The contracted heart

Then, an attractive girlish voice resonated from the workroom facing the lounge, carrying a polished silver clipboard as she began outlining the terms.

“Auditorium, Stick to the sealed door.”

Sofia Anderson’s eyes flashed to the end of the lounge, spottinga lady who seemed to be in her mid-twenties, rising from the luxuriously comfortable cream sofa, with her black embroideredhandbag on her elbow and a document case in her clutch. Rapidly, she sashayed through the door, her wedge heels ticking upon the alabaster floor, as she announced her entry. Sofia tried to peep into the Auditorium, but she was too far away to see anything beyond the bench before the door was locked.

Turning her head, she tallied like seven women before her. A warm exhalation ousted from her mouth as she strengthened her body to resolve on the sofa, attempting to cool down her unpredictable, pounding ticker.

This was her first job application, after completing and bagging her degree at Berkeley Academy in Business Management. As a new university graduate with no job experience in her field —most of her work experience was being a cashier at Burger King, a position she got to pay off her student loans. She understood getting a job that pays well wasn't in the context for her.However, the instant she came across an ad for an assistant position at Lexcorp, a successful company with a broad range of business ventures, she decided to give it a try after going through the job description. All that was required for the job as the assistant to the CEO, David Dickson, was primary education. As dumbfounded as it was, the salary was even more shocking. So much so that doubts about the ad being fake also glanced through her mind.

The large enterprise was willing to pay more than a few thousand dollars for the employment role, with such essential minimum requirements. Also, she'd observed the ad explicitly stating that only ladies in their mid-20s were required to apply for the position. The requirement was strange, but Sofia was happy she fit into it flawlessly, at her ripe age of twenty-two. Without thinking further about the strange job ad, she swiftly filled in her data, and happily, she received an email from the firm the following day, inviting her for the job interview. Robbing her hands on her thighs, she tried to align the fold on her black pencil skirt, one of the small quantities of fabric she had that she could wear to a professional event. Indeed, she was daunted by all of the ladies who came for the interview, as they all manifested perfectly dressed in their basic yet pricey dresses. She was able to get a white blouse and this black skirt because of the short notice. She was able to iron it thanks to her neighbors who helped her with the electric iron because her electricity was cut off due to overdue bills that she wasn’t able to clear.

While Sofia was struggling with her furious uneasiness and her self-doubt threatening to strangle her, the waiting line kept on moving. For some reason, in her eyes, it moved unusually faster than normal. This made her anxiety skyrocket as she ponderedwhat kind of questions or other hidden qualifications the applicants were meant to carry along, as if the interviewees were immediately dismissed if they didn't possess some undisclosed requirement. The thought lingered in her mind until it was finally her turn.

"Is there anybody else still present?" the same attractive girlish voice she'd heard earlier on called

out, Interrupting Sofia's thoughts.

"Yes," she put herself back immediately, before crashing a palm over her mouth and quickly rising to her feet. Flinging her black bag over her shoulder, she held onto her document and reached out to the door, her pounding heart dropping to her stomach.

“Relax. Relax. It's just an interview.”

She restates these words in her head like an affirmation, trying to consume her nerves and heighten unease.

With a minor turn on the knob of the door, it unlocked and she entered to see a man seated at one end of the table, his sharp gray eyes pointed towards her in a chilly deliberate look. Sofia’s uneasiness increased tenfold from the heat of his stare, and unexpectedly, her mouth dried up.

"H-hi... I-I mean good morning, Sir," she stammered, still standing by the door, doubtful of what to do, nor what was expected of her.

"Please come and take your seat" the Lady sitting beside the man spoke, without looking at Sofia.

Sofia remembered the voice as it corresponded with the one, she had been hearing. Immediately, she hurriedly made her way toward one of the available chairs, a short distance away from the man and woman.

"Are you the final candidate in line?" the lady asked and Sofia nodded her head in advance. She remained uneasy, sensing the man's unwavering gaze fixed upon her. Privately, she pondered whether the earlier candidates had encountered the same circumstances.

"Brief us about yourself," Swallowing, Sofia initiated; "I'm Sofia Anderson, a Business Management Graduate from Berkeley Academy. I graduated not long ago; therefore, I don’t have any work experience, but I saw in the job advert that it is not needed for this role?"

The lady nodded her head slightly.

“Nice to meet you, Sofia Anderson. I’m Adrian Monroe, the secretary to the CEO of Lexcorp.”

Sofia's astonishment deepened as she took in the intensity of the man's unwavering gaze, causing a subtle shiver to run down her spine. Genuinely, she never thought of being interviewed by the CEO, and now she stood in the uncharted surroundings, therealization of her oversight weighed heavily on her. Presently in the same room with him, she was unable to explain how she was feeling at the moment, with her heart pounding so fast, she started shivering down her spine as her stare locked onto theman's. In that brief moment, their eyes remained locked, and he sustained this analytical stare, his thin pink lips forming a menacing smirk as if engaging in a silent psychological duel.

From that little time, Sofia had been in his presence, his confident demeanor exuded a magnetic charm, drawing her in with an irresistible allure that went beyond the captivating intensity of his gaze.

"The role you applied for is that of the personal assistant of Mr. Dickson," Andrian words interrupted Sofia’s inner thoughts letting her eyes return to the lady. "We've reviewed your resume so far," the woman remarked, her gaze shifting from the files to meet Sofia's eyes with a scrutinizing intensity.

“We appreciate a strong educational foundation, so from your documents, it appears you possess impressive qualifications that align well with our expectations for the role.”

"I am grateful, Miss Adrian," Sofia nodded in gratitude, giving her a little smile.

"Your qualifications stand out as exemplary among applicants; nonetheless, it is critical to ensure you understand the specific responsibilities associated with the role you applied for," Miss Monroe stated, her eyes meeting Sofia's before briefly connecting with David Dickson’s and then returning to hers. She emphasized the importance of tailoring the assistance to his specific preferences.

"I understand that, Miss Monroe," Sofia answered.

" Your role is exclusively committed to managing the affairs within his residence rather than within the company. And it's Mrs. Monroe," she corrected with a smile, but Sofia’s focus was lost on her first words.

“Please explain why I should be working in his home?” Sofia said hoping she misheard

“I’m seeking your service to play the role of my wife for a year, Miss Anderson”, David uttered with a casual tone, her name lingering in his drawl. Sofia’s head was beaten in his direction, the unexpected surprise, leaving her utterly astonished and speechless.

It was truly astonishing that someone as good-looking and as rich as David would consider such approach in getting a bride.woman. The idea felt unnatural and Sofia couldn’t help but wonder the reason for this unconventional proposal.

"Excuse me?" she hissed out before she could ponder the audacity of considering such a transactional approach to finding a life partner.

“You heard me right, Miss Anderson. You’ll play the role of my wife publicly, reside in my house, accompany me to social gatherings, adopt my last name, and in exchange, your financial requirements will be fully taken care of throughout the year. After the twelve months, substantial compensation awaits you,and our contract will cease to exist.”

"What reason could I possibly want to consider such a thing?"her disbelief lingered as she pondered.

“My schedule cannot accommodate continuous inquiries, Miss Anderson. I urge you to consider the alternatives. I respect your educational background and appreciate your low-key presence compared to the other applicants; if this task isn't within your capabilities, feel free to decline.”

Sofia contended with the contradictory emotions stirred by the man's harsh words blurted out with so much seriousness and the tempting prospect of a substantial payment, questioning whether her dire financial situation justified accepting the questionable job offer.

Her thoughts were disrupted by his next words,

"Will you sign the contract?"