2

Chapter Two

•ADRIAN•

I was in my office, working on my laptop, when my assistant came in with a cup of coffee. I had asked her to get it over twenty minutes ago. I glared at her as she walked toward my desk and noticed her shivering like a cat that had just gotten out of water.

“What the hell took you so long?” I asked her in anger.

“The queue at the café was very long, so I had to wait in line until it got to my turn,” she said with a nervous smile.

“Couldn’t you tell whoever the fuck was in charge that I am the one who wants to drink the coffee?” I asked again.

“I’m so sorry, Sir.” She apologised, already close to tears. She must be very timid because I haven’t said or done anything.

“Give the damn coffee to me,” I demanded and held out my hand, and she gave it to me with shaky hands.

I brought the plastic cup to my lips and took a sip, but immediately spat it out. The coffee was already cold and wasn’t even the type I told her to get for me. I flung the cup of coffee at her, and before she could blink, the cup’s contents poured on her.

“Is this what I ordered, and why is it cold?” I asked.

“I’m so sorry, Sir. “I thought that was what you ordered. The elevator also broke for a bit, so I had to wait for it to work again,” she replied with an apologetic look.

“I don’t give second chances. You started working yesterday, and you’re already making mistakes. That won’t continue.”

“I’m very sorry, Sir. I apologise.” She begged.

“Keep the apology to yourself because you’re fired,” I stated in a cold tone, turning my attention back to my laptop.

“Sir… Please forgive me. The mistake won’t repeat itself,” she said, already crying.

“Of course, it won’t. Get out of my office. NOW,” I yelled, but she just stood there and continued crying and pleading.

I picked up the telephone on my desk and called security. They arrived at my office within a few minutes, and I ordered them to get the wailing banshee out. I stopped them when they were about to leave.

“Stop by her office, pack her belongings, and throw her out of the building along with them. I must not set my eyes on her in these premises ever again,” I said to them. They nodded and resumed dragging her until they were out of my sight.

I picked up the phone and called my secretary. I informed him that I needed a new personal assistant as soon as possible. After that, I got back to work.

•BRIANNA•

I woke up early this morning, tidied up the house, and cooked breakfast for my mom and younger sister. When I was done, I climbed the stairs and woke Mom. I told her breakfast was ready, so she could come downstairs after freshening up. I also went to the room Mariana, and I shared to wake her up to prepare for school.

“Morning, sis,” Marie greeted me when she woke up.

“Morning. How was your night?” I asked.

“It was good; how was yours?” she responded, and I gave her a response. Then she strolled to the small, conjoined bathroom to take her bath.

I returned to the kitchen to pick up my phone, which I had left on the counter earlier. I turned it on to find a missed call from my best friend, Cherry, and immediately called her back.

“Hey, best friend. How are you doing?” I heard her voice from the other end.

“I’m fine, Cherry… How was your night?” I asked her back.

“I’m fine too. Sorry about yesterday. I was swamped, and that’s why I haven’t called to ask how you’ve been doing since then.” She stated.

“I’ve been good. Besides, it wasn’t your fault, but that stupid man’s. At least I still have one more job left; that should count as something,” I replied with a shrug.

“Well, what if I tell you there’s something you can do?” she asked in a cheerful tone.

“What is that?” I quizzed.

“Have you heard of A.C. Organizations?” she asked.

“I don’t. Am I supposed to know about them?” I replied.

“Oh, my gosh! This is why I told you to know what’s happening around you. Why have a phone when you wouldn’t even use it? It’s supposed to help you know things!” she snapped.

“It’s not my fault. I don’t see anything good to do with it,” I said with a giggle.

“Well, A.C. Organizations is a top global industry. Its HQ needs a personal assistant for the CEO,” she explained.

“Wow! Are you sure I stand a chance, though? Because you know my level of education,” I stated, feeling unsure.

“I think you should try it first. Also, have faith, even if it’s just a little.” She said like the optimistic person who she was.

“Well, it doesn’t hurt to try. Thanks for the info, Cherry,” I stated, thanking her.

“No problem.” She spoke. “Now stop whatever you’re doing because the interview starts at 8:30 a.m., and this is 7:45. You should run along now.”

“Yes, mummy,” I replied with a chuckle.

“I’ll send the address to you now. Get ready!” she said and hung up.

About a minute later, my phone rang, and I saw she had sent the address.

I jumped off the kitchen counter where I had been sitting and ran to the room. I saw Marie had already gotten dressed and was about to head downstairs for breakfast.

“Where are you rushing to?” she asked as I glided to the bathroom.

“I want to take my bath. I’m almost running late for work,” I replied.

“Oh, okay. I’ll be going to school immediately after eating, so bye!” she called out, and I heard her walk out of the room.

I took my bath and came out of the bathroom. Next, I went to the wardrobe and rummaged through it for a suitable dress for the interview. I found a manageable black pencil skirt and a white polka-dot shirt that went along with it. They had some wrinkles, so I ironed them out with urgency.

After dressing up, I brushed my hair and applied lip gloss. Then, I went to where I kept my shoes to see a flat black shoe that went well with my dress. I didn’t even remember buying the boots.

I looked at myself in the mirror and nodded when I felt satisfied with my appearance. When I finished dressing up, I took out my credentials from where I kept them. Then I put them in my bag alongside my phone and a few dollar notes.

I checked the time. I was almost late. So, I ran down the stairs to the living room. I saw Mom eating in the kitchen. I told her I was leaving and didn’t wait for her reply before leaving the house.

I went outside and took a cab to the address Cherry sent me. A few minutes later, we arrived. I got out of the cab and paid the driver.

In front of me stood a tall, glamorous building with glass making almost every part. I walked into the building and went straight to the receptionist’s desk.

“Good morning, Miss.” I offered a warm smile to the beautiful lady behind the receptionist’s desk.

“Good morning; how may I help you?” she asked, looking away from the computer in front of her to look at me.

“I came across an ad for a personal assistant post, and I’m here for the interview,” I responded, my smile not wavering.

“Oh, alright. Take the elevator to the 4th floor, and when you step out of it, turn to your left and go to the first office you see. That’s where the interview is being held.” She replied in a professional manner. I thanked her and walked to the elevator. I pressed the button to the 4th floor, and the doors slid closed. It started moving, and I waited calmly for it to reach the 4th floor.

The elevator dinged, and the doors slid open when it got to the 4th floor. I stepped out of it and headed to where the receptionist told me to go. I arrived and was shocked to see the crowd waiting outside the office for the interview. I found a place to sit and planted my butt in the chair. It seemed I was going to be there for a while.