Elowen's POV

The ever-changing clouds outside the towering windows became a canvas for my contemplation. Each swirl and drift reflected the uncertainty that echoed in my mind. As the clouds painted their story on the canvas of the sky, I sought solace in the hope that, like them, my tumultuous day would yield to a brighter tomorrow.

Lost in this philosophical reverie, I almost missed the sound of Lysander clearing his throat. Reality reasserted itself, and I shifted my gaze from the window to the imposing figure of Lysander Tenebris. The plush couch cradled my apprehension as I waited for the verdict.

Whoever bought this couch needs to be given a raise.

"Ms. Nocturne," Lysander began, his voice smooth and composed, "there have been several complaints against Mrs. Simmons during this latest internship cycle. It seems she's been causing quite a stir, and it's clear that you weren't the source of the problem." A wave of relief washed over me. The weight on my shoulders seemed to lift, if only a little.

As I absorbed his words, my mind raced with relief.

Thank god, because I'd be on the streets if this didn't work out.

Before Lysander could continue, Zander suddenly speaks up, "You're fired from your internship, Ms. Nocturne"

I could feel my heart stop beating. 

W-What do they mean? But didn't he just say it wasn't my fault? Is this because of my breakdown earlier? Fuck Elowen, you did this to yourself.

I tried to school my expressions, not wanting to have another emotional meltdown in front of the brothers, but I could feel myself failing.

Beg, Elowen. It doesn't matter what you have to do to keep this job, do it. Because if not, there'll be nothing left.

I looked at the brothers, with desperation on my face as I thought about how to convince them that I'm still capable. 

However, before I could speak, Zephyr smacked the back of Zander's head. I winced, 'That must've hurt'

"Are you a fucking idiot? Do you think that was the right way to go about this?"

I looked at Zephyr, not understanding what he meant. Turning my gaze towards Lysander, I looked at him, the confusion obviously shining on my face.

Lysander looked at the other two, shaking his head. 

He then looked at me, and continued speaking, "My brothers and I have discussed the matter, and we believe you're not at fault here. However, we need to address the situation, and we have a proposal for you."

My nerves tightened. 'A proposal? What did they have in mind?' I nodded, prompting Lysander to unveil their plan.

It doesn't matter what you have to do. If they want you to work as a goddamn maid, do it. You don't have a choice.

"What Zander meant to say was that we've decided that you won't be continuing your current internship," Lysander stated, his eyes holding a hint of sympathy. "But before you worry too much, we're not letting you go. Instead, we're offering you a position as our personal assistant."

My mind buzzed with questions. Personal assistant? What did that entail?

That means I'll be spending all of my time working in the presence of the brothers. 

Uncertainty filled me, as I thought about disappointing them again. They are perfect in their work, and they expect that as well, I'm sure. Would I be able to do that? However, my mind quickly pivoted, thinking, 'Be glad you're being given a second chance. They don't seem like the people who allow people the luxury of something as gracious as a second chance, so take it.'

Was it better or worse than my current situation? I hesitated before finally asking, "What would my responsibilities be?"

Lysander gave a slight smile. "Your role would include assisting us with various tasks, managing our schedules, and ensuring everything runs smoothly in our professional lives as well as our personal lives."

Their personal lives? What does that mean? 'Don't they already have a secretary?' I thought, thinking back to the nice man sitting near the elevator. 'What do they need me for?'

Zephyr, probably sensing my confusion, spoke, "We all do have a secretary. However, his job only entails managing our schedules and handling our professional appointments. We need someone to be assisting us all the time, with personal tasks as well, rather than just professional tasks. However, it'll be too much for him to do that alone and that's where you would come in."

'That does make sense,' I thought, not being able to imagine any of the brothers running any of their errands personally. 'Their time is much too important to be wasted on mundane tasks like picking up their dry cleaning.'

The offer hung in the air, and I weighed the pros and cons. On one hand, it was a relief not to be fired. This would be even better on my resume, assisting and working with the brothers one-on-one. Not many had the chance to even meet them, yet I was getting the golden opportunity of working with them, observing and learning from them. On the other, being a personal assistant to the  brothers sounded like an entirely new realm of challenges.

'It really doesn't matter what I think. I don't have any better options.'

I looked at Zephyr again, whose gaze was fixed on me. I felt shivers run through me, as I looked away from his intense eyes. 

I'm too intimated to even look at him. How am I going to be able to work with them?

Zephyr spoke again, his words hanging in the air like a veiled threat. "There's barely any chance anyone will be willing to take you in, considering you were fired from Tenebris & Associates," Zephyr declared, his tone carrying an undertone of intimidation. His words lingered, as if almost daring me to defy him.

Not that I ever could. I don't even want to think about the consequences of what would happen if I did.

The weight of his words pressed on me, echoing the limited choices that lay before me, closing in on me as every second went by. 

"Take your time to think it over," Lysander said, sensing my hesitation. "We value your skills, and we believe this could be a mutually beneficial arrangement."

Feeling more reassured after hearing that, I looked at Lysander and nodded. 

"I'd prefer a verbal response, Ms. Nocturne," Zander uttered. His voice still sent a chill down my spine, a stark reminder of the recent scolding that echoed in my ears.

