Loving My Enemy

Chapter 3 - The Interview

Eleanor was home at 12:00 when Rebecca who was working from home inquired. She could tell that something was up with Eleanor by the color of her face. Never had she ever seen a girl as transparent as Eleanor. Every expression and every feeling was on her face, always had a hard time hiding her feelings.

“What’s up?”

Eleanor shook her head and sighed. “Remember I told you that you wouldn’t believe who was it in my dream?”

Rebecca nodded recalling from the morning. “Who was it?”

“The man I collided with at the mall and my boss,” Eleanor said with nervousness.

Rebecca’s mouth fell open hearing that. “So it was a threesome,” she said after regaining her senses.

“What?” Eleanor rolled her eyes, throwing her folder on the couch. “No. They are the same person.”

At first, Rebecca frowned then understanding dawned on her and her eyebrows shot up. “So you didn’t get the job. Okay.” Rebecca said and halted. “No, wait. You said ‘your boss’ means that you got the job?”

Eleanor nodded with a nervous smile.

“Wow, we need to celebrate tonight, and why the hell was that man in your wet dream? I mean you seriously need to get laid if he is appearing in your wet dream. I can only imagine him in bad dreams. Not to mention the complications you will have at work.” Rebecca shook her head in warning.

“I know, it’s not like I dreamt on purpose. He was just there, even I was shocked.”

“Chill out girl and let’s go out tonight. We will find you, someone, to let out your steam.”

Eleanor scowled at her. “No, we’re not doing anything like that. We will just celebrate and come home sober.”

“Of course, tomorrow I have to go to the office. When are you starting?” Rebecca glanced back at her.

“Next week, Monday.” Eleanor sighed in defeat and appeared tensed.

“Why are you so gloomy? You got the job at Gem Inc.!” Rebecca said.

“You don’t know what happened at the interview.” Eleanor let out another sigh of despair.

“Then tell me.”

~~~~~~

“FLASHBACK”

“Small world, is it?” Rickard Hansen said to her with an evil glint in his eyes and Eleanor could only shake her head lightly.

She was still standing in the doorway when her hand fell from the doorknob in shock and the closing door on her back sent her flying across the floor, along with her folder. She pushed herself up hastily trying to regain her dignity. She saw her documents from the folder were now thrown across the floor. A grimace formed on her face, and she began to pick the papers up. Just then a hand came and she looked up to see that Mr. Hansen was now kneeling in front of her picking up the papers with her. His fragrance filled her nostrils and she couldn’t tell how amazing it was.

“I am so sorry,” Eleanor said and her hand unconsciously touched Rickard’s hand at which he glanced at her and smirked.

“I am now sure it wasn’t me. You are just clumsy.” He said and Eleanor’s eyes widened.

“No, I am not. I was shocked seeing you here and the door pushed me…”

“It’s okay. Here are your papers.” He handed her the papers and pulled her up by her hand which he took his sweet time in letting go. A shiver went through her body at his touch. She almost felt him rubbing his thumb on her hand but she shook the thought away.

He took his seat behind the desk and waved for Eleanor to sit. She sat hesitantly and looked at him. He was staring at her and his challenging stare made her nervous and by his expression, she could tell that he knew and was doing it on purpose.

“Eleanor, when did you graduate?” He started interviewing her.

“February 2021.”

“Have you read the job description?”

“Yes, I did. I assure you that I will perform all those duties perfectly.”

He leaned forward on the table and emphasized his words. “Those duties I don’t care about, what I care about are my accounts. You will be handling my personal accounts as well, so you’ll need to be very mindful of that. I don’t tolerate mistakes at all.”

Eleanor nodded and kept looking into his eyes.

“I am a very demanding man, Eleanor. Will you be able to keep up with me?”

Eleanor gulped and then found her voice. “I will try my best, Mr. Hansen.”

“No trying, Eleanor. You have to do your best.”

“I will.” She said and he nodded in satisfaction.

“Okay, if you’re not busy then the People’s department will now have a meeting with you to discuss your package and all.”

“Yes, it’s fine. I will go to the People’s department now.”

“Thank you, Ms. Eleanor.” He said and almost smiled at her.

“Thank you, Mr. Hansen.”

FLASHBACK ENDS

“That’s all?” Rebecca asked in disbelief, her mouth hanging open. “This was the easiest interview one could have and you’re worried?” She threw her hands in the air in exasperation.

“No, he said he is very demanding,” Eleanor said.

“Every boss is demanding, Eli. You’re fretting over nothing, trust me.” Rebecca said and placed her headphone on her ears, gesturing for Eleanor to wait since she had a meeting.

Eleanor sighed and prayed that she excelled at this job like her studies.

~~~~~~~~

AT THE BAR…

“What about that one?” Rebecca pointed to a man sipping on his drink in the far corner.

“Stop it, will you? People are noticing.” Eleanor closed her eyes in irritation.

Rebecca looked at Eleanor and pressed her lips in a thin line. “Why wear this sexy red dress when you planned to stay all by yourself tonight?”

Eleanor was dressed in a spaghetti strap dress with light makeup on and hair falling on her back. She hadn’t thought of mingling with anyone tonight, just wanted to celebrate but her friend and roommate Rebecca had other plans for her, which she was adamant about fulfilling.

“Fine, I am going to dance. You do whatever you want to do.” Rebecca took her drink and left Eleanor alone at the bar.

Sighing to herself, Eleanor finally sipped her drink in peace but the peace was short-lived when a familiar voice sat came to stand beside her on the bar and ordered a drink.

“Martini, please.”

Alerted, Eleanor dared to look up beside her and cringed when she the face of her boss, Rickard Hansen.