"Zara! Get your lazy ass out of bed! You have an interview to get to in an hour!" I hear Maryam scream from downstairs. I open my eyes and jump out of bed. How could I forget to set an alarm last night?! If I'm late....no. I can't be late. There's no time to think about anything now.

I run to my closet and think, what should I wear? I have no idea what to wear. It didn't say in the letter, either. After remembering that I don't have any time to waste, I quickly grab a pair of black straight leg pants, a white fitted blouse and a navy blazer which is kind of professional, but is casual at the same time. I don't have time to shower, but that's okay as I showered yesterday evening after I got back from my jog around the park. I change into my clothes and glance into the mirror. This will have to do. I quickly brush my hair, tie it into a high ponytail, leaving out a few strands at the front, and slip on my navy heels.

Makeup. I can't look half asleep in an interview. Especially not in this interview. This is one of the largest companies in the city! Quicker than ever, I do my normal everyday makeup, which is natural and simple, but I opt for a maroon lipstick. I grab my purse and run downstairs.

"You're gonna wear that blazer?" Maryam asks, raising an eyebrow at my choice of clothes. I look down at the blazer I'm wearing and frown.

'Um, yeah? Why? What's wrong with it?'

"Just that you're going to an interview with one of the biggest companies in the city, and you're wearing such a boring blazer? I like how it isn't strictly professional, but it's so...boring. Wait a sec, I'll get you a different one to wear."

She pops upstairs for a few seconds, and comes back with a maroon blazer which perfectly matches the lipstick I'm wearing. I'm not sure, though...

'I'm not sure about that one, Maryam. Everyone in that office is gonna be wearing black, white, grey, and I'm wearing maroon? I don't think so...' I say to her. I don't want to stand out, even though I do quite like this blazer. I'm 100% sure though that all the employees of Zaid's company will be wearing professional outfits which are those colours.

"Oh just put it on, Zara. Like you said yesterday, you're not like those other girls," Maryam says to me, winking.

I sigh and slip on the blazer. There's really no time to waste.

'See? You look perfect. Don't you agree, Mum?' Maryam asks, smiling.

"Yes, Zara. You look beautiful, dear. Now hurry, come and have breakfast. You will be late," Mum says.

I grab a piece of toast from the dining table. 'I'm definitely going to be late if I stop for breakfast. I'll eat this in the car, Mum. Don't worry. Dad, can we please leave now?'

He nods and gets up to go. Luckily, there isn't any traffic this morning. Twenty minutes later, we reach the office.

I get out of Dad's car. "Good luck, Zara! I'll pick you up in an hour," Dad says, waving at me and driving off.

I'm standing outside the huge, glass building. This building towers above all the others, it can be seen from miles away. I can't believe that Zaid is the owner of this building, and this company. This is the main branch of the company, but there are buildings in several other cities. That's when the nerves start to kick in again.

I look at my watch, which reads 9:50am. Crap. There are only ten minutes left for the interview. I quickly walk into the main building and go to reception.

"Hello, how may I help you?" The receptionist, who must be at least 45 years old, asks kindly with a smile.

'Hi, I have an interview with Z- Mr Malik. At 10. I don't know where to go,' I say, embarrassed.

She smiles kindly at me. "Take the lift to the 7th floor, one of the lifts on the right hand side. Not the one at the far end, though, that's Mr Malik's personal lift. Follow the signs on the 7th floor, or ask at reception. There are only 6 minutes left for your interview, I advise you hurry up. Mr Malik hates latecomers. Good luck for your interview!"

I quickly thank her and hurry over to the lifts. Why are they so slow?! I glance at my watch. 9:55am. Yep, I'm definitely going to be late for the interview. And that won't be a great first impression.

Well, it won't be Zaid's first impression of me, but you know what I mean.

Finally, one of the lifts arrives and I take it up to the 7th floor.

After I reach the 7th floor, I look around but everything in this building looks the same. There are corridors, lots of them. This building is so...boring. Absolutely amazing, of course, but boring. Everything is white, black and grey. If I owned this building, I would definitely give it some colour.

