The alarm clock when off at half six per usual. I sit up and look over to see a snoring Daphne - per usual. I get up, making my side of the bed before going into the kitchen. I boil the kettle, making tea for Daphne and I. The shower sounds, indicating Daphne's awakening; just in time for jam on toast for breakfast.
I decide to get dress and ready for my interview today. Lighthouse Industries is an hour away from the village, so Daphne offered to travel to school on her own so I would make it in time. I do not own any fancy business suits with bulky shoulder pads and matching trousers, so I have to find the next best thing. My baby blue jumper and patterned trousers, paired with vans did not scream "I am hireable!" but it did not scream "I am practically homeless!" so it is good enough for me.
I join Daphne for breakfast, taking a seat at our small dining table we found at a car boot sale. It's chipped and worn out, but we love it.
"Remember to be confident today Zi. And do not be sarcastic!" She says giving me a stern look.
"Yes ma'am. Thank you for the advice." I say and she rolls her eyes.
"Do not do that!" She says, grabbing her school bag. I quickly wash the dishes, and we set off. We get outside our building and Daphne sees one of her friends.
"Jade! I'll see you after school sis." She hugs me before catching up with her friend. I wave goodbye to them both before walking to the bus stop.
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"Thank you." I say to the bus driver, as I get off at my stop. The city was so much different to the village. It was busier, noisier and intimidating to me. I walk further down the road, the huge skyscraper building becomes more visible. I gasp in awe at how big it was. How tall it was! The big words Lighthouse Industries clear to see. I check the time; twenty minutes past ten. I quicken my pace, walking through the building's doors. The atmosphere of this place is far from calm. Smartly dressed men and women pass me by like fast cars on the motorway. Automatically, I feel out of place. My outfit sticks out like a sore thumb, and I know that my lifestyle is nowhere near the same as all these people. I want to run out this place, but I am here for Daphne. I am here for me.
"Hello my name is Ziayn Xu, I have an interview with Mr Bright today at half ten." I say to the receptionist. He checks on his computer and directs me to the eighth floor. I take the elevator and soon enough I arrive on the floor. I see what looks like another receptionist sat at a desk.
"Hello I am-"
"Miss Ziayn Xu?" She cuts me off, a smile on her face.
"Yes, how did you know?" I ask, a little freaked out.
"You are the only person who has an interview this morning with Mr Bright. Plus it was a wild guess." She giggles and I nod my head.
"I am Violet. We spoke over the phone actually. I am Xavier's assistant." Violet introduces herself. I shake her hand and smile politely at her.
"It is nice to meet you Violet." The telephone on her desk rings. She answers it and looks at me.
"Okay, I will send her in. He is ready for you girl, good luck!" Violet cheers me on, sending me down the corridor.
I take a few deep breaths before knocking on the door. His deep voice grants me access inside. My legs feel weak, but they enter his office.
"Miss Xu, it is a pleasure to meet you." Mr Bright greets me. I hold my hand out and he shakes it gently.
"It is a pleasure to meet you too Mr Bright." I manage to say. I know it is unprofessional to fancy your potential boss, but this man is jaw dropping. His piercing blue eyes are mesmerising.
His smouldering smile makes my breathing uneven. The way his shirt is hugging his muscles would send any woman into a frenzy.
"Please take a seat. How was your journey this morning?" He asks me, taking a seat at his desk.
"The journey was not that bad thank you." I reply. He smiles, holding his gaze with mine. I shift in my seat, looking anywhere but at him.
"So we spoke briefly over the phone yesterday. I have to say, out of all the candidates, you interest me the most. Tell me why you think you are the best person for this job." He says. His request throws me off. What happened to easy questions, like can you draw? Do you have a criminal record?
"If I am honest sir, I think there are other people who are better than me for this job. People with experience in this field of work. But the thing that they lack is passion for what they supposedly love to do. Art is my everything. I draw to escape my reality. Doing it for a living is a bonus to me. I have ideas for this company the moment I walked in. The ground floor could be so much brighter and more welcoming than what it is now, as well as the corridors. And I am now going to be quiet because I am talking to much." I say, mentally kicking myself for rambling on. I look up to see Mr Bright almost amazed at my miniature speech.
"I like your honesty Miss Xu. But I like your passion more. Moving on, are there any important issues I need to know?" Damn it! Everything was going well. He could literally ask anything but that! Looks like I am throwing this job out the window.
"Oh. Urmm. I have a younger sister, Daphne. I am her legal guardian because our parents left us at a young age. I am not entirely sure if that is important but yeah." I close my mouth again, and hold back the waterworks.
"I am sorry you have had to go through that. I am glad you told me that, because not only can I help you in regards to that, it also links in with the next part. Being the interior designer of this company means that I will need you to be working with me almost everyday. We are working on creating new buildings all over the country and soon the world. I am going to need you to travel with me as well as live near by. How far do you live? Are you in the city?" Mr Bright questions me.
"I live in Sommereast village. It is only an hour away." I respond. Surely that is okay, right?
"I am going to need you a lot closer." He smirks at me. "how would you like the job?"
He cannot be serious. This is a dream.
"I-I would love the job Mr Bright." I smile.
"Please, call me Xavier."
YOU ARE READING
Don't Hurt Me
Romance"If this is just a game to you then leave!" "This is no game baby girl. This is the real deal." Ziayn Xu is a twenty two year old woman who has been looking after herself and her little sister ever since they were left outside an orphanage by their...
