04: Surviving

"Is your decision already final?"

I heaved a deep sigh and nodded my head to Zed. Yes, this is already final. I have to work for myself. Nothing has been left at me because of my father's death. Everything that was mine, it all vanished. I have to start another chapter of my life. I will make sure to be better and get better.

"Alright, then." He helped me with my things. I will be living in our house. Staying here is no good for me. It will just give me trauma.

I moved to his condo. He suggested to me to live with him and will just buy mine if I already have enough money. I did not say anything, though. It is just fine for me to live with him. He is my friend for already years, and he is the best man I ever encountered.

"Here's your things, the left room is yours."

I forced a smile at him and get my things afterward. When I entered the room, I pursed my lips together into one line. The room is so neat. Zed probably cleaned it. And the things, it was all done. All I just have to do is to put and arrange my things.

I also prepared my resume because I will accept Kiel Alexandro's offer to be his secretary. I have to start a new life. And will start to rise. I will step every ladder and get through the barriers.

"You should eat first," Zed suggested when he saw me getting off my room with my casual suit to work. I shook my head. I have to get early. The CEO just offered me half a day, and it has already been two days. I know that he would not accept me anymore, but I will try my luck.

"No need, I am full, tho."

"Come on, Talia."

"I am too late for the CEO's offer," I said with a sighing face.

"Then? What about it? You have your work, being his secretary isn't that important."

"Money is."

"If that, I will just drive you there, then."

In the midst of getting to the company, I can't stop myself from feeling nervous. I don't know how to face Mister Kiel Alexandro again. I felt uneasy. I am afraid of him at this point. I don't even know if I did the right decision to work for him, but I have to live. I have no choice, I guess.

"You can leave me here," I told Zed as I stopped in front of the office of the CEO, Kiel Alexandro Ramirez.

"Did you request an appointment?"

I bit my lower lip. "No, I did not."

"What?"

"This is just quick, Zed. I will just pass him my resume and that's it."

Zed was about to say something when Kiel's secretary appeared. Her face was annoyed, I can see it. "Sir Ramirez is not here."

My mouth formed an "o". "Where is he, then?"

"I can't tell you."

Is she playing with me? "I have an important —"

"Get inside."

I was cut off because of the voice came from behind. I gulped in surprise. That was Mister Kiel Ramirez! His secretary said that he is not around, right?

I turned to him with my nervous expression. "G-Good morning, Mister Ramirez."

He just nodded his head and went inside his office. I looked at Zed and Mister Ramirez's secretary first before I followed him inside his office. Darn! My hands were shaking! l am so nervous! I don't know how to act like I used to.

I closed the door as he sat on his swivel chair. I then looked away when he stared at me thoroughly. I just bowed my head down. I can not look at his eyes. They were dark and too strong to be looked at.

"You came too late, Talia Hernandez," he stated in a cold manner. "What came up to your mind and you still showed up?"

I gulped. I know I would stutter when I try to utter. But I don't want to show him that I am weak. I should act strong, no, I really am strong. "Uh..." This is so, fuck! I struggled to utter! "Uh, it was that I did have an important thing to do these past three days."

"What thing?"

"My father died."

He was silent for a moment. I stayed still looking down my foot out of shame and gauche. I have to tell him the truth. That my father died. Not to gain pity, but for him to understand why I am not around for three days. My father is the reason why I accepted his offer, though. I can't live with myself in my case. I even let my friend, Zed, help me.

"Is that it?" I saw using my peripheral vision that he leaned against his seat. I could feel his stares, and it made me feel uneasiness.

"Yes, Mister."

"Alright, then. Give me your personal data."

I walked towards him and put my resume on the top of his table.

"I am not sort of a monster, Talia Hernandez."

"P-Pardon?"

"Look at me."

I blinked twice. "Huh?" I unconsciously looked at him in surprise. "W-Why?"

He just raised his left brows upon seeing my face before he looked down at my data and scanned them with his eyes quickly. Within just ten seconds, he looked at me again. "Fire my former secretary."

"What?"

Okay, that sounds rude. I didn't notice my tone in a high pitch.

"Fire her. You are now my secretary."

What the hell? That fast? How about his secretary out there? He will just fire her like nothing? Hilarious. Why did I plan to accept the offer when I know that someone will lose her job? This CEO is just heartless. He can get what he wants and feel superior.

"If you can't, then put this in trash."

"N-No!" I stopped him from tearing my resume. "I will! I will now inform her! I will!"

I could feel him following me as I went outside to tell his former secretary about losing her job. I know that this is rude, but it was all about winning the game. This means life.

It is all about surviving more than anything else.