Chapter 4 - Chance

I can't move even an inch. My feet felt like they were nailed on the floor. I just stared at the man who was looking at me coldly.

The woman was just like riding a horse as she continues to swing. She lifted the man's face to kiss him, but before she could that, the man shove her. The woman fell from the man's lap and her butt hitted on the floor.

"Enough! Are you happy now?" The man coldly said. He got up and zipper his pants right away.

The woman also stood up, she seems confused and didn't know what she did wrong. The man grasp her face, and turned it to me.

The woman was so shocked the moment she saw me standing at the door. Her face immidiately turned Crimson red.

"Now, leave! I don't want to see you!" The man snarled at her.

The woman fix herself and her red dress hurriedly and hurried out of the office. She almost collided with Mr. Javier who had just arrived at the door with the document with him.

"Tell me what's goin' on here." When I turned to the handsome man, he's already sitting and coldly looking at me and to Mr. Javier.

I thought just now, this adonis-like man I saw at the lobby is Chardon Atanante! the CEO and owner of C.A Incorporated. And it turns out that he's not an old man I thought that is bald with a beer belly.

"Um, sir... This is Marigold Magbanua. Your newly hired executive secretary, sir." Mr. Javier introduced.

Mr. Atanante laughed coldly. Though a little intimidating, I felt his voice is sexy and nice to listen to. I couldn't help but felt thrilled. But my fantasy immidiately shattered the moment I heard what he said.

"My new secretary? You hired me a secretary who doesn't even know basic etiquette, that suddenly barges into someone's office without a permission? I overestimated your knowledge to hire."

I bowed my head in shame. I have to explain, otherwise he might think I'm uneducated. "I'm sorry sir! I really didn't want to come in without permission. It's just that, some–"

"Enough! You only making up excuses."

I instantly shut my mouth and bowed when he snarled. I looked at Mr. Javier, I hope he will speaks for me, but even him is also stooped his head.

Mr. Atanante looked at me. But he was actually looking at what I was wearing. "You even called it an executive secretary? I don't even know how you passed the evaluation..." He said while his chin laying on his hand. "Jonathan, give her her salary for the days she worked, then fire her."

I was shocked when I hear that. His voice sounded like an echo to my ears. What did he say? F-fire? Is he's firing me?

I remained standing and dumbfounded while looking at Mr. Atanante who was heading to the bathroom of his office.

I felt someone grab my arm and pulling me. When I turned around, Mr. Javier shaking his head at me.

I glanced at Mr. Atanante on the way out. Hoping that he will suddenly change his mind and give me another chance.

Until I got out, I still couldn't believe that I had been fired.

"Marigold... I'm sorry. "

I looked at Mr. Javier, but I could feel my eyes gradually getting warmer and my tears gradually pooling.

I braced myself and held back those tears and slightly smiled at him "It's okay Mr. Javier. I'm sorry, you were also scolded because of me... Alright, I'll just go get my things." And I quickly left in front of him.

When I got to my office, I finally couldn't stop myself from crying. In an instant and with just one mistake I lost my job. I feel like my dreams are crumbling. How do I tell it to mom?

The phone suddenly rang on the table so I tried to calm myself down. This call is definitely work-related, so I need to act like a professional. But wait... Didn't I'm already dismiss?

I cried again when I remembered that... I don't care anymore, after all it's my last day so I answered the call even though I was sobbing. "He...(hiccup) hello?"

"Marigold? Marigold are you okay?" I was surprised, it's turns out to be Jonas.

"Marigold, please stay there... Don't do anything. Wait for me, okay?"

While talking to Jonas, I felt that I had someone who care for me, so I couldn't stop myself from pouring out my disappointment and grief to him.

Jonas is in a meeting and he will return to the company around noon. He was supposed to have lunch with the client, but because of my incident, he will return immediately after the meeting.

I won't wonder how he found out, Mr. Javier probably called him.

Like jonas said, I didn't put my things away first, I will wait for him until noon like he said. But I still couldn't stop crying. I just started to work but I was immediately fired. I feel like I'm just being played.

Suddenly, I felt someone patting my shoulder. When I turned around, a glass of water appeared in front of my face. When I looked at who was holding it, I saw it was Mr. Javier.

"I'm sorry, I didn't inform you that Mr. Atanante is really like that. He doesn't accept justification when you do something wrong... Marigold, there are many more companies out there. I'm sure you'll find one that can appreciate of your talent. I believe in you."

I was touched by what Mr. Javier said. Right, This is not the end of my dreams and endeavors. I will brace myself up and I will started to look for another job.

Mr. Javier left immediately and I were left alone in a daze. I took out my cellphone and saw some missed calls from Jonas. I played while waiting for him until noon.

At noon, Jonas came rushing. "Sorry if I'm arrived just now... What happened? Why did he fired you?"

I was embarrassed to tell him about the scene I witnessed earlier when I open the door in the CEO office, so I made it simple. "Um, it's because..... I just entered his office without knocking."

