Chapter Five: Aaron

As my alarm chimmed, I imagined smashing it and somehow having that turn back the hands of time. But the alarm had cost me close to a million dollars at an antique auction. The thought of inflicting such an injury on an inanimate object didn't seem becoming of me.

For the first time in my thirty years of existence, I didn't feel like leaving my room. My footsteps towards the bathroom was lazy; I had forgone the routine of press-up. I didn't look forward to getting to the office because my frustration levels would likely increase today. Finding a replacement for the insolent lady proved extremely difficult.

After showering, and dressing up, I settled in the living room with Geneviv to have breakfast. Her face softened. Before I could ask what the problem, she spoke, “You don't look cheerful. What's the problem?”

“I don't wear a cheerful face,” I reminded her, stifling the smirk which itched to appear on my face.

“Obviously.” She rolled her eyes. “But this case is different. Your worry can be perceived from afar.”

Though she was my sister whom I cared so deeply about, I didn't divulge a lot to her. Mainly because there was hardly ever anything good to be shared. Her condition—being stuck in a wheelchair—was enough trouble; she didn't have to deal with an additional one.

I shrugged reaching for my mug of coffee. “Nothing I can't handle,” I said before taking a sip.

Over the rim of the cup, I saw her chew at her lip in worry. She vehemently believed something troubled my mind. My resolve to keep things to myself wavered. I rather let her in on this one, than have her worry. Besides, the problem was relatively minor.

“I'm having a hard time finding a secretary. Most candidates are…tone deaf, narrow-minded. It's a pity.”

“That's tough. I'd have been of great help except that company work work isn't my cup of tea.” She smiled. I managed to, despite the pain that had grown within my chest.

Geneviv had subtly broached the fact she used a wheelchair.

“I'm sure you'll find the person you need soon enough,” she assured.

Tipping up my mug, I replied, “Amen to that.” Once breakfast was over, I headed downstairs to sit at the back of my limo. The driver went behind the wheel and started the engine.

Minutes later, I found myself having the displeasure of learning that another interview had ended on a bad note. The reason for which was that the candidate wasn't computer literate.

“Dang it!” I slammed my fist on my desk. “Does it mean there's no single person in the whole of Manhattan who’s eligible?”

My head admin, responsible for the interviews, avoided my gaze. She wasn't at fault, but I couldn't help but simply lash out my frustration.

“We're still looking “

“Well, keep doing that and be quick. This is taking longer than necessary.”

“Noted. But sir, if I may…” I gave her a go ahead by gesticulating. “The lady from Tuesday interview. Ms Hilary.”

My blank expression told her I had know idea who she talked about.

Clearing her throat and shifting uncomfortably in her seat, she clarified. “The lady that was fired. Not to question your decision, but I believe she's very qualified.”

I stared at her fiercely; she cleared her throat again. “I'm sorry, sir.”

My intense gaze rested on her for a long time that I could tell she could feel her skin burning from the glare.

“You may leave,” I said, choosing not to do something dramatic. Long after she left, my mind ruminated on her suggestion.

The lady who had being fired. That same lady whom I'd seen at the hospital with a little boy.

My reaction to our first meeting had been over the top. Now, coupled with the fact she was likely a parent—single or struggling—I ought to tamper justice with mercy.

No. My pride wouldn't let that happen. There had to be a better qualified individual out there. I just had to keep looking.

Shutting the image of the woman from my mind, I went about with the business of the day. At noon, I headed to Parklies Limited for a meeting. Hilda, the CEO, had been a.family friend and a business associates for years, but our relationship had corroded over the years ever since the accident occurred.

At the boardroom, I sat on the chair close to hers. She threw me a smile which I didn't return. Instead, I turned my focus to the chairman who welcomed us all to the day's meeting.

Before the meeting started, a crew of servers walked in to present us with refreshments. And that was when I saw her. The unruly brunette. What was she doing here?

Her eyes caught mine. She stilled. Only briefly, before going on to serve. I couldn't keep my eyes away from her as she walked away. Questions swirled in my mind.

I felt a hand on mine. Looking sideways, I realised it was Hilda. “Are you alright?” She asked.

“Yes. I am.”

The meeting commenced. As much as I tried to keep my mind on the matter on ground, thoughts about the lady swirled in. She'd descended from seeking a word as a secretary to being a server? It just didn't add up.

The meeting ended and it was as good as I hadn't attended. My mind had been hardly present. On my way out, at the reception, I caught sight of her waiting.

I went my way without uttering a word.

I couldn't explain the push within me to speak to her. It was irrational, perhaps I was tired of meeting dead ends in my quest for a secretary.

“There's a lady in the reception.” I described her features to my driver. “Go get her.”

The driver returned few seconds later with jarring news. “Sir, she just wouldn't budge.”

Right as anger began to spring up, she appeared, walking out of the building.

Swallowing my pride, I stepped out of the car and followed her. The perfect opportunity came when she stopped in an open bookstore. I stopped right beside her. She noticed my presence but didn't acknowledge it.

“8am tomorrow. I'd like to see you in my office.”

She ignored me.

“I believe I'm speaking to you, Miss.”

She glanced at me, dropping a book back on the rack. She shrugged. “It doesn't seem like it.”

I frowned. “What do you mean.”

“For one, you spoke like I work for you. Secondly, I'm pretty sure you asked me out of your office on Tuesday, February the third, 8:46 am precisely.”

“There are lot of people who will jump on the offer without missing a breath.”

She smirked. “Go after them then.”

She turned back to the bookseller, handed him some bills and turned to leave. I wouldn't let that happen. My ego was at stake

I grabbed her arm and dared her to meet my eyes.

“I will see you in my office tomorrow at 8. Have a nice day.”

Once free from my grip, she gave me one long sharp look before walking away. She was a brat, I could feel it, I could smell it. But I didn't back down from a challenge, especially one with striking grey eyes.