Chapter 4. Meeting the CEO

She let out a sigh and gazed at the paper's top page. She was running out of patience trying to complete the form, which asked for most minimal personal information and, if applicable, a brief history of encounters. She chose private, and she had no professional experience. She would want to start again rather than revisit her past experiences, which she would rather not discuss.

She pondere, I don't know why most employers want me to bring my résumé and then fill out another form from them. I think it's a waste of time!

Even as a college graduate, applying for a job can be exhausting. I suppose I'll be an errand girl or someone's assistant if I try to use the hospitals, someone who could aid me in my field of study. However, the line was undoubtedly longer, given the number of graduates from the same degree in our class. But I prefer short work like a typist to use my time and earn money, she thought. I can avoid my two-step relatives' presence in the house this way.

Izabella completed the two-page form and then looked around. One particular query remained for her to consider. She was feeling it and attempting to see herself accepting it. She would try to persuade Shanda, her best friend, to take it as a new stage of life separate from her father. Her brain begged for the word she yearned for—total independence—which was what she saw there.

Would I be open to moving? That was a query that might require some thought. According to what she deduced from the questions, the idea of spending an extended period abroad in another nation had never occurred to her. She thought scheduling an interview was pointless if the hiring manager wanted a willing candidate to relocate. But that offer kept coming up in the back of her head. She let out a long sigh. My hunger worsens the longer I stay here, and the smell of the coffee beside me makes me want a cup. She gently stroked her tummy as she pondered. Should I reschedule? I doubt I'll be able to wait another five or ten minutes here. Although I've never fainted before, this might be the first time. What a humiliating circumstance if that happened to me.

Izabella heard the door open as she was finishing her thought. A stunning woman with tight red leggings and a long white shirt caught her attention. She thought she might be in her mid-thirties.

She began, "Um, miss. Perhaps tomorrow would be a perfect opportunity to continue. I'm hoping someone will come and pick me up. Additionally, lunchtime in a short time now."

"Oh, no. It only takes a little of your time. Someone is prepared to interview you in a moment. The person in charge has already left for lunch, "said the woman with a smile." Come, stick with me."

Izabella gave the woman a friendly smile before rising from her chair and following closely behind. She followed her down the lengthy, quiet corridor until she came to the door, knocked, turned the knob, let her in, and then the woman walked away.

Oh, it is indeed freezing in here, she thought. The door was shut with care. She stood, looking carefully around the large area—The guests' lounge has two rectangular sofas on a golden metal base with white leather upholstery. A gorgeous tree-trunk center table with gold trim and a counter glass stood in the center of the room.

Exotic woods like ebony and elm were used to construct the executive table. A glass cover was on top of the desk, and a chair in the ebony leatherette was placed next to the table. The finishing was outstanding. Additionally, there was a gold emblem nameplate on top. Or was it genuine gold? Izabella had a keen eye for wood furniture because her father's company made and exported wood furniture.

She looked at the CEO/President's nameplate, Aleksander Georgiou.

She frowned and wondered whether it was a Greek name. She also had no explanation for the beating in her chest. She suddenly shivered, and as her feet retreated, she hesitantly turned to face the entrance.

It is impossible. Now I'm in New York. Hearing that baritone voice confirmed her growing suspicion. It seemed to come from a room. She swallowed. Her mind was suddenly panicking since she had previously heard that voice.

"Won't you sit down?"

Izabella's eyes widened in amazement when the source of the voice approached her. She had no movement, like a candle on a stand. In those seconds, only her throat moved. She appeared to be unable to handle it as she inhaled deeply. She was also annoyed since she had been staring at the male passenger in the car earlier. Oh, my! Is it going to be my unlucky day?

She was still standing and could not help but look at him. With his towering height and perfect muscular body built even in clothes, she could picture how he would look without clothes.

Ugh. Why do I imagine that as if it were the first time I had seen a man with an Adonis-like shape? She silently reprimanded herself and tried to maintain her composure.

"Izabella, it's good to see you again," he said. He kept staring at her face as if looking into her head. "Please sit down."

She was rendered speechless by his magnificent blue eyes, which also entranced her. This continued even as his hand raced his dark, curly hair as he studied the paper he was carrying.

He raised his head, and she was caught off guard scrutinizing his profile. Their eyes locked for a moment. She swallowed, but her heartbeat accelerated, and she could not relax. She breathed in and out. And nearly scolded herself in her head as he ripped a grin from his mouth as if he knew precisely the struggle she was feeling.

He pointed to the sofa and said, "Izabella, please take your seat."

She was unable to move. Izabella was worried that his pronunciation of her name gave the impression that he had known her for a long time.

"Um... Were we previously acquainted?" She couldn't help but ask the man.

He appeared to be considering the response to her straightforward query. And he gave a slow, sensual nod while nodding. "We did, indeed."

When she heard his response, she gasped.

"I ran into you yesterday at the hotel, don't you remember? And a while ago, I spotted you about to cross the street."

Ah...no wonder his voice sounded familiar, she reasoned. And gradually, her breathing eased. There were several knocks on the door leaf before she could respond. The woman who had guided her through the open door could be seen.

"Where would you want to eat, Aleks?"

"On the balcony. Today's weather is excellent, "The man answered. "I'm grateful, Brigitte." In answer, the woman grinned as she led the two men holding the tray, dressed in a white polo and black jeans.

"Done. Aleks, enjoy your food, "said Brigitte. She glanced at her and nodded before leaving the room. 

He turned to Brigitte with a formal look after his eyes guided her to the door. "Where were we during our initial conversation?" He queried. "Ah, I was just telling you where we recently met."

She nodded in agreement and sighed quietly. She was already seated across from him in a princess sit of manner.

"I apologize for disturbing you at lunch. Would it be okay if I came at a different time?" Her eyes conveyed the need for comprehension. 

"Why?"

Izabella looked at the man, feeling a little confused. She couldn't understand why his voice had such a demanding quality. 

"Exactly what did you say?"

"Lunch has already been served, and—" 

He jumped in, "You need to eat."

She got a blush at how blunt he was in his comments. She also couldn't understand why she believed the man in front of her knew her. Or was that a crazy thought I had after starting a hunger strike? Ugh. My job search today appears unsuccessful, and the most recent employer I've found is even worse.

"What exactly did you say?" 

Izabella's eyes were blinking right now. Did she say anything? She asked quietly.

He gave her a blank look as her consciousness floated before him, and she whispered a curse to herself. 

"Oh, right." She smiled beautifully and replied, "I must be starving. I'm hoping you can comprehend." 

He jokingly remarked, "Excellent, lunch is waiting for us. Join me if you will."

"S-sorry...?" 

"You mentioned you were hungry," he added with a smile.

"Oh..." She cleared her throat and started speaking. She apologized, saying, "I'm sorry, but I didn't expect the interview to take this long, and a buddy is waiting to pick me up." 

"A man?"

Izabella felt her throat dry at this question, mainly because the man's face displayed a hint of displeasure. 

"Excuse me?"

"Could you please quit behaving so phony?" 

The man's comments shocked her. 

"Exactly what are you saying?"

Perhaps trying to contain himself, he said, "Izabella... Is it easy for you to forget this face of mine? Is it simple to forget me?"

"I'm sorry, sir. I'm confused. What do you mean by that? I'm here to submit a job application. However, I do value your time. I'd better go." 

"You’re staying, Izabella," he said. “My wonderful wife….”