chapter 20

She stood in front of the mirror. Looking at her slim body with lose clothes on it, but still enchanting. She put the scarf on her head and wrapped it nicely around her neck. Then she put a light lipstick on her soft lips and after curling mascara on her long lashes once again she overlooked her appearance. 'looking elegant and decent' she thought to herself. Long skirt and pastel blouse fit her perfectly. Then she put her phone and her documents in the bag and head out of the house.

She reached at 8:30. Standing in front of the tall building, she took a deep breath and told herself that 'Stella now you are a Muslim and Muslim women don't entangle with non-Mehram men, so you will keep distance from people and just focus on your work and especially Steven Joseph! Don't let him come near you'.

With a sigh of relief she entered and told the receptionist that she was here for the interview. Receptionist asked her to go on the 65th floor, as the business management department was there. Stella remembered that last time it was 68th floor when she accidentally landed with Steven Joseph. And now it's 65th, she hoped that she don't get to see him.

But sometimes it's all about fate and you cannot decide your fate…

She reached and took light steps out of the elevator. Her anxiety at her peak making her nervous even more. But she held her head high with confidence and walked towards the table. A decent lady was sitting there, looking more like a secretary because of her very formal but sophisticated personality. Stella told her that she's here for the interview. She greeted her and then made a call, telling that the interviewer is here. Then she lead Stella the way towards a large meeting room all made up of glass. But at the moment there were curtains pulled down on each wall. So nobody could see inside. As they stepped closer the secretory knocked the glass door, surprising Stella that why she needs to knock? As she already informed for the interview. In a moment a girl called "come in" and welcomed Alaya inside. It was the same one who came to her university. "hello miss Stella! I'm Beth, we met before" she introduced. "yes" she said shortly. Noticing that Beth's lipstick was smudged and her face was red, like she struggled and stood uphill battle just now. Stella was old enough to understand her appearance. Beth lead her to a seat beside the large table. It was a big luxurious room with a large table at center and chairs surrounding it. It was this time when Stella noticed that there was someone else too in that room. His back was facing them and he was sitting on a large chair facing the large table and a the chairs around. He was smoking but due to the open window it was not suffocating. It gave Stella goosebumps as the moment she realized that it could be Steven Joseph. "please sit here" she told Stella. It was just close to him. With fear she sat, and tried to calm herself. Beth sat on the opposite side of Stella beside him facing her. The man turned around and Alaya went white. "miss Stella please show me your documents" Beth asked. But Stella was in state of shock and she kept staring at him. He put the cigarette in the ash tray. And looked towards her. His eyes were cold as ice and boldness pouring from them. He was wearing a blue suite with white shirt. Top two buttons were not buttoned, showing his neck and slight chest inside. His formal hair but a lipstick mark on side of the lip was making him look incredibly hot. But his expressions giving a look that he's unapproachable. He lifted his eyes and give Stella a look. Her frightened pretty face made him smile victoriously. It seemed like she was caught in a lion's den. "miss Beth please leave, I'll interview her myself and then you can proceed with formalities" he said in a professional manner. Before Beth could leave Stella stood up. "I'm sorry but I don't want this job, I should go" she said while holding her nerves. "miss Stella please sit, we need to talk about that. Then you can make your decision" he said while enjoying her state. "yes please miss Stella, I hope we will satisfy you and you will love to work with us" Beth said concerning, while going out.

Stella seated herself and dared not to look at him. "documents?" He woke her up from her thoughts. She hurriedly handed over her file. While looking at the papers he asked, "why don't you want to work with us?". It made Stella look at him. He looked into her eyes and waited while she could answer. "I have no reason for that" she replied after a moment. "there is" he stood up from his chair and walked behind Stella, moving closer to her. "you are afraid of me?" he whispered making Stella almost jumped with his soothing voice. "please stay away from me" she panicked and stood up. He moved closer to her while she leaned into the table. The he put his hands on both sides, locking her in his embrace. She was looking like a rabbit caught by a lion. "why are you so afraid of me?" he said while moving closer to her face. She wanted to run. "why do you want to avoid me?" another question stroked.