Chapter One

"For today's weather forecast, it will be a warm, sunny day from morning until the afternoon. But do remember to bring your umbrellas along as scattered rainfall is to be expected across the country…"

The radio newscaster faded into the background as I reviewed the job offer sent to me. It was sent via e-mail. But I took it upon myself to have it as print-outs so I could bring it everywhere.

My heart pounded and my hands shook as I read the job description. Never, in my wildest dreams, did I expect to be given such a high position at such a prestigious company. I was already thankful when I passed the evaluation as a regular employee. But when I was told that I was given the secretarial position, I was over the moon.

"First day at a new job?"

My head shot up as I saw the driver's eyes through the rearview mirror.

"Oh, um, yes," I replied with a nervous chuckle. My grip on the files tightened as I was reminded of the new territory I was about to enter.

The driver nodded and continued, "I'm sure you'll be just fine. You seem to be a person with a credible background. Where are you headed?"

"To Cherry Blossoms Street."

"Where in that street, specifically? That's the hotspot for big companies."

"Um, to Nam Corporations."

His eyes widened as he looked back at me through the mirror. "Nam Corporations? That's one of the most prestigious companies in the country," he said, surprised. "I heard that job applications aren't taken lightly there. You're one of the few lucky ones, I guess."

"Oh, um, thank you," I replied hesitantly. I didn't know how to react to that. If I accepted that with pride, he might view me as arrogant. However, I couldn't help but be filled with pride when I got accepted for a position in the company. To be the CEO's secretary was simply the cherry on top. My friends did assure me that I had bragging rights in regards to my new work. But I didn't need that. That wasn't in my nature to do so.

"Don't be nervous," the driver said as he turned right. "If you passed their hiring process, it means you've got what it takes to be in that company."

I nodded slightly. "Thank you for the encouragement, sir. That's very kind of you," I replied. I then looked out the window and let out a deep breath. I didn't realize that I was holding it in for far too long. Who wouldn't be nervous about such a big opportunity? Not many are given this chance, especially on the first try.

---*---*---*---

As I stepped out of the cab, I fixed my black coat and slacks before I proceeded to the door. Upon my entry, I couldn't help but marvel over the elegance of the building. Actually, I shouldn't be surprised. This was one of the big three companies in the city. I shouldn't be expecting less than grand.

The grey marble floor sparkled. The roof was made of pure glass, which allowed the natural light to enter. Thus, the whole structure was enlightened without the use of so much power. Very economically strategic. And the building was filled by men and women in all black ensembles.

I took a deep breath in and approached the receptionist. As I reached her, I said, "Excuse me, ma'am?"

She immediately turned to me and smiled, "Good morning, madam. What can I help you with today?" she asked.

"I'm here for my training. I was told to show this to you," I replied as I reached for my phone. I opened it and went to the Messages app. I then showed her the text message that was sent to me on the day I was told I was given the secretarial position.

She took the phone from me and said, "Give me one second." She went on her computer and typed in a few things into it. She turned back to me and said, "While we wait, you can have a seat here," she pointed at the lounge chair beside the reception. "And if you want some coffee, we have a coffee maker on the other side of the hall."

"Thank you very much," I said as I bowed briefly. I proceeded to the lounge chair and sat down. I then looked around as I tried to keep myself calm. I still felt the nerves crept up my body as I waited. And it didn't help every time somebody would leave or enter the building. They would look at me as they passed by. In an attempt to ignore the degrading stares, I stared down at the files I held.

"Miss Ryuk?" my head shot up as I heard the receptionist. She gestured for me to return to her and I immediately walked up to the front of the reception. She handed my phone back to me and grabbed an ID from her drawer. "Here you are, madam," she said as she gave the ID to me. "You're called to the forty-ninth floor, which is our top floor. When you arrive there, show the ID I gave you. Then, tell the receptionist there that you're looking for Mr. Hyeongu. He will be the one to look after you," she explained.

"Thank you very much," I bowed.

She pointed to where the elevators were as we bid goodbye to one another. I bowed in respect and rushed to the elevator. Whilst I waited for the elevator to arrive, I wore the temporary ID and tried my best to calm my nerves. I was doing well but once I heard the elevator arrive, I couldn't help but be nervous again.

I just hoped that this day would go well.

---*---*---*---

"Ah, so you're Miss Ryuk," the receptionist on the top floor remarked as she looked at my temporary ID.

"Yes, ma'am," I smiled even though my cheeks were shaking. I put my hands behind me as she typed something into her computer.

She returned the ID to me and replied, "Mr. Kim will be here soon." With a smile, she added, "Allow me to be the first one to congratulate you and welcome you to the family."

My brows furrowed. Baffled, I said, "I'm sorry but why are you congratulating me right away? I'm still going to undergo training. I'm still not officially hired."

She looked around and lowered her voice, "Want to know a little secret?"

"Um, sure," I replied, a bit hesitant.

She gestured for me to come closer. She looked around one more time before she whispered, "I saw your records on the company files. You're already hired."

My eyes widened as I stepped away from her. My heart stopped for a second before it raced once again. My brain got a little dizzy as it took a moment to process what I just heard.

On the other hand, she beamed with gladness as she grinned enthusiastically at me.

"I'm sorry but you must have seen it wrong," I shook my head as I stuttered. "I find it impossible to be hired right away when I haven't started training yet."

"Honestly, even I'm confused but I swear that I'm not lying. Your profile on the system says you're already hired," she smiled. She added, "I guess you'll undergo training for the sake of formalities. But rest assured that you're already hired."

My mouth hung open as I was still in shock. That would be totally impossible. I couldn't be that lucky to pass the application process, be offered a high position and be accepted without proper training.

I was about to ask another question when the glass door to the main office opened. I turned to its direction and out came a tall man in a black suit. His hair was slicked back and his square glasses complimented his slight jawline. In his hand, he carried a tablet as he approached us.

I glanced over at the receptionist and she watched in awe as the man walked towards us.

"Good morning, sir," I bowed.

"Good morning, Mr. Kim. How's your day been?" the receptionist asked as she blushed slightly.

Mr. Kim smiled at her and said, "So far, everything's been smooth. How about you?"

She hid her face as she blushed even more. And when she finally composed herself, she cleared her throat and said, "Everything's much better now that you're here."

"That's good, then," he smiled at her before he turned to me. He took a good look at me and said, "Good morning, Miss Ryuk. Please, follow me."

I bowed and walked behind him.