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CLAUDIA

Claudia sank into the chair, her heart racing as she fought to keep her leg from betraying her with its anxious tremors. This moment was everything─her golden opportunity to change things for herself. She glanced around the sleek aluminum office, a hub of creativity and ambition that buzzed with a promise of success. The scent of fresh coffee mingled with the crispness of new ideas, igniting a flicker of hope within her.

The weight of rejection from almost every job she applied for, echoing like an empty chasm and exacerbating the weight of each closed door, gripped her with desperation. But here, among the shiny surfaces and productive bustle, she felt renewed energy.

"Claudia Marcello." A deep voice cut through her thoughts, pulling her gaze toward the doorway.

A man walked out, his presence both authoritative and welcoming, and a surge of excitement enveloped her.

Her lips formed a warm, inviting smile, a glimmer of light piercing through the thick fog of anxiety that surrounded her. For a heartbeat, the weight on her chest lifted, but as she strode forward, determination surged through her veins, pushing her fear into the shadows. She entered the interview room with the fierce poise of a cougar, every step echoing with a silent vow: this opportunity was hers to seize.

"Nobody's turning me down this time," her inner mantra whispered, a steady drumbeat urging her onward. "Think positive. You've got this."

A thrill coursed through her at the thought of meeting the CEO, the man who held the key to her ambitions. She envisioned a dashing leader, exuding charisma, interviewing her. Instead, her breath caught at the sight of a bearded man hunched over his desk, glasses sliding down his nose, scanning her paperwork. Occasionally, his gaze lifted, yet his modest demeanor soothed her.

As their eyes met, Claudia felt a wave of unexpected ease wash over her. It was as if he was almost inviting her to show her true self, yet a flicker of self-doubt sparked within her. Why did she feel the need to project confidence?

The room pulsed with potential, and she knew she had to honor that feeling─her moment was just beginning.

"I hope you're doing fine, Ms. Marcello." He extended his hand, palm open and confident. She hesitated for a heartbeat, then gripped it, feeling the coolness of his skin against hers. A broad smile danced across her face, brightening the dimly lit room. "I'm Mr. Clarke, and I will be conducting your interview," he went on, his voice calm yet forceful.

As the interview progressed, Claudia found herself slipping into a rhythm. Questions about her work history and career goals at the company enveloped her, instilling in her a comforting sense of confidence, reminiscent of a fond memory. Her responses flowed from her lips, like a well-practiced routine on the field.

The excitement of the moment surged through her, sparking a fire in her stomach. But then, a slight tremor disrupted her focus. She sensed a shift, like a sudden lull in a game. With each word she spoke, the air grew heavy, and her pulse quickened. Were her answers too straightforward?

The uneasy thought crept in, wrapping around her like a vine. She took a breath, her voice slowing as uncertainty nudged at her confidence. In the silence that followed, doubt gnawed at her. The room felt stifling, and she could almost hear the ticking of the clock echoing her anxiety. Did he notice her falter? Did he see her bite her lower lip, a small act of desperation? She scanned his face, but his expression was unreadable, distant.

"Well, you have all the qualifications and experience in this field. That's all we need," he said, his tone clipped, as if he were reading from a manuscript. "However, I think someone else should interview you."

Her heart sank as the words hung in the air, a stark contrast to the vibrant energy she had felt just moments before. Her mind raced as she replayed his words in her mind, each syllable heavy with doubt. A second interview? Was that a sign of interest or a polite way to ease her out the door?

She clenched her hands in her lap, the fabric of her dress crumpling beneath her fingers. "Sure. That will not be a problem," she replied, her voice steady, but her thoughts spiraled. What if she made a mistake when answering the questions? What if the man saw through her façade?

Claudia sat motionless, feeling the walls close in and the room becoming blurry as she grappled with the potential of another opportunity slipping away. Her mind was a whirlwind of "what-ifs," drowning out the flicker of hope that dared to surface.

The interviewer's reassuring smile stayed with her as he jumped up, and the door clicked shut, leaving her alone in the sterile room. Uncertainty gnawed at her; she could feel her heart racing, the rhythm quickening with each passing second. Her breath came in short, shallow bursts, and her leg betrayed her with a slight tremor, a telltale sign of her rising anxiety.

