Olivia slumped onto her couch, staring at the open job listings on her laptop with growing frustration.
Her savings were almost gone, rent was due in two weeks, and her dream of becoming a published author was slipping further out of reach. She had spent years believing that if she worked hard enough, the right opportunity would come. That her talent would get noticed.
But life didn't work that way.
With a sigh, she scrolled past another listing for a sales associate. She had already worked retail once, and she never wanted to go back. Dealing with rude customers and unrealistic sales quotas? No, thanks.
The problem was, she had no real work experience outside of writing. Her resume looked pathetic. A couple of freelance editing gigs, a failed attempt at running a book blog, and a short-lived job as a coffee shop barista.
Her fingers hovered over the keyboard.
Maybe I should just give up on writing altogether…
The thought made her heart squeeze painfully, but what choice did she have? Dreams didn't pay the bills.
Just as she was about to shut her laptop, her phone buzzed.
A notification from social media.
She almost ignored it, but curiosity got the best of her. She tapped on it and found herself staring at a job post shared by someone she followed.
"Looking for a highly organized, professional, and discreet personal assistant for a high-profile client in the entertainment industry. Must be able to handle scheduling, media relations, and occasional travel. Competitive salary. Serious inquiries only."
Olivia's eyebrows shot up.
A personal assistant? For a celebrity?
The idea of working for some rich, arrogant movie star didn't exactly thrill her, but… the pay had to be good. And at this point, she couldn't afford to be picky.
Without overthinking it, she clicked on the link and found an application form.
It asked for basic details, name, experience, availability.
Experience? She had none. But she had organized her entire life around writing deadlines. That had to count for something, right?
Taking a deep breath, she started typing.
Name: Olivia Carter.
Experience: Skilled in time management, multitasking, and working under pressure. Excellent communication skills. Adaptable. Quick learner.
It sounded professional enough. Hopefully, they wouldn't ask too many questions.
She hesitated for aU moment before clicking Submit.
What was the worst that could happen?
The Interview
Two days later, Olivia found herself standing in the lobby of a sleek, glass-walled office building in downtown Los Angeles.
She still couldn't believe they had called her.
The email had come the day after she applied. A man named Ethan Caldwell who introduced himself as Liam Hayes' manager had invited her in for an interview. No other details, no unnecessary pleasantries. Just a time, date, and address.
Now, standing in the intimidatingly fancy office, Olivia wondered if she had made a mistake.
This place was too nice. Too corporate. Too far from the world she was used to.
She glanced down at her outfit. A simple blouse, black slacks, and a pair of flats, professional but basic. Maybe she should have dressed up more.
Before she could spiral any further, the receptionist gestured for her to follow.
She was led down a quiet hallway and into a conference room where a man in his mid-forties sat, reviewing a stack of papers.
"Ethan Caldwell?" she asked hesitantly.
He looked up, nodding. "Olivia Carter. Have a seat."
She did, gripping her purse tightly.
Ethan was the definition of polished, sharp suit, perfectly styled hair, and an air of authority that made Olivia sit up straighter.
"So," he began, flipping through her resume. "You don't have experience as a personal assistant."
Olivia swallowed. "No, but I'm highly organized, a quick learner, and I know how to manage chaotic schedules. I..."
Ethan held up a hand. "Let me be honest with you. This job isn't easy. The client you'd be working for is demanding, unpredictable, and not exactly known for being... pleasant."
Olivia's stomach twisted. "Who is the client?"
Ethan studied her for a moment. "You'll be working for Liam Hayes."
Her heart nearly stopped.
Liam Hayes?
The Liam Hayes? The Hollywood heartthrob? The movie star known for his bad-boy reputation and string of scandals?
Oh, hell no.
Her first instinct was to decline immediately. No way could she survive working for someone like him.
But then she thought about her empty bank account. About her overdue bills. About how she had no other options.
She forced a smile. "I can handle it."
Ethan smirked, as if amused by her confidence. "We'll see about that. You start tomorrow."
Olivia blinked. "Wait, just like that? No second interview?"
"You'll either sink or swim. I don't have time to waste. Be at the studio by eight a.m. sharp. Liam has a photoshoot, and you'll be assisting him. Don't be late."
Olivia nodded, her heart pounding.
What had she just gotten herself into?