The next day, I back to Blue Star Food Company. With a confident stride, I headed for the division floor. As I was about to enter, I bumped into Kenneth. His golden hair was shiny as usual, as was his smile.
"Good day, Avery.""Good morning.""Beautiful as always.""Thank you." I nodded and Kenneth waltzed into his room.Kenneth Owen was the half-year head of the programming division. His cold nature was public knowledge. It was just that he made a smile every time I met him.I headed for my desk. My gaze went straight to the other side, Xavier's desk. It was already empty. I was sure our internship hasn't ended yet. I wonder, where did he go?Keeping the question to myself, I sat down and turned on the computer. A resigned sigh could be heard from the other side."We're doomed. Lowly employees like us will be expelled. I have to find a new job.""That's right, we're so ruined that the summer is turning into agony. It's so hot...."I lowered my gaze. The file I analyzed was finished. Now, I just need to print it out. At the same time, a message appeared on the screen. Kenneth asked me to come to his office.It was a little strange that he sent a message instead of calling me directly. Maybe he's very busy, I thought and went to his office. All eyes were on me. The fake whisper back there was, "The new kid's flirting with him."I quickened my pace.I knocked on the door, then entered. Kenneth sat behind his laptop. Rimless glasses rested on the bridge of his nose. He turned his head."Can I help you, Mr. Owen?" I asked.Kenneth rose from his chair. He reached for the remote to blur the glass wall. Neither the inside nor the outside could see each other.I watched as the glass turned gray. The shadows of employees passed by outside. Then, I faced Kenneth. The scent of apples pierced my nose as we were two steps apart."Avery," he called softly. He looked down deeply at me. I looked down too, avoiding his beautiful eyes.His thumb brushed the corner of my eye. It was slightly swollen from crying. Kenneth continued, "Don't be sad, Avery. He doesn't suit you.""What are you talking about, Mr. Owen?""I saw you yesterday, crying while the shit went on a date."My eyes widened. A moment later, I closed it tightly. Damn, he's watching me shed tears while walking around dragging a bag. How shameful!His finger grabbed my chin. He lifted it so our eyes meet. His bead that curved behind the lenses was intoxicating. His light voice flowed slowly like a poem in spring."Pain isn't for you, Avery. If you have it already, I'll get rid of it."I was lost in thought. His sweet words were nice, but I wondered what he meant. I asked, "What are you talking about, Mr. Owen?""I'm talking about my feelings, Avery. I like you, a lot."My mouth opened. That sudden statement was too sudden! I never expected the cold Kenneth to confess his heart."Be mine, Avery."He pulled at my waist. I held my breath as he caressed my face. There was a sense of pleasure that eased the pain in my heart. Even so, my common sense acted decisively by telling me to reject him."Cannot."
"May I know why?"
I shook my head, then turned around. "I don't fit in," I replied and was about to walk away.
Kenneth caught my arm and pulled. My face hit his chest. Both his arms wrapped me. I was wide-eyed, stricken with fear that someone would suddenly walk in.
"Please let me go."
"Avery, I've been watching you. I always make sure nothing gets in your way, even if it's a small thing. I like you, I want to protect you."
I answered firmly, "I can protect myself."
"Nice confidence, Avery, but the world is tough."
"I'll be tougher than the world."
Kenneth chuckled. He tightened his embrace. He let out a long breath. "I'm too impulsive, aren't I? How about we talk about this some other time over a peaceful lunch?"
***
I walked briskly to my desk. My breathing was still labored. Fortunately, he softened up to let me off with the promise of lunch. No problem. I'll reject her at that moment.
My body landed on the chair. The bustle of the other employees was a little quiet. If they usually didn't have time to chat, now they did. I don't think anyone thought positively of the money that was taken away.
Rin's remark about the crazy boss flashed. My fingers moved quickly over the keyboard writing Ace Company. Then, I realized it wasn't right. I closed the screen before someone caught it.
The crazy title Rin gave was interesting. I wonder why she called it that. Curiosity is terrible. I had to wait until I got home to uncover everything about Ace Company.
***
The time to leave work is five o'clock. After packing my things, I rushed out and caught the bus . I sat by the window, then impatiently took out my phone.
I typed Ace Company into the search bar as fast as ChatAI worked. I selected the article at the top. There was a picture of the company building, its history, and the owner.
The owner of Ace was the man who appeared on television yesterday. He was one of the young billionaires who worked with many companies! His last name is Davis while his first name is Graciano.
"Graciano Davis," I whispered.
There's really nothing interesting here except for his handsome portrait. The more I scrolled down, I found the job posting information. The position was the CEO's secretary.
I clicked on that. There was a list of requirements for the position. My lips curled knowing I met all the requirements. I'll prepare the paperwork, then head to Ace.