I have no time to be thinking about this, though. I don't know where to go. I head over to the reception of the 7th floor, and ask the blonde, stunning girl there. Her name badge reads 'Alicia'.

'Hi, I have an interview at 10am. With Mr Malik. Can you please tell me where his office is?' I ask, nervous.

She looks up at me and gives me a polite smile. "Are you Miss Ahmed?"

I nod. She stands up. 'There are only two minutes left, Mr Malik doesn't like latecomers. We better hurry.'

She leads me down a corridor on the left hand side of the reception, and then down a small flight of stairs. We turn right into another corridor, and then turn left. We are now standing in front of large white doors.

'Take a seat, Miss Ahmed. I will inform you when Mr Malik asks for you,' the receptionist, Alicia, says, giving me a polite smile.

I nod, giving her a small smile back. I feel so out of place here. All the employees are so...beautiful. Perfect. Like they've all stepped out of magazine covers. I shouldn't be here. I look plain compared to everyone here.

I look around, it reminds me of a hospital because of how white and spotless the whole place is. Except, even hospitals are more interesting. At least they have posters and pictures on some of the walls. This building, however, is something different. I can't believe this entire company belongs to Zaid.

I'm sitting outside his office, and never in my life have I ever felt so nervous. I wonder what Zaid will be like now, how much he's changed. I guess I will find out in just a few minutes. Do I have time to run away from this place, away from Zaid?

I don't think so. Alicia comes over to me just as I am thinking of an escape plan. "Miss Ahmed, Mr Malik is no longer busy. He will see you now." My heart starts racing like crazy, and my hands are getting sweaty. I'm so nervous. I don't know what I'm more nervous about, though. The interview, or seeing Zaid again after all this time?

I slowly stand up, taking a deep breath, and walk to his office doors. I knock lightly. Then I start wishing that he didn't hear the knock, and that I can just run away from here. That would be so much easier.

'Come in,' I hear his deep, authoritative voice. His voice gives me a funny feeling in the pit of my stomach. Even his voice sounds so different now, though. It's much lower, deeper, and he sounds husky. Damn. What have I gotten myself into? His voice has made me feel even more nervous. Oh god.

I slowly open the door and step into his cabin. He's standing there, looking out of the floor-to-ceiling window which overlooks what looks like the whole city. He looks deep in thought.

'Za-Mr Malik,' I stutter, and then clear my throat. He looks my way.

Oh my god. Oh. Maryam was telling the truth, she was telling the damn truth. Zaid is..wow. He's definitely even more handsome than he was two years ago. He looks so different. He still has that same amazing dark brown hair, but it is now slightly shorter and is styled messily, if that makes sense. Yeah, most likely I don't make any sense right now because...

He has those same chocolate brown eyes, that I used to sometimes lose myself in.

That perfect jawline...

And he looks so muscular, wow. He definitely works out a lot. He's always looked great in a suit, but now more than ever. He looks every bit like the CEO he is...handsome, powerful, perfect... Oh god, help me. I blink out of my trance.

I can see that he's trying to hide a smile. "Zara-I mean, Miss Ahmed, please take a seat," he says, his voice deep and husky. He straightens his blazer and takes a seat at his desk. Even the way he walks now is powerful. I slowly walk to his desk and take a seat opposite him.

I look down at the desk, trying to distract myself. I need this interview to go well, and if I'm looking at him as he asks me questions, it most definitely will not go well. I won't know what I will be blabbering looking at him. How can his employees work with him here?! Don't they get distracted? Oh yeah, they have to work because of his temper.

Gosh, even his hands are beautiful. He has long, beautiful fingers, and he is tapping the desk. I probably seem like a right weirdo, but I promise I'm not.

'You...look different,' he finally says after what seems like forever. I look at him, my eyes widen. Does he mean that I look different in a good way, or in a bad way?

"Oh, do I? So do you, you look...really different," I stutter truthfully. He again tries to conceal a smile, now rubbing his chin with his index finger. He obviously knows that I mean he looks different in a good way. He knows how everyone thinks he's good looking.

'You look very different...' He says again, staring at me.

