Miranda's POV
Come on in!
I heard knocks on my door and woke up. I sighed with contentment as I turned over to my stomach and hugged my cozy pillow, groaning. Very cozy!
"MIRANDA!!!"
My eyes snapped open, and I quickly scanned my room. Asshat! I quickly got out of bed, put on my cuddly, fluffy flip-flops, and ran to the door, knowing just who it was.
"Mrs. Jones...." After I opened the door, I greeted my landlord with a broad smile. She looked into my apartment to see whether I had brought any guys with me, but she ignored me the entire time.
I said "Mrs. Jones" again, and at last, she raised her head and gave me a doubtful look. She arched an eyebrow at me as I said, "I'm sorry. I didn't hear when you called the first time."
"Really?"
Indeed. Can I be of any assistance to you? I waited for her answer before asking.
"Yes, Miranda. I'm waiting on your rent payment." Her reply made me sigh. I'm trying my hardest to pay her the month's rent that I owe her, but no one wants to hire me.
"Yes, Mrs. Jones. I am aware of this, and I am looking for work right now so I can pay you."
"All right. "You have to get a job quickly, young lady, or you will be fired." She replied, and I nodded in agreement. She then gave my place one more look before leaving.
I sighed and went to my living room after closing my door. My adorable little fur ball puppy was born there. I called her "Coco" and embraced her.
"Hey, how was your night? Still worn out?" She licked my hands when I asked, then curled into my arms. "At this very moment. Cutie, it's not time to go to bed. It's time for breakfast! "Are you not hungry?" I carried her in my arms and asked her again as I made my way to the kitchen.
After setting her down on the carpet, I opened my cupboard and extracted a container of dog food. I open it, toss it into her dish, and set it down next to her. I gave Coco a "Here you go," strewing her hair all over her head.
After washing my hands, I reached inside my refrigerator and removed a pack of bacon and two eggs. I split open the eggs and poured them into a basin, then beat them and added flavorings.
I removed a pan and placed it on the heat. Then, I added some little pieces of butter and watched them melt. I added my egg to the pan and stirred it constantly until it cooked through and became scrambled.
After transferring my cooked egg onto a plate, I covered the pan with some bacon and let it cook through.
When it was finished, I removed it, put my fried bacon on the plate with my egg, and toasted two pieces of bread in my toaster.
When it was finished, I positioned both toasts onto the plate, then took a seat on my kitchen island to start eating.
I finished up and carried Coco into the living room, where I laid her down on the carpet. "Alright, now stay put and have fun. I put her toys next to her and said, "Mommy is going to take a shower," before leaving the room.
I went into my tiny bathroom and undressed before turning on the water and getting in the shower. I took a bar of soap and covered my entire body after sighing with joy as the warm water touched my back. I then scrubbed all the filth off with my washcloth before rinsing my skin.
I take a shower, change into my towel, and go from the bathroom into my bedroom. I was looking through my closet for something proper to wear to my job interview when I saw a gray shirt, a rose-pink blazer, and white pants.
After putting on my panties and tucking my gray shirt into them, I put on my underwear, put on my jacket, and stepped in front of the mirror. I took up my brush and gave my hair a quick brushing before putting it in a bun. I took my side purse, put on my block heels, and finished my outfit with some jewelry.
"Woof!"
When I saw that Coco was staring up at me from below, I grinned and scooped her up into my arms. "Coco, what are you doing in here?" With her curled up in my arms, I asked.
"Mommy would like to stay with you but I have to try and get a job so Mommy can pay the mean landlord her rent, okay?" She barked once more as I was leaving my bedroom and entering the living area.
"Well done, girl! I promise to be back by three. I said, "Don't misbehave," and put her back on the carpet.
"Bye~ wish mommy luck!" I gave a wave and went out of the home. I waved to Coco one final time before locking the door and looked down to see that she was staring at me.
God, please help me find work!
The manager sighed and nodded in agreement before saying, "I'm sorry, but we don't need any more employees" and walking away.
Another person said, "Sorry, Ms. Lucas, but you didn't get the job," I sighed one more before heading out.
We don't hire individuals like you here, Ms. Lucas. I apologize. Another replied, "We only hire rich people," and I gave him a mental eye roll before walking away.
ΗΏΏ
This continued all day long. It's not fun to be rejected from every job interview. I'm not in luck...
I sighed as I turned the corner and strolled into a small, newly opened business. I picked up two packs of instant nodded while browsing the store, then I went to the counter to pay for them.
