Falling For The Billionaire's

CHAPTER I

Sydney

I woke up with a nightmare again. AGAIN.

Those sleeping pills aren't working right. The nightmares are also going well, but they are more scary.

-the nightmare -

"You slut! How dare you show up at my house with your fucking friends again!" The man slapped me twice on my cheek. I could feel the tears pooling in my eyes again, but I wouldn't let them fall. I wouldn't give him satisfaction. The man glowered at me, took a fistful of my hair, and yanked it. That stings a lot. Then he pushed me to the ground and kicked me in the stomach twice.

"Please," I begged him to stop, "I won't let them come here again, I promise."

The man laughed wickedly and got up. He took my chin forcibly and made me look at him. He reeked of alcohol. "You're pathetic, you know that; you are just like your mom-a whore. There is no place on earth where you'll survive. Now repeat, what are you?" He looked at me. This was the routine: after he lost a game, he would beat me up and make me repeat what he had taught me since my mother died.

"Repeat!" he shouted, and he slapped me hard on the cheek again. I sobbed loudly and whispered, "I am a slut, just like mom." He smiled, satisfied, and then abruptly got up and went to the next room. Taking this as an opportunity, I ran up the stairs into my room and locked the door.

-nightmare ends-

Those were hard times. But it's in the past, of course. I miss my mom every day. She told me that I would get a better life; maybe I will, but only when I forget my past. But forgetting is the most difficult thing to do. I still remember the day perfectly. My friends, Lila and Nate, were walking me to the door. but I didn't let them in. It was always like that; I never invited them in when my father, the dreadful man, was there. My father must have seen them. I worked very hard for money, which could get me into a good college, but things didn't turn out well. You see-

My alarm snapped me out of my reverie. It's seven right now. I took a deep breath in and tried convincing myself, "It's the past, Sid. It will never come back." I got out of bed and dragged myself to the shower. Although it's the worst day of the week, Monday, it's like a new start for me. I have an interview today with the head of the HR department at Williams Industries. It's one of the highest-ranking industries in the world.

I let the warm water calm my nerves. Damn! I felt rejuvenated. Quickly, I put on my coat, suit, and heels. I used a little blush on my face and mascara to pop out my eyes. Although I am not Emma Stone or any other Emma, I won't deny that I am beautiful. No girl should ever do that, no matter how many times you are snubbed for being ugly or fat. Beauty always comes from within; my mom taught me that. She died when I was ten years old, leaving me with the monster. After finishing with my eyes, I grabbed my purse, reviewing myself one last time in the mirror.

***

Oh, my God! The building is huge. Sure, I saw many pictures in magazines and all. But they don't do any justice to this beautiful piece of architecture. The insides were so luxurious and elegant. Each and every person in there screamed money. Damn! Would I fit here?

I made my way towards the receptionist. She was taking calls and typing at the same time. I waited for her to finish her call.

"Hi, how can I help you?" she asked, putting the receiver down.

"Hi, I am here to meet Ms. Rachel Mitchell," I replied, but she cut me off.

"The PA interview?" she asked, and I nodded. "You are the final sixth one; here's the card; Lily will lead you." She nodded at the blonde sitting there nervously.

The blonde, who I assume was Lily, got up and told me to follow her. She led me to a waiting room and told me to wait until my name was called. Wow! sixth candidate-that must be tough competition. I looked around me; all four others were impeccably beautiful and well groomed. Not to mention how they didn't fall while walking in those stilettos. The room was white with blue furniture. Nice combination...

The microphone sprang to life, and a voice through it said, "Sydney Parker, you may come in now." I took a deep breath in as another candidate came out. I got up and walked in. The room was full of shelves on which neatly stacked folders rested. In the middle of the room sat an old woman, who must be in her mid-sixties, with a big smile on her face. She had a kind face and had no makeup on. I am starting to like her already.

"Good morning, Sydney; please take your seat," she said in a cheerful voice.

I murmured "good morning and took my seat. She started, "So, I am the head of the HR department, Finley Brooke, and I would be conducting your interview." She must be following some protocol since she is stating the obvious, I thought.

I nodded and waited for her to ask me questions. She asked some normal questions about my age, schooling, and college. I answered them articulately, praying she wouldn't ask me the question of why I started college two years late. Well, she did. Fuck my luck.

"Why did you start college two years later, Sydney?" I was tempted to say, "None of your business," but replied with a tight smile, "Family circumstances." She nodded, and she didn't ask me any further questions. After checking my portfolio one last time, she told me to wait outside.

I went outside. The other candidates had departed, and there was only me left. The blonde-I forgot her name-told me that they would call me if I got selected. I nodded and thanked her. Well, that wasn't too bad, I thought. Now I only have to wait until tomorrow.

Sunlight streamed through my bright blue curtains. I could hear the birds chirping in their usual shrill voices. Something was different yet pleasant about this morning. Maybe because I am not in the clutches of the monster, that's why.