I can't help but blush, he has that effect. I think he has that effect on most people. Do I really look that different though? I mean, except for my hair and body, I don't think I look that different compared to two years ago. I guess I do look older, though.

I look down at the desk once more, not knowing what to say in reply.

He clears his throat. 'So, let's start the interview, shall we?' He asks, looking around the room. I nod.

I follow his gaze around the room. His office, like the rest of the building, is minimalistic. It's perfect though. It is all white. The desk, chairs, sofas, filing cabinet, even his desktop computer and laptop are white. The entire room, which of course is huge, is plain and simple. And white. Everything, except for two paintings on the far wall. I don't even want to guess how much those cost. They're beautiful, though. I find myself staring at the paintings, admiring them.

"Do you like them? 1760," he says, in thought. I nod. I do like them.

'They're beautiful,' I reply truthfully.

"Yes, beautiful," he agrees, a small smile playing on his lips. I see him looking at me again with that same thoughtful look in his eyes. A few seconds later, he shakes his head and starts the interview. "So, let's start the interview. Miss Ahmed, tell me about yourself." He looks genuinely interested.

And as I knew, I don't know what to answer. It's only the first question as well. What am I supposed to say about myself? 'Erm, I'm 19 years old, and I am currently in my first year of university studying Psychology. I believe that I am confident, when I need to be, and I like to work with others. I am a people's person, so I guess I'm a good communicator. At most times.' I don't know what else to say. That's mostly true, though. I've always been a confident girl, however maybe I am not so confident anymore. I'm confident around my peers, but after what happened, I am not as confident anymore. No girl would be confident after that. I don't want to trust anyone anymore.

Zaid nods. "And what are your biggest strengths, Miss Ahmed?" He asks.

Think, think, think Zara. Quickly. 'My biggest strengths generally, or for this job?' I ask.

He shrugs. "Both."

'Well, Mr Malik, my biggest strengths for this job...I'd like to think that I am well organised, and I am a good listener. Also, I'm good at using computers. I type fast, I'm good at maths so I guess that would be useful for calculations and stuff like that. Oh, also..I'm punctual.'

Zaid smirks. "You were 5 minutes late for this interview."

My cheeks redden. 'I was outside, for ages!' That's a lie. Then I add, 'I was sitting outside, you called me in late.' I shouldn't have said that, especially not in an interview! I'm blaming him for calling me in late! What an idiot am I?!

"Oh really, Miss Ahmed?" He asks, staring at me with a glint in his eyes.

I don't say anything. 'Okay, I'm mostly punctual.'

He smirks. "What would you say is your biggest weakness, apart from being late?"

I choose to ignore the last part of that. I think, what is my biggest weakness?

Then I laugh, without humour. It slips out. I wasn't supposed to tell him this. 'My personality is very straightforward, as you may already know, and I don't think that's a very good thing anymore. I'm too direct to people, too honest to them. What am I saying? But yes, I'm too honest to people. Like right now, in this interview. Honesty is not always the best policy. I'm working on it, though. I'm trying my best not to be so honest and trusting. And, I'm not so impatient anymore. I've...learned enough to know better.' Why did I just tell him this? What is he going to think of me? He most likely doesn't even know what I'm saying. Stupid Zara.

And not being impatient anymore isn't a weakness. Yep, stupid Zara.

His brows crease, he looks worried. "It's not a bad thing to be trusting and honest."

'In most situations. But in some, you just can't be,' I mutter. Why does it feel like he can read through me?

He looks at me for a few seconds, with a worried expression on his beautiful face. I give him a forced smile. I don't want him to ask anything. I've had too many people feel sorry for me, worry about me. I'm fine now.

"Okay.. So, your next question. What do you think are the top skills required for this position as my personal assistant, Miss Ahmed?" He asks.

'Erm, well, I guess dedication is a top skill. Also, good organisation, of course. That's key. And good computer skills. No PA would have bad computer skills, especially not Mr Malik's PA.' Why did I even decide to open my mouth? This is so embarrassing. I'm being irrelevant. This isn't going well at all. I don't know what to say though when I can feel his eyes on me. I feel really nervous around him.