Gathering my spare coin, I headed to the bus station, and suddenly
The rain started to fall. Indeed, I don't have luck on my side at all. I grabbed a seat under the small shelter that prevented the rain from getting to me too much and waited for the bus to arrive as the raindrops occasionally hit me from the breeze.
I tried to feel comfortable by cuddling with my now-drenched skin as I searched the desolate road in anticipation of the bus's arrival. After all, heels are uncomfortable after a long day of walking.
I waited for the bus for a few minutes before boarding it. I walked to the rear and sat on one of the empty seats, eager to get home, after inserting my coins into the machine.
"Coco! As soon as I stepped inside the home, she leaped into my hands and shouted, "Mommy's back!" I laughed at her and removed my heels as she re-curled in my arms.
"Are you in the mood to eat? I'll grab you a bite to eat." I said as I entered the kitchen to feed her, and then I opened my Ramen noodles and tossed them into the pot of boiling water.
Before adding my ingredients, I took it out and put it in a bowl after waiting for it to get soft.
After eating till I was completely satisfied, I put the bowl in the sink, had a relaxing shower, put on some cozy jammies, and cuddled up in bed with my puppy to explore the internet.
*Buzz* I checked my notification after it went off.
Notifications about jobs
*Nanny: Seeking a nanny with experience caring for a five-year-old child. Must be at least twenty years old. The D.O.L. firm will have an interview tomorrow from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.*
I think this is OK for me, but given what happened five years ago, should I be around children?
I shouldn't, yet this is my only remaining hope. I have to make an effort to get hired. I have to try because I'm in a terrible circumstance at the moment.
I'll give it my best.
I sighed and turned off my phone as I relived the events of five years ago. If my son was still --, he would been five years old.
I shouldn't be considering this because it has already happened. I have to move on.
I exhaled deeply, set my phone on the desk next to my bed, and snuggled in close to my pillow. I closed my eyes and tried to relax a little before I was knocked out cold.
Miranda's POV
"Wish me luck, Coco!" I replied as I set her down on the carpet and gave myself one last look. I put on a wine-red sweater and some black leggings because I've decided to go casual today.
I walked to the door, said goodbye with a wave, locked it, and made my way to the bus station. I prayed, "I just hope that I get this job," as I sat down and waited for the bus.
When the bus eventually came, I gave the driver my bus pass, got inside, and found a seat that wasn't taken. I pulled out my phone and saw that it was already 8:32 PM, which meant that I would get there before nine o'clock in the next twenty minutes.
I breathed a sigh of relief as I closed my phone and watched the bus pass past the bustling market streets through the glass.
Just please, please, please. I must have this job!
...
"Hello! I said to a woman working at the company's desk, "I'm here for the job interview." When the bus dropped me off at a massive skyscraper that was perhaps forty stories high, I was initially taken aback.
I was aware of D.O.L. Company and knew it was a well-known and prosperous business owned by Nicholas, a terrifying C.E.O. who can murder you with a single glance, but I never really went by this establishment and didn't realize it was D.O.L. Company until I got there.
"Okay..., then can I have your name?" In response to her courteous question, I gave her my name and observed her writing it down on a clipboard before picking up the phone that was resting on her desk and placing a call. After a few minutes, she hangs up and turns to face me.
"Can you wait a minute please?" When she asked, I gave her a nod. Before I approached her, I noticed her resume for the work she had done. While I waited, I decided to take a look around the area.
It was lavishly furnished throughout and incredibly roomy. It certainly appeared to be a wealthy location, as evidenced by the opulent decorations, the majority of which were imported. Particularly the enormous vase that contained red flowers.
Ping!
I noticed a man approaching us as the elevator opened and started to move out. The woman behind the desk said, "This is Ms. Lucas," introducing me to the man who was now in front of us.
"Ms. Lucas, welcome to D.O.L." I was delighted to shake hands with him after he kindly introduced himself and said, "I'm Mr. Salvay."
I nodded in agreement as the woman stated, "Well, Mr. Salvay will be taking you up to the top floor, where the interview will be held."
"Wishing you could accompany me, Ms. Lucas," he remarked, waving goodbye to the woman before you followed him to the elevator he had descended from.
After we had stood in front of it for a few seconds, the elevator opened, and we both went inside. I observed him pressing the button leading to the upper floor, and then the entire space was silent.
Now, the only sound coming from me was my labored breathing as I tried, but was unable, to calm my anxious self. I was quite anxious and had a ton of ideas racing through my mind.
What happens if I'm not hired?
