25. First day at work

Zack's POV

I stood in front of the huge building, different emotions going through me.

I remembered the time I came here as an intern, full of dreams and hopes and how diligently I worked, while making up my mind about the accomplishments I would strive for once I became a full-time employee.

Then, of the time I came here fresh off after graduation in a suit and tie with well polished leather shoes and a briefcase.

But now I stand in front of this building once again, and I am not sure what I want anymore.

How has this place been after all these years?

Is it right to come here at all?

Chris turned to look at me with a smirk that expressed his calmness at the whole situation, making me realize that I was now the stranger here.

"Goodluck at the meeting Bro," Chris said with a salute before turning and sauntering into the building as if it was his home, most of the workers greeting him with a familiar smile as he passed by them, and he answered each one of them while acknowledging them.

Taking a deep breath, I entered after him, and I had to show my employee ID and be asked questions by security before I was let in.

"New guy?" one of the security men asked me.

"Yeah. Kind of," he answered.

"Well, good luck."

"Thanks," I said, and entered the establishment.

The lobby was still as I remembered it, except for a few changes here and there.

On my way to the reception, I attracted a few glances here and there, and then some glances from the women who would eye me as I passed by.

Even I, know that I was dressed up today. Only if it gave me the confidence I needed.

The receptionist was an unfamiliar face, but seemed to have been notified of my coming.

"Welcome back Mr. Zack Vaughn. It's nice to have you here," the receptionist greeted me with a warm smile, handing me a bunch of files.

"The pleasure is all mine," I replied politely, taking the papers from her.

"Your office is on the 19th floor of the building, and you will be having a meeting by 10am. You will also be assigned a secretary as soon as possible. Here is your office key and employer's card that will grant you access to some of our facilities," she handed me the keys and the card. "Goodluck with work Mr. Vaughn."

"Thank you, Mrs. Bell," I said, reading the name on her tag as I took the key and card from her.

"You are welcome sir."

Going to the elevator, I waited and got it opened. I pressed the button for the 19th floor.

While the elevator was ascending, I took a look at the key and instantly recognized the office number. Even though it's been 7 years, how could I forget this particular office?

Having known my way around, as soon as the elevator stopped, I got off the elevator and went straight to my office, only stopping in front of it.

I looked at the first office I was assigned when I started working here, and I was hit with a wave of nostalgia.

Not long after I started working here, I was promoted to another office. I could say that it was because of my performance, but everyone else didn't like it and attributed it to my privileges as the grandson and heir to the owner and, because of that, I wasn't liked by most of my mates and the seniors.

Opening the office, I entered it, expecting to find it in mint condition, only to have to force the door open as it was blocked from inside with office supplies which toppled over as I entered, garnering dust.

I waved the papers in my hand in an effort to disperse the dust while my other hand went to block my lower face as I coughed.

Even if I wasn't expecting things to be as good as they were before when grandma had all her attention on me, I at least didn't expect things to be this bad.

Is it because no one has occupied this place in years or did someone do this to me on purpose?

I decided not to dwell on thoughts, knowing it they wouldn't solve anything.

I walked out of the office not to be suffocated by the dust and looked through the papers, Mrs. Bell gave me knowing it contained some information for new workers.

My eyes landed on the paper I was looking for, and using my phone, I copied the number to my phone and dialed it.

A few seconds later, it rang and the other side picked up.

"Hello, this is HR. Who is calling and how may I help you?" An annoyed male voice said from the other side.

"Hi. I am a new employee and I start working here today, but the office I was assigned to looks more like a storage store," I explained.

"And how may I help you?" the annoyed voice said in a bored tone.

"The place is filthy to the point it's inhabitable," I added.

"Hey look young lad. I know you just started working here. But you don't come here and start disturbing us with minor issues like that when we are all busy. Just get a cleaner and tell them to clean it. Bye."

The person said, and it was followed by a 'beep' sound, indicating that the call was turned off.

Shaking my head, I redialed the number again.

"Hello, this is HR. Who is calling and how may I help you?" the same guy answered again.

"This is Zack Vaughn and I want you to send someone to help me right now," I said, and this time in a commanding tone.

It was quiet for a few seconds from the other side before the voice came again, but this time sounding a bit more respectful.

"Zack Vaughn. You mean Zack Vaughn, the grandson who started working today?" the voice said hesitantly.

"Yes. And don't keep me waiting. I am on the 19th floor," With that I said, I turned off the call.

It was unlike me to make use of my privileges like that, but then desperate times call for desperate measures.

Five minutes later, a guy came looking around as if looking for someone.

Upon sighting him, I leaned against the wall, crossed my arms over my chest and tried to look annoyed.

"Excuse me sir," the person walked up to me and I recognized his voice immediately. "Are you Sir Zack Vaughn?" i

"Took you long enough to show up," I said, looking at him from top to bottom and expressing my displeasure.

"Wow," the guy gasped, taking a good look at me. Thankfully, mother took extra care of my appearance as I was dressed in the finest suit. "I will be damned if you are," the man said to himself, but I heard. "How may I help you sir?"

"Take a look at that," I nodded towards the office.

Carefully, he walked to the office, opened it, then closed it right away.

"Are you sure you were assigned to this office?" the man eyed me from head to toe. "May I take a look at your ID?"

I handed him the ID, and he looked between myself and the ID, making my confidence wane.

Not only was my position merely that of a manager, and I was given the normal employee card, not the VIP, but I was also given the most shitty office.

"No matter. This kind of place should not have been assigned to anyone," The man said, looking at me with a lot of doubt in his eyes. "I will have someone clear up this office for you. But until then, I'm afraid you will have to make use of another space."

*

If I thought I was treated badly in the first place, then would this be worse? Especially after I had made a complaint.

I breathed a sigh of frustration and decided to make use of the crampy space I was given.

The only thing better about this storage room was that it wasn't dirty.

And coincidentally, it happened to have a worn out chair and a broken desk while the rest of the space was filled with boxes filled with papers, but it will have to do for now.

I placed my stuff on the desk and was about to sit down when a knock came on the door.

Who could possibly be here at this time? Are they here for me? Then could it be my new secretary?

"Come in," I gave permission for the person to enter.

The door knob turned slowly and in entered the person I was all too familiar with.

I wasn't expecting to see him so soon, but the hate I felt for him still felt all too real.

The man who was my mentor and the person who made me hate my life and brought an end to my joy and reason for existence. Also, the reason why I quit working here, cut ties with my family and went to live solo.

"Hello, Zack. Long time no see."