Chapter 1
“Are you ready?” my sister, Anika, asked, opening my bedroom door, her hand on the doorknob. She scrutinized my clothing, paying attention to every detail making sure nothing unusual was standing out of my disguise.
I was standing in front of a body mirror, doing the same act as my sister was doing. Satisfied with my appearance, I brushed my skirt one last time and smiled at my sister. “As ready as I will ever be.”
I picked up my work bag which contained my laptop and necessary documents for my upcoming interview. “How do I look?” I asked while placing one of my hands holding the work bag on my hip and the other flat under my chin, tilting my head a little, and forming duck lips to look cute.
I don’t know if it is just me, but I love making duck faces when I’m taking pictures or forming a pose. I feel cuter doing this way.
Anika rolled her eyes at me. She pushed the door open, leaning her back against the doorframe with her arms crossed underneath her breast eyeing me up and down. “Well, you appear to be an ordinary lady heading to an interview for a secretary position, but I have doubts if you can truly play the role well.”
I rolled my eyes at my sister, clearly annoyed by her comment.
Oof, why does my Apu always have to doubt me?
“Of course, I will play the part well. I took those improv classes for what?” In response, my sister just stared at me giving me a are-you-serious look.
Okay, so maybe I didn’t actually take improv classesbuutI was somewhat part of it. You see, I was involved in Tech Theatre, where my role was to help out behind the scenes for theater productions. I took care of things like lighting, sounds, sets, etc. Some days during the week, we were required to stay after school to help set up for upcoming plays. On those same days, improv sessions would be held. Initially, I wasn’t interested in joining thinking it was something I didn’t need but whenever I saw their sessions my interest and curiosity grew so I would just watch them while doing work, and from time to time I would join them. The sessions were fun and also helpful for my future responsibilities that were to come.
As I was leaving my room, Anika grabbed my arm and stopped me in my tracks. I glanced at her with furrowed eyebrows. “Maria...” she sighed before continuing, “Please don’t mess this up. This is a very important mission. This will help decide whether Father believes you’re ready for future responsibilities.”
I nodded my hand and gently released my arm from my sister’s grip. “I am ready Apu. I’ve been ready ever since I graduated high school. It’s just that daddy keeps treating me like a baby so I’m never given an opportunity like this.”
“He treats you like a baby because you are the youngest... And the choices you make are pretty stupid.”
“Well excuseyou!The choices I make are NOT stupid. They are creative and unique. Not ever have my choices let you guys down. You are just not being open-minded. Now if you will excuse me, I have an interview to attend. And after I get the job, I’m going to dominate this mission. And after I dominate this mission, then Daddy will see that his youngest daughter is all grown up and ready for other challenges. Goodbye Apu.”
I playfully flipped my hair and headed straight to my car.
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I am currently sitting in front of Samuel Park, (or should I say Mr. Park, since that is what I am supposed to call him.) his desk separated between us. He was looking at the documents I handed him, scheming through every word. His hair was slicked back, with small hair coming out. He was wearing a blue suit underneath a white button-up shirt and a blue tie. He smelled pretty good not saying I’m a creep or anything, I just admire how people smell. When my dad showed me an image of him, I thought he was attractive. He has the looks and the confidence, he is also pretty darn rich with the successful business he has done. However, when I went deeper to find some information from him I found some pretty nasty stuff.
He slept with multiple women, especially his secretaries, even though he was married to a wonderful woman along with kids. He was charged with sexual assault by two women who were drunk and claimed to have never given consent. He managed to drop the charges after bribing the judge which the judge happily accepted.
Which by the way, who the frick hired him?
I found the security footage of the two incidents and concluded that he indeed raped those girls without their consent. It was hard to watch but I had to ensure if that’s what really happened. As someone who is in a mob family, these are the kinds of things you have to witness. I guess the footage never made it to court because Mr. Park probably threatened the club owner to hide it. Another flaw of Mr. Park is that he is a gambling addict. Which is weird because he is already a rich man I don’t see why he needs more money. But anyway turns out he lost a big bet involving millions of money which jeopardized his business but somehow in one one week, he saved it. I tried finding more information about this but ended up with a dead end. My dad wants me to get the answers out of him. According to my dad, a mob family called the Gambinos, are undergoing a loss of money for the past few months and can’t seem to understand why that is. The Gambino family asked my dad to assist their problem and my dad agreed. My dad thinks it is connected to Samuel Park because, for every money they lose, he gains according to the system.
I jumped at the opportunity, wanting to prove my father that I am ready for anything. Going back to the present, Mr. Park laid the documents on his desk, his eyes on me. “Well Miss Hossain -
FYI, that is not my last name. My last name is actually Chanda. I decided give them my fake name to conceal my identity.
I am very impressed by your resume and the accomplishments you have done, but right now I want to get to know you. Now tell me what makes you a good fit for this role?”
I striaghted my posture, remebering the lines I practiced in my room. “I am a good fit for this role because I have the skills and expereinces to triump my way as a secreatary for your company. I understand you are a busy man and prefer things done right the first time in a quick manner. I’ve been in many positions where I was put in under pressure but was so focused on my work I successfully done the tasks in hand. I am also very punctual getting here on time and getting my work done in a timely manner. I have never let my bosses and collegues down and intend to do that for you.”
I let out a breath. Rethinking of the words I said, making sure I said what I needed to said. He hummed and looked at me deep in thought. “And what would you say your weaknesses are?”
I stalled, pretending to think when I already had an answer. “Well my family and peers thinks I’m a bit of a try hard. Trying to achieve high things and being a perfectionist. But honestly I don’t see it as a weakness, I am happy for who I am and I intend to keep it that way.”
And that is on period bitch.
Mr. Park seemed to be amused at my response based on the smile forming on his face.
“Well Miss Chanda, I am very pleased to say that you are hired.”
I smiled showing my appreciation.Ha told you sis I could play the part.
“Thank you Mr. Park. I promise I will not let you down.”
He nodded at my response. It was only seconds later his eyes were roaming around my body taking in every detail as if trying to see what I was hiding underneath.
Seriously? You literally just hired me and already start checking me out. The nerve of this guy!
“Hey don’t you think it’s too hot out to be wearing clothes like that? You’re basically covered in fabric.” He chuckled. “You don’t need to wear that much clothing to be professional.”
I tried so hard not to roll my eyes. “Well I prefer to dress modest. It is what I feel comfortable in.” I smiled hoping he would drop the conversation to which he did.
Now, that wasn’t a lie. I do prefer dressing modestly, and I have since childhood. My family can be religious and believe that being modest is vital for us. Honestly I am not that religious but I try my best. There were times where I want to wear something out of my comfort zone but I would chicken out at the last minute.
He shrugged, seemed as if though he ignored my response. “Well welcome to the team Hossain. I hope to see good progress.”
He took his hand out wanting to shake my hand. I smiled cheerfully and shook his hand. It is kind of funny because he thinks he’s shaking hands with naive lady who just got hired to be a secreatry in under a big company and is completly unaware she will end up sleeping with the boss. HowIsee it is a big cocky man shaking a deal with the grim reaper because you’re going down bitch. All the way down to hell.
