REJECTED BUT CHOSEN

**Lila Carter's Point of View**

My pulse pounded as I entered the large, gleaming structure. I started working at Blackwood Enterprises today. I was both anxious and thrilled about my new position as a picture drawer. I clutched my sketchbook and donned my favorite blue outfit. The lobby was crowded with suit-wearing folks and had large windows. Like a mouse in a huge home, I felt little.

The woman behind the desk grinned. "Lila Carter? Seek out the eleventh floor. Blackwood, Mr., is waiting.

With a nod, I entered the elevator. My stomach turned over as it shot upward. I saw a guy standing at a large desk as the doors opened. He was tall, with emerald eyes that stared directly at me, and black hair. Like when I view a beautiful sunset, my heart makes a weird bounce.

With a rich voice, he introduced himself as Ethan Blackwood. "You're the new performer?"

"Yes," I answered quietly, "sir." He only glanced at my hand as I extended it. He didn't grin, but his gaze warmed me.

He pointed to a chair and said, "Show me your drawings."

I opened my sketchbook and took a seat. I showed him my photos of cities and flowers, and my hands trembled a bit. Leaning closer, Ethan examined every page. For a moment, I thought I saw him grin, but then his expression returned to its seriousness.

"Well done," he remarked. "Today is your first day. Come with me.

I rushed to keep up with his rapid pace. We entered a room filled with tables piled high with documents and large screens. People were conversing and painting. Ethan gestured towards a desk. "You own this. By tomorrow, create a poster for our new phone.

I nodded as my stomach twisted. By tomorrow, a poster? I wanted to give it my all. Ethan gave me another glance, his green eyes keen as if he could see right through me. I felt my cheeks heat up and glanced down.

The day flew by. In an attempt to create the ideal poster, I sketched and erased. I neglected to bring lunch, and my pencils made scratches on the paper. I often saw Ethan strolling past and chatting with folks when I glanced up. He once paused to examine my artwork. My pulse pounded once again as his gaze lingered on me for an extended period of time.

I was delighted yet exhausted at the end of the day. I had finished my poster. After packing my things, I made my way to the elevator. There stood Ethan, by himself. It was only the two of us when the doors closed.

He remarked, "Good first day," without glancing at me.

"Thank you," I muttered. My voice became trapped as I tried to speak more. The elevator seems cramped, and I felt lightheaded from his soapy, tree-like scent. His eyes locked with mine as I looked at him. I briefly sensed something significant, like a hidden spark between us.

The doors opened and the elevator dinged. Ethan turned to face me as he went outside. His voice was icy as he urged, "Don't be late tomorrow." After that, he left me standing there with a sorrowful heart. Why did he behave so cruelly after giving me that look?

With my head whirling, I ventured out into the chilly night. There was something about Ethan that made me feel both significant and unwanted. I saw a shadow moving quickly across the street as I boarded the bus. Despite having a large appearance, it had emerald eyes that resembled Ethan's. I gasped and looked, but my breath was gone.

**Lila Carter's Point of View*

With my hands clutching my luggage, I sat on the bus. I kept thinking about that green-eyed shadow even as the street lights flickered past. Although it seemed to be a large dog, something didn't feel right. Ethan's icy comments still made my heart ache. His voice was abrasive, as if he didn't want me there, yet he warned me not to be late. I watched the city blur as I rested my head on the glass. Why did I feel so melancholy after being warmed by his eyes?

It was quiet in my little apartment when I went home. I slammed onto the sofa after kicking off my shoes. I finished my poster by opening my sketchbook, which was resting on the table. I sketched a brightly colored, sparkling phone in the hopes that Ethan would appreciate it. My thoughts kept returning to him even though my pencil was moving quickly. The strength of those emerald eyes made my stomach turn. I gave a headshake. I needed to concentrate. This was my big break.

I got up early in the morning. Even though my eyelids were heavy, I dressed in pants and a green sweater. I wanted to appear good without being too elaborate. I snatched up my poster and hurried to the bus stop. With all the automobiles and people, the city was noisy. Just in time, I arrived at Blackwood Enterprises and quickly made my way to the eleventh level.

Ethan was standing near his desk already. He had clean hair and was dressed in a black suit. My heart made that amusing leap once again as he glanced at me. His voice was bland as he replied, "You're on time." He gestured toward a table. There, place your poster. We'll examine it later.

I put down my painting and nodded. My fingers trembled a little. He turned away, speaking to a guy with a shaved head, but I wanted him to say something kind. It must be his assistant, Marcus. I moved to my workstation and began creating a fresh image. There were a lot of individuals typing and conversing in the room. I continued to steal glances at Ethan. His expression was solemn, as if he bore a heavy burden, yet he walked as if he owned everything.

I ate a sandwich by myself at my desk at lunch. Sarah, one of my friends from the art team, stopped by. She smiled broadly and had short blond hair. "Hey, Lila, your poster looks fantastic!" she said as she sat next me.