Will my landlord kick me out?
God, please come to my aid!
I truly need this position!
"Nervous?" Abruptly, the man next to me asked, breaking the silence.
"Yes." I wiped my sweaty palms on my leggings as I answered his query.
"I understand you. I can tell you that Mr. Richard is not someone people would want to meet because I have worked with him for years and have come dangerously close to being fired multiple times. Mr. Richard has moments when he is incredibly calculating and callous, but he also has days when he is thoughtful and increases everyone's wages. With undertones of terror in his eyes, he told me, "But you should try and never get him on his bad side because then, he won't hesitate to fire you for good."
That made me feel even more anxious.
"However, none of this is intended to frighten you. This is merely to inform you of some facts about him so you can proceed with caution in your behavior and speech around him. I would advise you to act civil during the interview. I nodded in agreement as he stated, "And even if he's wrong, just admit that it's your fault and I promise everything will go smoothly if you do that."
I must make an effort to get this job!
I can't allow myself to be affected negatively right now!
Now that I'm here, there's no going back.
Miranda, you can accomplish this! You are powerful!
While more people entered, I kept telling myself to keep going while the elevator started and stopped a few times. I was adamant about getting this job. I believe I can succeed! I've been treated nicely by everyone so far, so things should be going well.
I had great hope and determination to achieve this job, but...
As soon as the elevator stopped and we emerged into a crowded area, I forgot all those optimistic ideas.
"Your number is here. He handed me a piece of paper with a number on it and pointed to a woman wearing a jumpsuit. "Just take a seat and that woman over there will call your name when it's your turn," he said to me.
I merely gave him a courteous smile while nodding my head.
I said to him, "Thank you for everything," and all I got in return was a smile.
"Well, I'm going to depart because I have other things to do, but remember what I told you to do and keep your head up. You'll succeed admirably! He smiled and said, "Good luck, Ms. Lucas," before turning around and walking away.
With a sigh, I moved to sit on one of the empty chairs and looked around the room right away.
Believe me, more people came after me even though I was number 57. Except for myself, who instantly regretted wearing carelessly, the majority of them were girls and were dressed formally.
I just sat there and silently rolled my eyes at them as the majority of them talked about how wealthy they were, how certain they were to land the job and other such things.
"I'm confident Nicholas will pick me. I am the wealthiest and most attractive person here! His young boy will undoubtedly adore me as well, and then I can wed him." One woman wearing a very short dress said as much. She ran her hands over her waves of locks and her heavily makeup-caked face as they fell to her side.
She did appear wealthy, but her level of boldness is excessive. After spending over thirty minutes in this place, I've realized a few things.
The majority of the women in this room are incapable of even caring for a child or becoming babysitters. They were all wearing pricey outfits, and nearly all of them boasted that Mr. Richard would hire them, even though they hadn't come to the interview to be hired. They only wanted the job so they could try to get Mr. Richard to like them and then convince him to marry them, but there are rumors that Mr. Richard is single and has rejected every girl who has tried to date him, so it's likely that they are here to watch his son while they try to win his approval.
However, that was completely incorrect. They shouldn't do that since other people in this room could be denied this job because of them and who genuinely need it.
Once more sighing, I watched as the line grew longer and longer while whipping my perspiring hands, but eventually, it was my turn. The fact that several of them left his office after less than a minute shocked me. They've barely stepped inside, and he's ejecting them so fast.
My time came around quickly, even though I hadn't anticipated it. "Ms. Mitchell." The girl in front of me stood up when the woman beckoned, and she boldly moved towards her and into the room.
She looked rich and pretty, which was probably due to the makeup, so I had to admit that I was really afraid she would get the job. However, when she emerged from the room a short while later, I watched in horror as she stormed out of the room angrily without even looking at anyone.
How did it go, I wonder?
"Ms. Lucas!" When at last my name was called, I acquiesced and walked uncomfortably towards the woman who led me into Mr. Alexander's office.
My eyes darted around the interior as soon as we walked in, taking in the true beauty of the space. The room had few decorations and black painted walls, but those elements-like the artwork hanging on the walls and the small bookshelf behind the desk-made the space look nicer.
I was now standing in front of a desk when the room filled with a heavy odor and I could smell wine combined with the scent of a powerful male clone.
Behind the desk, I thought a person was sitting in a chair, but the chair was turned so that the person's back was toward me.
The woman pronounced, "Mr. Alexander, the next person is here for the interview," and then abruptly the chair was turned to expose dark eyes.
