Falling for the CEO's Game

I entered the elevator and pressed the 20th floor's button. I got extremely nervous as this was the most important day of my life and also my last chance to prove myself. It has been three years since then I am trying my luck in London. I applied to various companies at various positions however at every place I got contract work and once my contract period ended; I couldn't get a chance to renew. Though they made me work on my ass, I did everything. From collecting papers to serving coffee. Yet I couldn't get a permanent position.

Also, their salary was so less as compared to my struggle. I could hardly manage my day-to-day needs. That I couldn't even pay my rent on time though my landlord was a nice lady. She never nagged me; she also provided free food to me.

However, things got ugly when I got fired from my previous company. They gave the excuse that they no longer need me but I know they hired some executive's daughter at a position that too without an interview. I attempted to fight saying I will file a lawsuit against them but no. They only threw restraining orders at my face. And I didn't get enough money to fight with them, so I left bowing my head, and began to apply to the new companies.

2 months passed but there wasn't even a single response. I began to lose hope and thought I should go to Spain but then I can't even go there. If I go there, my family will throw me into a forced marriage. They are already dancing in my head saying that I wouldn't get success so it would be better if I quietly marry someone.

For some past days, I am thinking that perhaps they are right. I should give up on my dream of working as an assistant in a good company and settle down with some guy. I even packed my bags and booked my ticket.

However, a miracle happened. After two months of struggle, I got called by a prestigious company. They liked my resume and were willing to give me a chance. So, I wish to crack this interview and grab the position of assistant.

I reached the 20th floor where the interview is going to be conducted. My eyes widened seeing several people sitting there holding files in their hands.

Are they all for an interview? Now I don't think that I have any chance. It would be better if I ran away to take my flight. At least by doing this, I could save myself from losing the 300 dollars that I spent on booking a ticket.

Don't get me wrong. I have a good qualification. Also, I can bet that I am best among them but I know here too they are going to select the sexiest girl who could please the boss, unlike the girl with glasses who wears two years old sandals and a rented suit. Her hair doesn't even smell nice and her body is not in good shape.

So, I turned my heels and about to go towards the elevator but stopped listening to a girl's words.

"What do they want? They didn't even see my file and asked me to get out."

Listening to her words, I turned my head towards her and checked her from toe to head. She wore a black seductive dress and applied black lipstick and wore severe makeup. She looked breathtaking. Any guy can go gaga over her.

From my experience, I can say that she wasn't here for getting the job on her merit. She must have thought she could get her path by seducing the executive.

So, the rumors are correct about the CEO. He is not only arrogant, handsome, hot but also devoted to working. Further, he doesn't appreciate it if someone makes a move on him. Also, I heard he is a one-woman man. His fiance with whom he was engaged in his high school died two years ago and after that, he didn't hit some girl or went into a relationship.

Then what should I do? Should I take a chance and miss my flight? I looked towards the frown faces of women who were coming out of the room. All were stomping their feet and mumbling under their breath. Here, I wasn't only getting my confidence but also I developed some respect for this company.

"Who is Ms. Parker?" Screamed the woman who was standing holding a register in her hand.

I made my mind and took some steps forward.

"Are you Ms. Parker?" Said that beautiful woman in a calm tone. I hummed and maintained my composure. At least before her, I don't wish to embarrass myself.

"Please follow me," she further said.

We walked through a lobby that had some beautiful portraits. The aura around this lobby was itself great and the lady who was walking ahead of me dressed up in a black coat and white skirt. How sophisticated she looked? And on the other hand, me. I didn't even apply good makeup.

Still, I wish to work here as I am hoping that here all will see my talent rather than my ugly face.

We reached near a cabin. She opened the door for me. I was about to move inside but stopped by her.

"Ms. Parker be real. Don't need to flatter them or else you will also face the back door," she advised me.

"I would, Ms," I passed an awkward smile and looked at her card to read her name.

