Chapter 4 The Proposal That Changed Everything

"I would like to hear the proposal, ma'am," I said, looking back at Ryan with a shocked expression. He was lying on the floor like he had just fought a war.

Excitement and anxiety rushed through me as I walked toward the kitchen, trying to avoid any distractions from unpredictable Ryan. Then, she hit me with the news.

"I am sorry, Miss Haylee Martins," she said. "Unfortunately, the position for the executive assistant has already been filled, and we will not be able to offer it to you."

"Oh," I said, my excitement quickly turning into disappointment. Felt like an immediate stab to the chest. I had not expected to get the job in the first place, but I could not help feeling frustrated. Why reject me on the same day? They could have at least waited until tomorrow.

I was just trying my luck, so I could not be too upset. I was about to end the call in frustration when I suddenly remembered-she had said she had a proposal.

"However," she continued, "it seems your resume caught the attention of Mr. Knight himself. He is looking for a personal assistant."

What? The head of the organization himself? I was too stunned to say it out loud.

I listened as she explained the job duties and requirements, but I was too shocked to focus. Me? Working with the head of the company himself? What could he have seen in my resume to pick me the same day I interviewed?

I snapped out of my thoughts when she kept talking about the responsibilities of the role, but honestly, that was not what I cared about the most.

"Excuse me, ma'am," I interrupted. "Do you know how much the pay would be?"

"Yes, I was just about to mention that," she replied. "This is from him directly, and he would be offering five thousand dollars per month."

I almost laughed. "Is this some kind of joke or prank?" I asked.

"What do you mean?" she sounded confused.

"Five thousand?" I repeated. Then, I immediately went silent, realizing I should not complain.

"I will take the job," I said quickly.

"That is great," she responded. "You are expected to be at the office by eight o'clock tomorrow morning. Mr. Knight takes attendance very seriously, so please be on time."

Then, she ended the call.

I stood there, completely stunned before running out of the kitchen to inform Ryan, who was already lying back down, about to fall asleep.

"Ryan, Ryan! You will not believe the news I just received!" I said with a big smile radiating all over my cheeks.

Ryan, still dizzy, immediately came to life when he saw the happiness beaming in my eyes.

"What, what, what?" he asked, his curiosity growing.

I took a deep breath, pretending to be serious. "I was rejected for the executive assistant position, Ryan," I said, dramatically changing my facial expression from excitement to disappointment.

"Oh," he responded, his expression also turning disappointed. "Then why the hell did you sound happy about it?" He asked, clearly confused.

I let out a small laugh before revealing the truth. "Well..." I dragged it out on purpose, making it dramatic. "I got a proposal."

Ryan's eyes narrowed. "What proposal?" he asked, fully invested now.

I bit my lip, letting the suspense build for just a moment longer before finally spilling it. "Mr. Knight himself wants me to be his personal assistant."

Ryan sat up straighter. "Wait... what? The big boss?"

I nodded. "Yes! The head of the entire company! The lady on the phone said my resume caught his attention."

Ryan let out a low whistle. "Damn, babe. That is huge. What is the pay?"

I crossed my arms and smirked, savoring the moment. "Five thousand dollars a month."

His jaw practically dropped. "Five thousand? Are you serious?" He asked, beaming with joy like he had just won a lottery.

I nodded excitedly. "I could not believe it either. I even thought it was a joke at first."

Ryan ran a hand through his hair, still processing. "That is crazy money, Haylee. You have to take it."

"I already did," I said, grinning. "I start tomorrow at eight o'clock."

Ryan let out a loud laugh. "Look at you, already making boss moves. I am proud of you, babe." He pulled me onto his lap, wrapping his arms around me. "We should celebrate," he said, trying to kiss me on the lips.

I rolled my eyes. "You are always looking for an excuse to celebrate."

He smirked. "Of course. And what better way than-"

I playfully covered his mouth before he could finish. "Let me enjoy this moment first, Ryan. Tomorrow, my life is going to change."

I stood up, grabbing my shirt and panties as I walked into the bathroom. I was exhausted and could not wait to see how tomorrow would play out.

I did not even bother to resign from my old, annoying job for two reasons. One, a part of me still doubted if this was real-who pays five thousand dollars a month for a personal assistant, and how did this job come three hours after I was interviewed? The second reason? Pure revenge! After all the insults I endured at my old job, I wanted to leave them hanging, just to make myself feel better.

I thought about it as the cold water from the shower ran down my body, filling me with relief.

The next morning, the alarm blared at 5:30a.m, pulling me from my much needed sleep. I groaned, slamming my hand against my phone before rolling onto my back. Getting up this early was torture but I had to leave by 6:30 a.m. to catch the bus-if I missed it, I would not make it to the office, on my first day in time and I must do everything I can to avoid that.

Dragging myself out of bed, I moved through my morning routine in a daze. A quick shower, light makeup, and a simple, professional outfit-a cream blouse tucked into a fitted black skirt. I grabbed my bag and rushed out of the house, making it to the bus stop just in time.

The ride was long-almost an hour and thirty minutes but I made it. Standing in front of the massive glass skyscraper, my heart pounded.

Knight Enterprises.

This was real.

I stepped inside the grand lobby, the floors polished to perfection, reflecting the dazzling lights above. People in suits moved with purpose, radiating professionalism.

As I approached the reception desk, a lady greeted me with a polite smile. "Miss Haylee Martins?"

"Yes," I responded nervously.

"Mr. Knight is expecting you. Follow me."

I nodded, clutching my bag tightly as I followed her to the elevator. My mind raced with a million thoughts, but nothing could have prepared me for what happened next.

The elevator doors opened, and I stepped into a sleek, modern office. My eyes locked onto a man standing by the window, his back turned toward me.

When he finally turned around, my breath hung in my throat and I refused to accept what my eyes were clearly seeing.