I rolled over on my bed and stuffed my face into my fluffy pillow. man! I should marry my bed; it's so soft. Suddenly my phone rang. I got up with lightning speed and picked up the receiver.

"Hello," I said in my groggy, sleepy voice.

"Hi, am I speaking to Sydney Parker?" A voice from the other end asked

"Yes, you are, ma'am," I replied.

"Ma'am, I am speaking from Williams Industries; you are shortlisted for the PA candidate list; would you be able to attend another interview with the CEO today at 9:30 am?"

I looked up at my alarm clock; it was 9. "Yes, please," I replied.

"Okay, I will schedule your appointment; thank you." The line went dead.

I must be dreaming.

I can't imagine.

Shit! I got selected for the PA. YAY!

Technically, you are not; you are just shortlisted.

Wait, who are you?

I am you, you moron. Now get dressed; you just have like half an hour! Make yourself presentable.

Yeah, yeah, just let me complete my happy dance.

Do it fast! By the way your breath smells.

Ugh! I rushed into the bathroom and squeezed some toothpaste on the brush. After brushing, I jumped into the shower. Hmmm... I should also marry Shower. No time to relax. I got to my closet and took out the best business suit I had and the most presentable flats. Did I mention that I cannot walk in heels? I almost tripped over a man when I wore one. It was a very expensive hotel. We were there for my best friend Lila's birthday. I had, in my toppling over process, thrown the cake on the waiter. Suffice it to say, we were kicked out. I sighed. Those were the days.

I took a deep breath, locked my door, and then made my way towards the taxi stand.

***

And here I am in front of the beautiful William Industries' building again. I made my way towards the receptionist, who told the girl whom I met yesterday, Lily, to lead me to the waiting room. Only three of the six candidates were present this time. Lily told me that the CEO had many qualms about what his PA would be like: beautiful, highly knowledgeable, smart-sounds like a whiny baby to me. Also, Lily had told me that the CEO was a very dashing and charming man. Men wanted to be like him, and women worshiped the path he walked. They even offered themselves to him only for a night, even when they knew the next day he would just discard them. She said all this in a very dreamy stance, meaning that she indeed lived in her fairy tale world.

I waited there for what seemed like fifteen minutes when the first candidate came out. After another fifteen or twenty minutes, the second one came out, and a lady motioned for me to come in.

Taking a deep breath, I made my way into the room. I was awestruck as soon as I entered it. The floor was, I guess, ebony, and the walls were cream-colored. There was a huge desk in the center of the room, a sofa on the side, and many shells stacked. The windows there provided a magnificent view of the skyscrapers outside, with just a glint of sun visible. My income for two years wasn't even enough to maintain such an impeccable room like this. My best suit looked plain and bland compared to this.

The lady nodded at me and said, "Take a seat, ma'am; Mr. Williams will be joining you in a short while."

I thanked her politely and sat on one of the chairs.

"There's another one left! But I only said to shortlist two!" I could hear two muffled voices outside; surprisingly, one of them seemed to be really familiar to me. Nah! I must be being paranoid.

Suddenly a man entered the room. I stood up but kept my eyes down. In front of me was maybe the sexiest man alive (I hadn't seen his face). The suit matched his skin tone perfectly. There was the evident lining of an extremely muscular body visible through the suit. But his confident pace faltered, and he came to an abrupt stop. (I still hadn't made eye contact; I don't know why! He just has this aura around him.

"Sydney?" the man asked in an astonished voice.

My breathing stopped. My heartbeat accelerated. Oh no, no, no, this voice is much too familiar; it cannot be Nathaniel. I looked up, and indeed, there in all his glory stood my old childhood friend, still as sexy and hot as ever.

I could just stare at him. He looked at me with a bewildered expression. He was still as hot as ever.

This is not the time to admire him, you moron!

You again!

Yeah, who else will talk in your head? Why are you so naive?

SHIT! I am so naive. Williams Industries, Nathaniel Williams, and the familiar magazine photos! Shit! shucks ! shit!

"Are you alright, Sid?" he asked with surprising gentleness.

Instead of replying, I...

I fainted.

Man, these interviews are the worst things that have ever happened to me. The candidates were literally eye-rapping me! Is that even a word? Things got a little out of hand when they started giving me suggestive glances; the second one even opened her top's upper buttons! But then again, I can't blame them. I mean, who can even resist such a good-looking guy like me? Except for her, each and every woman I have met drools over me. So I am kind of used to this. Anyway, you can imagine my anger when I have to deal with another one of those idiots. Thankfully, this woman whom I am about to meet is the last candidate. Later, I think I could call Lucas and go to a bar.

I opened the door and went inside, adjusting my cuffs. As I looked up, I saw the lady standing in front of me. I froze. My feet refused to move, leaving me immobile, and I could only stare at her. A thousand questions were bombarding my mind. My voice failed me. After regaining my composure, I whispered, "Sydney?"