"Ms. Lucy Kevin. If you get selected then you can call me Lucy," she said.

"Thank you, Ms. Kevin for your great advice. I hope I will get the opportunity to work with you and also to call you by your first name," I again smiled at her. She hummed and showed me the way.

I gathered my courage and walked inside the cabin. Two men were sitting at some distance. Their head was hung and both were tossing the pages. Perhaps they were going through my records. I hope I can impress them.

However, I wish I could look at their faces to analyze what is going on in their mind.

I was about to greet them but my eyes fell at the window. A man with blonde hair was standing there. He was facing his back. My gut feeling said that he is Mr. Martin, CEO of this famous enterprise. Also, he is the heartbeat of several girls.

No, I am not concluding anything based on my gut feeling alone; I heard he is a young man who is in his early thirty, and not to forget he is handsome. And anyone of these men who are at the chair doesn't match the criteria. They both seemed in their early fifty.

"Have a seat," said the first man and lifted his head. His brows furrowed and he immediately passed a glance to another man whose eyes were still at the file.

By his look, I caught off guard. I wished to run from here and save my embarrassing face.

"Shall we begin Ms. Parker?" Said the second older man.

To be continued.

Tessa's POV

"Ms. Parker, what do you expect from us?" Said the second man.

"To get hired based on my capabilities," I straightforwardly answered.

"Impressive," he said.

"Why do you think that we should hire you, not those who are still in the line? Or those who went with disappointment?" The first man asked.

"I shouldn't comment on those who are still in the queue as they didn't get an opportunity to prove themselves. However, those who came before me were not deserving. They might have better qualifications than me," I was cut by the second man.

"Aren't you overconfident? You don't have a good record. There is not even a single company where you worked for more than 6 months and the previous one, you got fired within a month. Not only this, you are sitting at home for 2 months," he said with insolence.

His words hit my heart and humiliated me a little but I decided to face my failure with a calm face. "I am not overconfident. About concluding, no one could satisfy you all. They couldn't even stay in this room for more than a minute but on the other hand, I am here for more than 5 minutes. You both are still interested in me. At least, 5 times you both went through my job profile. So, I guess I have impressed you both but you don't want to make any mistakes so you are trying to find a nook in me."

"What do you comment on your past job?" The second man asked.

It would be easy if they could have introduced themselves to me. Nevermind, I would continue like this itself.

"I couldn't be dolled up in some attire or flatter my seniors. Also, I thought I should reach higher with my skills rather than a buttering manager. However, my wishes couldn't be fulfilled and I ended up losing my job," I straightforwardly said.

Listening to my answer, not only he but that blonde man who was near the window turned towards me and passed a look to older men. He came near me and grabbed the file from my hand. His facial expressions were blank and his sloe-eyed were at me.

Why does this unusual face seem similar? And why am I getting freaked out? Like he is going to eat me? And most importantly why does it seem I made a mistake by missing my flight.

"What are your highest qualifications?" He asked.

"I did Mba from Spain's institute," I said.

"Work limit?" He asked.

"9 hours," I confusingly answered.

"12 hours shift, no weekend off, a company house so no excuse about the late arrival and the most importantly never say a no to any work even if they are irrelevant to your job," his words confused me more.

"Though there is an 8 hours shift, you need to report 2 hours earlier than reporting time and leave two hours later than others. As an assistant, you would have to do so many things, from running errands to managing my schedule. Most importantly, you would need to accompany me everywhere even to parties," he added.

"I can," I answered with unsureness. However, I still couldn't understand anything. Isn't he supposed to ask some harsh questions? And once all questions finish then they would say that wait for a week, if you get hired, you would get a call.

"Where are the keys to the house where the prior assistant lived," Mr. Martin asked and looked towards those men.

"Ms. Kevin has," the first person answered.

"Ask her to give keys to her," Mr. Martin said.