As I stood uneasily in front of him and his gaze shifted from my clothes to my face, I was captivated by his beauty.
The woman turned around and tapped me on the shoulder a little, and I started to shake a little bit anxiously as I stared at him.
I anxiously said, "Hello, I'm here for the job interview," as I turned to face the most attractive man I had ever seen. His ash brown hair brushed back, gave him a more attractive appearance. His wicked, lethal look might murder with its dark eyes. His expression was emotionless due to his perfectly formed tin lips. His great stature towered over me, as did his exquisite features, sculpted by the hand of God. He was the epitome of the god of geekdom.
"And you are?" he said in a low, husky voice, maintaining his emotionless demeanor.
"I-I'm Miranda Lucas." His icy gaze remained fixed on mine as I answered him in a trembling voice.
He didn't say anything, and when at last his gaze shifted from me to a file in his hands, the room fell silent. Before turning back to face me, he spent many minutes staring down at the file in his hands.
"Age?"
"27" was all I said, feeling a little uneasy once more from his intense looks. He gave a slight nod, then glanced back down at the file.
He closed his file and turned to face me, saying simply, "You're hired." I was staring at him with wide eyes.
Is that all?
Not asking any more questions?
Nicholas's POV
I turned to face the woman in front of me and shouted, "Get the f**k out." Her face fell abruptly from its previously smiling expression to one of shock.
"W-what?!"
I spat, "Ms. Mitchell, I won't repeat myself," and turned my head away. I picked up her file, closed it, and threw it in the trash can. When I looked back, I saw that she was still standing there.
"Are you f**king deaf?" With a frigid tone, I spoke. Not that she was trying to move at all.
She stammered pleadingly, "M-Mr. Richard, just give me one chance...I'll prove to you that I'm fit for this job," and I laughed bitterly at how desperate she sounded.
She gritted her teeth before spinning around and storming out of my office. "Get the f**k out of my office or I'll have to call security and I know you wouldn't want the room filled with people outside to see you being dragged away," I growled, laying back in my chair.
At last, f**king...
I was merely interviewing potential babysitters to see if anyone could watch my five-year-old son. Someone who isn't a desperate bitch, a f**king whore, or someone who just wants to hook up with me. Is it so difficult to ask for it?
I'm starting to wonder if there is one female from the interview who is here for the job and not to make out with me because every other woman who has entered my office so far has generally dressed provocatively in an attempt to impress me. Some of them have even gone so far as to f**king flirt with me.
Christ Jesus."Should I send the next one in, Mr. Richard?" An anxious employee of mine questioned, and when I looked up at her, I noticed that she was trembling a little.
"No, I'm trying real hard. Let everyone go and cancel everything."
"Sir, there are still quite a few individuals left. They've been waiting since this morning," she mumbled once more. I gave her a gaze that caused her lips to quiver as she struggled to form a sentence.
However, she was correct.
I simply can't believe they're returned after waiting for so long and so early.
Regardless, I shouldn't give up; I might just meet the one.
"All well, but I'll just take ten more. After saying, "Send the rest away," and turning my chair around, I heard her exhale and then stammer, "Yes, sir," before heading out.
All I can hope is that I find someone qualified for this position.
The door opened again after a little while, indicating that she had returned with someone else.
One of the employees from earlier said, "Mr. Richard, the next person is here for the interview." I turned around right away and was startled by the woman who was standing in front of me.
I must admit that I was mesmerized by her attractiveness as soon as I fixed my gaze on her. After turning around and giving her a quick tap on my shoulder, my employee left the woman, and I watched as she gave me a frightened little shake.
Her eyes were fixed on her face and she said, nervously and trembling, "Hello, I'm here for the job interview." I couldn't help but stare at her.
I started by focusing on her face, admiring her flawless features. Her beautiful, heart-shaped face was visible through her long, dark brown hair, which was styled in a cute bun. Her eyes, which were greenish and full of innocence, looked over my face as I watched. She was observing me closely.
My gaze followed her flawless nose to her alluringly plump lips. My eyes dipped and dipped until they reached her garments. She looked adorable in her small oversized wine-red sweater and her black leggings that embraced her lovely curves. I sighed, having at last discovered someone who wasn't wearing anything skimpy. She was dressed casually.
"All right, enough gazing at Nicholas," I told myself. I turned back to face her, and opened my lips to say something."And you are?"
"I-I'm Miranda Lucas." Her voice was calming in some way, and as I continued to feel cold toward her, I noted the tremble in her voice.
