The obsessed CEO

The Start

Zara's POV

I sighed deeply as I adjusted my suit in front of the mirror. Today was the day I had been waiting for: the interview for my dream job at SEF, the world's most popular company. I felt a surge of nervousness and excitement.

"It's going to be okay, Zara," Damian said, giving me a reassuring smile. He was my best friend and the only person who would fly all the way from New York to support me.

"You're going to ace this interview. You're smart, talented, and qualified."

"What if I get rejected?" I asked, biting my lip. "What if they don't like me?"

"No, you won't," he said, shaking his head. "You're being too hard on yourself. You have nothing to worry about. Trust me, you're amazing."

"Thanks, Damian," I said, feeling a bit more confident. "You're the best."

He hugged me and then handed me a cheeseburger. "Here, eat this. It'll calm your nerves."

I took a bite and immediately spat it out. "Eww, pickles! I hate pickles! They make me want to throw up!"

"Oops, sorry. I must have given you the wrong one," he said, shrugging. "Here, take mine."

"Whatever," I said, rolling my eyes. I tossed the burger in the trash and grabbed his. "Aren't you eating yours?"

He chuckled and took a bite. "I'm not as hungry as you are. Besides, I'm not the one who has a big day ahead."

I finished the burger and checked the time. "We should get going. I don't want to be late."

"Okay, let's go," he said, grabbing his keys. "I'll drive."

"No, you won't," I said, snatching the keys from him. "I'll drive. I don't want to die today. Remember the last time you drove? You almost hit a pedestrian!"

"Oh, come on. That was two years ago. I've improved since then," he said, trying to sound offended.

"Really? How long did it take you to get your license? Three years? And you expect me to trust you? No way. I'm not taking that risk."

I opened the car door and got in. "Are you coming or what?"

He rolled his eyes and got in the passenger seat. "Fine. But it's my car, you know."

I started the engine and drove out of the parking lot. "Yeah, yeah, whatever."

We drove in silence for a while, until he decided to break the ice.

"So, how did the date go?" he asked casually.

I groaned. "As usual, terrible."

"What did this one do?" he asked, sounding amused.

"His name was Ryan, and he told me he was bi. I didn't have a problem with that, until he kissed the waiter right in front of me."

"What?" he exclaimed, his eyes widening.

"I know, right? How rude is that? And then he just said bye and left with the waiter. Like, hello? Aren't I way more attractive than that waiter? So stupid."

I shook my head in disbelief.

"I guess you're staying single forever," he joked.

"Ha ha, very funny," I said sarcastically. "You're not helping, you know."

He smiled apologetically.

I knew he was only trying to make me feel better, but deep down, I felt like he was right. Nobody had ever liked me before, and I had never dated anyone seriously.

I remembered how my mom had set me up with this guy who was more interested in his horse, Rousseau, than in me.

He spent the whole date talking about how he groomed, fed, and rode his horse. He didn't even ask me anything about myself.

I also remembered how I had gone out with this guy who told me he only dated to marry. That wasn't a bad idea, but I wasn't ready for that kind of commitment.

I wanted to have some fun, explore, and enjoy life. He wanted to settle down, have kids, and grow old together. We were clearly not on the same page.

"Ugh," I sighed. "You don't have to worry about this. I mean, you're beautiful and...and one day the perfect guy will come for you," he said with a serious tone.

I sighed again and focused on driving. We finally got there on time.

"So, this is it," I said, pulling up at the parking lot.

I stayed in the car for five minutes, trying to calm myself down. I was nervous and anxious. I wanted to make a good impression on the CEO.

I had heard a lot about him. They said he was a cold and ruthless man who ruled his company with an iron fist. His employees feared him and respected him.

He didn't tolerate any mistakes or nonsense. He was also incredibly rich and powerful. He was the king of the business world.

I wondered what he looked like. I had never seen his picture or his name. He was very secretive and mysterious. He only went by the initials SEF.

"You know what? The CEO here is a no-nonsense man. Don't try to piss him off with that attitude of yours," Damian warned me.

I rolled my eyes at him and got out of the car. I pretended I didn't hear what he said. We had switched seats earlier.

"You look beautiful today," he complimented me.

"Thank you," I said, forcing a smile. "Wait, what do you mean-"

"Goodbye," he interrupted me and drove off quickly.

So he meant that I only looked beautiful today? That jerk. I would get him back later.

I chuckled and turned to the building. It was huge and impressive. I couldn't stop staring at it. I felt a pang of awe and envy.

How did he do it? How did he build such an empire? He must be filthy rich.

I walked to the entrance and asked for a map from the security guard. He gave me a friendly smile and handed me a map.

I entered the building and saw everyone busy and focused. They were working hard and efficiently. I felt lost and out of place. I didn't know where to go for my interview.

A middle-aged woman who was dressed formally approached me and greeted me. "Good morning," she said.

"Good morning, ma'am," I replied, trying to be polite.

"You must be Ms. Zara Larsson," she said, looking me over from head to toe.

"Yes, please," I said and smiled softly.

"You look more beautiful in person," she said and smiled back.

Wow, my day was going great. Someone just complimented me. I smiled more.

"The CEO is yet to arrive, so you'll have to wait for him in my office," she said and led me to her office.