He smirks, but doesn't say anything. He moves onto the next question. "And what experience do you have for this role?" Crap. Just the question I was dreading the most. I don't have any experience. Not any relevant experience, anyway. I can't really say to him that I have experience working in a beauty salon, or at a hairdressers'.

I bite my lip, thinking. 'Well, I..me and Hafsa have helped organise several events at college. Charity events, fairs, parties, things like that. I know this might not be the ideal experience, but..erm, in organising these events it has to mean that I'm organised and dedicated. God, I'm so bad at this. Just ignore me.' I'm such an idiot.

Zaid is looking at me, and I can tell that he's trying to suppress his laughter. I don't blame him though. I'm so stupid, and this interview isn't going well at all! I know how arrogant, moody and cold he always is, and here he is in a situation where he's trying not to laugh. That obviously means I'm really bad!

"What are your career goals, Miss Ahmed?" Huh? So he's decided to move on with the interview.

I don't know yet, I'm only in my first year of university! I'm not sure, but I do have some ideas. 'I..I want to become either a Psychology teacher or a Clinical Psychologist. But that's later on. And I'm not really sure yet if I'm being honest. If I get this job, I will give it my all though. It will be a great job for me to develop as a person. I think my Psychology studies will help me in this job with how I communicate and work with other individuals.'

He nods. I look down at the desk again, not wanting to meet his eyes. If I look at him while answering, I will mess up again. I've been looking down at the desk for the majority of the interview because of how nervous I am.

"Okay, but why this company? Why do you want to work here?" He asks, interested.

'Well, of course I am very impressed with the values and ethos of this company. I am very impressed by what it does and how it helps other individuals. It's very...erm, impressive?' Oh my god. Ground, swallow me whole. Please.

My face is as red as a freaking tomato right now.

Zaid looks amused. "Right. And, if you get this job, what days and times will you be willing to work?" Is he really asking me this? I mean, if I did miraculously get this job, he's the boss. He would choose my days and timings.

'I don't mind, I will work whenever you need me to. Whatever days and hours you need me, I'll be here. It'll be my job.' He smirks, but quickly covers it up with a cough.

"What days do you have university?"

'Mondays 9-6 and Tuesdays 10-2,' I tell him.

He nods. "Tell me, Miss Ahmed, what are your interests outside of work or study?"

'I like to read, write, and of course like my best friend Hafsa, I love shopping. Shoes, clothes, makeup...' I'm blabbering. This is so irrelevant for this interview. Am I seriously going on about shopping to Zaid?! I really am crazy.

He chuckles. "Yes, that's very similar to Hafsa."

I shrug. 'Well, we are best friends! But I'm sorry, that was irrelevant to this interview. Actually, wait. You asked me my interests OUTSIDE of work and study. So, I also enjoy sport. I enjoy it a lot. Yes, I'm a girly girl, but I also love to stay fit.'

I see him glance over my body and my cheeks redden. "Interesting, Miss Ahmed. Now, do you have any questions for me?"

Generally, when an interviewer asks you that, you should ask them at least one question. Think, Zara. Okay. 'Mr Malik, is this role as your personal assistant only for one individual, or is it for a group?'

"Oh it's only for one individual, Miss Ahmed," he says with a glint in his eyes.

I nod. 'And, you tell me Mr Malik, what do YOU believe to be the best qualities in your personal assistant?' I smile at him.

"Well, Miss Ahmed, as you said, organisation is key. Dedication to this job, giving your all to it. Good communication also, of course." He's looking at me thoughtfully.

I nod. I look down at the desk again when I feel his gaze on me. And I'm blushing, again. I can't help it. I know I'm blushing for no reason at all, but I can't help it.

"Miss Ahmed, why have you been looking down at the desk throughout the whole interview? Is the desk really that interesting?" I hear him ask me.

I quickly look up, my face turning an even brighter shade of red. 'Sorry,' I whisper. It's because of you, damn it. I can't think of anything to say when you're looking at me.

He pauses before speaking again. "You are aware that if you get the job, you're required to be available at any time, of course outside of university hours. You should be willing to give up some of your free time if needed. So tell me, Miss Ahmed, would you be willing to go on business trips with me? Personal assistants are required to be present in most meetings, and many of our meetings are held in other cities. A few in other countries, too, lasting over a couple of days. What do you say?" He looks into my eyes. Surely he must know how nervous he makes me feel.

