My Innocent Girl

(This book is the first book of a series which will consist of three novels. The name of the series goes "My Girl" and also, the length will be around 100000 words per novel. The novel will become paid later and all the three books will be updated after one another. First, this book will be completed and it will be updated regularly)

Ashley

I had enough reasons to cry. But I didn't, because I wanted to give a last try to my job.

I packed my things as Lara wished for me to win. "Bye, Lara, " I said while taking my phone off the charger. "Bye. Good luck, sis"

"Thank you" I left the house taking my suitcase and took a cab to the airport.

I am Ashley Jones. I had been a good girl, but not a lucky one. I had been kicked out of my last job and had voluntarily left the preceding one. Not that I didn't like it, because I just care too much about my self-respect.

And that's the only thing I am proud of.

I tried applying to many jobs in Russia, but none accepted me. My last boss had made sure that I didn't get a place in any of them, at least not in this country. Consequently, I have to leave the country and am going to America. I am originally American anyway, I just settled in Russia four years back due to some issues, I really don't wanna talk about.

"Okay, " I said to the taxi driver as I paid the money with my credit card. He left and I went towards the airport platform.

This is gonna change everything.

"Here" I handed my identity papers to the officer and after all the process, I sat down in the airplane seat. This is not the first time I am on a plane, but I am as afraid as ever.

I don't know why, but if I can't get a job in the US either, I will be completely jobless. When mom left us, we always depended on each other. The last two months had Lara working day and night. Now, I have to take this flight so that I can also do something other than eating her hard work.

Literally.

I waited for the plane to take off while I glanced at my wristwatch. 6 AM.

It is gonna take almost 13 hours flying from here to Los Angeles. LA has been my home for quite as long as I can remember and Moscow has been my second one, giving me equal vibes of my 'own home'.

I almost slept and waited for LA.

I woke up and checked the time. 6:13 AM. Of the next day, dude.

At least, I am finally reaching there. I had already applied for a job and it is quite an expensive company, but I can quite hold a chance for it because I grew up and was educated in the US, particularly LA, and that is where this awesome company stands. It is internationally popular, but I guess they respect the citizens of their own state.

I am kind of relative to them, right? I belong to the same state.

If that makes sense.

Anyway, I waited some more, and as I reached there; I took a cab home. This empty house can be even haunted.

Just kidding.

I went inside and keeping my suitcase down, the first thing I did was calling Lara and letting her know that I made it alive. "Hey! Guess what? I am alive!"

"Well, that is some really sad news I got. You ruined my mood"

"At least I wouldn't be there to disturb you and your boyfriend"

"Aish, you are such a jealous girl" she sighed.

I am not, dear. I am happy that at least you have someone in your life you can trust.

"You know I am not"

"Whatever it is, sis. Take care and you know? I will miss you so bad. I'll visit you on weekends"

"Oh, we can't pay for that. How can you visit me so much?"

"We will think of a way. Anyway, I gotta go. All the best for your job"

"Thank you" I cut the call with a smile.

I got this, Lara.

Ashley

I woke up and checked the time on the watch that hung on the wall. It was still 6:55 AM and I could sleep peacefully for another five minutes. I swear I will wake up after 5 minutes, I am very sleepy.

I dozed off for another nap as laziness took control over my brain and the next time I opened my eyes, fear engulfed me. God, please tell me that I slept only five minutes...

I looked up at the same watch that showed me the time... 7:34 AM.

I better die.

I got up and ran towards my wardrobe. I took out my clothes and changed them. It was good that I already decided on my outfit yesterday. I couldn't have possibly done that today.

I washed my face and getting my hair done, I picked nothing else than my phone and resume and left on a cab to the Brown Headquarters.

-----

The cab stopped right in front of a massive building. It was such a beautiful place that I can not even dream of working there. It was a very tall one and covered with what looked like the most expensive marble and glasses. It wouldn't be a totally wrong thing to think that it was full of precious gems, like even diamonds.

I paid for my taxi and went inside the gate. It was quite expensive for me to always take a taxi here and there. I need to buy a vehicle that too very soon.

I shrugged my thoughts. I first need to pass this second interview.

I went inside and the receptionist smiled brightly looking at me.

"Hello. How may I help you, miss?"

"Ah... I-I am here for the second interview for the PA's position"

"PA's position..." she checked her documents. "Of Mr. Brown?" she raised an eyebrow.

"Y-Yeah!" I replied and she nodded. "Great because he is already here. But you might wanna be really careful with him, okay? PAs don't last for long with him. And you look like a girl who needs a stable job"

"Yes, " I nodded. "I will be careful"

"Okay. Good luck. Go to floor 47. He might be on the round. I don't know where exactly he is, but he was seen on Floor 46 just three minutes ago. So, hurry and go to the 47th floor. Go"

"Thank you!" I smiled at her and went to the elevator and pressed the 47th button. I looked at the last floor. This building had 66 floors. Isn't it too much?

The elevator stopped and I went inside. I have seen Mr. Brown before, so I can recognize him. Actually, I have seen him on TV. My first interview was conducted by someone else of this company and now that I finally passed it, and they said that it was very rare, I am here to meet him and get his approval.

