Natalie's POV

I dry my hair with my towel as I emerge from the bathroom. I settle into the chair and open my laptop. I sneeze while opening my email.

This isn't good. I've caught a cold because of that rain.

I don't know how much time I spent playing in the rain until Derek arrived. Buddy is doing fine downstairs with Derek. I hear a knock at my door. I say, "Come in."

The door opens, and I turn around to see my sister entering with a mug.

"Here's your hot chocolate with extra marshmallows," she says, handing me the mug. I take it and inhale the aroma, closing my eyes.

"You're the best. Thank you, Claire," I say, opening my eyes and looking at her. She sits on my bed. I take a sip and moan in delight.

"How are you so talented at this? I can't even cook to save my life," I say, taking another sip.

"I don't know. I just enjoy cooking and baking," she says.

"Just like Mom," I say, smiling at her. She smiles back. As I'm drinking, I sneeze.

"You caught a cold, didn't you?" Claire asks.

"Maybe," I replied.

"Why did you play in the rain when you knew you'd get sick?" she asks. I finish the drink and place the mug on my desk.

"Sometimes it's worth getting sick to play in the rain. It feels like whatever's trapped inside me is being released from my body. I feel liberated," I say, smiling sadly at her.

"Did something terrible happen at your last workplace?" she asks, taking my hands. I squeeze her hand.

"Nothing happened. I'm more than relieved to have left that corporation," I say. She nods. Suddenly, her eyes moved to my laptop.

"You received an email," she says. I glance at my laptop, and sure enough, there's a new message. I open it and take a sharp breath when I see where it's from. It's from Ashford Industries-one of the top corporations in the country.

*Hello Miss Natalie Hamilton,*

*We have reviewed your resume and examined your work performance. We are impressed with your track record. We have selected you for an interview for the assistant position. Mr. Ashford will be personally conducting your interview. We would like you to be present at the company at ten in the morning on Wednesday. For entrance clearance, click the file below.

Your regards,

Ashford Industries

I sit motionless, reading the email. Not even in my wildest dreams did I think I'd receive an interview at Ashford Industries.

"You have an interview on Wednesday!" my sister exclaims behind me. I turn toward her. She's beaming at me.

"That's one of the largest corporations in the country, Claire. I didn't think they'd even consider me," I say, still in a daze.

"You should be thrilled-you're going to land the position," she says, shaking my shoulders.

"I'll be beyond thrilled if I secure the position there," I smile at her. I do a mini celebration dance in my chair. She laughs at me.

"You're laughing at me," I say, tickling her. She squeals, falling onto the bed. I climb on top of her and tickle her more. She laughs, trying to escape.

"If it's the tickle monster you're summoning," I hear Derek's voice behind me. Soon I'm tackled onto the bed with him tickling me endlessly. Even Claire joins him. I laugh loudly.

"Stop, stop! Ah ha ha! I can't breathe!" I say. They both release me. I relax, staring at the ceiling. I sit up and punch my brother's arm hard.

"You act like a child sometimes," I say.

"Well, I am your little brother," he says, making puppy eyes. It's awful.

"Don't do that."

"I'm going to throw up."

Claire and I say simultaneously. We laugh at our synchronization. Derek looks at us, pouting.

"I have cruel sisters. They don't care about me," he says dramatically, wiping away invisible tears.

"Drama king," I say, chuckling at him.

"What were you celebrating before I came in?" Derek asks.

"She got an interview on Wednesday," Claire says happily.

"Really?" I nod at Derek.

"Well, that's excellent," he says, smiling at me.

"Can you sing something for me? It's been so long since I've heard you sing," Claire asks.

"Why not? Come here," I say, moving back on the bed until my back hits the headboard. Claire rests her head on my lap. I wait for Derek, but he looks hesitant.

"Come on quickly, Derek," Claire says, looking up at him. He sighs and places his head on my other leg. It's always been like this. Since we were young, I would sing them songs as they fell asleep. But time passes so quickly. I run my fingers through their hair as I begin singing.

*You and I must make a pact*

*We must bring salvation back*

*Where there is love, I'll be there*

*I'll reach out my hand to you*

*I'll have faith in all you do*

*Just call my name and I'll be there*

*I'll be there to comfort you*

*Build my world of dreams around you*

*I'm so glad that I found you*

*I'll be there with a love that's strong*

*I'll be your strength*

*You know I'll keep holdin' on*

*Let me fill your heart with joy and laughter*

*Togetherness, well it's all I'm after*

*Just call my name and I'll be there*

*I'll be there to protect you*

*With unselfish love that respects you*

*Just call my name, I'll be there*

I sing our favorite song, looking down at them as I run my fingers through their hair. Claire has closed her eyes with a gentle smile on her face. Derek is staring ahead, lost in thought. I close my eyes and continue singing. After I finish, I look at them. They're both asleep.

