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5. ROSALYN
Huling Na-update:
2023-12-14 22:41:49Martha is thankfully not so grumpy. She didn’t introduce me to everyone or show me to my table for that matter but at least she seemed pleased with the new helping hand.
I have a small cubicle with a PC and three frosted glass walls that I’m allowed to decorate on my own accord. I got a new laptop (employee benefits) and a credit card to purchase custom brushes if the team already doesn’t have them.
“Use this carefully,” Christian instructed while handing me the yellow credit card. “Once an employee used it to pay in Walmart thinking that nobody would find out. She was fired 2 hours later with a bad recommendation. Poor thing didn’t get a job after and had to run to her hometown with her tail between her legs.”
“That- that’s bad. I don’t know what to say,” I exclaim.
“You’ll have to be careful. Our CEO is very particular about employee ethics. Once, he fired a man for wearing his tie the wrong way.”
“Oh my god- That’s awful.”
“And he fired another woman because she asked for a 2 day leave when her kid was sick.”
“But leaves are part of the job contract.”
“Apparently, he thinks that you gotta be serious enough for the job or you don’t belong here.”
“He does not sound like a good guy.”
“Good? He’s very bad. And you don’t wanna come into his radar. I’m sure he has a dungeon where he keeps humans captive and eats them for breakfast.”
“Alright Christian, you need to stop scaring the poor girl,” a woman who looks like she’s in her early 20s says glancing up from her laptop screen.
Christian mumbles something about his right to speech but leaves anyway.
“Don’t listen to him. He’s still grumpy about a rough encounter with the CEO,” she explains, pushing her chair forward.
“Good to know I won’t be sued for not dressing according to his taste.”
“Oh no sweeties, that bit was true. He did fire the man and the woman,” she pushes closer to cover the remaining distance between us and whispers, “but what Christian won’t tell you is how hot the man we work for is.”
“Is he now?” I say, looking bored. Carter crosses my mind and I don’t want his reminders on the first day at my workplace.
“Hot is an underestimation. He’s perfect from every angle.”
“Introductions? I’m Rosalyn Shay. You can call me Rosie,” I put an abrupt halt to her swooning.
“Hey Rosie, I’m Donna. You can call me for anything, anytime, and anywhere. I know everything about everyone.”
“In that case, what should I do right now? Martha didn’t say anything.”
“We’re working on the advertisement campaign to be launched in November. Which means that we have a maximum of two months to prepare for it.”
“Okay, where do I get started?”
Donna helped me get all the basics of the campaign rules and demands in place. By the time we finish, it’s already lunchtime.
“Wanna grab something from the canteen?” She asks standing up.
“Yup, my treat,” I reply standing up as well.
“No way, you just joined.”
“And you helped me so much.”
“Pay me back some other time. Oh my god,” she stops suddenly, “You haven’t had the tour yet.”
“Umm no.”
“Let’s grab a bite and then I’ll take you around. If we’re lucky, then we’ll get to meet our hot CEO too. Otherwise, we’ll have to settle for the less moody version of him.”
“Less moody version?” I ask with raised brows.
“Luke Carlson.”
“Oh him, he seemed nice.”
“He is nice,” she says, swooning again.
The canteen is on the 10th floor. I make a mental note so I don't have to ask people every time. The menu is never ending which is quite uncommon for commercial buildings. But I guess things work differently when it’s a food company we’re talking about.
“I have always been a fan of their bakery products,” I say, examining shelves after shelves of pastries and brownies.
“They are available to us for half the MRP in this canteen,” Donna tells me.
“Really?” I exclaim. And sure enough, a burger and a small piece of brownie that would have normally cost me $25 came for just 12$ and a few cents here.
“Choose between the two- 1) sit and eat and have the tour some other time or 2) walk and eat and have the tour now,” Donna gives me the options.
“Walk and have the tour now,” is my immediate reply. My excitement won’t let me rest.
Donna takes me floor after floor, pointing out all the interesting and important rooms. Conference rooms are on the 18th floor. Employees are not allowed to go on the 20th floor until called for because it’s the CEO’s floor. Luke sits on the 19th floor.
There is a gym, another small canteen, a daycare facility, and a restroom. Floor 8 is the best because all the food testing happens there.
“If you’re lucky or unlucky depending on how the experiment goes, you get howled on the 8th floor once in a while.”
“Unlucky?” I ask sceptically.
“They once made avocado ice cream. The guy didn’t know he was allergic to avocados and had it bad.”
“That’s terrib-”
I crashed into a wall. I reflexively close my eyes and rub my forehead. When I open my eyes, it’s not to find a wall, but a man standing in front of me. His oddly familiar scent fills my nostrils.
And to top it off, his perfectly ironed blue shirt has a brown mark on it from the chocolate syrup of my brownie.
“I’m sorry,” I’m quick to apologise but when I look up, it is to clash with the familiar blues.
