02: The Offer

I know I'll fuck up.

"Thanks for coming."

I felt cold as I heard his tone. It was cold and husky, a mood of a serious person. The man named Kiel Alexandro Ramirez, the CEO of this company whom I did not recognize. How come I did not know this, though?

He was sitting on a swivel chair, facing my back. Hovering the glass wall where the outsiders and other huge buildings can be seen. And hey, he was sipping on his wine like a savage boss. I can't help but grimace. Even tho I am nervous, I can't stop myself from judging him.

He is familiar. I know...

"Good morning, Mister." Yes, I have to greet him. I don't have time to be rude. My life is already fucked and I don't want to add trashes to my can. I am done.

Slowly, he turned around to face me. I was not surprised at all when I saw that damn face. I knew it. It was a guy I messed with lately. He called me here for punishment, then? Anyway, I am willing to do anything. I do what I say.

He licked his lower lip as he let out a subtle chuckle. "You have a great morning, huh?" Swear, sarcasm screams his being! Is that even normal? Well, I guess so. It was just rare for me to encounter aliens.

"I do," I said and faked a smile at him. I want to show him that I am happy to know and see him again. My blood boils with just a mere sight of him. I mean, he let go of me lately because I fucking begged. I should be thankful rather.

He solely nodded his head. "About what happened —"

"Yes, and I am willing to do everything you want me to do. Please, keep in mind the word respect."

His left brows arched because of what I did. I cut him off. And I think he was insulted by that. "You should have reminded that to yourself, lady."

I hold up my breath because he looks at me differently. It was a sharp and sarcastic gaze. His eyes are so dark, seems full of misery. I have to fight back my fear and nervousness. I am brave.

I did not talk and let him utter his purpose. I did not go here to play.

"I canceled the meeting," he stated that making my brows crease in mistrust. Why did he do that? And I did not know that he will be around with our upcoming proposal. Seriously, I don't know him. The company did not introduce him to us.

"Why?" I asked in monotone, trying to calm myself down.

"You don't have the right to ask me that."

"I have," I insisted and bit the insides of my cheeks. "Sorry if I insulted you. Can you just tell me why you made me go here?"

He hover over his table and leaned his elbow on it. He put his chin before his fist and scanned me. I felt awkward about what he did. That was... Holy shit. I would not hesitate to kick his face off if he will do that again! I am used to this, being scanned by men, but he should know his place. He was carrying his huge name.

"You can be my secretary."

I almost collapse at what he said. What? His secretary? Is he serious about that? I mean, that was a good offer! But there is no way I will work for him! Just seeing his mere view, I can't act normal as usual because my blood rises to my system!

"Don't you have yet?" A hint of sarcasm is evident in my voice. 

"I want you."

What? "Pardon?"

"I want you to be my secretary," he repeated like it was just nothing. How unbelievable of him.

I do what I say. To attach my words with actions. But not this...

"Would you mind if I will think about it first?"

"I will give you five minutes."

What? "Too short."

"10?"

"One day," I suggested. His offer is too short. Can I even decide with just minutes? This work is easy for me, however, I know that this CEO is hard to deal with.

"Okay, half a day."

I bit my lower lip. "Alright. Deal."

After that short talk, I went off his office. His secretary was just near the reception and I don't know why she is staring at me like I did a crime. Annoyance and anger creeping her face. What did I do to her?

While I was in the elevator, I stared at nothingness. I should not accept his offer. I just went here to the company to propose the proposal that my late mother told me. She died early. And she just wished for me to do the things she haven't done yet. She has bunches of plans for our future, about her proposals that lead to success, and everything that has something to do with happiness.

"What happened?" My co-worker, also my friend, asked me. I walk past him to get my things.

"Nothing," I shook my head and let out a light sigh.

"I don't believe you."

"Maybe I will just tell you later? I have to rest. I am really tired."

He scratched the back of his head and smiled. "Maybe you'll let me drive you home?"

I just let him be. He is my closest friend. I am already used to going with him everywhere. I put my seatbelt on and leaned my back against the seat. I am too occupied — thinking about that offer from Kiel Ramirez. I know I shouldn't. Yes, I should not.

I didn't notice that the car already stopped. Zed just woke me up from reality by squeezing my cheeks. "Oh, sorry..." I shook my head and bang it against my palm. I am out of myself.

"Why are you like that, Tal?"

"Huh? What do you mean?" I looked at Zed with confusion, hands is still on my head.

"Tell me what happened."

I sighed and looked away from him. "Kiel Alexandro Ramirez offered me to be his secretary."

He didn't talk for a moment. Until I saw him using my peripheral vision shook his head. "Don't work for him, Tal. He is no good."

"You know him?"

"He is well-known."

I rolled my eyes in annoyance and bid my goodbye to him. I will still think about it. Just give me a sign.