A frown creased my forehead. For a moment, I thought he wanted to offer me a drink. But then I realized he was asking me to get drunk.I smiled slightly, then looked up. My neck reached its limit as I stared at his chin. "Thank you, Mr. Davis, but I'm driving.""So, there's too much dust in your car."I looked down at my shoes. The black color had faded a little during the journey here. I smiled a little. "I haven't cleaned them yet."A strand of my hair was pushed behind my ear. His strong fingers accidentally touched my cheek. He touched the tiny beads of sweat in my hair."Avery Green, what do you want from me?" The low voice was beautiful, an implied warning to me not to misbehave with him. I inhaled, then exhaled slowly. I explained, "I want to work for you and get rich." "What are you getting rich for?" The woodsy scent emanating from him made it hard for me to breathe. He was tall, powerful, and in control here. My mind was stuck from being pushed around by him. I was at a l
The next day, I went back to Ace Company. This time, I took a taxi after getting off at the second station. Just in case, I polished and diligently checked my flat shoes frequently.The yellow taxi driver was trying to drive in the middle of a traffic jam. I looked at my watch. I left early so I wouldn't be late. I also called in sick suddenly to get extra time off. Through the glass, I admire the blue sky of Las Vegas. The king of the sky was on its throne, but the Ace building blocked its light. It was the tallest building, dominating like its owner.The taxi stopped in front of the building. I paid the fare and got out. As I walked there, I wiped my hands with sweat. I wouldn't let Graciano know my lie.The glass door opened automatically as I approached. The same receptionist was still there. This time, she immediately told me Graciano was waiting for me in his room.I went alone to the elevator. Unexpectedly, the two employees were in the same elevator as me. I averted my eyes f
I didn't tell Mother about taking time off work or applying to Ace Company. She just knew I went to work as usual. To pass the time until after work, I took a walk in the park like yesterday before settling down at a restaurant.I chose to sit by the window and immediately regretted it because the wide window reminded me of the moment Xavier decided. A waiter came to ask for the order. I told her a glass of ice Americano and a pastry. Then, I folded my arms and used them as a pillow. I regret signing the contract without reading everything. Even though Graciano said the contract was no different from the others, I was still worried. A powerful man like him might add points that only benefit him. I blamed myself for burning with the spirit of revenge. I should've been wary of his dark gray eyes, mesmerizing, beautiful, and sharp. "I hope he doesn't pursue perfection over success," I whispered. The ice Americano had come. I raised my head and sat up straight. I noticed that the wai
When the sky turned orange, I arrived home. People who hadn't eaten dinner were lining up in front of the restaurant. Classical, rarely-heard music filled the restaurant and my room this evening.I cleaned up and changed my clothes. Mother didn't leave anything to eat, so I didn't eat dinner.On the bed, my body lies on my stomach. My fingers propped up my phone while others scrolled through the screen. Posters of Nevan's Dad's driving lessons were scattered on the internet. He even guarantees that you'll be reimbursed if you don't pass the lessons.My face was sinking into the pillow. I miss Nevan's smile. I don't know how much energy he had to keep smiling."Golden Retriever," I muttered.Four feet trod on my back. A familiar meow greeted my ears."Get down, Adrien," I ordered.Adrien meowed once. The pressure of his legs was no longer felt, but then suddenly the cat fell onto my head.I got up. Adrien was hiding at the table. I gave him a fierce look. "Don't be a bitch when I'm hap
I'm proud of myself for persuading Father. We would meet every afternoon on Saturday and Sunday to practice. Now, I took care of the second requirement. I went to the address Nevan gave me. He hadn't lied about the distance between the lesson and my house. Mother probably knew I was here by looking from the roof of her restaurant.I entered a courtyard the size of a tennis court. The asphalt is the base while the neighborhood is organized like traffic.A slender old man passes by. He approached me. "Welcome to Zaire Driving Lessons. How may I help you, Miss?""Hello, I'm Avery Green. I'm here to register for driving lessons."The man nodded. "Sure, Miss Green. This way."I was directed to a building with a large sign that read Zaire Driving Lessons. As I walked, he told me, "Please call me Mr. Zaire. Nevan said his friend was coming. I didn't expect you to be as beautiful as an angel. Good to meet you, Ms. Green.""Nice to meet you too, Mr. Zaire."We entered the office. A brown room
"Avery, what's wrong?"Nevan's question broke my reverie. I faced him and said it was fine.Nevan didn't ask again. He took my hand when it was our turn to enter. He chose a table near the aquarium. Fat, gold-colored fish were swimming in it. They were cute.A waiter approached us. He gave us the menu book and also stated the dinner menu recommendations for couples."Do you wanna try it?" I asked Nevan.The man nodded briefly.The waiter wrote on his little note. "For drinks, I suggest a chilled green wine. Would you like some?" he asked."Just mineral water," I declined quickly.The waiter left. Nevan stared at me in silence. My refusal had left him curious."I'm going to start training, so less alcohol," I explained. Then, I remembered something. I leaned closer to him. "About the lesson, only we know about this, okay?"Nevan nodded. His hand formed an OK sign.Ten minutes later,, the waiter returned. He brought two servings of steak-frites and mineral water."My treat," I said."I
