TRAPPED BY MR CEO TO BE HIS FIANCÉE

CALI

Drrrhhhhh!

My alarm went off loudly, dragging me out of sleep. I groaned and turned, almost reaching to shut it off and go back to bed, but then I remembered.

Today.

My eyes snapped open, and I sat up immediately, my heart already beating faster than normal.

Today was my interview at B&S Incorporate.

I stayed still for a second, just staring ahead, letting it sink in. I had been waiting for this for weeks, thinking about it every single day. And now that it was finally here, all I could feel was tension sitting heavy in my chest.

This wasn’t just another interview.

I needed this job.

I pushed the blanket off and stood up, stretching slightly before walking into the bathroom. The tiles were cold under my feet, but I ignored it and turned on the tap.

I splashed water on my face, letting the cold wake me up properly. When I looked up at the mirror, I paused.

I looked tired.

Not just from lack of sleep, but from everything. Still, there was no time to dwell on that. I grabbed my toothbrush and brushed quickly, my movements automatic.

After that, I tied my hair into a neat ponytail. My fingers paused when I picked up the red ribbon lying on the table.

I hadn’t used it in a while.

It reminded me of school, of a time when things were simpler and I didn’t have to think about survival every day.

I tied it anyway.

Maybe it would bring a little luck.

I changed into my white gown and slipped into my red slippers. It wasn’t anything special, but it was clean and decent. That was enough for me.

Back in my room, I picked up my file and opened it again, checking everything inside.

My CV.

My certificates.

I had gone through them so many times already, but I still checked again. I couldn’t afford to forget anything or make any mistakes.

Satisfied, I placed them back and zipped my bag.

Then I headed to the kitchen.

I made cheese and macaroni, something quick and easy. While it cooked, I leaned against the counter for a moment, staring at nothing in particular.

My mind kept going back to the interview.

What if I didn’t get it?

I shook my head slightly and focused on the food.

When it was ready, I served mine and packed Edward’s portion into a flask. He had a doctor’s appointment later, and I knew he might skip eating if I didn’t prepare something for him.

I ate quickly, not really paying attention to the taste. I just needed something in my stomach.

After that, I walked to Edward’s room and knocked.

“Edward,” I called.

A low sound came from inside, but nothing else.

I knocked again, a bit louder this time.

“Edward.”

The door opened slowly, and he peeked out, his eyes half-closed and his hair messy.

“We are on holidays, sis, for crying out loud,” he said, his voice full of sleep.

I gave him a look.

“Doctor’s appointment,” I reminded him.

He paused, then sighed. “Okay…”

I thought he would come out, but instead, he smirked slightly and went back in, locking the door.

I shook my head.

Typical.

Even with everything going on, he still found a way to act like nothing was wrong.

I picked up my bag and headed outside.

The morning air was cool, and I took a deep breath before raising my hand to stop a cab. Luckily, one pulled over quickly.

The ride was quiet, and I spent most of it going over possible questions in my head.

Before long, we arrived.

I stepped out and looked up at the building.

B&S Incorporate.

It was bigger than I expected. The glass exterior reflected the morning light, making it look even more intimidating.

For a moment, I just stood there.

Then I adjusted my bag and walked in.

Inside, everything looked neat and organized. The receptionist greeted me and directed me to the interview room.

When I entered, I noticed there were already many women seated.

More than I expected.

Most of them looked confident, dressed in fitted outfits with full makeup. They looked like they belonged there.

I suddenly became aware of how simple I looked.

I pushed the thought aside and sat in the only empty seat, holding my bag on my lap.

Time passed slowly.

Then the door opened, and one of the women rushed out.

Her makeup was smudged, and she looked upset.

She didn’t get the job.

I swallowed.

That didn’t help my nerves.

“Cali Rillion?”

I looked up quickly.

That was me.

I stood and walked toward the office, trying to keep my steps steady.

When I entered, I saw him.

Bryan Smith.

For a moment, I paused.

He was good-looking, but that wasn’t what caught my attention. It was the way he carried himself. Calm, confident, like he was completely in control of everything around him.

His eyes met mine, and I quickly looked away.

“Please, sit,” he said.

I nodded and sat down, handing him my CV.

“Thank you, Cali,” he said, glancing through it.

Then he looked up.

“Tell me about yourself.”

I took a small breath.

“I’m twenty-two, and I’ve been taking care of my younger brother since our parents passed,” I said.

“I’ve also been working on gaining experience in administration. I’m organized and willing to learn.”

He nodded slightly.

“I see. And why B&S Incorporate?”

I answered carefully, choosing my words.

“I want to grow in a place where I can learn and contribute. From what I’ve seen, this company values structure and professionalism, and I want to be part of that.”

He leaned back a little, watching me.

Then he asked,

“Do you really need this job?”

The question caught me off guard.

I hesitated for a brief second, then nodded.

“Yes.”

He studied me for a moment longer.

“How desperate are you?”

I held his gaze this time.

I didn’t look away.

“Desperate enough,” I said quietly.

The room went still.

And something about the way he looked at me after that made me feel like this interview was about to turn into something I hadn’t prepared for.