'Oh..well, yes. I mean, it would be a business meeting, so it would be necessary to go.' What does he mean some of them are for a couple of days? It's work though, so of course it's necessary.

"Doesn't matter, Miss Ahmed, you don't need to answer me right now. You have the job. When do you want to start working?" He asks, trying to hide a smile.

'It would be for work, so I would have no problem in going- wait, what?! What did you just say?" I think I just misheard him.

He has a small smile playing on his lips. "I said, Miss Ahmed, you have the job. When do you want to start working?"

'What?! You're joking! How? No, it's not possible! I messed up in the interview. You're joking, right?' I ask, dumbfounded. I have the job? How?!

He doesn't look like he's joking in the slightest, though. I really have the job! I can't believe it, I'm so happy! Mum and Dad will also be so happy and proud of me!

I grin at him. 'Thank you, Mr Malik! Thank you so much! But, the interview went so badly. How?'

"I guess it didn't go as badly as you're thinking, Miss Ahmed. Are you okay to start work next Wednesday? Wednesday to Friday 9am till 5pm. You will be free most weekends."

I nod. 'Of course! That's great!' Just then, my phone starts to ring. The volume is really loud, and the ringtone is a song which is a current favourite of mine and Hafsa's. It's not one I would want Zaid to listen to, though. Especially not as soon as he's given me the job.

I blush. "I'm sorry, it's...Hafsa?" Why is she calling me? She knows I have an interview.

'It's okay, Miss Ahmed. Answer it.' What? Answer it?

So I do. "Babe! Tell me, tell me! How did the interview go?!" She's screaming into the phone.

I move the phone slightly back from my ear, because of how loud she is. I glance over at Zaid, he just looks amused. Yes, he can definitely hear her too.

'It went well, why are you screaming Hafsa?' I ask her.

"I'm not screaming! Did you get the job?!" She's still screaming.

'Erm, yes. I got the job.'

She bursts out laughing, and laughs and laughs. "Of course you did, babe! I'm glad you did, now where are you? Shall I pick you up?!"

'It's okay, Hafsa, Dad's picking me up. He's probably on his way. And I'm at the office, I'm in...Mr Malik's cabin.'

This time she bursts out laughing even louder, making me laugh too. This girl is so crazy! "Mr Malik?! Just call him by his name, are you crazy?! Is he there now?!" Oh god.

'Yes, Hafsa. He's here. Please can you not scream?!'

"Put it on loudspeaker, now Zara!"

'Hafsa, are you crazy? I'm not putting it on loudspeaker. Mr Malik, I'm so sorry.. This girl is just crazy!'

"Stop calling him Mr Malik! And put it on loudspeaker. Now."

'No!' She really is crazy. 100% crazy.

Then she cuts the call. Huh? Thank god. That was so embarrassing!

"Mr Malik, I'm so sorry. She's crazy. She called to ask if I got the job and-"

I stop talking when I hear Zaid's phone ringing. He chuckles and answers the phone.

'Yes, Hafsa?' He says into the phone.

She's screaming at him, too. Zaid holds the phone away from his ear. I look down at my hands, trying my best not to laugh.

"Put it on loud, bhai! Now! Turn your loudspeaker on!"

'Hafsa, I'll call you later' He starts, but she won't let him speak.

"Turn it on before I disown both of you!"

'Okay, if you promise to stop screaming. What's the matter?' He asks his sister, before turning on his speaker.

"Thank you! So, bhai, you gave Zara the job? Good! She will be the best PA you've ever had, won't you babe?!" Hafsa asks. She's too excited.

'Yes, Hafsa. I gave her the job. She starts work next Wednesday.'

"That's great. I will come over to the office to visit you guys every few days, so you won't get bored! Babe, good luck working with bhai! I know how he can be. If he gives you a hard time, though, tell me and I'll sort him out for you. I promise. Best friends before anything else." Oh my god, she's so crazy! I burst out laughing, and Zaid looks like he will start laughing any second now.

