Ruby's POV
"Thank you so much! Do you have any questions?" the interviewer asked as we concluded the interview.
"Nothing, everything is clear," I replied with a polite smile. Then, after a brief pause, I added, "I just want to know how many working days I have to wait to get updates from you."
"Oh…" she gasped slightly before answering, "Usually, we'll call you in two to three days." She then tilted her head slightly and asked, "Is that all?"
I nodded in agreement and extended my hand to shake hers. With that, the interview was officially over. As I stepped out of her office, I let out a small sigh of relief. That went well… I think.
Wanting to relax a little, I decided to check out the building's café. They mentioned it had one, and I was curious. Hopefully, it's free. A little reward for surviving the interview wouldn't hurt.
Following the signs, I made my way through the hallways. As soon as I spotted the café, I quickened my pace and stepped inside. The scent of fresh coffee and baked goods filled the air, making my stomach rumble slightly.
I walked straight toward the counter, ready to place my order—
"Oops—"
Before I could react, someone collided into me, and I felt the sudden warmth of liquid seeping through my blouse. My breath hitched.
Oh no.
"I'm so sorry!" I blurted out, my voice slightly shaky as I instinctively grabbed a towel and began dabbing at his coat. I tried my best to keep my composure, but my heart was hammering against my ribs. I could feel his sharp gaze on me—piercing, intense. It sent a shiver down my spine.
"Oh my gosh!" He sighed heavily, exasperation dripping from his tone. "Great, just great. My favorite coat is ruined."
I swallowed hard. I wanted to protest—it wasn't even my fault! He hadn't been looking where he was going—but the words wouldn't come out. Instead, I kept my head down, my hands still frantically trying to wipe away the stain.
He ran a hand down his face, as if trying to regain his patience. "Good thing it's dark. The stain's not as noticeable…" he muttered.
I clenched my jaw. It's not even that bad, I thought. People are so dramatic sometimes.
"I'm really sorry," I said again, my voice softer now, almost hesitant.
"Yeah, I get it," he snapped. "But seriously, do you not see people walking around here? You couldn't have taken a second to—"
Okay, seriously? My eyes widened in disbelief. Was he seriously blaming me? He was the one not paying attention! Frustration bubbled inside me, but before I could open my mouth to argue, he suddenly stopped.
He was staring at me.
Like, really staring at me.
His expression shifted, the irritation fading into something else. His sharp, stormy gaze softened, his lips slightly parted. For a second, it felt like the entire room had gone silent, as if he had just seen something… unexpected.
My stomach did a weird little flip.
"Uh, sir?" I called out hesitantly, trying to cut through his trance. "Are you okay?"
He blinked rapidly, as if snapping out of it. "Yeah, yeah, I'm fine," he mumbled, his voice suddenly more… welcoming? "It was my fault too, I guess. I should've been paying attention."
Oh, wonderful. Now you realize.
I let out a small breath, my shoulders relaxing just a little. "I really didn't mean to bump into you," I added, still gripping the towel. "This is so embarrassing." My face burned with heat, and I just knew I was blushing.
"No, no, it's fine." He gestured dismissively. "It was an accident. Happens to the best of us."
He smiled slightly, and I couldn't help but notice… he's actually kind of handsome.
I cleared my throat, trying to shake the thought away. "I can make it up to you—get you a new coat or… something. If you want?" The words tumbled out before I could stop them.
He let out a chuckle. "A new coat?" he repeated, amusement dancing in his eyes. "I mean, it's not that bad. I'll live."
Oh, thank goodness. I internally sighed in relief. I didn't have the money to replace his coat, and it would've been really bad if he had taken me up on that offer.
"Really, it's fine," he reassured me, his tone softer now. "Don't worry about it."
I nodded, feeling the last bits of tension fade. "Well, I—uh—hope your day gets better," I said awkwardly, unsure of what else to say.
"Yeah, thanks," he replied, his lips curling into a small smile. "Take care."
Without wasting another second, I turned on my heel and all but power-walked out of the café. My heart was still racing, my cheeks still burning. What the heck just happened?! I didn't even get the chance to try anything from the café!
I groaned inwardly. Well, that was a disaster.
Ouch, that hurts... My shoulder aches. Actually, my whole body does. The impact was stronger than I expected—it felt like every nerve in my body was rattled. I like to think I'm strong, but he was definitely stronger. And taller. But what really threw me off was his reaction. He was so mad at first, even though it was clearly his fault. And then... I don't know what happened. His whole demeanor shifted, as if something had suddenly hit him.
But anyway... I should head home now. I applied for the executive secretary position at that company. I really hope I get hired.
Just as I was lost in thought, my phone rang. I quickly pulled it out of my pocket and glanced at the screen—an unsaved number.
"Hello, this is Rubeus speaking," I answered politely.
"Hello, this is the HR Department of Silver Moon Corporation. We are happy to inform you that you have been hired as our new executive secretary!" the woman on the other end announced cheerfully.
"Really?" I gasped in disbelief. "Thank you so much!" I practically shouted.
"You will start work tomorrow. We will send additional information to your email shortly," she continued before ending the call.
Oh my gosh! I can't believe it! I actually got the job! This is the first real job I've ever landed. I was so nervous about the competition, especially since I don't have much experience. But I did it! And I can't wait to start. Excitement bubbled up inside me, and I couldn't stop smiling. Tomorrow, a whole new chapter of my life begins!