Meeting the obnoxious Aiden Crook

ELENA

“Drat!" 

As if my day wasn't shitty enough because of how late I had woke, an idiot decided to splash me muddy water with his sleek red Audi.

So freaking irking!

I didn't envisage my first ever interview to be this exasperating and exhausting since I have never had a real job. This could be my first job or not which solely depends on what would be the outcome of the interview at the end of the day. 

Luckily, the bastard that sped by me had only splashed water on my legs which could be resolved. 

I brought out the flask filled with water I always carried about, made use of some of the liquid in it to rinse my leg before stepping to the front of the company's gate. 

Awestruck, a smile brightened my face as I gazed at the magnificent glass-walled, seven-storey structure which stood in front of me.

Aiden Inc was the heart of West Vale and it was hard to miss. It stood near another grand building which was used as a bank. On this side of the town, which was commonly known as district one by the locals was filled with grand companies which were owned by individuals or so, I was told. 

“At last, I am in Aiden Inc." I breathed out, grinning. 

The most reputable company in West Vale and the place I had fantasized on working in since after I graduated from college with a first class in business management. It was a big feat as I wasn't that smart, to begin with. 

I was ushered in by the gatekeeper without many questions.

“Top floor." He murmured, pointing to the direction of the elevator. 

Closing my eyes as I stepped into the lift, I counted at least, up to ten seconds as my stomach did a flip-flop at the twirling motion. I inhaled deeply, shoving down nausea that threatens to spill out. 

Eventually, it ceased and I stepped out with ten other people I didn't notice entered. They all had a brown envelop with them like I and strode in the same direction I did. 

I brought out a mint from the black bag with me and popped it into my mouth, before stepping to the receptionist area. 

The soft clicking of heels sounded throughout the rectangular hall with glass mirror partitioning it as I walked towards the two girls who stood at the far end in large cubicles, not far from each other with the inscription receptionist boldly written on it. 

Both had fiery red hairs, blue eyes and burgundy lipsticks on their full lips. 

They both sport on the same black coloured tight dress that shows their ample chest. Though it appeared professional, however, it was revealing. 

Still, I thought Aiden Inc was known for its strict dress code. I had heard from several individuals, Renee inclusive on how strict the interviewer was. A wrong outfit could disqualify a person from getting an interview. Hence, the reason I was in this drab suit Renee had picked out. 

Perhaps, it was a ruse to make the company appear decent since the two girls in front of me had dressed for a party rather than for work.

“How may I help you?" Redhaired one whose name on her badge reads Claire asked. 

A wide smile was painted on her lips as she stares me down. The other girl, Carol was conversing with someone else and she seems nicer than Claire. 

They looked like twins for, both shares similar features- round face, pointed chins, full lips and a wide smile. The only difference between them was Claire's hair was slightly lighter than Carol whose own was a deep shade of red. Also, Carol's nose seemed a bit broader than Claire's or perhaps she had flared it. 

Two sharp incisors that resemble a fang pierced out of Claire's mouth as she continues grinning at me. Her crystal blue eyes flashed red for briefly or maybe I had imagined it whilst she assessed me as if she knew me from somewhere. She then went ahead to crinkle her nose and I noticed a vein popped out in her neck. 

“Claire." Carol let out a low inhuman sound that sounds like a growl then smile innocently as I gawked at her. 

Weird girls. 

I did an eye roll, then listened to the direction of where the interview was being held. Even with my attentiveness, I knew I would get lost since I was bad at knowing places. 

“Follow me." A gorgeous blonde ordered as she stepped towards the cubicle. 

The only blonde I had seen so far. Unlike the two red-haired, She donned on a pale blue gown reaching her knees with cap-sleeves, a sweetheart neckline which modestly highlighted her cleavages. Her blonde hair was in a high ponytail and her eyes, a brown chocolate colour reminding me of a very bitter coffee. 

I scrambled after her as she moved. Surprising, she has a long stride despite her petite frame and she moves quite fast too.

Our journey to the interview room was silent and the blonde was somewhat nice as she had told me to refer to her as Ellen. 

My eyes surveyed several applicants that sat on the long bench outside the office door waiting for their turn to be called in. Most were red-haired and dark-haired, I was the only blonde present aside from Ellen which I didn't mind. Also, I noticed the lack of male applicant which wasn't weird as it had been boldly written that only females were needed. 

When it got to my turn, I stepped into the dimly lighted office. The telltale sign of nervousness I do exhibit- clammy palms and nausea- wasn't present, rather I shivered at the coldness the room exuded. 

I blinked twice before my vision got accommodated to the room dimness. A chandelier hung above the room but it did little to brighten it. Still, I could make out the presence of a two-seater at the side, a floating bookcase stood beside it and two potted flowers were at the four corners of the room. 

A man sat behind a writing desk, he was facing the only window in the room and did not seem as if he noticed I was inside. 

He didn't turn, neither did he say anything to acknowledge I was in the room.

Was this what he did to the other interviewers?

No surprises, as the dark-haired girl with expressive brown eyes before me had shot me a, ‘I wish you all the best look.' 

I counted to thirty seconds, then decided to break the silence when he didn't. 

“Good afternoon, sir," I said out of formality whereas all I wanted to do was slap the phone he was staring at away from his hand. 

After waiting for another thirty seconds, another thought came to my mind and I cleared out my throat noisy since he didn't respond to my greeting. 

“Don't do that anymore." He grunted, yet didn't turn. 

You didn't reply to my greetings what else did you expect from me was the retort at the tip of my tongue but I swallowed it. 

“Start talking." He ordered still facing the window and on his phone.

I stepped a bit closer and he inhaled sharply. 

“Don't come nearer." He growled, tensing up. He ran a finger through his already tousled hair making it messier. 