I glanced here and there whilst moving forward. There were many cabins, followed by many rooms. There were different names written at their door and the building was way too luxurious to work in.

"Who are you?" I heard a voice and my heartbeat raced. I turned around and saw Mr. Brown standing with his hands in his jeans' pockets.

"I-I... I am here for the second interview, sir"

He looked at his watch. "I thought the time was 7:15 and I never think wrong. The time right now is 7:45. Why do you think I'd take your interview now?"

I looked down as I realized my mistake. I curse myself for thinking that I'd wake up after five minutes. If only I had woken up, I would have been here on time.

"I apologize, sir. Please don't think that I am not sincere. I just overslept, that would never be repeated" I finally spoke.

I don't really get afraid a lot and I always speak my mind so that others can understand me instead of misunderstanding me.

He sighed. "Meet me in my cabin at 8" he left.

Where is his cabin? Oh yeah, I better hurry and ask the receptionist.

I went down to reception. "Um... where is Mr. Brown's cabin?"

"Which one?"

I stared at her blankly. How am I to know that?

"Ah... he told me that I should meet him at his cabin in 15 minutes. Now, do you have any idea where?" I questioned her as I found myself very confused.

"Yes. You should go to the second room on the second floor itself. That is his interview room, and also his cabin. But remember, the next time you are asked to go to his cabin, go to the first room on the second floor. Okay?"

"Oh, okay. Thank you" I smiled at her. "My name's Ashley by the way"

"Great to meet you, Ashley. Kate here"

"Bye Kate" I left the reception with a smile.

-----

I reached the second room and I can see Mr. Brown written on the door. I can go inside already, but should I wait till it is 8? It is still 7:58.

I decided to wait and as it turned 8, I knocked on the door.

I went inside and he was sitting in his seat.

"12 seconds late, what were you thinking?" he looked at me.

What is this guy?

"Sir... 12 seconds..." I wanted to cry and laugh at the same time.

"Anyway" he closed his laptop. "Your resume?"

"Yes sir!" I handed him my file and kept standing because he didn't tell me to sit down. I mean, I don't need it anyway.

"Hm, " he handed me it back. "Now tell me about yourself"

"I... I am Ashley Jones-"

"I read your file. Tell me something that is not there" he interrupted.

"Well, I guess I haven't included that I really need this job and I am determined to do this with sincerity"

He half-smiled. " What are your strengths?"

"I don't think that I should be the one telling this. I mean, of course, I only know about them. But I think that anyone would tell them after they see me work for a week because I don't feel like bragging about myself"

He nodded, a playful smirk on his face.

"So, what are your weaknesses?"

"I really sleep a lot!" I accidentally spoke and then got embarrassed. "b-But, I will change it!"

"Well, " he looked at me. "I guess I got one of your strengths. You can't lie"

"I think that is a weakness" I murmured to myself as he raised an eyebrow.

"Okay" he nodded, but I don't think he really heard what I said. "Now, tell me why did you leave your last job"

Remembering why I left my last job; it isn't the most pleasant experience.

"Personal reasons, " I said but he didn't seem to be satisfied by my answer. "My... my mom... actually, it is really personal" I cut myself off.

"Okay, " he nodded. "What do you expect from this job?"

"I just" I started thinking about my family. "I just want something to keep me busy while I wouldn't lie, but I also want this job for money. My sister lives abroad and I really can't live without her. So, she is my only family. This is quite a personal reason, but yes, that is it"

He nodded. "How much salary do you expect?"

"Anything to let me and my sisters meet every once in a while"

He nodded as he stood up. "Great. But this isn't it" he smirked. "Get ready for your task one"

Ashley

"Get ready for your task one" he smirked and I nodded. "Follow me" he ordered and I followed him as he led us to some distinct corner. He looked at the small sensor at the corner of the door and it opened. It was... iris recognition. We went inside and trust me, it all felt like I am doing some high-level FBI work. As I stepped inside, he stopped. "You have completely five minutes, find the 56th desktop, and write an email convincing Mr. Houston to agree to 6% shares other than 10%. Only one chance, no mistakes accepted and yes", he looked at me. "I mean it"

Before my brain was able to process any doubts, he left the room. Five minutes, girl.

I looked at the room. It was very big, more like a hall. I hurriedly looked for the 56th PC, but there were many. They were lined, but if I started counting, it is gonna take a very long time. I skipped some of them and suddenly noticed that every fifth computer is marked with a number. The first one was not marked, so it is not my fault. How was I to know that there are any numbers? I followed the numbers and almost ran till I reached 55th and then I used the computer next to it.

I switched it on. It was on sleep, and Gmail was on.

Now, how can I convince him when I don't even have any knowledge of his weakness? I don't even know about him at all. But I have to do this.

