ENTANGLED

EVE'S POV

I shifted nervously in the plush leather armchair, my heart pounding against my ribs.

I was seated with thoughts in a compromised state. I couldn't even say if I had the patience enough to wait for me to be called into the room where the interview was taking place, but I was definitely impatient being in the waiting room.

The fluorescent lights flickered overhead, casting harsh shadows on the polished marble floor. The air was thick with tension, a silent hum of anxiety that seemed to permeate the entire waiting room.

I glanced at my reflection in the mirrored wall. My hair was styled in loose curls, and my makeup was flawless. But beneath the polished exterior, I felt a growing sense of doubt. Was I really qualified for this job? Could I handle the pressure of working for a billionaire CEO?

Claire had made me up and I could say I was looking so chic and the best for the job I came for.

Claire had insisted on this outfit, a pastel-colored blouse that she claimed was 'perfect for a CEO's secretary interview.' I wasn't so sure. I'd always been more comfortable in jeans and a T-shirt, but she'd argued that first impressions were everything.

Still seated with my legs crossed, I was dressed in a pastel-colored blouse, black tailored trousers, and a fitted blazer. Claire managed to keep my jewelry simple and understated with just a classic wristwatch and simple necklace after my debate that I didn't need them but I couldn't get a choice. She's my best friend, after all. And a crazy one at that.

Knowing that I was not going to just any job interview but a secretary to the CEO of Randolph's Ent., a multi-billion dollar tech company and the best in the whole of the United States, Claire did some little make-up on me. I wouldn't agree on a heavy one either so we just went with something light and marvelous.

I want to make a great impression, after all.

As I stood before the mirror, Claire's hands moved with a practiced grace. Each stroke of the brush seemed to transform my face, erasing the signs of fatigue and replacing them with a newfound confidence. I couldn't help but feel a pang of guilt. I knew she was doing this out of the goodness of her heart, but I couldn't shake the feeling that I was letting her down.

First, she applied a light layer of MAC Pro Longwear foundation, evening out my skin tone. I feel more confident already.

Next, she concealed any signs of fatigue under my eyes with NARS Radiant Creamy concealer. My dark circles disappear, and I look refreshed. I had dark circles from not getting enough sleep from last night. I did a series of interviews myself throughout the night in preparation for giving my best.

Now, it was time to define my brows with the Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz. A gentle stroke from Claire's wonders and my features were framed.

My eyes sparkled with a light dusting of Urban Decay's Naked Palette eyeshadow in "Foxy." A subtle line of brown eyeliner and a coat of Benefit's They're Real! Mascara and my gaze was complete.

A soft pink lip balm from Burt's Bees added a touch of natural color to my lips. My look was understated yet elegant.

With my hair styled in a sleek, low bun, I felt confident and ready.

"You look incredible," she said, stepping back to admire her work. "Absolutely stunning."

I forced a smile. "Thanks, Claire. I hope I don't let you down."

She wrapped me in a warm hug. "You won't. You're going to be amazing. Just remember, you're the most qualified person in that room."

Her words were reassuring, but a nagging doubt lingered in the back of my mind. I'd never felt so nervous in my life.

I took a deep breath, feeling poised and prepared. Today, I'll nail this interview and prove I'm the perfect fit for Randolph's team.

I looked expensive but I don't even have any cash on me. Only the heavens know how much Claire put into dressing me up.

A receptionist, a young woman with a warm smile, greeted me. "Ms. Louis?" she asked, her voice soft and melodious.

I nodded, my heart pounding in my chest. "Yes, that's me."

She checked her clipboard. "Right. You're scheduled for an interview with Mr. Randolph at 10:00. Please take your time."

I thanked her and as I sat down, I couldn't help but feel a sense of awe. I was about to meet the CEO of one of the most powerful tech companies in the world.

I glanced at my watch. It was 09:55. I had five minutes to prepare. I took a deep breath and tried to calm my nerves. I could do this. I was ready.

Just as I was starting to feel a bit more relaxed, I heard my name called again. A tall, distinguished-looking man in a tailored suit who seemed like he was in his early forties approached me, "Ms. Louis? Are you Ms. Louis?" he asked.

Am I the next in line to go in now? I subconsciously thought.

I adjusted my blazers and stood on my feet ready to know why he called me and faced him, "Yes? Yes, I am. I am Eve Louis."

"Right! Mr. Randolph is ready to see you now," the man said as he scanned me from head to toe, "Yes, you are. Please, come in for your interview. Do follow me, please."

Hearing that, my heart raced against my chest. I didn't know if I was ready to go in to face whoever the interviewer was but I've got this.

My stomach did a somersault. This was it. The moment I'd been preparing for. I followed the man down a long, carpeted hallway, my heart pounding in my ears.

As we got to the entrance, the man held the door open as I made slow strides inside.

There was only a man in a black tuxedo inside. As I stepped into the office, my breath caught in my throat. A single man sat behind a massive oak desk, his back turned to me.

At first stance, I could guess that it was the CEO from the rich posture and dress but on another note, I deliberated if he really was the one 'cause the man whose back was turned at me looked so young and didn't even seem to be in his thirties talkless of being CEO for this big company.

Maybe he's an assistant to the CEO. I shrugged in my thoughts.

"Hm…" I cleared my throat as the room was just becoming so stuffy to me even when I just entered, "Good afternoon," I said, trying to mask my surprise.

He turned around, and my heart skipped a beat. It was Ziah.

But wait… WHAT?

ZIAH?!

How could that be? What the hell is he doing here?