WHEN A MAN FALLS IN LOVE

Adele Carson rushed to get ready for her interview, immediately after the company, RTK automobiles where she applied for a marketing post, called that her interview had been rescheduled for today instead of the following week. She gave herself one last thorough look in the mirror, kissed her best friend Rosie goodbye and dashed out the door.

Adele got to RTK in twenty minutes, thanks to the cab driver who decided to take the fastest route he knew. Hurrying into the building, she located the elevator and was surprised by the crowd gathered in front of it, hesitant to enter despite the single occupant inside. Running late, Adele pushed her way through the crowd and slipped into the elevator just as the doors were closing.

As she caught her breath, she closed her eyes and heaved a sign of relief. A scent filled the air, it was a pleasant one, it reminded her of spring season and everything that comes with experiencing it in the country. But why wasn't the elevator moving? Opening her eyes, Adele found the doors opened, the waiting crowd staring at her and whispering. She looked to her left and saw that the person who had been in the elevator before her, a tall figure in a well tailored suit, whose face she couldn't see properly had pressed the stop button right before takeoff.

"Lady, get out this instant!". The person shouted without looking at her.

Before she could protest, a young woman from the crowd pulled her out and as she turned to look at the rude person's face, the elevator doors closed and she clearly heard it depart.

"Sorry about that, that is Mr.Weston the boss". The young woman said.

Adele's eyes widened in surprise. "So what?!" She exclaimed.

The young woman chuckled. " Well Mr. Andrew doesn't like sharing spaces with anyone, not even the company cafeteria or elevator and so on. He wouldn't even give you a ride if he sees you walking to or from work unless you are very dear to him, emphasis on very. He wasn't expected back from his trip that was supposed to last for two weeks, especially on a Friday. I wonder why he couldn't just wait until Monday". The young woman replied.

Adele shook her head in disgust and the woman leaned in whispering, " if you eventually get to work here, you'll get used to his manners soon". She smiled and extended her hand, " I'm Candace–not candy but Dacey for short, Adele shook her hand, returning the smile.

As they chatted, the elevator lights turned green, ready to accept it next available passengers.

Adele glanced at her wristwatch. "My interview is taking place soon". She said to Dacey.

Dacey nodded sympathetically. "Good luck, I hope to see you around".

Everybody scrambled out of the elevator and quickly settled into their respective workspace. Adele couldn't help but wonder why the atmosphere was tense, it was only Friday, typically a day to look forward to, but the sense of pressure was palpable. She suspected their irritating and demanding boss was the reason behind the tension.

As she hurried down the hallway, the big and bold painting on the left wall caught her eyes, it was an half body painting of a very handsome man with a well defined features. She was impressed by how the artist behind the painting could make someone look so incredibly goodlooking, like they had taken a snapshot from their own memory. She tried to forget about the elevator incident and was glad that the marketing post she applied for and would hopefully get would mean less encounter with the boss. Adele quickened her pace a little bit more, eager to wrap up the entire interview process as soon as possible, hoping to start the job the following week. Lost in thoughts, she didn't notice the person approaching from the opposite direction, they collided, she lost her balance and fell to the ground.

Apologetic, the stranger quickly let her up and her face flushed as she realizes that her trousers had tore, exposing her underwear.

"Oh no, I'm so sorry!". The stranger said, swiftly removing his jacket to cover her. "Let me help you with that".

Adele's embarrassment deepened as she accepted his jacket, wrapping it around her waist to cover the tear.

"Thank you.... Liam" she said reading his name tag.

Liam smiled. " I see you're new here, I work at the manufacturing section of the company, it is at the back of this building. Please allow me make it up to you, call me by tomorrow noon ". He said as he tore a piece of paper and wrote down his number.

Adele's words were caught up her throat as she gazed at Liam's handsome face, her mind going blank, she nodded mutely as she collect the piece of paper from his outstretched hand.

"I'll be expecting your call tomorrow ". Liam said before turning and walking away.

Adele's heart still raced from the unexpected encounter with Liam as she headed to the reception. The receptionist, a friendly looking woman with a warm smile greeted her and directed her to the CEO's office. She wasn't expecting to be interviewed by the CEO himself, she took a deep breath and knocked before entering. Her eyes widened as she got into the spacious office, it was an impressive one, the ceiling was a high one, it had a perfect city skyline view, it was tastefully furnished with mahogany wood desks and comfortable leather chairs. The walls was painted in a light and nice color and was decorated with photos, awards and certificates showcasing the company's achievements. The bookshelf was neatly arranged and packed with books, Adele wondered if he had actually read all the books on the shelf. She also noticed a mini coffee and snack bar right at the corner. The office exuded every perfection and comfort she could ever think of.

" Are you going to stand there all day long?!" Andrew boomed, his voice echoing through the room .

Adele was startled, she apologized and moved forward.

The man at the table sat with his head bent, intently reading the documents in front of him and the glass nameplate on his table clearly read, CEO Andrews Weston.

He finally looked up to face her, his piercing blue eyes narrowing as he carefully accessed her.

"You from the elevator!.

Adele's hands were clasped behind her back, her head hung low and her voice barely above a whisper as she apologized.

"Enough!" He said raising his hand.

Adele looked up to the piercing eyes, she noticed how handsome he was, his strong jawline and well styled hair made him look so confident and powerful. She now realized that it was his portrait she had seen in the hallway and was surprised that someone so refined and handsome could be so arrogant.

"What is with the jacket?" He asked.

" I ....it was an accident sir, I didn't mean to".

Andrew raised a hand, cutting her off. "See, I won't be paying you for unreasonable explanations but for a job well done which includes dressing professionally".

Adele was stung by his words but she stood up straight.

"I understand sir, it won't happen again".

"Good, now it's says here in your resumè that you studied marketing?"

"Yes sir".

"Well Adele, I am not in need of a marketer right now but I urgently need a personal assistant" Andrew said in a neutral tone. "Would you consider the job? And if not, you're free to leave, it's up to you".

Again, Adele was slightly taken aback by his bluntness and paused for a moment thinking about the offer, she knew she had no choice but to accept the offer in order to fund her PhD program that she had been planning for.

"Alright sir, I'll take it".

"Good for you, take a look over there at the desk you'll be using, you'll find a brochure containing all the rules and regulations that will assist you in becoming a better PA to me as I expect high standards and won't tolerate any form of slacking". "You can take the brochure home and study it over the weekend, as you'll be starting in full this coming Monday. " You're free to leave now, the interview is over Miss Carson". Andrew said as he turned his back to Adele.

Adele did as she was told and said a polite goodbye as she left the company with mix of emotions and a feeling of unease about her new job as the personal assistant to Andrew Weston.

The streets were bustling in the beautiful city as Adele made her way home, she couldn't wait to share the news with Rosie.