I looked at Zander, before meeting Lysander's gaze.  "I truly appreciate the opportunity for a second chance, and I'm sincerely thankful. I would be honoured to accept the position."

Zephyr, seemingly content with my response, remarked, "Smart decision. I'll prepare the contract for you to review and sign."

Wait, will I be paid the same or will they dock my pay because of what happened?

One of the biggest reason this internship was so important to me was because of their handsome compensation. And despite the generous pay, I struggled to make ends meet. Should I ask Zephyr about this? I don't want them to think I'm greedy. They're being really gracious with this opportunity, and I don't want to seem ungrateful.  

As I silently weighed my options, contemplating the delicate balance between gratitude and necessity, Zander's abrupt question pierced through my thoughts. "Ask what you want to ask, Ms. Nocturne," he demanded, his eyes sharp and insistent.

Can they read my fucking thoughts or something? How in the world do they always know?

Caught off guard, I hesitated before Zephyr, probably sensing my internal struggle, decided to add his own flavour to the conversation. 

Stepping closer, he injected a subtle threat into the air. "Lies have consequences, Elowen. Choose your words carefully, and don't make the mistake of lying to us again," he warned, his gaze unyielding. 

"Um, I w-was just wondering if my compensation would remain unchanged or if there would be any adjustments?"

Zephyr's gaze tightened, and for a moment, I thought I saw a flicker of surprise in his eyes at my question. Did he not consider that, or was he caught off guard by the inquiry?

"You will be paid around $7,000," he answered, the words hanging in the air. I felt a mixture of relief and concern. Relief that it wasn't reduced further, but concern because it was still $1,000 less than my original pay.

My mind raced with calculations, contemplating how this adjustment would affect my already tight budget. 

I'm going to have to cut off on living expenses because I can't stop paying for rent or towards the debt.

Before I could voice my thoughts, Zephyr's voice cut through the mental calculations. "$7,000 a week."

I must be delusional because there's no way that man said what I think he said.

The room seemed to blur for a moment, my mind struggling to process his words. Did he make an error? I blinked, attempting to ground myself in reality. A thousand questions jumbled in my mind, but all that escaped my lips was a stammered, "A w-week?"

Zephyr's expression remained unwavering, and his tone held a firm assurance. "Yes, Ms. Nocturne. $7,000 a week."

My shock intensified. A week? That amount was beyond my wildest expectations. The earlier concern about the reduced pay vanished, replaced by a surreal disbelief. Did I hear him correctly, or was this some bizarre twist in the conversation?

He's lost it. He's definitely lost it.

Zephyr's eyes bore into mine, as if challenging me to question his statement. My voice trembled as I managed to utter, "Are... are you serious?" The enormity of the figure lingered in the air, leaving me suspended in disbelief.

My heart raced as I absorbed Zephyr's intense gaze, a subtle warning that my inquiry was treading on precarious ground. His voice cut through the air like a sharp blade. "Do I seem like the kind of person who jokes around, Miss Nocturne?"

Caught off guard, I stammered an apology, my words a hurried attempt to soothe the tension. "N-no, I didn't mean it like that. I just thought... maybe there was a mistake or something."

Before Zephyr could respond, Lysander interjected, his tone measured and calm. "Ms. Nocturne, working closely with us means much more than just a change in title. You'll be expected to be with us almost all the time, taking care of various tasks and running errands efficiently. Three demanding personalities require thorough management, and that's why the compensation reflects the nature of the job."

Zander leaned in, his eyes locking onto mine. "We're open to negotiations, though. If you feel it's not enough, we can discuss an increase. But know this, we won't be reducing it."

Increase it further? He must be crazy. That's already a ridiculous amount of money, even if there's three of them.

As the weight of the conversation lingered in the room, my mind wandered back to my childhood—a time when money was scarce, and I can still remember the the taste of dry bread that I would have to survive on. The struggle persisted into my adulthood, with my step-mother's debt being pushed on to me, an unwelcome companion on my journey.

Now, listening to the exorbitant amount the brothers would be paying me, a strange feeling lingered in my mind.It was a stark contrast to the financial challenges I had grown up with and the ongoing battle against my step-mother's debt. The revelation of my potential income was enough to leave me stunned.

As I let the information sink in, my thoughts took an unexpected turn, revisiting the specter of debt that had haunted me for so long. 

Wait, I can pay off the debt before the next year ends.

The initial shock gave way to a subtle brightening of my expression. Perhaps, in the sea of uncertainties, this new opportunity offered me not only financial relief but the chance to break free from the shackles of my past.

Pure joy filled my mind as I thought of never having to see my step-mother again. 'This is good,' I thought as motivation filled me. 'This will be life-changing for me, and I'll be damned if I don't give my best,' I thought as I looked at the brothers. 

With a steely determination, I adorned my face with the brightest smile I could muster, the glow of hope reflecting in my eyes as I addressed the brothers. "I'd like to sign and start as soon as possible, if that's alright."

Zander's expression revealed satisfaction, a subtle acknowledgment of my commitment, while Zephyr responded, "There's nothing we would like more." The air seemed to shimmer with anticipation as the next chapter of my life unfolded before me, a promising journey towards freedom from the ghosts of my past I had so desperately desired.