The Cold Edge Of Romance | hj

Chapter Three: The Challenge.

As soon as Aria stepped into Hong Joshua's office, she was awestruck by its luxury. The room was a masterpiece of modern design, with floor-to-ceiling windows offering a breathtaking view of Los Angeles. The sleek, minimalist decor was complemented by the rich mahogany desk and the plush leather chairs. Art pieces that probably cost more than her annual rent adorned the walls, and everything seemed to scream wealth and power.

She was lost in the grandeur of the office when a deep voice snapped her back to reality. "Miss Sinclair, please have a seat," Joshua's voice commanded.

She quickly complied, feeling his piercing gaze follow her every movement. She sat down, her hands clasped tightly in her lap, trying to steady her nerves.

Joshua leaned back in his chair, his expression unreadable. He began the interview with basic questions about her background and education, which she answered with as much poise as she could muster. Then came the question that made her stomach drop.

"So, Miss Sinclair, what made you think you would get accepted for this job without any prior experience?"

His tone was cold and seemingly mocking. Aria felt a surge of indignation at his words, interpreting them as an attempt to belittle her. She straightened her back, meeting his gaze head-on.

"With all due respect, Mr. Hong," she said, her voice steady but edged with defiance, "I believe that everyone starts somewhere. I may not have the experience yet, but I am a fast learner and highly motivated. I believe I can bring a fresh perspective to your company."

For a moment, silence hung heavy in the room. Joshua's dark eyes bore into hers, and she couldn't tell if he was impressed or annoyed by her response. Finally, his expression hardened, and he continued with the interview, asking a series of questions that felt more like an interrogation.

After what felt like an eternity, Joshua finally said, "We're done here. You will receive an email with our decision."

Aria nodded, standing up and forcing a polite smile. "Thank you for your time, Mr. Hong."

As she exited the office, she felt a sinking sensation in her stomach. She was almost certain she wouldn't get the job. Mentally scolding herself for letting her attitude slip, she walked out of the building and headed to her car.

Once she was in her car—a modest vehicle her parents had gifted her upon graduation—Aria felt a wave of frustration. She didn't want to go back to her apartment, where the silence would only amplify her thoughts. Mia was at work, and Aria didn't want to be alone with her doubts.

She decided to go to her parents' house and spend the day with them. Her mother's warm presence and her father's humor would surely help lift her spirits.

When she arrived, her parents were delighted to see her. After taking a shower and changing into comfortable clothes, Aria helped her mom, Susan, prepare dinner and some treats. Cooking with her mother always had a calming effect on her.

As they worked in the kitchen, Susan chatted about the bakery and asked about Aria's job search. Aria kept the details of her interview brief, not wanting to worry her mother.

Once dinner was ready, they all sat down together—Aria, her parents, and her younger brother, Alex. Over the meal, they talked about Alex's school and his plans for college, while Aria shared some of her recent experiences.

After dinner, they spent the evening watching a movie and catching up. It was late by the time they were done, and Aria decided to stay over for the night. She called Mia to let her know.

On the phone, Mia was excited. "Aria, did you hear about the new club opening tomorrow night? Natalie and I are planning to go. You should come with us!"

Aria was about to decline, thinking she'd rather stay in and avoid any more stress. But then she reconsidered. It had been a while since she'd had a fun night out, and maybe it was exactly what she needed to get out of her head.

"Alright, I'll come," Aria said, surprising herself with the decision.

As she hung up, she felt a small spark of excitement. A night out with friends could be the perfect distraction from her job hunt and the anxiety over the interview.

Across town, Hong Joshua was still at his office, working late into the night. The quiet was abruptly shattered when the door flew open and Seungcheol, his loud and boisterous friend, stormed in.

"Joshua! Why are you still here? It's late!" Seungcheol exclaimed.

Joshua looked up, annoyed. "Seungcheol, stop yelling. Why are you here?"

"I came to check on you," Seungcheol replied, plopping down in a chair. "How's work? Found a secretary yet?"

Joshua sighed. "No one suitable yet."

Seungcheol grabbed a stack of applications from Joshua's desk and began to sift through them. One application caught his eye. "What about her? Aria Sinclair?"

Joshua frowned. "She has no experience. She's not a good fit."

Seungcheol grinned. "Exactly. No experience means you can mold her into the perfect assistant. Think about it."

Joshua leaned back in his chair, contemplating. "I'll think about it," he said finally.

As Seungcheol left, Joshua couldn't help but wonder if his friend was right.