously? I thought you’d get the job! I heard Mr. Tremblay talking to the HR assistant about how impressed Mr. Walker was with you,” she says, sitting on the stool in front of me and setting the champagne aside with a smile that reveals her thoughts.

“We’re not talking about this anymore. From what Mr. Walker made clear, I won’t be hired!” I declare, feeling a weight on my chest. “Let’s talk about something else…”

Emma nods, her mood shifting dramatically, which almost makes me burst into laughter. I keep my eyes on her, already imagining what she has in mind. With our meal ready, I set everything aside and give my full attention to my friend’s outlandish ideas.

“My God, that Mike is so handsome! I’ve never been that close to him before,” she grabs a napkin and starts fanning herself, making it impossible not to laugh at her dramatics.

“He’s not all that, but the CEO! He looks like he was sculpted by God, that’s a good-looking man.” We burst into another fit of laughter.

Amidst our fun, Emma gets up and grabs the cutlery so we can eat right there. I didn’t want to move to the dining table; the moment was perfect.

One reason I didn’t want to interrupt our time together was that I loved seeing her eat so well at home. A few months ago, she struggled with eating disorders, having stopped eating properly and forcing herself to vomit when she did eat. But thanks to significant therapeutic help, she’s slowly regaining her health. I think that’s why her parents enjoy having me around so much.

After we finish dinner, I watch Emma head to her room to rest. We don’t have classes tomorrow, so she’ll work a full shift while I’ll clean the apartment and organize what’s needed. I also need to call my dad to check on how things are going.

I'm proud to see the kitchen just the way I like it: clean and organized. I head to the bedroom to take a shower and get comfortable to watch a romantic movie, maybe even imagine myself next to Noah, wondering what could have happened if we hadn’t been interrupted.

I was watching a romance that made me cry rivers of tears, but it seems I enjoy suffering. I've watched the same movie countless times, and I always cry. When the movie ends, I close my laptop and wait for sleep to come.

The next morning, I woke up early and decided to prepare a hearty breakfast for my friend and snacks for her to take in her bag. When she sees the table full of food, she’s delighted, and I feel good.

"Good morning, Emily, you know you don’t need to worry about this, right?” she says.

I nod. “I know, but I love seeing you eat well.” Her cheeks turn pink, and I invite her to join me for breakfast.

As soon as she leaves, I start tidying everything up, cleaning the bedrooms, putting the laundry in the washer, and setting up our Alexa to play music while I do the housework.

“A new notification from Emma,” I hear Alexa announce.

If that happened, it means she tried to reach me several times but couldn’t. I rush to the bedroom to grab my phone and am startled by the number of missed calls. I decide to call her back, and she answers on the first ring.

“I hope you’re with a very handsome man, or there’s no excuse for not answering,” she teases.

I laugh at her comment. “Even if I were, it wouldn’t be any of your business, silly. What do you want? I need to get back to the hottie waiting for me in the living room.” I hear laughter in the background.

“Emily, check your email. I think there’s a surprise for you there. And next time, keep your phone close, even if you’re with the hot neighbor,” she says with a playful tone. I smile at her remark and end the call.

My email? What could be so important in my email? I also think this “hottie” talk has a double meaning. After hanging up, I check my email.

Rh Walker Corporation

We are pleased to inform you that you have been approved for the Administrative Internship position. Please report to the company in the morning for admission procedures.

Sincerely, Rh

I can’t believe what I’m reading. I sit on the couch in disbelief, but at the same time, I’m thrilled. This is the victory I needed. I breathe a sigh of relief, overwhelmed with happiness.