I smiled back and replied, "Thanks." "I'm hoping Ethan enjoys it."

Sarah gave an eye roll. You'll win him over, even if he's tough. Continue being who you are.

I felt a bit better after laughing. Sarah was always able to lift my spirits. We discussed ridiculous topics, such as her cat stealing socks. But my laughter stopped as Ethan passed by. My cheeks became flushed as his gaze briefly met mine. He continued to walk without stopping. Why did he give me this feeling?

We had a meeting later. My heart was pounding as I stood beside my poster. Marcus and Ethan examined everyone's work. I held my breath until they reached mine. I sketched a colorful phone, and Ethan gazed at it. His eyes lingered on it for a while, but his face remained unchanged.

Finally, he responded, "It's good." Increase the background's blueness. We'll make advantage of it.

My heart leaped. He enjoyed it! His voice remained icy, as if he didn't care, even if I wanted to grin. Marcus gave me a nod, his eyes warm. "Well done, Lila," he said. Ethan's coldness ached, but I felt warm on the inside.

I worked on the blue backdrop for the remainder of the day. My thoughts were on Ethan, but my pencil was moving quickly. What made him so cruel? Did I make a mistake? He was usually occupied, either examining documents or conversing with others, but I still wanted to question him.

Sarah dragged me to a peaceful nook at the conclusion of the day. "Lila, watch out for Ethan," she muttered. He's not your typical employer. He's... unique.

I scowled. "What do you mean?"

Leaning closer, she took a look around. Simply keep an eye on him. He has secrets.

I was at a loss for words. Secrets? Such as? I considered the green-eyed shadow. Was that for real? I gave a headshake. I was being foolish. Ethan wasn't some mystery; he was simply a boss.

I packed my suitcase at the conclusion of the day. Now that most people had left, the workplace was quiet. My feet were weary as I made my way to the elevator. Once again, Ethan was there by himself. My heart skipped a beat. Like yesterday night, it was only the two of us when the doors closed.

He looked to the wall and said, "You did well today." His voice was not warm, but it was gentler.

"Thanks," I responded in a low voice. I wanted to ask him why he seemed so aloof. I was afraid, however. His scent filled my nostrils like woods, and the elevator seemed little once again. I gave him a quick look. He seemed to be keeping something back with his tense jaw.

He walked out as the doors opened. He murmured, "Good night, Lila," without turning around. He moved quickly as he left. My heart was heavy once again as I stood there. Why did he give me such conflicting feelings?

The chilly night air felt good on my face as I stepped outdoors. There were several automobiles and lights on the street. With my backpack weighing heavily on my shoulder, I headed for the bus station. Then a deep growl reached my ears. My heart was pounding when I stopped. I noticed those green eyes once again in a dim alleyway across the street. Like Ethan, they gleamed, sharp and brilliant. The large, hairy figure, like a gigantic dog, shifted. I moved back as my breath caught.

The shadow moved toward the light. It wasn't a canine. It was a tall, powerful, dark-furred wolf. My legs halted as its gaze fixed themselves on me. I believed my heart would explode from the thunderous pounding. I wanted to flee as the wolf made another stride, but I was immobile. Then, like a flash, it turned and fled into the darkness.

I trembled as I stood there. Was that for real? Was it my imagination? Those eyes reminded me so much of Ethan's. However, that was insane. He wasn't a wolf; he was my employer. I glanced over my shoulder as I rushed to the bus stop. Even though the street was deserted now, I had the impression that something was waiting and watching me.

**Lila Carter's Point of View**

My hands were trembling as I sat on the bus. The emerald eyes of the wolf, which glowed like Ethan's, lingered in my mind. My heart refused to stop beating. Was I losing my mind? There were no wolves in the city. I gazed out the window while tightly gripping my suitcase. I kept glancing back because I was afraid the wolf was after me, even though the city lights were blurry. I hurried into my flat and closed the door as the bus pulled up outside. Breathing heavily, I leaned against it. Although I was secure now, I had a queasy feeling in my stomach, like if something significant was going on.

That night, I didn't get much sleep. I jumped at every sound. In the darkness, I kept seeing their eyes. My eyes were fatigued by morning, but I had to report to work. I dressed in trousers and a yellow top in the hopes that vibrant hues would cheer me up. I raced to the bus after grabbing my sketchbook. Even though my heart was still pounding, I urged myself to concentrate. Ethan loved my poster, but I had work to do. For now, it was plenty.

The foyer of Blackwood Enterprises was crowded. Fidgeting uneasily, I rode the elevator to the eleventh story. Ethan was speaking to Marcus as the doors opened. His emerald eyes flitted to me, and his black suit gave him a powerful appearance. Every time he stared at me, my stomach flipped once again. He had a serious expression on his face, so I refrained from telling him about the wolf.

Marcus grinned and said, "Good morning, Lila." I felt a bit better after looking into his gentle eyes.

"Hello," I murmured in a low voice. Ethan was already leaving with papers in his hand when I looked at him.