"Ms. Parker, congratulations. You are hired. Do some paperwork and then from tomorrow you can join us and you can get your apartment keys from Ms. Kevin, the lady who brought you here," the first man said.

No way! They must be kidding. How could I get a job so easily? They didn't even ask scary questions.

"What happened, Ms. Parker? Aren't you happy?" He asked.

"No, I mean I am but it's so sudden. I mean for three years I am trying but I never get to attend such a good interview," I blurted.

"I see. By the way, Ms. Parker, I am Andy Lewis, managing director of this company. The man who is sitting adjacent to me is Mr. John Cameron, the marketing head, and the man who is next to you is Mr. Theo Martin, your new boss," Andy said.

"Thank you," I stood and bowed my head and danced happily in my mind.

"Welcome on the boat. You can sign papers. Go to the receptionist, she will guide you further," John said. I hummed happily and was about to move.

"Hold on! Ms. Parker, don't be so happy. You are just hired but you didn't get a permanent position. To get a permanent position, you have to wait for three months. In these three months, I will monitor your performance and once I would get that you can match my pace then you would get a chance to sign a contract for 3 years. A good deal, is it?" Theo sternly said.

Except for humming, I couldn't do anything. All my dreams which I saw in 2 seconds wiped away listening to his statement. I can again see a rope hanging around my neck.

"Tomorrow, sharp 8:00 am," Theo added.

"How would I? I live far away," I attempted to fight a battle that I already know that I would lose.

Theo walked away without answering anything. Andy and John gave me a sympathetic look. "Young lady, if you wish to get something, you have to struggle."

"Don't lose this opportunity," Andy further said.

John hummed in the response. They both walked away leaving me alone. I looked at my watch. Sharp 8:00 am, which means I have 16 hours. 4 hours, I should exclude traveling.

So, I have an entire 12 hours. Not bad! I can manage as my life depends on it. Without wasting any more minutes, I ran outside ignoring all and reached the reception. "I am Tessa Parker. I am hired as the chief executive's assistant. I asked to complete my paperwork."

She gave me a look and glanced at her colleague. They passed a glimpse to me and then forwarded a file to me.

I adjusted my spectacles and locked the strands behind my ears and extended my hands. They chuckled seeing my uneven nails though they don't know that I have eaten them due to nervousness.

"Ms. Parker, you are already here," Ms. Kevin said from behind. I took the file and turned it towards her. "I am in a hurry. Mr. Martin asked me to reach 8:00 a.m though I live in the countryside."

To be continued.

Ms. Kevin went into thoughts listening to my words.

"Follow me, Ms. Parker," said after some time. I disappointingly hummed and went behind her.

Again, we passed through a beautiful lobby however this time instead of paintings, some beautiful sculpture was kept at some distance.

It seemed this is an arthouse rather than an office. Still, I feel lucky enough to come here. I wish I could work here even after two months.

"Theo is obsessed with arts, so he especially hired some artists to design all this. His cabin is more beautiful than the entire lobby. You will fall in love with that place," Ms. Kevin broke my trances. She must have noticed my admiring gaze.

I hummed. We reached her cabin which was simple yet sober. She went to her seat and took a key from her drawer. "The apartment is nearby itself. I will message you the address."

"And your place is far away then you can do one thing. You could shift at the apartment and after some days when you get time on your hands; you can take your things," she said.

"You can buy some office wear and a pair of casual dress. Those will be enough. You won't even get time to do anything else," she added.

I went in the thoughts. Ms. Kevin's idea is not bad. I can shift to my new place moreover I don't even have many things to carry except my old dresses. However, I don't have enough cash on my hands.

What should I do? Should I use my savings? What about my future? I guess from this moment I should live in the present. Further, by traveling I would waste my money.

Making my mind, I extended my hand and grabbed the keys.

"Sign these papers and submit to HR and once you are done then take tomorrow's schedule from me. Also, I have prepared his diet chart, take that too. And yes, Ms. Parker, don't even be late for a single minute or you will lose your job the next second," she said.

