Chapter 2 02

NEXT MORNING*

8:00 AM**

The air in the apartment was heavy with silence-except for the occasional cough from the bedroom. Ayla stood by the stove, stirring a pot of porridge with one hand and holding her phone with the other, eyes scanning her notifications for any sign of hope.

Nothing.

No replies. No calls. Just spam emails and old application rejections.

She sighed and put her phone down. The porridge was thin, barely enough for two small bowls. But it would have to do.

She sat curled in the old armchair by the window, watching as the sky shifted from inky black to pale gray. Dawn broke quietly, but it didn't bring peace.

There was a soft knock on the door. She frowned, setting her teacup down. No one visited them. Ever

When she opened the door, a tired looking woman in a brown uniform stood there, holding a clipboard.

"Miss Ayla Moore?"

"Yes?"

I'm from the landlord's office. She didn't smile. We've sent three notices. Rent is overdue.

Ayla swallowed. "I know, I just need a little more time."

"You said that last month. If payment isn't made within seven days, you'll have to vacate."

The woman handed over the official looking paper and walked off, heels clicking down the hallways.

Ayla stood in the doorway for a moment, staring at the paper, her heart sank.

The same rent her mother used to cover by selling handmade soap in the market before her lungs gave out. The same rent Ayla had been trying to cover by cleaning houses and chasing job interviews.

Seven days. That was all she had.

She closed the door slowly, pressing her back against it. A single tear escaped before she wiped it away with the back of her hand. She wouldn't cry in front of her mother.

Not now.

~~~~

Carrying a tray into the room, she found her mother sitting up against the pillows, her face pale and tired.

"Good morning, Mom," Ayla greeted softly, setting the tray down.

Her mother gave a weak smile. "You didn't sleep again."

"I'm fine," Ayla said, brushing a strand of hair from her mother's forehead. "Eat first. Your medication is next."

She didn't mention that they were out of antibiotics. That she'd been rationing the painkillers. Or that the rent notice had come again this morning-louder and more threatening than before.

As her mother ate slowly, Ayla quietly folded laundry, the silence only broken by thoughts she didn't dare speak aloud.

---

Later that afternoon, after checking the online job boards again and submitting yet another round of applications, she nearly dropped her phone when a new email popped up.

Subject: INTERVIEW INVITATION – H&K Industries

Her heart pounded.

She opened it quickly, scanning every word.

> Dear Miss Ayla Moore,

You have been shortlisted for an in-person interview for the position of Assistant (Confidential) at H&K Industries.

Interview Date: 25th September 2024

Time: 10:00 AM

Location: H&K Tower, 31st Floor

You were recommended via our referral algorithm through one of our partner networks. Please attend with a printed résumé.

– HR, H&K Industries

Her hand trembled slightly. She didn't remember applying to H&K. They were a prestigious company-way out of her league. She checked the email address again. It was official. Not a scam. No links to click, no weird instructions.

A wave of relief washed over her.

She let out a shaky breath, covering her mouth as tears threatened to spill. It wasn't a job yet-but it was something. A door cracked open. A reason to believe, even just a little.

She rushed to her mother's room, her voice lighter than it had been in weeks. "Mom! I got an interview!"

Her mother looked up, surprised. "Really? Where?"

"H&K Industries."

Her mother's brows rose. "That's... a very big company."

"I know. I don't even remember applying. But they said I was shortlisted."

Her mother smiled faintly, pride in her tired eyes. "Maybe it's time something good found you."

Maybe it was.

~~~~

H&K BUILDING

10:00 AM**

The next morning, Ayla stood in front of the towering H&K building, dressed in her neatest blouse and navy skirt. Her hair was tied back, and she carried a slim folder with her résumé and certificates-though she already knew they weren't impressive.

The lobby was sleek, with glass walls and polished marble floors. Everything screamed money, success, and people who didn't miss meals.

She stepped to the receptionist's desk. "Good morning. I'm Ayla Moore. I have an interview scheduled."

The woman typed something into her computer and nodded. "Take the elevator to the 31st floor. Someone will meet you there."

Ayla nodded, her palms sweating.

The elevator ride was silent, the numbers lighting up one by one until she reached the top.

A tall woman in a sharp grey suit met her at the doors. "Miss Moore?"

"Yes."

"I'm Amelia Cross, assistant director of HR. Follow me, please."

She led Ayla into a small, glass-walled meeting room. It was minimal, but intimidating. Ayla sat when prompted, trying to keep her breathing steady.

Amelia didn't waste time. "We've reviewed your file. I'll be honest with you-your résumé is... light. You have no corporate experience. No degree. You've had several short-term jobs, mostly caregiving and housekeeping."

Ayla's throat tightened. "Yes, ma'am."

Amelia leaned back. "Why did you apply for this position?"

"I didn't," Ayla admitted. "I mean-I didn't know I had. I've been applying for dozens of jobs, but I never submitted one directly to H&K."

Amelia tilted her head. "Yet here you are."

"Yes." Ayla nodded. "And I'm grateful. I know I'm not the most qualified. But I'm willing to work harder than anyone else. I learn fast. I don't give up easily."

Amelia was quiet for a long moment. Then she stood.

Ayla's heart sank. That's it. Over.

But instead of walking her out, Amelia returned with a file from a nearby cabinet. "The position you've been called for is personal assistant to Mr. Killian Hayes. CEO of H&K."

Ayla blinked. "The Killian Hayes?"

Amelia didn't smile. "Yes. He's... particular. Demanding. And very private. He requires someone discreet, composed, and obedient. We haven't filled the role in six months."

Ayla's mouth went dry.

"You'll be tested," Amelia added. "But something about your application caught our attention. You're underqualified, yes. But... you have a survivor's look in your eyes. He might not like you, but he'll respect that."

"So... I got the job?"

"You'll begin on a probationary period. One month. During that time, you'll live in one of our company apartments. Full pay. You'll be watched, evaluated. If you make it through, the job is yours long-term."

Ayla was stunned. "I... I don't know what to say."

"Say yes," Amelia replied, handing her a contract. "And don't screw this up."

Ayla stood slowly, hands trembling as she reached for the paper. "Thank you. I won't."

As she left the room, heart racing, she didn't see the tall, sharp-featured man passing down the hall behind her.

Killian Hayes. Cold, unreadable. And completely unaware that the woman he would come to rely on... had just walked through his doors.

To be continued.....