She longed for her hands to stay motionless, yet she couldn't shake a habit she had diligently strived to overcome. Time stretched, and she remained frozen in place, lost in a whirlwind of thoughts. To find her inner peace again, she conjured images of the vibrant cast of The Real Housewives of New York City─their glamorous lives, their laughable mistakes. It was a world of ease, where a lavish party or a clever response could fix any conflict.

Claudia felt her breath deepen with each mental replay of the latest episode, and the tremors in her leg gradually subsided. The chaos of the moment faded as she settled into a more familiar rhythm, allowing the echoes of laughter from the show to guide her back to tranquility.

As the door swung open, the air shifted, charged with an unmistakable presence. A man stepped inside, tall and commanding, his bronzed skin glowing under the office lights. Dark hair curled at the nape of his neck, while crisp cuffs peeked from beneath his tailored blazer, hinting at authority. The scent of strong cologne filled the room, covering her like a warm embrace, but it was his piercing wolfish gaze that left Claudia momentarily breathless. A wave of heat flushed through her, and she gripped the edge of the table, willing her trembling legs to cooperate as she prepared for the second interview.

Images of this man flashed through her mind, a familiar face from the website and the hallway portraits, each detail etched into her memory.

Dominic Beretta stood at the helm of Beretta Co., guiding the company as its CEO.

He leaned forward, his voice piercing through the air like a blade, before he had even settled into his chair. "So, you want to be my secretary?" The question hung in the air, making her pause. "With all the places you could have picked, why choose here? I'm confident that other companies would welcome anyone without high standards."

Claudia's heart pumped heavily, and the room felt thick with anticipation. She felt as if she were under the spotlight, unsure of how to respond to his questions.

As he shrugged off his jacket, the fabric whispered against the leather of his chair. Despite the June heat suffocating New York, he exuded an effortless confidence, as if the warmth didn't touch him. When he met her gaze, his dark eyes were intense, sparking an unexpected flutter in her chest. An attraction simmered beneath her conscious thoughts, but she tucked it away.

Focusing on his unwavering stare was a welcome distraction from the nerves buzzing in her stomach. "This company is one of the most famous in the world, sir. I don't want to be anything less than the best. That may sound like a corny answer, but that's just who I am."

The words spilled from her mouth like water from a broken dam, and she cringed at her own awkwardness. However, she pressed on; perhaps it was better to embrace her quirks than to blend into the sea of polished applicants. His expression shifted, eyebrows knitting together as he scrutinized her. The atmosphere grew heavier, and she could feel the weight of his gaze penetrating her.

"Do you think that this job is some sort of joke?" he asked, his tone laced with a challenge, leaving an unsettling silence in its wake.

Her brow furrowed as she looked at him, her heart racing, yet her voice remained composed. Where others might crumble, she held her ground, refusing to let his striking features or commanding presence unnerve her.

She took a deep breath, feeling the weight of the moment. "Why do you think I'm not being serious? I'm being myself. Someone who agrees with you is not a good employee; they could easily deceive you. I'm straightforward. If my approach doesn't align with your vision, perhaps the position isn't right for me."

Pride swelled within Claudia as the words left her lips. It felt exhilarating to reclaim her voice in a room filled with uncertainty, the thrill of honesty igniting a spark within her. Her dark hair cascaded around her shoulders, matching the fierce determination in her eyes. A grin tugged at her lips, the challenge evident in her gaze.

She saw the surprise flicker across his face, and in that moment, she knew she had his attention. If he wanted her by his side, he would need to accept her as she was─bold and unyielding.

"I believe in setting high standards for myself," Claudia explained, her hands moving as she emphasized her points. "When I take on a project, I immerse myself completely─studying late into the night, examining every detail until I grasp the overall vision. I embrace deadlines as personal challenges, not just dates on a calendar. I like checking off each item on my list and working late to make sure everything is perfect. I want brilliance and reject mediocrity." Her infectious energy revealed she lived and spoke with passion.

The CEO remained still, his gaze fixed on her, a slight nod acknowledging her words but revealing nothing deeper. The silence that followed felt like an eternity, stretching and warping her sense of time. Her heart bounced, and she could almost hear it echoing in her ears, drowning out the quiet hum of the space. She fought the urge to shift in her seat again, aware that any sign of her anxiety could be a red flag.