'Hafsa, I'll be fine. Thanks though,' I say to her, chuckling. Zaid looks really amused now.

"Just in case, Zara. Because I know how he can be. He's my brother, but if he does anything to you, if he says anything, if he shouts at you or anything at all, tell me straight away! I'll sort him out," she continues. I laugh.

'Hafsa, you heard Miss Ahmed. She'll be fine,' Zaid says, trying to look composed.

"Her name is Zara! Zara! Z-A-R-A! And babe, his name is Zaid! Z-A-I-D! Simple! Enough of all the Miss Ahmed and Mr Malik business," Hafsa says seriously.

I shake my head, looking at Zaid. His sister is crazy.

'Okay, dad texted me saying he's going to reach in about 10 minutes. I've gotta go, Hafsa. I'll call you tonight,' I say to her.

"Aww okay babe, I really am glad that you got the job. I love you! Not you, bhai." She says. I laugh.

'Okay Hafsa, I'll see you later. I have a lot of work to do,' Zaid says to his sister.

"Okay, bye both of you!" She turns off the call. I let out a sigh of relief.

'I'm sorry about that, Hafsa can be a little...crazy at times,' Zaid says to me. He has a smile on his face, though. I love their relationship.

"It's all good, I know what she's like. She's amazing though. Crazy, yes, but amazing." I stand up and grab my bag.

'So, are you leaving?' He asks, standing up.

I laugh. "Yeah, Dad's going to reach soon. Thank you so much, for the job. There must have been so many other candidates who were more deserving than me, though. I mean, obviously."

'Don't underestimate yourself, Miss Ahmed. The interview went well, that's why you got the job. I see potential in you.' My cheeks heat up.

"Zara. Call me Zara. Again, thanks. So much. I really needed this job, to keep me busy..." I trail off, losing myself in my thoughts.

Zaid furrows his brows. 'Is everything okay?'

I give him a forced smile and nod. "Of course! Anyway, I really look forward to working with you, Mr Malik." I say politely. I extend my right hand for him to shake, smiling.

He looks at my hand and smirks. 'Believe me, Miss Ahmed, the pleasure is all mine.' He grasps my hand, squeezing it gently. My eyes widen a little at the sensation which shoots up my arm and travels through my whole body at his touch. What on earth is this?! This feeling is so weird, but good. Yep, I definitely didn't get enough sleep last night. He has a strong grip, though. Well, obviously he does.

I step back from the handshake, gathering my thoughts together. I glance up at him, he is lost in his own thoughts.

I clear my throat. "So, I'll see you next Wednesday?" I ask, giving him a polite smile.

He nods. 'Yes, Miss Ahmed. Take care.'

'Take care, Mr Malik.' I walk out of his cabin, my mind all over the place. I'm not the same girl as I was two years ago, I've changed. I'm a lot more mature than I was then. I was stupid back then. I can't be silly about anything now. Not after...

******

Mum, Dad and Maryam are ecstatic when I tell them that I got the job.

'We're very proud of you, Zara. You can do anything if you have your mind set on it,' Dad says to me while we are having dinner that night.

I smile. I love making my parents happy. I want nothing more than to make my parents proud of me. I love them more than the world. "Thanks, Dad."

'I knew you'd get the job, sis. Well done! Try not to lose concentration though, with Zaid there! I mean, of course you will because he's so gorgeous. But, try to work hard too! I love you!' Maryam says to me while we are walking upstairs to our rooms.

I chuckle, but I have a feeling that I will find it hard to concentrate with him there. I'll be working with him for half the week, all day long. I've heard what he's like, though. Everyone at the office is afraid of him, I can tell that much already. "You're crazy, Maryam. He's my boss now, I will work with him just fine."

She smirks and heads to her room.

I have a lot of difficulty falling asleep that night, remembering the interview over and over again. How did I even get the job? I thought that I did horribly in the interview! I guess not, though. He said he sees potential in me. I want to show him that I have potential, that I can do anything. I will work hard, I will give my all to this job. He's changed a lot, though. He is more serious now, but of course he has to be.

I'm glad that he's back, though. It will be interesting working with him.