3: new start

Liana nervously sat on the seat in front of the dean's table. For some reason, she received news that the dean is calling for her due to a very important discussion.

Is it a salary raise? A promotion? Or bad news?

"Miss Garcia. So uhm… I called you here to announce that you're not gonna be able to teach here anymore. We're firing you,"

Liana's lips parted in shock. It was very confusing and astounding news. In panic, her mind started digging for a possible reason why, but she didn't find one.

"Dean, I don't get it…"

The dean sighed. "We needed to cut off teachers–"

"But the teachers are just enough, dean," Liana argued. She didn't mean to be disrespectful, but the sudden decision doesn't make sense for her.

"I'm sorry, miss Garcia. I cannot do anything about it anymore. You may pack your things and leave within this day,"

Liana thought about her family. They need her. Samuel needs his medications; it shouldn't be stopped or else something might happen to him again.

"Miss Garcia, just please go,"

Looks like the dean isn't going to change his mind at all. He looks unbothered that he wouldn't have even the tiniest pity even if Liana begs.

Teary eyed, Liana left the office. The questions about sudden firing didn't even have space in her mind as all she was thinking after was her family. She couldn't let them suffer, especially Samuel. She has to find a new job as soon as possible.

She went back to her cubicle and cleaned up her things. She didn't reply to any of her co-teacher asking. She left a text to a friend asking for a possible job.

"I heard what happened. Are you alright?"

Liana nodded without bothering to see the man. She already recognized his voice. It's the friendly tall and skinny teacher in their department that levels her age.

"What was their reason?"

Liana didn't answer Elijah. She continued putting everything she saw on her table in the storage box, and paused after seeing the black handkerchief.

She closed her eyes shut. The thought is there again. It's inviting her.

Right now, it's tempting her to give it up and take the position Kai was offering just yesterday. She has no choice. Will she still be choosy when she needs to find another job after?

How will she contact Kai? She doesn't know her contact number, or even the company of Kai.

"Liana? Can I at least give you a ride home?"

Liana faced Elijah. The man's face was full of worry. Liana nodded.

The hallway was empty while they were walking. It's already class hour, so everyone is inside their respective classrooms. The only people out are her, Elijah, and one familiar guy.

Liana squinted her eyes. Confirmed. It was Raven, the guy Kai was with yesterday.

The hope inside her grew. In a second, Liana wordlessly put the storage box she's holding on top of her other boxes that Elijah was holding then walked to Raven. She ignored Elijah who was shouting her name.

"Hey, sir," Liana approached. Raven pursed his lips before facing the girl shorter than him.

"Hi," Raven stretched his lips to smile.

Liana bit her lower lip. She isn't sure how to say what she needs.

"W-what are you doing here?" Liana asked instead.

"You're interested in Kai's offer, aren't you?"

Liana slowly nodded. She was surprised by the direct question, like Raven knew why she's there in front of him.

"Great. Come with me,"

Liana's lips parted. "Right now?"

Raven nodded. "Yeah. I'll bring you to Kai,"

Liana had no choice but to follow Raven walking away. She doesn't even have an idea on how suddenly she and Kai's worlds became close.

"I'll get my things quick," Liana suddenly spoke. Without waiting for an answer, Liana suddenly walked quickly to Elijah who looked confused.

"Thank you for walking with me. I'll go with someone," Liana said as she took the boxes from Elijah.

"That guy?" Elijah met eyes with Raven standing from afar, right when Liana left him.

Liana nodded. She gave Elijah one small smile before coming back to Raven.

They got in the car quickly. Raven was again impressed. What Kai said earlier that day is right. Liana will be the one to need him.

"I haven't formally introduced myself yet. I'm Raven Gaizler, a good friend of Kai Ellis," Raven gave Liana a smile. The latter just nodded.

"Can I ask what you and Kai are up to in the school?" Liana asked.

"Ah, I met with the dean. Kai asked me to bring his donated books and supplies," Raven kept his smile.

"Ah, donated books and supplies," Liana whispered and nodded to herself. It's hard to believe someone as grumpy as Kai would love kids.

"Yeah, Kai's concerned with the kids. He loves them," Raven almost laughed but hid it well by facing the window as he took a turn. It was only a cover up lie so Liana wouldn't suspect. Kai hates kids. It's his most hated living organism.

Liana spent the whole ride thinking if she made the right decision. Well, she dislikes Kai, but she puts it in mind that it's for her family.

With the salary that Kai will give, she most probably can get a private room for Samuel.

"We're here," Raven announced as he put the car to a stop. They both unbuckled their seat belts before they stepped out of the vehicle.

Liana looked up in front of a building. She had to use her hand to cover the sun from hitting her eyes.

Just as what she expected. A tall and wide establishment named after Kai.

Ellis Inc.

"Let's go inside,"

Liana nodded and followed Raven to walk inside. They are greeted by the armed security guard as they step inside.