Across from her, he straightened, crossing his arms─a gesture that sent a chill down her spine. Her thoughts spiraled, grappling with the possibility of rejection. Claudia searched his face for signs of enthusiasm or disinterest, but his expression remained inscrutable.

Every second felt heavy, her pulse quickening as dread coiled in her stomach. She imagined the door swinging open behind her, a swift dismissal that would shatter her hopes. But as he continued to hold her gaze, something flickered in his eyes, perhaps curiosity? Or was it just indifference?

She clung to that uncertainty, willing herself to breathe and maintain her composure, for the moment of judgment had not yet arrived.

"You're right, Dia. I hope it's okay if I call you by that name because it fits you," he said, a hint of warmth in his voice.

Claudia shook her head, her lips curving into a shy smile that touched her eyes. "I don't mind, sir."

He leaned on the desk, arms crossed, and exuded easy assurance. "My name is Dominic, but you can call me Dom. Others call me Nicco." He paused, his gaze locking onto hers. "I prefer not to have someone who agrees with everything I say. People tend to kiss my ass, and you're not like that. Not yet, at least." He raised an eyebrow. "Could you handle all the office work?"

Claudia felt a rush of determination bubbling up inside her, eager to impress him. She could sense his expectations as he assessed her skills.

The words tumbled out before she could stop them. "Dom, I think you're very attractive. I'm excellent at what I do. I mean, doing paperwork for you."

The realization of what she had just uttered made her pulse beat. A mix of embarrassment and disbelief washed over her, leaving her speechless. What had possessed her to say that? Did she really just let him know how she felt?

Her cheeks flushed a deep crimson as she stared at him. His warm smile sent a jolt through her, and she could feel her heart race. However, when Claudia opened her lips to apologize, she let out a little fart, causing Dominic's nose to twitch. Her eyes widened, and she felt all the air leave the room; if only she could vanish into thin air. She shifted in her seat, her gaze darting to the polished bookcase as she wished to sink into the ground.

His brow lifted, his nostrils flared lightly, yet his expression remained gentle. "Listen. I'm flattered by what you said, but I want to keep this professional," he said, his posture changing as he leaned in, hands joined together.

Claudia nodded, her leg bouncing up and down without her consent. She felt as if he could see right through her, analyzing her motivations, because of his extreme attention.

"I checked your previous employment," Dominic went on, his tone steady and authoritative. "You were earning a satisfactory salary per month. If you worked here, you wouldn't make nearly as much." His stare penetrated her, and she gulped hard to form a response. "I wonder why you would take less income," he said, his curiosity evident.

Claudia took a deep breath, locking eyes with him. The tremor in her leg intensified as she fought to maintain her composure.

"I'm not concerned with how much I'll make, Mr. Beretta," she replied, her voice wavering but determined. "I just want... More than anything, I need the experience. I aspire to launch my own enterprise in the future."

Her words hung in the air, a delicate confession that was both exciting and risky, as she dared to express her aspirations to the guy who didn't seem to believe her.

Dominic tilted his head, his lips pressed together, concealing a torrent of thoughts. "Sounds like a plan, Claudia," he said, warmth threading through his steady voice.

She squared her shoulders, her resolve evident as she spoke with a fierce glint in her eyes. "Money isn't my goal, sir. Working toward my dream is what matters. I'll get what I want then."

He drew in a breath, a spark of satisfaction igniting his gaze before a smile broke free. "Okay, I'll stop talking about your intentions. You've got the job. Start at 8 a.m. on Monday?"

Her cheeks flushed at his playful tone, but she felt a wave of warmth that overcame her embarrassed state. "Thank you, Mr. Beretta. You won't be sorry."

Claudia's pulse pounded like a drum, reflecting her uneasiness. She stood before Dominic, whose smirk sent heat rushing to her cheeks. Her gaze flickered to the gleaming trophies on his shelf, each one a testament to his brilliance, and she felt a knot tighten in her throat. The contemporary office thrummed with aspiration, and she experienced a wave of belonging.

She sat up straight, prepared to take on whatever challenges that lay ahead. This wasn't just a job; it was an opportunity to prove herself in a world where she could shine. Who knew what surprises working for Dominic Beretta would bring? But one thing was certain: Claudia was ready to find out.

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Please, let me know what you think about this story so far. Many twists will unravel as well as more plot and character development. Things do get more interesting as time goes by. Thanks for reading. <3