Chapter 2

Chapter 2: Boss

-

I faced the full-length mirror here in my room to check if I look presentable. I chose to wear a stretch grey sheath dress paired with a three inches stiletto. While I just let my ash brown wavy shoulder-length hair flows down as it is.

I smirked. I'm good but I look pale.

I took a deep breath then put some lip-tint on my lips. When I’m already satisfied with how I look, I went downstairs and said goodbye to my Aunt. I had booked a taxi earlier that is now waiting for me at the gate.

“At the BXU Complex please,” I told the driver and he just nodded at it.

I planned to continue my job-hunting today. I hadn't done that anymore yesterday because of what happened in the coffee shop. But I woke up this morning as I received a call from someone, informing me about my job interview. 

I was hesitant to accept it at first because I hadn't gone to any company yet aside from that firm Tito Ronel worked for, which already declined me. Then, I remembered that woman who took my resume yesterday.

I thought she’s not serious about what she told me. Nonetheless, I'm glad she is true to her words. Unlike her cousin who was rude towards me. He even has the guts to insult me by giving me thousands of peso bills.

Does he think I'm after his money? Ha! Screw him! If it's not for my financial needs, I will definitely throw the money into his face!

I close my eyes and deeply sighed to calm my nerves.  

After more or less forty-five minutes of travel, I already arrive at Cradford Corporation and Industries. It is a tall glass tower which is the same as what I have seen on the company’s website. The whole building seemed to be made of thick glass.

For sure, if someone would look at it will be dazzled by its flurry, especially when it’s reflected by the sunlight. And by the looks of it, whoever owns the company suppresses great wealth and power. The proof of it was what I’ve read online about how widespread such companies invested in them.

Chin up—I went inside the firm with confidence and the moment I stood up at the entrance, a sliding door instantly open. I smiled at the guard who welcomed me with glee and directly went to the information desk.

"Excuse me," I called out the attention of a petite woman who I assumed is the receptionist. Her eyes were fixed at the computer.

The woman looked up at me with a warm smile on her face. "Good morning, Madam!” she greeted. “What can I do for you?" 

"Good morning. Which floor is the Human Resource Department?" I humbly queried.

"Kindly put your details here first, Madam," she told me and motioned me to type on the touchscreen monitor. I quickly obliged what she wanted me to do and after that, she gave me a thing with lace on it. "Just wear it, Madam. That will serve as your pass around the tower. And the HR Department is on the eleventh floor."

I nodded and thanked her before I went to the elevator.

I took a few deep breaths while standing outside the Human Resource Head’s office. I was sent here immediately by the attending staff when I went in. And now that I’m here, my chest was hampering so loud.

Suddenly, I felt so nervous.  

Damn! I’ll just trust my luck in this.

I breathed out twice before I knocked on the door three times. 

"Come in," I heard someone uttered inside which I presumed a female’s voice.

I turned the doorknob and gently pushed it open. A vast office welcomed me that have a mixture of purple and white as an interior of the room.

As I wandered around, I saw a sophisticated woman sitting in her swivel chair while busy reading some documents on her desk. I went inside and was about to approach her when she abruptly look in my direction. Then I realized she was the same woman I met yesterday. 

So, she's the HR Head. That’s why she’s confident yesterday about giving me a job.

"Good morning." I genuinely smiled at her. "I'm Lura Elise Abejero. I was called for an interview.”

She nodded. "Yes, glad you came," she uttered with a wide smile plastered on her lips. "By the way, I'm Leila Soren. Please, have a seat.” She motioned me to sit at the chair in front of her desk. 

"Thank you," I replied and took the seat she offered.

"Alright, before we proceed. I want to apologize for what happened yesterday," she sighed. I can feel the sincerity in her voice. It would have been better if her cousin is as kind as she was.

I nodded, accepting her apology. "It’s fine, Ms. Soren.” 

It’s not her fault and in the first place, she shouldn’t be the one asking for an apology but her cousin—which I doubt he will do. 

"May I know about the job you'll offer me?" I questioned when I realized I haven’t had any idea what will be my job.

He adjusted her seat and opened a folder. When I looked at it, I immediately knew what it was. She scanned my resume first before her attention went back to me.

"As what I have seen in your curriculum vitae, you graduated Business Management as Magna Cumlaude," she quipped, impressed. 

I just silently nodded.

"But as much as I want to give you a good position fit to your credentials, for now, we only have one vacancy left open," she continued.

My forehead creased. "What is it? Can you elaborate on the details?" I humbly asked, curiosity kicking in.

“Executive Assistant,” she stated, smiling widely at me. "The CEO badly needs it right now and for me, you're perfect for the role. You will not undergo probation. Once you sign the contract, you'll be a regular employee right away and if there's already a new position available, I'll put you first on the list," she proposed, which made me silent for a moment.

An E.A for my first Job? Not that bad for experience but . . .

"You don't have to worry about your salary. It's negotiable. So, what do you think, Ms. Abejero?" she probed, eager to convince me.

Well, they are a well-known company so I think, I’ll be in good hands and the offer is not bad at all. 

I sat up straight and then nod my head. 

"Is that a yes?" she confirmed, clasping her hands. She sounds hopeful.

I sweetly smiled. "Yes. I'll accept it."

"Great!" she exclaimed with glee and stood up. "Welcome to the company, Ms. Abejero," she congratulated me and offered me a handshake which I quickly accepted.

"Thank you. I'll do my best.”

"I know,” she chuckled. “Anyway, you will sign your contract tomorrow. For now, you need to see the CEO for a final assessment. But don't worry, it's just for formality," she informed and I just nodded. "I'll just ask one of my staff to—"

"I'm back!"

Miss Soren's words were cut off when the door of her office suddenly open and a high pitch voice echoed at the entire room.

"Oh, good thing you're already here, Fellice. Please accompany Miss Abejero to the executive's floor," Miss Soren ordered at the woman who just went inside the room and looks like an American model because of her blonde hair and silky skin. 

"Miss Leila! I just got here and you’re already telling me to leave?" Fellice grimaced, pouting her lips.

How cute.

"Quit that childish act of yours, Fel, and just do what I say."

"But—" Fellice grunted and was about to protest when Miss Soren glared at her. "Okay, fine. I’ll accompany her," she sighed and then smiled at me. "Let’s go, pretty!"

I chuckled at her cheerfulness and just nodded at what she said. I thanked Miss Soren first before I followed to where she’s leading me to. 

Fellice just left me in front of the chief executive office because she said she has a lot of things to do. And now, I am alone, fidgeting my fingers as I am panicking. My chest is beating so loud and fast. I was more nervous now than earlier when I am at Miss Soren’s office.

Of course! Who wouldn't? I will face the owner of the company—the CEO himself! And I don’t know how to face him or her! I need to calm dow—

"If you're just going to stay there the whole time, just leave. You're wasting my time."

I felt like I had been poured out of cold water when that baritone voice echoed into my ears—which I didn't know where it came from. I was so terrified of what I’ve heard that I went inside the office as fast as lightning.

"I'm so—"

My jaw dropped the moment I saw who was waiting for me inside the room that’s comfortably sitting on a long sofa with a frown on his face.