Horror crept into my heart after I reached my seat. Kenneth had a dangerous gaze. I couldn't imagine that he had been stalking me all this time.My hands scooped up my face. He knew everything I did.I took a deep breath. When faced with him, I had no fear. But after that, I felt like I would break down because I remembered that insidious eyes.I sighed. I tidied up the things on the table. I had a lot of work left. That should be done first, then I can think about the process of moving to Ace while getting away from Kenneth.***As the minutes passed, lunchtime came. I was too focused on finishing the chart. The room was empty when I realized it. In the doorway, stood the person who scared me.Kenneth looked at me before deciding to approach. His leather shoes met the floor, producing a tread sound like a horror song. I turned away. My fingers went back to playing on the keyboard. Kenneth was beside me. His scent contaminated the air."Avery, we have a lunch appointment," he said. P
My refusal that day worked. I no longer crossed Kenneth's path. I could finally breathe a sigh of relief to spend two weeks getting everything ready.This afternoon, I waited for my father at home. He said he would come at six o'clock. Our practice is located on the roof.I waited for him while watching television. Animation was on. I watched quietly, while Adrien snored on my lap.A knock on the door interrupted me. I put Adrien down, then ran to open it."Father!" I greeted the gaunt-cheeked man.He gave me a small smile. "You ready for practice?""Ready!"My body spun once, showing my training costume of sweatpants and a t-shirt."Alright, let's go to the roof."We walked down the hallway for a few moments until we came to three flights of stairs with a metal door at the end. He opened it without much effort.The door opened, and the rooftops of other buildings came into view. Fat clouds were floating in the orange afternoon sun. I made a small run to the center. The wind blew my ha
The windows were wide, showing the streets and sidewalks all from the height of the second floor. I sat with my back to the glass. My hand holds a small book and a pen. It's been ten minutes.I peeked down from my head. The two were still excitedly talking about a unique collaboration. Food and beverage companies collaborate. I don't know what it will be."Mr. Davis, your company has many beverage products. I'm interested in Emerald Green." Kenneth put on a business smile. He looked at me for a moment.Graciano nodded. "I'd like to hear your ideas on collaboration, Mr. Owen," he replied."Well, my idea is an exclusive edition of Emerald Green with my new product.""I hear your company is on the verge of bankruptcy. What kind of product have you come up with that you're confident I'll let Emerald Green go alongside it?"Kenneth smiled. In that smile, there were so many unpredictable plans. I don't know why he became Blue Star Food's representative to get Graciano to cooperate. As he sa
Chin in the palm of my hand while tired eyes stare at the computer screen. I was tired of doing this. It's like it never ends. My butt also hurt from sitting for so long.My hand scratched my head. I had high expectations that my journey to avenge Xavier would be exciting. Reality has slapped me. I let go of the mouse and leaned back limply against the chair. My face was facing the ceiling. This room was nice, but not fun. I didn't have anyone to talk to like in my previous office.Rin was probably relaxing at home right now because her brother forbade her from working. Come to think of it, it had been a while since we'd exchanged news. I reached for my phone. That girl had just uploaded a photo of ramen in Osaka. I was jealous.I am: How was Japan?Rin: As hot as Las Vegas. What are you doing now?Me: Being Graciano's clerk.Rin: You're accepted? That's great!Me: Too good. He gave me a mountain of papers to list.Rin: Honey, that's how a guy makes sure his favorite girl stays close
Graciano returned in half an hour. The trace of pleasure on his face was by no means hidden. My eyes watched him from the moment he entered until he sat down in his chair. Then, he checked his phone again. To be honest, I wondered what the girl who invited him to meet in the morning, especially during office hours, looked like. Or do they only have this time so they have to? I came to my senses and quickly shook my head. My purpose here is to work, not to be curious about my boss's life. I went back to moving my fingers over the keyboard. It felt calmer without Kenneth. At first, I was worried that he would follow me here. However, his recent absence dispelled that concern. A knock on the glass door caught my attention. As I looked up, I felt my heart want to run. Behind the glass door, a man in a brown suit was present. Kenneth is here! His eyes found me, and then his lips curved. He also waved. At the same time, the intercom rang. I pressed it. Graciano's voice came out, asking
Two weeks have passed. Today was my first day working as Graciano's secretary. I'm nervous, but stride confidently into the Ace building.Before going to my office floor, I picked up my employee card at HR. A woman was waiting for me there. She was already fussing with the files on her desk so she handed me the employee card without a word.I thanked her and quickly walked out. The work culture at Ace is different from that at Blue Star Food. Here, they work early to avoid unexpected rushes.I got into the elevator. Amidst the crowd of employees, there was not a single sound. They were focused on their phones.Exiting the elevator, I hurried to the door marked secretary. Slowly, I pushed the handle. The door opened, a medium room dominated by the color emerald welcomed me.A desk and chair were placed against a large window, on the right side was a tall shelf, in front of it was a green sofa with a table. I stepped inside and put down my briefcase. I opened the cupboards and drawers.