I hear sniffling from my doorway. I look up and see my parents. My mom is leaning against Dad, crying silently. Dad is smiling at me. I smile back.

I love my family.

*

I'm late. I'm late.

I rushed inside Ashford Industries after parking my car. I showed the security guard the clearance I received in the email. I ask the receptionist where the interview is located and hurry toward the elevator. I sigh in relief when I check the time. I still have two minutes to reach the floor. It's on the second-to-last floor-the 54th floor.

Today is my interview day at Ashford Industries. I woke up late and had to rush to get here. I didn't even check my appearance in the mirror. I hope I look presentable.

The elevator opens to the 54th floor. I exit and look around. Six people are seated, and a woman is typing at a desk. I approached her.

"Excuse me," I called out. She looks up at me. She appears to be middle-aged, around 45-50.

"Yes, are you here for the interview?" I nod. "Then you can wait for ten minutes. It'll begin soon," she says, smiling at me.

"If you don't mind, can I use the restroom before it starts?" I ask. She smiles at me.

"Of course, dear. Walk to your left, and you'll find the restroom," she says.

"Thank you," I say, making my way to the restroom. I enter and examine my appearance. I sigh in relief-I look decent. I smooth my hair and apply some light-colored lipstick. I exit and sit with the other candidates.

After five minutes, the interview begins. One by one, people are called inside by the woman at the desk. I'm the last one.

"Natalie Hamilton." I stand when I hear my name.

"You can go inside. Mr. Ashford is waiting," the woman says. I nod. I approach the door labeled "CEO - Mr. Vincent Ashford." I knock on the door. I hear "Come in." I entered.

The office is stunning with elegant furnishings. I appreciate this. I see a man approximately my father's age sitting behind the desk.

"Good morning, sir," I greeted him.

"Good morning. You can take a seat," he says, gesturing to the chair in front of the desk. I sat down. He picks up a file and begins reviewing it. He furrows his eyebrows.

"Miss Natalie Hamilton." I nod. "You have excellent experience across multiple companies," he says.

"Yes, sir."

"So you worked for Morrison Industries. It was a reputable company. Why did you leave?" he asks, placing the file back on the desk. I shift in my seat, growing nervous.

"I have my personal reasons, sir," I say, looking down.

"Well, I have no complaints about your experience. But I'm curious about your resignation from Morrison Industries," he says.

"You don't need to be concerned. I didn't do anything wrong, nor did I harm the company. I worked diligently the entire time I was there. And if I secure this position, I assure you won't be disappointed. I'll make certain of that," I reply confidently. He nods.

"Can you do me a favor? Can you retrieve that black file from the shelf behind you?" I glance back and look at him. I nod. I stand up and search for the file. I find it and turn around.

But the office door swings open, and a man enters. He's the same person I encountered in our bakery that day. Cold brown eyes. He looks sharp in his suit, but he appears furious.

"Why the hell didn't you inform me you were conducting interviews for an assistant?" he shouts at Mr. Ashford. The man hasn't noticed me yet.

"Why should I inform you? I'm the CEO of this corporation. I can do whatever I want here," Mr. Ashford says, rising from his chair.

"But I fucking-" I don't let him finish his sentence as I interrupt him.

"Hello, mister. Watch your language," I say, stepping in front of him. He looks at me. His eyes widen slightly, though they remain cold. He appears shocked and confused.

"Who do you think you are, interrupting me when I'm speaking?" he asks after recovering from his shock.

"I'm Natalie. You're not God here, so I can interrupt whoever I choose," I say, glaring at him. He glares back and takes a step toward me.

"Who the hell are you to tell me to watch my language? I can say whatever I want," he hisses at me.

"I may be nobody special, but show some respect when you're addressing an elder," I say, pointing my finger at him. He looks amused but continues glaring at me.

"And if I don't?" he says in a low voice, moving closer to my face. He's tall. I feel something stir in my chest, seeing him so close to me.

"Then I won't hesitate to slap you hard across your face," I say, looking fiercely into his eyes. His eyes darken further as fury blazes in them.

"If you're going to speak to Mr. Ashford politely, stay here while I step out. And if you don't want to, then you leave and return when your temper cools down," I say. He shoves the chair roughly in anger and storms out, slamming the door behind him.

"Oh God," suddenly Mr. Ashford begins laughing heartily. I'd forgotten he was still present.

"I'm so sorry, sir. I just didn't appreciate how he was addressing you," I say, looking down.

"You did nothing wrong, dear," he says, chuckling at me. "But do you know who he is?" he asks, settling back into his chair. I look at him, confused.

"Your expression says everything, dear," he says, smiling at me.

"So, Miss Hamilton, when will you join our corporation to begin your first day?" Mr. Ashford asks, looking at me with amusement.

I stand motionless, staring at him in shock.