3

When she finally looked at me, I could see a thousand emotions flash through her face. There was shock, happiness, anger, bewilderment, sadness, and whatnot. She mirrored my expression. Shit! She was as beautiful as she was ten years ago. The same heart-shaped face, high cheekbones, perfectly sculpted luscious lips, and beautiful eyes that I could stare at for millennia, flawless round breasts, and sensuous curves But despite this, there was something different about her. She was more mature, both in her aura and physically. Her eyes had slight dark circles beneath them; there were slightly visible frown lines; and she had lost a lot of weight.

I again asked her, "Are you alright, Sid?" It felt odd to call her by her nickname after all these years. My voice seemed to jerk her, like she was out of a trance. Her eyes became unfocused and started to droop. She lost her balance and started to fall. Everything happened in a blur. I rushed towards her, and she fell into my arms. Her lips were slightly parted, and she looked stressed. I picked her up and carried her to my sofa, where I lay down. I started to unbutton my cuffs. When she wakes up, she has a lot of answering to do.

***

SYDNEY

My head was throbbing. I rolled over. Dude, my bed is so soft! And these sea green pillows are so soft. Wait WHAT!? Sea green? There's nothing sea green in my room. I dashed up and surveyed my surroundings. I was in an incredibly luxurious room, which wasn't mine. The past events suddenly flashed through my mind. SHIT! It was really Nate; I hadn't dreamed about him. Oh no, no, no, no... this can't be happening.

But it is. So suck it up.

Why do you always come so...er...uninvited?

*sighs* You need to update your vocabulary, sweetie.

Might as well say, "Hey, where is Nate? Er, where did you go?

No reply.

A throat cleared behind me. I slowly turned around, and there stood before me the great Nathaniel Williams. He grinned at me and said, "Are you alright? I ordered some food."

I nodded at him, expressionless. He opened his mouth to say something but was cut off by the buzzer. Nate picked up the phone and asked who it was. There was some muffled voice on the other end, and he replied with an okay. Then the door opened, and there were trays filled with food. Junk food. Nice.

"Anything else, sir?" the person asked meekly.

"That would be all, James," he replied, dismissing him. Turning towards me, he said, "We will talk after you have eaten."

I nodded and sat down to eat. Why am I eating in his office again? I will ask myself the question again after I have devoured this delicious meal.

***

The plates were taken away, and Nate was watching. No, scratch that, he was scrutinizing me under his intense stare. I squirmed under his scrutiny. That's new; never have I ever done that. He finally opened his mouth to speak: "Where were you all these years?"

I knew this question was coming. But I wasn't ready to answer it yet, so I replied in the most professional voice that I could muster and said, "Mr. Williams, with all due respect, I cannot answer your question."

He was really pissed off with my 'Mr. Williams' remark; his jaw hardened, and he clenched his fists. After    a few moments, he whispered, "Why? And Mr. Williams?"

I maintained my resoluteness and said in the same voice, "Mister..." I sighed and said, "Nate, please, I will answer those questions when I am ready. Right now, I would like to keep this professional."

Of course, he didn't like my answer, but before he could say anything, I gave him the most pleading look I had. After a few moments, he sighed and said, "Ms. Parker, would you like to begin the interview?" I nodded at him and handed him my portfolio. He scanned through the pages and then asked, "You attended a university in California, two years late. Why?"

My gaze hardened, and I shook my head. He sighed again and said, "How do I know that you are capable of this job?"

"The answer is in front of you, sir," I replied, nodding at my portfolio.

"Yeah..." he paused, and an evil smirk came to his face. "But these grades aren't satisfactory, miss."

WHAT!? My jaw dropped. Did he really just say that? I erupted, "Mr. Williams, didn't I attend high school with you?"

"Yes, but-"

"Didn't I ace each and every exam? Wasn't I the captain of the football team? Didn't I achieve the greater marks?"

He grinned at me cheekily and said, "Yes, the grades are good, but how do I know that you will be able to take care of all my needs?" To add to his question, he wriggled his eyebrows suggestively. I looked at him warily and raised an eyebrow. Great! The old Nate is back! Cheers. Not.

After another set of extremely inappropriate innuendos, I survived my interview. Well, more of me left the building fuming, and he enjoyed each and every pun.

I have a feeling that I am going to see this damned ugly building tomorrow.

Life is so unfair. I got the meaning of the phrase today.

I try to forget my past and almost accomplish the task, but my past becomes my present.

I try to get a job, and I do get an extremely good job, but unfortunately, my boss is a number one asshole.

Cheers. Not.

Yes, people. As I predicted yesterday, I did get selected for the post of PA to the CEO of Williams Industries. I had made it my mission to keep our (mine and Nate's) relationship strictly professional. And to avoid questions regarding my past choices. Yes, I will tell him about them, but only when I think that I can trust him enough.

I sigh and pull my hair into a ponytail.

Better be ready for the first day. Fingers crossed.