I cried all night. Not knowing that in the morning my eyes would swell up. I didn't know what to say to Nevan when he saw my condition.At nine o'clock, I went to the driving lesson. The man was already there, sitting under a maple tree. He waved at me.I waved at him as I approached. A white car was parked nearby.Nevan stood in front of me. "Avery, are you allergic?" he asked worriedly."No, I just... this usually happens after I wake up."The look on his face didn't seem to believe my answer. Even so, he just nodded, then showed me the car I was going to practice in."This is an experienced car with novice drivers," Nevan began to explain. "But, we won't be driving it today. Before driving, you need to know what and how to use the tools."Nevan opened the door. I hurriedly approached. The interior of the car looked normal. There was a steering wheel, dashboard, brake, and gas pedals."Nice car," I said."You look so ready to drive. How about we sit down and I'll explain?"I nodded
My refusal that day worked. I no longer crossed Kenneth's path. I could finally breathe a sigh of relief to spend two weeks getting everything ready.This afternoon, I waited for my father at home. He said he would come at six o'clock. Our practice is located on the roof.I waited for him while watching television. Animation was on. I watched quietly, while Adrien snored on my lap.A knock on the door interrupted me. I put Adrien down, then ran to open it."Father!" I greeted the gaunt-cheeked man.He gave me a small smile. "You ready for practice?""Ready!"My body spun once, showing my training costume of sweatpants and a t-shirt."Alright, let's go to the roof."We walked down the hallway for a few moments until we came to three flights of stairs with a metal door at the end. He opened it without much effort.The door opened, and the rooftops of other buildings came into view. Fat clouds were floating in the orange afternoon sun. I made a small run to the center. The wind blew my ha
Horror crept into my heart after I reached my seat. Kenneth had a dangerous gaze. I couldn't imagine that he had been stalking me all this time.My hands scooped up my face. He knew everything I did.I took a deep breath. When faced with him, I had no fear. But after that, I felt like I would break down because I remembered that insidious eyes.I sighed. I tidied up the things on the table. I had a lot of work left. That should be done first, then I can think about the process of moving to Ace while getting away from Kenneth.***As the minutes passed, lunchtime came. I was too focused on finishing the chart. The room was empty when I realized it. In the doorway, stood the person who scared me.Kenneth looked at me before deciding to approach. His leather shoes met the floor, producing a tread sound like a horror song. I turned away. My fingers went back to playing on the keyboard. Kenneth was beside me. His scent contaminated the air."Avery, we have a lunch appointment," he said. P
"Avery, what's wrong?"Nevan's question broke my reverie. I faced him and said it was fine.Nevan didn't ask again. He took my hand when it was our turn to enter. He chose a table near the aquarium. Fat, gold-colored fish were swimming in it. They were cute.A waiter approached us. He gave us the menu book and also stated the dinner menu recommendations for couples."Do you wanna try it?" I asked Nevan.The man nodded briefly.The waiter wrote on his little note. "For drinks, I suggest a chilled green wine. Would you like some?" he asked."Just mineral water," I declined quickly.The waiter left. Nevan stared at me in silence. My refusal had left him curious."I'm going to start training, so less alcohol," I explained. Then, I remembered something. I leaned closer to him. "About the lesson, only we know about this, okay?"Nevan nodded. His hand formed an OK sign.Ten minutes later,, the waiter returned. He brought two servings of steak-frites and mineral water."My treat," I said."I
I'm proud of myself for persuading Father. We would meet every afternoon on Saturday and Sunday to practice. Now, I took care of the second requirement. I went to the address Nevan gave me. He hadn't lied about the distance between the lesson and my house. Mother probably knew I was here by looking from the roof of her restaurant.I entered a courtyard the size of a tennis court. The asphalt is the base while the neighborhood is organized like traffic.A slender old man passes by. He approached me. "Welcome to Zaire Driving Lessons. How may I help you, Miss?""Hello, I'm Avery Green. I'm here to register for driving lessons."The man nodded. "Sure, Miss Green. This way."I was directed to a building with a large sign that read Zaire Driving Lessons. As I walked, he told me, "Please call me Mr. Zaire. Nevan said his friend was coming. I didn't expect you to be as beautiful as an angel. Good to meet you, Ms. Green.""Nice to meet you too, Mr. Zaire."We entered the office. A brown room