"His diet chart? Why would I have that? Isn't that supposed to be handled by his doctor or some caretaker?" I twisted my lips and furrowed my brows.

"Within a day, you will understand your hectic job," she answered.

I sighed and moved from there.

Did I do right by taking this job? It seems I wouldn't have any personal life. Like I have now?

I don't even have a boyfriend as no one gets interested in me. Perhaps I am the ugliest person on this earth.

However, I don't know what is wrong with my face? I agree I have glasses over my face but I have a good skin tone, long wavy hair, medium height, curvy body then what makes me ugly?

I mentally checked myself and concluded that I don't have money to dress up otherwise I am beautiful.

After filling and signing the papers, I took the schedule and diet chart from Ms. Kevin and then went to the apartment which was at 15 minutes walking distance.

I am kind of excited about the new place as after three years I am moving to a nice place. I don't know how I managed to stay in a single rooftop room where I couldn't even have proper space.

On the other hand, this apartment's hall is itself bigger than mine.

However, this apartment is only for 3 months. After it, I might again get to return my poor life. Let's not worry about that for now as from tomorrow I feel I am going to put my feet in a fire. A single mistake, I would kick out from that beautiful empire.

I sighed and entered the room, my eyes widened seeing the interior. My legs automatically dragged me further.

"Beautiful," only this word escaped from my lips.

It still seems like a dream. How do I suppose to believe that I would be staying in a 3bhk flat? Not only this, it has a balcony from where I can see an entire town.

Also, every essential thing is here. From the kitchen utensils to bathroom slippers. Who provides such luxury? I guess Mr. Martin is so rich. He loves to pamper employees.

Hold on! I should go shopping to buy dresses for myself. And this time, I am going to buy an elegant dress which matches this place.

Thinking that I took my purse and went outside. Not to forget, for the first time in my whole life, I urge to lock the apartment. As before today, I didn't care even if someone came to my place to steal. They would not get anything except some empty bottles.

After 15 minutes of walking, I reached the mall. I adjusted my glasses which were, again and again, coming on my nose. Its frame is loosened, I thought instead of wasting money on it, I should buy some food. So, I never paid attention to my poor glasses.

Nevermind! Once I get my salary I am going to give a treat to my body. For now, I should only pick some dresses and rations.

I entered the clothes section and picked some formal dress. I paid their bills and went towards the shop for a casual dress.

"Excuse me," said the man from my behind.

"Mr. Martin," I muttered and turned towards him.

"Pick a tuxedo and some gifts for me," Theo said in the same stern tone.

"What do you mean?" I confusingly asked.

"Whatever you hear, I mean that only," he answered.

"You signed the papers, isn't it? So from that moment, only you are working for me. Think this is your first task," he added.

"Darn! my shopping. What would I wear tomorrow? It would have been better if I went to my place," I muttered.

"Any problem?" He asked. "If yes, resign."

Fuck! What kind of man is he?

"Follow me, first we will buy gifts and then a tuxedo and at the end, we need to buy some footwear," he added.

I hummed and followed him and kept looking at dresses with my small eyes.

One thing I wished to ask from him. Why is he here? Doesn't he have the office? And if no, he can go to some pub for drinking.

"Ms. Parker, before you I had 15 assistants. I fired 7 within a week as they were so slow and the remaining 8 left on their first day. They couldn't handle the pressure," he turned towards me and held my hand. Due to his sudden swivel, I collided with him. Our face was an inch apart.

"For how many hours or days or months or year, you can work, it is in your hand, so rather than wasting your time behind some thoughts concentrate on your work," he said.

"And yes, Ms. Parker, start running as from tomorrow you have to run a lot," he added and left my hands. He walked away but I stood keeping my hand at my pondering chest.

"What was it?" I muttered and ran towards him.

To be continued.