Dear me, I never knew my boss to be was this grumpy. 

I halted, rolling my eyes and smoothened the nonexisting crease on my skirt. “I can't just start blabbing. You should ask me a question. I mean that's the reason I'm here, right?"

“Your hair colour." He rasped.

“What?" My brows furrowed as I stared at his messy brown hair illuminated by the light from the window. 

“What's the colour of your hair?" He repeated. 

“Blonde and that isn't even an interview ques..."

“We already maxed out on blondes and I don't want another airhead." He said, cutting me off. 

“Excuse you?" I let out an exasperated sigh at how he generalized all blonde-haired girls.

I was done with people that behave as if the world revolves around them.

“You know what, I've been having a shitty morning because of trying to arrive here on time. If I had known the person in charge of this interview was an idiot, selfish and a bastard, I wouldn't have bothered!" 

“You are a self-centred, egoistic, pompous man. I don't freaking care if I'm using the same adjective to describe you because that's what you are!" 

“I'm sure you wouldn't know how stressful this is since you only need to sit behind a freaking desk to question whoever came in!" I ranted. I didn't stop there though, for I was pissed at his nonchalant attitude towards me.

“This company is highly esteemed because of how considerate the interviewers are, but you, you are..."

The swivel chair he was on swirled at my outburst and his head lifted. My hands went to cover my mouth and I gulped down the rude comments threatening to spill out as azure orbs collided with mine. 

Good, gracious, it's him!

My heart, literally ceased beating as my gaze fixated on the man in front of me. He even looked more gorgeous in person than the numerous pictures I had seen of him. 

His angular face tilted whilst surveying me. My skin prickled as he lifted his hand to the five o'clock shadow on his cheeks and he smirked.  A dimple peaked out making me weak to the knees at how it added to his beauty.

It was rare to see people with dimples on their cheeks, especially men and I was a sucker for it. 

Ugh, I shouldn't be thinking about his cuteness rather at how unfortunate my life would be in the next moment.

How could the person I had been running from be my boss to be and the freaking interviewer! No wonder he had been uninterested and obnoxious, exactly how I had classified him before today's meeting. 

I hadn't even linked his name together with the company, rather I was preoccupied with how I would win the job and the question anyone in charge would ask.

Not only that, I was sure I had lost my chance at this job because of the insult I had hurled at him. Indeed he was arrogant and insensitive as I termed him to be.

“Well, well, what do we have here?" His thin lips stretched out in amuse smile. Possibly, he was enjoying how irritated I was.  His eyes reminded me of the “forget me not” I adore so much and it glinted as it trailed me from head to toe.

“You can't run from me, didn't I warn you?"

He had indeed warned me in his numerous message that filled my phone and I despised that he was freaking right!

“I don't want your job anymore!" I flung at him, stepping to the door. I twisted the knob violently, however, it was locked. 

I swirled back to him, he still sat behind his brown desk and didn't make a move.

“Open this damn door, this instant!"

“Or what?" He murmured, quirking a slender brow. He lifted his body from the chair and I became aware of how tall he was. He took a step away from the desk towards me and I took two back with each step. 

His nostril flared when he was a few metres away, his blue eyes now turned icy as he scowled. I trembled as my core tingled under his scrutinizing gaze. His pupils dilated and he tilted his head upward, sniffing. 

Please touch me, I'm all yours and I'll be good. 

My subconscious shrieked and I slammed down the annoying voice. What was wrong with me and my stupid thoughts? 

I should be running out of his office this instant since that was what I had been doing, to fled away from his presence. However, my feet seemed stuck to the ground and I could only helplessly stare at his gorgeous face and sinful lips. 

“I'll scream rape." I blurted out.

I should think before talking next time- I grimaced whilst making a mental note.

He tossed his head back, chortled at my assertion. His adam's apple bobbed up and down as he laughed and oddly I found it sexy. My cheeks reddened as my eyes drifted to his parted rosy lips.

“No one would believe you." He murmured, chuckling. 

“Just watch and see!"

“Love, All my employee knows you are my betrothed except perhaps the new ones to come." 

How is that possible!?

We didn't know each other, haven't gone on any date and today was my first time seeing him one on one. How would anyone know I was given to him in exchange for money to pay a frigging debt I knew nothing about. 

“Aside from you being traded to me which they didn't know of. They, however, know we will be getting married in two weeks."

Getting married?

Startled, I stared at his face, hoping to see that he was bluffing. But, no trace of amusement was on it as his gaze fixated on me. And he seemed rather pleased at my dismay. 

How could he set a date that I wasn't even aware of! Or was it because he had every right to? Since my father had given all my rights to him and didn't even care to let me on, on the development. 

“I'm not getting married to you, you-you sick bastard! I don't want anything to do with you. You can choose from your numerous workers to fucking wed." I raved, yanking the knob with force. 

I swerved to him again, huffing after some minutes, “Just open this damn door!"

“Fine, but you can't run anywhere. If I were you, I'll accept my fate since it's the best choice and thing your family has offered you."

His words stung as it hit home. Did he know I wasn't acknowledged as the daughter because I wasn't directly from his wife?

He should, he didn't sound as if he was bluffing and I didn't turn to see the expression on his face. 

I darted out of his office, stopping only at the elevator and the exit double door. Claire smirked at my distraught expression. 

“We hope to see you next time!" She sing-song at my retreating back. 

Bitch!

A very nasty one, just like her f*cking boss. 

I flagged a taxi down, hopped into it and thought of the other alternatives I had on getting a decent job. I was going to do it even if that was the last thing I saw myself doing. I would pay the debt so I wouldn't marry him. Though it looks impossible, I was sure I would pay him off.