His eyes widen as he too recognises me.
Carter?
What is he doing here?
Didn’t he say that he worked at a small firm? Does he work here? If so, then why did he hide it from me?
“Good afternoon sir,” Donna greets and I’m suddenly reminded of her presence. I break eye contact and take a step away.
“Good afternoon,” he replies, his gaze still fixed on me.
“Sir, this is Rosie. Our new graphic designer. And Rosie, this is Mr. Carter West, our CEO.”
I inhale a sharp breath and my eyes harden.Carter?
The CEO?
What is happening here?
“Donna, Luke has some files in his office. Please bring them to my office?” Carter says in his signature husky voice.
The reality registers.
I slept with my boss.
Donna takes her leave and it’s the two of us again.
“Rosie-” he starts.
“Don’t. Just, don’t,” I say, backing away and bringing my hands up. I’m fuming with rage and if I say anything right now then it won’t be good.”
He must sense my state of mind. “Rosie, I’m sorry I had to lie-”
“You didn’t just lie?”
Kaugnay na kabanata
CEO's Sweet Surrender 1. ROSALYN
“Dear passengers, the flight from London to New York THGD08 will be delayed by 10 hours due to unforeseen weather conditions. We apologise for the inconvenience. Have a good night,” the robotic voice announced from the speakers for the 3rd time.I stand at the exit, looking at the pouring rain which will soon be preceded by a thunderstorm. “Have a good night,” the voice says for the 4th time.How am I supposed to have a good night when I have nowhere to go? I don’t have enough money to be able to pay for London’s expensive hotels. And I certainly don’t want to spend my night shivering in the airport lobby.“You should move quickly before all the nearby hotels are booked,” a warm voice says from my side. She does not look more than 40 and is accompanied by her husband and children.I politely smile and nod. She’s right. I have to move. I roll my suitcase, avoiding all the wet spots.The first hotel was booked.Second was too expensive.But third’s the charm, right? Not wanting to mis
Huling Na-update : 2023-12-14CEO's Sweet Surrender 2. ROSALYN
“Last night was intense,” I say to Carter’s behind. He’s shuffling through his suitcase, looking for another expensive suit to wear today.“Those are not the only words that I’ll use to describe last night, baby,” he returns to the bed and claims my lips again. I’m still sprawled half naked under the bed sheet and my flight is in 2 hours.“Care to join me while I shower?” He extends a hand with a sheepish grin on his face. If I didn’t know any better, I’d say it’s just a shower. However, after last night, it is bound to go sideways.But who’s complaining?Certainly not me.“Sure.” I take his hand and prepare myself for another round.“Where are you going?” I ask, slipping on my black stockings. I pair it with a pale brown skirt, black sweater and chocolaty brown overcoat. It’s bound to be cold after last night.“New York. You?” I gape at him. “The same flight that’s in an hour?”“Yup,” he enunciates, still oblivious.“We’re on the same flight.”“Woah,” he remarks. “More time to spend
Huling Na-update : 2023-12-14CEO's Sweet Surrender 3. CARTER
I can’t tell her. For the first time, I meet someone who’s good to me without asking for favours and this happens. What kind of sick joke fate is playing with me?“I-uh-work in a small firm. You wouldn’t know it,” I lied. She nods but it’s not with understanding. I’m wearing a Brioni and Rolex watch. People who work in small firms don’t wear them.I’m sorry Rosie. I have to lie to you.Just when I started to like someone…But now I'll have to let her go.“What happened?” she asks, noting the change in my demeanour. “Nothing,” I try to be assuring. What I am and who I am is outside of this flight. Inside, I am only Carter West. I refuse to let this revelation take away my fun.“Tell me more about yourself,” I urged.“I grew up in Chicago. I was in London meeting a friend when I got the interview. Now I’m going to New York and if things don’t work out, then I’m in grave trouble.”“How?”“My money is gone. Freelancing gave me side income for a while but it's not enough to survive in a
Huling Na-update : 2023-12-14CEO's Sweet Surrender 4. ROSALYN
“Hey,” Kiara squeals, engulfing me in a tight hug and I return the gesture.“It’s been so long,” I commented.“I know right.”We break the hug and walk into the apartment, the place that I will be sharing with Kiara for the foreseeable future. It is not big but at least there are two rooms and enough space for both of us.“Kiara you didn’t have to do the rent part.” Kiara offered to pay the complete rent for the next two months so that I would be able to get a stable income without worrying about it. I am extremely grateful for the help.“We went over this Rosie. I am doing well financially. It’s your time to shine now,” she says and moves to the kitchen to cook. I unpack my stuff and arrange my room.“You’re glowing,” she notes during dinner.“No,” I quickly say and mentally slap myself for being so eager to refuse.She narrows her eyes.“I got a job interview. As much anyone can glow with that-”“You had sex,” she cuts me. “Of course, this is the after sex glow.” She smiles mischiev