Over his shoulder, Ethan yelled, "Complete the poster today." "We must have it by noon."

After giving a nod, I moved to my desk. As Ethan suggested, I prepared my pencils and began adding blue to the poster's backdrop. Though I was focused on the wolf, my hand moved quickly. Those eyes seemed so near, so genuine. I gave a headshake. I needed to concentrate. Phones were ringing and people were chatting loudly in the workplace. Sarah's blond hair bounced as she waved at me from her desk.

She came up and said, "Hey, are you okay?" "You appear afraid."

I forced a grin and lied, "I'm fine." I was reluctant to share the wolf with her. She would consider me foolish. "Just worn out."

Sarah nodded, but she scowled. "All well, but let me know if you need to speak. Today, Ethan has been grouchy.

I gave Ethan a quick look. He was looking at a computer at his desk. He had a tense, angry-looking jaw. Did he also see the wolf? I ignored the notion and continued sketching. I was pleased when the blue caused the phone to pop. Perhaps this time Ethan would grin.

I ate my apple by myself at lunch while observing Ethan. He was using his phone while standing near the window. He seemed agitated, but his voice was quiet. I pondered with whom he was speaking. After Marcus joined him, they strolled to a peaceful chamber. I remained at my workstation, wanting to know what was wrong. Drawing was my job, not spying.

I finished my poster by midday. I held it up and looked at each line. The blue backdrop was brilliant, and the phone seemed sparkling. With my pulse racing, I made my way to Ethan's desk. Now he was by himself, studying documents. I displayed the poster.

With a trembling voice, I replied, "Here is the poster."

He picked it up and looked it over. He gently scanned the hues with his eyes. As I waited for him to speak, my stomach wrenched. At last, he gave a nod. It's good. We'll make advantage of it.

My heart leaped. I grinned and replied, "Thank you." His gaze softened for a moment, as if he saw something unique in me. Then he turned his head away, his expression icy once again.

He responded, "Go begin the next project." "Sarah will demonstrate."

My grin faded as I nodded. Why was he so cruel? I felt heavy as I made my way back to my workstation. Sarah arrived with a brand-new project: an image for a vehicle advertisement. We collaborated while giggling over ridiculous concepts. For a moment, her grin let me forget about the wolf. However, my heart made that amusing flip every time Ethan passed. I couldn't figure out why he made me feel that way.

We held a team meeting later. Ethan spoke about the company's ambitious objectives while standing at the front. Everyone listened to his powerful voice. With my pencil still in my hand, I observed him. I felt heated all over as his emerald eyes found me after scanning the room. For a brief period, he seemed to see me alone. I glanced down at my notepad as my cheeks began to flush.

Sarah drew me aside after the meeting. You can't stop looking at Ethan, Lilia. Take caution. It's difficult to know him.

With a flushed face, I replied, "I'm not staring." However, I knew she was correct. Ethan had a way of drawing me in like a magnet. Despite my dislike, I was unable to stop it.

I packed my suitcase as the day came to a close. Now that most people had left, the workplace was quiet. My feet were heavy as I made my way to the elevator. With his hands in his pockets, Ethan was back. As the doors closed, my heart pounded. As previously, there was just the two of us.

"Well done today," he replied quietly. His comments were warm, but he didn't look at me.

I looked at my shoes and replied, "Thank you." I wanted to inquire about the wolf, but I was unable to speak. The elevator was filled with his tree-like scent. His eyes locked with mine as I looked at him. My heart stopped beating. He seemed different for a moment, as if he had something important to say. I felt that spark again, stronger than before, and my stomach fluttered.

The doors opened and the elevator dinged. Ethan went outside. His voice was icy once again when he replied, "See you tomorrow." He left me alone and went away. My heart fell. Why did he continue to do that? He was icy one minute and friendly the next.

It was cold outdoors when I stepped outside. With lights flashing and automobiles honking, the roadway was crowded. With my backpack bouncing on my shoulder, I made my way to the bus station. I kept thinking about Ethan, his voice, his eyes. At first, I was unaware of the footsteps behind me. They approached, yet they were kind. With my heart racing, I turned. There were just streetlight shadows and no people.

I continued to walk, now more quickly. Even when the bus stop was near, the footsteps continued. I whirled around, gasping for air. I noticed them, those green eyes, shining in the darkness in the alley across the street. The wolf has returned, larger than ever. It remained still and watched me with its black fur. I wanted to shout, but my voice was gone, and my legs were shaking.

With its gaze fixed on me, the wolf advanced. I believed my heart would burst from the thunderous pounding. My backpack slipped off my shoulder as I retreated. Like it recognized me, the wolf merely looked without moving. Then, from behind me, rather than from the wolf, I heard a faint growl. Another wolf with vicious, golden eyes was standing there when I turned. My whole body went cold as it flashed its fangs. With a louder snarl, the green-eyed wolf moved to block my path from the yellow-eyed one. I was at a loss for what to do as they faced each other, prepared to battle.