I started writing. I wrote common things, mainly how important this deal is for him and us, and that 6% is more than enough, etc. I can't mention any personalized pros or cons because I haven't even read his file or contract. As I was about to press the send button, I heard the door open. "Times up"

I still wanted to send, so I put my hand on the mouse. "I mean everything I say, Ashley"

I stopped. I don't wanna make him mad on my first day. Oh, it is not even my first day, it is just some kind of test. He came to me and looked at the computer screen. "You think it'd work?" he questioned; his eyes still fixed on the screen. "Um... Sir... how can I convince him when I don't know his weaknesses and strengths? I need to have knowledge of his interests and about his personality to catch his attention in this contract. I should have read his file first to at least know the basics of his contract" I looked down and spoke. I don't expect him to understand, you know, because I have heard that the boss' of large companies don't really understand their employees. "Oh, " he looked at me. "Then why didn't you say that?"

"Y-You are my boss, sir. Who am I to point anything in what you say?" I said, keeping the very important thing in my mind: that VIP people like him like to be in charge and like to boss around.

"Sure, I am the boss" he spoke. "But you are my PA. You should tell me if you have any problem. If you don't then how is this gonna work? Just me ordering you around with you doing anything just because of some money?"

I looked at him. Is he really this understanding? Like... this good?

"Ah... you are right, sir"

"By the way, " he said. "Send the email, it is fine now"

I looked at the email confused. He has edited it in this time!? Gosh, his English is so professional that if I was that Mr. Houston, I would have felt so proud to be even contacted by someone this professional. I sent it and as I was about to shut it, I saw the background. "Ashley, your email was good enough. Don't get demotivated and come to my cabin again. The first room, second floor"

I closed the computer thinking how'd he do that? Gmail was opened the entire time and how'd he write that and keep it as the background? Anyway, I left the room and went to his cabin. He still told me his new cabin, even when I asked the receptionist. I knocked and entered. "Congratulations on your first task, Ashley" he stood up from his seat. "Can I call you Ash?"

"Y-Yes, " I said as a little blush crept to my cheeks. No one has called me Ash for quite a time, and I love that name. "You sure?"

"Yes, " I smiled. "So, Ash" he stood against his table. "Ready for the next task?"

"Yes sir"

"Take a look at those files" he pointed towards a bundle. "Under every respective work, you have to find your name, so that you can get a fresh list of your tasks. Every work is teamwork here, and you are quite not a part of that of course, but there are certain tasks you need to do. For that, every page has a new task, and below are the names written. So, find the tasks which have your name"

I nodded. I have never met any boss who explains everything so nicely. I went to those files. They were many, but. "Sir, where do I sit and do my work?" I questioned.

"Well, you..." he looked around. "I am leaving anyway. You can stay here for today. I am in this building only, and you can call me if you have any doubt"

"Thank you, sir, " I smiled to which he nodded. He left the cabin and I sat down on a seat across his'. I took all the files. I think I'd rather do this by computer. I mean, I can really use some software to do this work other than doing it by hand. I didn't know if I could really use his computer. I know it'd be protected anyway, so I got up. But my phone rang. It was a message. "And yes. You can use my laptop for today. Um... fill the security question by Sacré Coeur Basilica "

"Thank you, sir, " I texted him back. He kinds of really read my mind. I turned his laptop towards me and switched it on. There was this alphanumeric password, but he asked me to fill in the security question instead. Why didn't he just tell me the password instead of this question? I mean, they are both giving me access to his PC anyway. I entered Sacré Coeur Basilica and it opened. I am still wondering why he chose such an answer. The question was something like your favorite place. Anyway, I downloaded the software and took my pen scanner to quickly scan the documents and using the special coding language, I programmed it accordingly and it worked! Well, I learned coding at a small age because I was always told how technology is a really big part of our lives, and frankly, I was just interested. It took me half an hour to complete my work and I had the new list of tasks in my hand. I went to search for him. I went straight into the reception because I really didn't know where he was in this entire big building.

"Where is Mr. Brown?" I questioned the receptionist. "He-"

"I thought I told you that you can call me if you have any doubt" I heard his voice and I turned around.

"Actually, sir-"

"Let's talk in my cabin"

"Yes sir" I nodded and followed him to his cabin.

"Now tell me" he entered the cabin. "Actually" I picked up the final paper from his table. "I just wanted to tell you that my work is done"

"What?" he took the paper from my hands. "How?"

"Um... I used your PC"

"Yeah, but how'd you do it this fast?"

"I just... um... programmed a little in your PC's software"

He looked at me and there was a simple glow in his eyes which showed that he was quite shocked. "You should have added that to your resume"

"Ah... I just had a little interest in it while I was little. I didn't do anything legally like studies or something, so" I smiled. "That's good. You know what Ash?"

I looked at him more precisely as he called me Ash. "I like people who do smart work more than hard work. And it is hard to say, but I am impressed"

I smiled at my victory as he gave me my paper. "But you know? This was the only work for the entire day. Now you should go to your home, you earned this leave"

I should have gone, but I had nothing to do in that house, the house which reminds me of everything. "Actually sir" he looked at me. "I would have gone, but I think I'd rather work than sitting at home"

"Okay then" he switched on his laptop.

"Lower the blinds of the window, Ash"

"Okay..." I went and lowered them. What does he want privacy for?