A gray and black theme permeates the entire ground floor area. Near the front desk, a chandelier is hanging. The floor is tiled with gray marble. There is a white couch set nearby, and some men in tuxedos are sitting on it. There were other people going around doing their own thing, dressed typically for work.

Liana followed Raven to the elevator. There are two elevators. The one is what the workers use and the one with a printed paper stuck on the wall beside.

"Strictly for the CEO and VIPs only," Liana read to herself. She furrowed her brows. She didn't know those things exist in the business world.

Raven laughed as they walked inside. "Yeah, Kai doesn't like crowding in with people,"

Liana just nodded. She thought that they're different. She defines herself as a friendly person who can get along with people easily, not like Kai.

The numbers four and five were the numbers that Raven pressed. Liana figured it's the top

floor.

They got to the 45th floor. There's a longue with a gray couch set and a glass table. They're the only people on the floor.

Raven directed to a large brown door at the end of the lounge area. He only opened the door using her fingerprint, and cocked his head to gesture to Liana to go inside.

"You're not gonna come with me?" Liana asked. It's just Kai inside, the woman she hates. She doesn't know why she's feeling nervous.

Raven shook his head. "Ellis surely wants to talk privately,"

Liana bit her lower lip. She nodded and stepped inside. The apprehension she felt worsened as Raven closed the door.

The office is only big enough for Kai. The style of the floor is the same with the ground floor, but with a darker shade of gray. The furniture sets are all in dirty white. There are some figurines to add style to the room. The wall and ceiling remained white, though the large door was brown.

From where Liana is standing, she already could smell Kai's strong scent. There he was, seated on a swivel chair, arm crossed and staring intently at her. If only looks could kill, Liana would be laid dead by how Kai was staring.

Liana tried not to think about how the man looked so good wearing his corporate attite.

"G-good morning," Liana greeted. She mentally scolded herself about her stuttering.

"I see. You're here 'cause you realized you need me in your life," Kai nodded his head with a small smirk playing on his lips.

Liana closed her fist. Just the smirk is already enough to annoy her. If Kai just doesn't look that good today, she would've gotten mad already.

"What happened to the solid no yesterday?" Kai raised a brow, making him look like what he is according to his employees; intimidating and strict.

Kai wasn't so happy seeing Liana's wrinkles. Stella rarely reacts that way. But stupid because Liana's not her.

Liana made sure she'll control herself. She needs to get the job, even if it means seeing Kai's irritating but gorgeous face.

"Something unexpected came, Mr. Ellis. I now need a new job," Liana plastered the fakest smile she could. Kai didn't move an inch, no matter how melted he got inside. That smile resembled his old lover.

Kai nodded. "Resume? Any portfolio?"

"I don't think I need any of that, Mr. Ellis. You said it yourself yesterday that you studied my background and I turned out qualified. You even came to visit me just to–"

"I know. Don't make it look like I'm stupid," Kai rolled his eyes. "You're hired. You'll start today,"

"Aren't we gonna talk about the details of my work?" Liana asked, genuinely curious. She gets that she was accepted because she's Kai's type, but she doesn't know Kai is that impulsive of her.

Kai sighed. "Yeah, of course. Sit down and we'll talk about everything that we'll do in this office,"

Liana scoffed before walking to Kai's table. The smirk on Kai's face just proved that the last sentence contains a double meaning.

"Is ten thousand dollars fine?"

Liana tried to hide the excitement. The amount is already more than enough for her. Thinking that this job would make her rich, she became dedicated to start working with Kai.

"Not enough? Name your price," Kai added. He laid back to his chair and freely stared at Liana.

"Enough. It's enough," Liana clarified. She straightened her back, making herself look more presentable though she's still in her teacher uniform.

Kai nodded. "Work hours is seven thirty to five. Saturday's your day off,"

Liana only replied with a nod. Kai is cooperating. Liana thought his mind will be full of dirty thoughts.

"Do you have a boyfriend?"

Liana frowned. When she thought the conversation would go fine, that's when Kai proved her wrong.

"I think it doesn't matter, Mr. Ellis. My love life would do nothing to my work,"

"I am asking, Liana. I don't want my employees to have her time torn between their boys and their work," Kai replied as he remained his poker face, just to appear serious when he just wanted to know for unprofessional reasons.

"Excuse me, but I'm not irresponsible, Mr. Ellis," Liana had her forehead wrinkled as she answered Kai.

"Why won't you just answer, Liana? Is your boyfriend a secret?"

"I am single," Liana gritted her teeth. She doesn't get mad easily but why does it that Kai always consumes her patience?

Kai nodded in a slow pace. "Good. I'll call someone to orient you then you can start tomorrow,"

"Where will my office be?" Liana asked. Raven mentioned to her that the secretary's office is on the 43th floor, but she wanted to confirm.

Kai pursed her lips. "Here,"

"Here?" Liana repeated, not getting what Kai meant.

"Here, in my office. I want you close to me,"