The New CEO

Emery's POV

"Ah," I moaned in pain, my head throbbing from all the shots and drinks I had last night. "I should have known this was going to happen". My mind drifted to the kiss I had last night, it was something I kept thinking about all night.

"Had too much to drink last night? Want me to make you some coffee?" my junior, Lilly, asked. She was concerned as I wasn't the kind of person to go out on a night like yesterday when I knew I had to go to work the next day.

"You're an angel, Lilly," I said, grateful for her thoughtfulness, and she giggled in response. Her laughter was a ray of sunshine, I was truly lucky to have an intern like Lilly, the interns of other departments are as rude as it gets. As she went to prepare the coffee, I couldn't help but smile.

"Pull yourselves together, people!" Mr. Waymond's voice boomed, making us jump in our seats. He strolled in, trying to act cool. "The new CEO is about to witness our finest hour, or at least our most awake one," he exclaimed, his smirk turning into a mischievous grin.

We exchanged amused glances, appreciating Mr. Waymond's ability to inject humor into even the most serious situations. He had always been an amazing mentor, he was a great senior to have. As we straightened our posture and tried to control our laughter, we got back to our work.

Despite his stern demeanor, we knew that beneath it, he genuinely cared for us, although he might not show it. He had always been more than just a senior to us.

The new CEO was going to be announced in just a few hours. The rumors had already spread like wildfire. It was a hot topic for weeks.

As we sat in the auditorium, whispers buzzed through the room, as everyone speculated about the new CEO who was about to be announced. He was the heir to his father's legacy, the son of the founder, Mr.Reynold, who had built this empire.

Lilly's comment about the new CEO being young and single, "I've heard he's way too handsome and charming. And he's single too," Lilly said, her eyes sparkling with curiosity.

"But not more than me", said Mr. Waymond, never one to back down from a good-natured banter, scoffed.

I couldn't help but join in their conversation. "Yes, yes, Mr. Waymond, you're undoubtedly the most handsome man in this company," I teased, and after a pause, the three of us chuckled at the same time.

As the host's voice resonated through the auditorium, introducing the new CEO of Faye Leather, Mr. Andrew Jefferson, and when he appeared on stage, my heart skipped a beat. A sinking feeling of realization washed over me like a tidal wave."I'm...screwed," I muttered under my breath, the words escaping my lips involuntarily.

But thankfully nobody heard me. All eyes were fixed on the stage where he stood, incredibly handsome, his presence commanding the attention of everyone in the room. He truly was a sight to watch, but I was the only one there, who was thinking of being fired.

My mind raced, trying to process the situation. He was the same guy I had shared that unforgettable kiss with, just yesterday. Why did he have to be our new CEO? Why am I so unlucky? Why, just why? I was going to lose my job, yes that was the only consequence of our kiss yesterday. When he realizes that I was the girl, who grabbed him by his collar and kissed him without his consent, he's going to fire me. But how was I supposed to know he was the son of Mr.Reynolds? But it didn't matter, in the end I was going to be jobless.

I couldn't help but steal a glance in his direction. Our eyes met briefly, shit. I quickly looked away, hoping he didn't recognize me. Thankfully, he did not as he didn't look in my direction after that.

Little did I know, last night's encounter was about to change the course of my life in ways I could have never imagined.

As the ceremony continued and the room filled with applause and admiration for him, I found myself sinking deeper into my seat, hiding from his view. At that moment, I despised myself more than I ever had.

Why had I, said yes to that ridiculous dare? The memory of that daring kiss in the bar felt like a cruel twist of fate. I had acted on my impulse, for the very first time I listened to my heart and this happened.

The ceremony ended and I was the first to leave the auditorium, we got back in our office and it was getting harder for me to hide my emotions.

"You look pale, Emery. Is everything alright?" Mr. Waymond's concerned voice pulled me out of my anxious thoughts. I couldn't tell anyone how I kissed Andrew Jefferson last night.

"I'm fine, I just need to step out for some fresh air," I managed to reply, my voice trembling. I stood up abruptly, feeling the need to escape as he was going to be here any minute now. The directors showed him around the building and introduced everyone.

"But the new CEO is going to be here anytime—" Lilly began, her sentence left incomplete, as I cut her off.

"I'll be back in no time," I said, forcing an awkward laugh that sounded more nervous than convincing. With a quick excuse, I hurried towards the door, my heart racing with panic, I had to get out of this building before he saw me.

As I closed the door behind me, I felt a rush of relief, I made my way towards the elevator. I took a deep breath, attempting to calm my racing heart. However, it was a very short-lived moment of relief. Just as I was about to make my escape, I spotted Andrew and the others making their way toward my direction.

"No... no, no," I whispered under my breath, my eyes widening in panic. Without a second thought, I quickly turned around, hoping to avoid him. My steps quickened and panic coursed through my veins as I rushed back inside.

"Oh – you're back so soon," Lilly said, surprise evident in her voice.

"I just forgot something," I stammered, my voice shaky, as I awkwardly walked towards my desk. I was way too desperate to hide myself from Andrew's eyes, so I decided to hide beneath my desk, hoping to escape the attention that I knew was coming my way.

Before anyone could say anything about my strange behavior, the door opened, and everyone in the room stood up from their seats to greet Andrew.

"Welcome, Mr. Andrew, it's great to have you here," Mr. Waymond said, in his usual enthusiastic voice. He proceeded to introduce our department's members, and I held my breath, praying that he had somehow forgotten about me. But luck was not on my side today.

"And Emery Brown, our most talented designer," Mr. Waymond announced, his words echoing in the room. Even without looking, I could feel all eyes turning towards my desk. In that moment, wished the ground would swallow me whole. My heart pounded in my chest, and I braced myself for the inevitable confrontation that was about to unfold.

"Emery! Emery, come out everyone's waiting," Lilly whispered anxiously, she was in a tight situation as well as I refused to come out.

"Just a minute," I replied, my mind racing for a solution. Then it hit me, I opened my drawer and pulled out the face mask I had bought weeks ago, intending to take it home. Without hesitation, I quickly put it on, concealing my identity beneath it. As I stood up, I could sense the surprise on everyone's faces. Mr. Waymond, to control the current situation, chuckled awkwardly.

"You see, Mr. Andrew, our department is quite creative," he said, trying hard to not make it department look like a fool. I thanked him under my breath. I had no other choice.

"It's good to have you here, Sir," I managed to say, my voice slightly muffled by the mask I was wearing.

Mr. Andrew nodded, and after a few moments, they left. I let out a sigh of relief, but I knew I couldn't keep up with this hide-and-seek game forever. Someday, he would find out the truth. For now, though, I had bought myself some time.

Mr.Waymond, his arms crossed, was glaring at me for an answer, a reason for what I just did, "I'm sorry Mr.Waymond, I got too nervous. You know how I get anxious when I meet new people."