Adjusting

"Pleasure to meet you Miss Mallory. My name is Cinder Emberian."

Mallory couldn't help but remain quiet as she slowly rebooted her mind while focusing on those ghostly blue eyes.

"Miss Mallory, are you not here for an interview?"

"I was indeed here for an interview."

"Well if that is the case let's review your academy student profile." said Cinder with a flick of her platinum blonde hair over her shoulder and across Mallory's face as she returned to her desk before motioning Mallory towards the open seat opposite from her.

"Actually I think this position may not be for me as this will serve as a conflict of interest."

"Oh and how is it a conflict of interest?"

"Our initial interaction didn't end in good faith."

"I had not even made you out without Stella around your arm. Well I must apologize for whatever distress I may have caused to you under the influence while trying to keep up images. Please let us leave that incident in the past and work on a professional business relationship for the future."

Taking a moment to over look Cinder's facial reactions Mallory decided to play into this trap by taking her up on her offer

"Well in the name of the future would you mind giving me details around yours and Stella's relationship."

"Well we were childhood friends and I could be a bit protective of her especially with her track record of partners."

"Well Stella is a rather intelligent person and has clearly learned from her mistake for I assure you no harm will come of her."

"Well that is to be determined. However, we are not here to talk about my friend, Stella but you, Miss Mallory."

"Please excuse me and let us continue with the matter at hand."

"Right well your grades aren't amazing but that isn't to say you're an exceptional intellectual if the common folks were included. The only issue I have with your student report is this period of absence from all of your classes. please explain the situation."

As Cinder turned the screen to face Mallory she overlooked the days to realize that was her suspension from the academy but to her benefit the academy had done as it said it would and kept the suspension off of her official record.

"I need some time away from school to reflect on my actions and prepare for the future"

"Well what led to this reflection period?"

"There was a personal incident that I much rather not talk about."

"Good girl. You seem very capable in walking the gray line of honest deception."

Mallory immediately focused on the smirk on Cinder's rather punchable face.

"Well Miss Mallory I will love to have you as my personal secretary. Please take some time to think carefully about your answer for my family and the Amastacia family are well connected and a positive note from me may help sway some discerning eyes in your favor."

"May I ask the details of the regular duties I would have to do as your secretary?"

"Simply put you will do organization, scheduling and basic general tasks for me. Most importantly you will help in the upkeep of my image which should be rather easy considering how good your acting skills are currently."

Mallory's nails had definitely left an imprint on the black leather of her seat but this job was beneficial and may eventually lead to an opportunity to learn more about Cinder, Stella's family and Stella's past all while gaining favor through hard work.

"I will happily take you up on your offer Miss Emberian." said Mallory as she extended her hand towards Cinder.

"You may call me Cinder." replied Cinder as she returned the hand shake but also giving it a less than gentle squeeze but it was met with the same force.

"Well Mallory I will see you tomorrow for your first day."

With a small nod Mallory took her leave of Cinder and made her way home. Cinder may have made the first move but this little chess game was by no means anywhere near the end.

Mallory eventually arrived home to silence as everyone was still caught up in their prior engagements. Without a second thought Mallory quickly changed into an oversized comfy t-shirt and shorts before crawling into bed as she was thoroughly exhausted from her small social interaction with Cinder.

Without even realizing it Mallory fell into the clutches of the dream until she awoke to the gentle doting of Stella. Stella had managed to cover Mallory's cheeks in bright red lipstick before waking her with another kiss on the tip of her nose.

"Hai cutie! How are you feeling? Didn't see you around campus and came back to find you sleeping. Are you well?"

"Yeah after my examination I was so mentally exhausted that I decided it best to return home a bit earlier as there was no way I could be productive for the rest of the day."

"Well I am happy you are doing well but don't over stress or overwork yourself for I don't want you to actually fall ill for who else would I cuddle up next too?"

"Okay, I will try my best Stella."

"Alright if you say so. Let's hurry and get some of that Pho your sister is preparing before it gets cold."

"Sounds yummy!"

With that the pair scrambled out of Mallory's bedroom and into the dining room to the gentle warm aromas of various spices. With a delighted smile they happily set the table as Valerie slowly brought over several bowls of the individually prepared ingredients.

With a delighted sigh the pair had a wondrous meal before ending the night cuddling together watching cringey dramatized cooking competitions.