At last, I turned my gaze from her to the file sitting on my desk. My assistant had made a short background check on each person and had written down their names. Nothing too profound or too distant in the past. It contained only their name, birthdate, country, and other basic information.
I quickly glanced over the dossier, taking in every information about her. She is an American who was born on April 27 and enjoys reading.
She appeared younger than her age, so even though I already knew how old she was, I still wanted to hear it from her. "Age?"
"27" was her simple response, and as she wiped her hands on her leggings, I could see she was still apprehensive.
Glancing down at the dossier once more, I made sure to review every detail about her before closing it and deciding that she would be a good fit for this position.
I heard myself reply, "You're hired," and saw her stunned expression expand.
She fit the job description, which is why I recruited her, but that wasn't the only reason. I was drawn to her for some reason. I was unable to identify what it was that she had. She had a familiar appearance, like someone I knew.
This woman who is in front of me is just giving me a weird vibe.
"W-What?" Her eyes widened as she stammered and looked at me.
Reiterating "You heard me, you're hired" is something I never do.
"So that's it? Like, no more inquiries?" With a tilted head, she questioned, and I nodded.
"R-really? This is the first job interview I've ever attended where the questions are asked briefly before moving on.
"What? Do you want me to ask you a ton of questions about your background, or are you content already? I interrupted her, a little irritated.
Why was she asking me all those questions when she got the job?
"N-no. I was a little taken aback," she remarked, clearing her throat a little bit later.
"Good." My gaze shifted back to her face and I leaned back in my chair. She looked away from me, her gaze fixed on her shoes on the floor.
I was looking at this interesting female in front of me and was amused. She was the first female to be afraid to look me in the eyes.
Yes, I was a scary person, but no one was ever so afraid of me-especially women-that they avoided looking at me. Observing it was unexpected...
"Um," she stopped off abruptly and cleared her throat while continuing to avoid eye contact. "W-when do I start?"
I answered, "Oh, now," and that's when she finally gave me a look. Her facial expression was one of disbelief.
"Like right now? I haven't been ready for this work, much less beginning it today," she trailed off once more, her eyes meeting mine before they were abruptly diverted.
"You seem OK, and you don't need to buy a uniform or anything. I shrugged and added, "All you have to do is take care of my son," and she nodded.
"Speaking of you son, when can I get to meet him?" Her eyes flickered back to the floor or the walls of my office after a brief moment of questioning me.
I answered her inquiry, "You'll meet him in a few minutes, but first, you need to know the rules," and she nodded. I motioned for her to approach, and she approached cautiously before I motioned for her to have a seat. Up close, she looked even more gorgeous.
I said, "Here are the rules," and I took out a file containing a paper with the rules on it.
I chose to go over the other one I was holding with her to make sure she was aware of the guidelines.
First of all, please address me as Mr. Richard.
Second: I expect you to respect me and pay attention to anything I say.
Thirdly, never raise your hands to my son.
Fourth: You don't need to prepare for my son because the servants will take care of his food.
Five: You work eight in the morning till five in the evening.
Sixth: Be punctual at all times
Before putting the paper away and asking, I made sure she knew all of the regulations by reading them to her. "Do you have any questions, Ms. Lucas?"
"Yeah...yes. Where will your son be under my care?"
"You are required to visit my office every day this week from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. She nodded in agreement. "Starting next week, you'll come to my house directly from 8 AM to 5 PM," I said. "Any other questions?"
"Umm...I don't think so"
"Okay, then I'll get Mr. Salvay to show you to my son," I said that before picking up my phone and dialing his office number.
"Sir?" He responds to calls on the phone.
I said, "Come into my office right now," and he said, "Yes, sir."
She nodded once more as I hung up the phone and continued, "He should be here in a few minutes." Is she incapable of speaking?
"Anyway, I already told you what time to be here, and you'll be working every day. She gave me a wide-eyed expression when I replied, "You should expect to see $1000 in your account every weekend as you'll also be paid weekly."
I was going to say something else when Mr. Salvay spoke and the door opened.
"You called sir?"
"Yes, show Ms. Lucas to the room that my son is in, will you?" He nodded in response to my question. She stood up and gave me another look before turning to walk away, but when I said anything, she stopped dead in her tracks.
"Miss Lucas, don't be late. If you are, you won't like what I'll do to you," I remarked, causing her to tremble a little. She turned to face me, nodded, and walked out the door with my assistant, Mr. Salvay.
I couldn't stop thinking about her as the day wore on.
She appears extremely familiar.
And I thought to myself, Do I know her at all?