Madisyn wasn't keen on sharing more about herself. She didn't trust him, and she didn't want him to know more than he already did. In fact, he already knew more than she was comfortable with. The thought of him probing further or working with him was crossing a line she had set for herself.
She cleared her throat and spoke, "My name is Madisyn. I'm applying for this job because I see it as an opportunity to develop my skills and embark on a journey of inner growth. This role will fuel my competitive spirit and motivate me to pursue continuous improvement."
"That's good. And what do you think about having a man as your boss?" he asked.
Madisyn frowned, puzzled.
Just then, the waitress brought two cocktails to the table. "I ordered a margarita for you."
"I don't understand the question," Madisyn said, biting the tip of her straw nervously.
"The question is simple, Madisyn. Would you accept taking orders from a man? I can tell that, due to your complicated past relationship, you struggle with trust. It seems like you've unconsciously—or maybe consciously—developed a resentment towards men. Will you be able to overcome that to get this job?"
Madisyn took a sip of her drink before bursting out, "I don't get it. This isn't a real job interview, is it? I—"
"Relax," he smiled, amused. "I was just messing with you. You should've seen your face."
Madisyn rolled her eyes. "So, what's your plan?"
"You'll start next month. No one will know the real reasons behind your hiring. You'll be treated just like any other employee. Don't expect any favoritism from me. You'll have to work as hard as everyone else, and if you manage to last at least six months, I'll help you with your goals."
He extended his hand. "Do we have a deal?"
Madisyn sighed, then shook his hand. "Yes, we have a deal."
After all, it had been years since she last worked, and getting a new job was on her to-do list. Maybe she would end up liking the job, though she doubted it.
"Good," Ethan said. "He'll open his company in one month. He's already posted the announcement all over his social media."
"He didn't waste any time letting the world know," Madisyn said, rolling her eyes as fury stirred in her chest.
"It wasn't a smart move to announce the opening a month in advance. People will forget about it in a few weeks. He should've played his cards differently, like announcing it the week before. This mistake shows he hasn't hired a social media or communication team yet. Bringing him down will be even easier if he can't handle the basics." A smile crossed his lips, making Madisyn wonder if he might enjoy the plan too.
It was only a moment before he composed himself. "I want him to experience success just long enough so that his downfall will be even more painful for him and his ego."
"Do you want another round?" he asked, raising an eyebrow and pointing at her nearly empty cocktail.
She was enjoying the taste so much that she hadn't noticed how quickly she drank it.
"Oh," she said, looking at the glass. "I haven't had a drink in a while. I forgot how good cocktails are."
He smiled. "So, you stopped having fun altogether since you dated him?"
The question hit her like a slap of realization. She hadn't thought about it before, but indeed, since she started dating him, her entire life had changed. Her existence revolved around him. She went out with friends less often, and whenever she had the chance, she spent time with her boyfriend, putting him at the top of her priorities.
"Shit," Madisyn whispered, swallowing hard. "I really did. I stopped doing everything. I spent my days waiting for him to get home from work, cooking and cleaning for him, and I barely had time for myself. He treated me well and all, but my entire life revolved around his happiness and satisfaction."
Madisyn rubbed her forehead. "Oh God, I neglected so many things and so many dreams because of him."
"That's classic. The sooner you realize it, the sooner you can learn from that mistake."
"How did I never notice? I was so happy to have finally met the right man that I was blind."
"He met the right girl for his purposes, not just someone with a wealthy man, but also someone he could manipulate as he wished. I'm sorry to be blunt, but it's also your fault that he deceived you because you let him."
"So, my fault is being in love with him?" Madisyn rolled her eyes and shook her head. Was he seriously blaming her? She was the victim here. How dare he say such things?
"No. Your fault is letting people take advantage of you and disrespect you just because you're in love."
The waitress approached the table, and before Madisyn could respond, he ordered another round.