Jonas pondered for a moment. I hope he doesn't dig more.

"And then?"

I turned into mute and couldn't answer.

"I knew it!! Ha ha ha!"

I was surprised by his sudden laughter.

"Ha ha ha ha! That bull!"

Bull? It's not like Mr. Atanante who's doing the deeds, How did he become a bull?

"Sorry..." Jonas coughed, his face turned slightly red after laughing. "Don't worry, I will talk to him. Come with me."

He suddenly pulled me out of the office. When I saw that we were going to the CEO office, I let go of his grip.

"Why? Are you scared? With me here, you don't have to worry, let's go." Then he pulled me again.

Actually, Mr. Atanante is quite scary. His face was really handsome, but he resemblance a dragon when he roared out.

"W-wait, knock first!" I immediately stopped Jonas when he was about to turn the doorknob. It seems that this man also has a habit of suddenly entering without knocking.

"Heh heh, no need to worry." He grinned playfully.

"Hi Mr. CEO! Welcome back! Where's your welcoming gift for me?" Jonas greeted the handsome man working at the table.

I let go of Jonas hand that was holding me to distance myself a little. We looks intimate by looking at it and I don't want this aloof man misunderstand us.

"It's in the car, ask Jonathan to take it."

"Yes!! Thank you Mr. CEO, your the best!"

I noticed the interaction between jonas and Mr. Atanante, they seem close to each other.

"By the way, have you met your new secretary, Marigold?" Jonas suddenly asked.

I suddenly bowed my head down, fearing that Mr. Atanante would look at me and our eyes would meet.

"Yeah, why did you hire her even though she isn't qualified enough? Afraid to loose?"

"No! but... What about, giving her another chance? For sure, what happened earlier was just a misunderstanding."

"Misunderstandings?" Mr. Atanante asked while kept on doing his work. He doesn't even raise his head to us.

"Yeah, misunderstandings! Who would have thought that you would be playing here in your office so early? Besides, I thought you shouldn't be playing at work?... But remember our deal, I found you a new secretary. I did it man, you lose!"

"Hmm... Fine, I lose. But what happened earlier was sheree's fault. I didn't think she would get hot after a few touch and teasing and suddenly demanded more from me. Women are really..." He cut off what he had to say and turned to looked at me.

My heart suddenly beat faster at his deep gaze. I feel like he can swallow me whole. It's my first time feeling this way that I can't understand my emotions whether if I'm afraid or got excited because of Mr. Atanante.

"I'm not going to hire what I already dismissed. That's the end of it." And he continued what he was doing.

I sighed in disappointment, it looks like I don't really have hope anymore.

"Can't you just give her another chance? Marigold is sensible and hardworking. It would be a waste if she ends up in another company... Please brother chard, please~"

Mr. Atanante suddenly stopped on what he is doing, and... Do I saw something? Why it seems that his cold eyes suddenly soften?

He put down the pen and leaned on the swivel chair, he looked at us. "Maybe I can consider but, what do you call me again?"

I looked at the stiff Jonas and at Mr. Atanante. What's going on with the two of them?

Jonas coughed first. "I said, can you give marigold another chance? Please brother Chard~" I almost burst to laugh when Jonas softened the end.

Mr. Atanante laughed softly. "Okay. Since you look sincere, I'll employ her again."

"Yes!! You are really the best brother Chard!"

Jonas grabbed me by both arms and shook me. "See! I told you!" even though I can't react and even if I can't show it, but I'm very happy. But Jonas seems to be more happier than me.

"But–" Jonas and I stopped and turned to Mr. Atanante

"She will work as an intern."

"W-what? But-" I pulled Jonas's clothes, I shook my head at him. Jonas and I had the same reaction, but it was better than being unemployed because I'm about to run out of money.

I approached a little at Mr. Atanante's table..

"Thank you very much Mr. Atanante for welcoming me back here. I will do my best at work."

After thanking him, Jonas and I left the office.

Finally, I can breathe freely.

Jonas sighed. "I thought he would return you to your previous position in exchange for my pride, damn, he scammed me!"

"It's okay Jonas. The most important thing is that I have a job and I didn't get fired from here. Thank you for helping me."

"That's nothing. Just treat me a lunch when you get your first payroll."

"Sure!"

That day I had to report to the CHRO office to complete my termination process. When I was about to enter the office, I heard a woman laughing inside. I didn't pay attention to that, I entered with CHRO permission.

When I came in, I saw Ms. Vivian on the edge of the table. She had her arms crossed while smirking at me. I suddenly remembered that it's because of her, that's why I'm in this situation.

I took a deep breath to stop the gradual outburst of my emotions, that I know will not make me do any good and cannot help me during my stay here at C.A.

I ignored her as if she was not around. I went straight to Mr. Malibo. "Mr. Malibo, I'm here to report–"

"Termination? I already know." Mr. Malibo seems to be in a good mood, he even smiling at me.

I sighed in dissatisfaction. I actually wanted to say that it was a resignation letter, for at least, for a little bit of my pride.