My eyes were glued to my phone all the way home. Upon opening the door, I was jolted by my mother's presence. In her chef's uniform, she was in the kitchen. I turned off my phone and put it in the bag."Isn't it restaurant rush hour?" I asked as I approached her.She glanced at me. "You didn't eat dinner yesterday because I forgot to leave food.""Why didn't you come down to the restaurant yesterday?" she continued.I put my butt on the chair. I kept my hands on my lap. I replied, "The restaurant was crowded and I was tired. So I went straight to bed.""That's why your eyes are swollen."I nodded.She turned off the stove, picked up a plate, and poured the food onto it. She served me five pieces of crepes. "No leftovers," she warned."Okay."Her hurried steps led her to wash her hands, then disappeared quickly behind the door. She was busy, I could tell. Still, I wanted to imagine us eating together.I went to the refrigerator to get some green grapes. Then, the silence that I just re
I spent the following days looking for Ace Company's information and a day off. At first, I thought it would be difficult due to the chaotic state of the office. However, they played dumb and gave me a day off on Thursday.This afternoon, I was practicing answering questions for tomorrow's interview. The time I have was very limited. So, I must work hard to prepare myself.I looked at my reflection in the mirror. My new shirt fits my body perfectly. I tucked my hair behind my ear, then went back to reading the paper taped to the mirror frame."I chose to join this company because the values upheld by the company are very much in line with my values. I believe that this value congruence will allow me to contribute optimally and make a positive impact in a mutually supportive work environment."After the sentence was finished, I flashed a smile. Then, I realized that my sentence was too long and sweet-talking. I came to the mirror to cross out the unnecessary words.Adrien came in meowi
Las Vegas summers ignite the passions of its people. Cafes are not devoid of ice sales, and hotels have guests every second. I was on my way to the subway. It's a long distance from home to Ace Company. It takes three stations to get there.After getting my ticket, I waited for the train to arrive. Today, the station was packed with foreign tourists. They look pleasant in their summer clothes. I hope I get rich and travel the world with satisfaction.The train arrived. I stepped inside while tightening the grip on my bag. My journey will be long. There's a chance I might fall asleep, but I decide to stay awake. In this crowd, it's very possible that there could be pickpockets or something.I stood up and held onto the pole. My eyes scanned each person who was busy looking down at their phone. This was the first time I've used the subway to travel far. Taking a taxi might have been more convenient, but I wasn't that rich."Last night's green wine was delicious. I'm going back to that c
A frown creased my forehead. For a moment, I thought he wanted to offer me a drink. But then I realized he was asking me to get drunk.I smiled slightly, then looked up. My neck reached its limit as I stared at his chin. "Thank you, Mr. Davis, but I'm driving.""So, there's too much dust in your car."I looked down at my shoes. The black color had faded a little during the journey here. I smiled a little. "I haven't cleaned them yet."A strand of my hair was pushed behind my ear. His strong fingers accidentally touched my cheek. He touched the tiny beads of sweat in my hair."Avery Green, what do you want from me?" The low voice was beautiful, an implied warning to me not to misbehave with him. I inhaled, then exhaled slowly. I explained, "I want to work for you and get rich." "What are you getting rich for?" The woodsy scent emanating from him made it hard for me to breathe. He was tall, powerful, and in control here. My mind was stuck from being pushed around by him. I was at a l
The next day, I went back to Ace Company. This time, I took a taxi after getting off at the second station. Just in case, I polished and diligently checked my flat shoes frequently.The yellow taxi driver was trying to drive in the middle of a traffic jam. I looked at my watch. I left early so I wouldn't be late. I also called in sick suddenly to get extra time off. Through the glass, I admire the blue sky of Las Vegas. The king of the sky was on its throne, but the Ace building blocked its light. It was the tallest building, dominating like its owner.The taxi stopped in front of the building. I paid the fare and got out. As I walked there, I wiped my hands with sweat. I wouldn't let Graciano know my lie.The glass door opened automatically as I approached. The same receptionist was still there. This time, she immediately told me Graciano was waiting for me in his room.I went alone to the elevator. Unexpectedly, the two employees were in the same elevator as me. I averted my eyes f
I didn't tell Mother about taking time off work or applying to Ace Company. She just knew I went to work as usual. To pass the time until after work, I took a walk in the park like yesterday before settling down at a restaurant.I chose to sit by the window and immediately regretted it because the wide window reminded me of the moment Xavier decided. A waiter came to ask for the order. I told her a glass of ice Americano and a pastry. Then, I folded my arms and used them as a pillow. I regret signing the contract without reading everything. Even though Graciano said the contract was no different from the others, I was still worried. A powerful man like him might add points that only benefit him. I blamed myself for burning with the spirit of revenge. I should've been wary of his dark gray eyes, mesmerizing, beautiful, and sharp. "I hope he doesn't pursue perfection over success," I whispered. The ice Americano had come. I raised my head and sat up straight. I noticed that the wai
When the sky turned orange, I arrived home. People who hadn't eaten dinner were lining up in front of the restaurant. Classical, rarely-heard music filled the restaurant and my room this evening.I cleaned up and changed my clothes. Mother didn't leave anything to eat, so I didn't eat dinner.On the bed, my body lies on my stomach. My fingers propped up my phone while others scrolled through the screen. Posters of Nevan's Dad's driving lessons were scattered on the internet. He even guarantees that you'll be reimbursed if you don't pass the lessons.My face was sinking into the pillow. I miss Nevan's smile. I don't know how much energy he had to keep smiling."Golden Retriever," I muttered.Four feet trod on my back. A familiar meow greeted my ears."Get down, Adrien," I ordered.Adrien meowed once. The pressure of his legs was no longer felt, but then suddenly the cat fell onto my head.I got up. Adrien was hiding at the table. I gave him a fierce look. "Don't be a bitch when I'm hap
I'm proud of myself for persuading Father. We would meet every afternoon on Saturday and Sunday to practice. Now, I took care of the second requirement. I went to the address Nevan gave me. He hadn't lied about the distance between the lesson and my house. Mother probably knew I was here by looking from the roof of her restaurant.I entered a courtyard the size of a tennis court. The asphalt is the base while the neighborhood is organized like traffic.A slender old man passes by. He approached me. "Welcome to Zaire Driving Lessons. How may I help you, Miss?""Hello, I'm Avery Green. I'm here to register for driving lessons."The man nodded. "Sure, Miss Green. This way."I was directed to a building with a large sign that read Zaire Driving Lessons. As I walked, he told me, "Please call me Mr. Zaire. Nevan said his friend was coming. I didn't expect you to be as beautiful as an angel. Good to meet you, Ms. Green.""Nice to meet you too, Mr. Zaire."We entered the office. A brown room