Huling Na-update : 2023-12-14
Pinakabagong kabanata
CEO's Sweet Surrender 5. ROSALYN
Martha is thankfully not so grumpy. She didn’t introduce me to everyone or show me to my table for that matter but at least she seemed pleased with the new helping hand.I have a small cubicle with a PC and three frosted glass walls that I’m allowed to decorate on my own accord. I got a new laptop (employee benefits) and a credit card to purchase custom brushes if the team already doesn’t have them.“Use this carefully,” Christian instructed while handing me the yellow credit card. “Once an employee used it to pay in Walmart thinking that nobody would find out. She was fired 2 hours later with a bad recommendation. Poor thing didn’t get a job after and had to run to her hometown with her tail between her legs.”“That- that’s bad. I don’t know what to say,” I exclaim.“You’ll have to be careful. Our CEO is very particular about employee ethics. Once, he fired a man for wearing his tie the wrong way.”“Oh my god- That’s awful.”“And he fired another woman because she asked for a 2 day l
CEO's Sweet Surrender 4. ROSALYN
“Hey,” Kiara squeals, engulfing me in a tight hug and I return the gesture.“It’s been so long,” I commented.“I know right.”We break the hug and walk into the apartment, the place that I will be sharing with Kiara for the foreseeable future. It is not big but at least there are two rooms and enough space for both of us.“Kiara you didn’t have to do the rent part.” Kiara offered to pay the complete rent for the next two months so that I would be able to get a stable income without worrying about it. I am extremely grateful for the help.“We went over this Rosie. I am doing well financially. It’s your time to shine now,” she says and moves to the kitchen to cook. I unpack my stuff and arrange my room.“You’re glowing,” she notes during dinner.“No,” I quickly say and mentally slap myself for being so eager to refuse.She narrows her eyes.“I got a job interview. As much anyone can glow with that-”“You had sex,” she cuts me. “Of course, this is the after sex glow.” She smiles mischiev
CEO's Sweet Surrender 3. CARTER
I can’t tell her. For the first time, I meet someone who’s good to me without asking for favours and this happens. What kind of sick joke fate is playing with me?“I-uh-work in a small firm. You wouldn’t know it,” I lied. She nods but it’s not with understanding. I’m wearing a Brioni and Rolex watch. People who work in small firms don’t wear them.I’m sorry Rosie. I have to lie to you.Just when I started to like someone…But now I'll have to let her go.“What happened?” she asks, noting the change in my demeanour. “Nothing,” I try to be assuring. What I am and who I am is outside of this flight. Inside, I am only Carter West. I refuse to let this revelation take away my fun.“Tell me more about yourself,” I urged.“I grew up in Chicago. I was in London meeting a friend when I got the interview. Now I’m going to New York and if things don’t work out, then I’m in grave trouble.”“How?”“My money is gone. Freelancing gave me side income for a while but it's not enough to survive in a
CEO's Sweet Surrender 2. ROSALYN
“Last night was intense,” I say to Carter’s behind. He’s shuffling through his suitcase, looking for another expensive suit to wear today.“Those are not the only words that I’ll use to describe last night, baby,” he returns to the bed and claims my lips again. I’m still sprawled half naked under the bed sheet and my flight is in 2 hours.“Care to join me while I shower?” He extends a hand with a sheepish grin on his face. If I didn’t know any better, I’d say it’s just a shower. However, after last night, it is bound to go sideways.But who’s complaining?Certainly not me.“Sure.” I take his hand and prepare myself for another round.“Where are you going?” I ask, slipping on my black stockings. I pair it with a pale brown skirt, black sweater and chocolaty brown overcoat. It’s bound to be cold after last night.“New York. You?” I gape at him. “The same flight that’s in an hour?”“Yup,” he enunciates, still oblivious.“We’re on the same flight.”“Woah,” he remarks. “More time to spend
CEO's Sweet Surrender 1. ROSALYN
“Dear passengers, the flight from London to New York THGD08 will be delayed by 10 hours due to unforeseen weather conditions. We apologise for the inconvenience. Have a good night,” the robotic voice announced from the speakers for the 3rd time.I stand at the exit, looking at the pouring rain which will soon be preceded by a thunderstorm. “Have a good night,” the voice says for the 4th time.How am I supposed to have a good night when I have nowhere to go? I don’t have enough money to be able to pay for London’s expensive hotels. And I certainly don’t want to spend my night shivering in the airport lobby.“You should move quickly before all the nearby hotels are booked,” a warm voice says from my side. She does not look more than 40 and is accompanied by her husband and children.I politely smile and nod. She’s right. I have to move. I roll my suitcase, avoiding all the wet spots.The first hotel was booked.Second was too expensive.But third’s the charm, right? Not wanting to mis
