Chapter 2 First Chapter

The shrill ring of my alarm jolted me awake at 5:00 AM, reminding me that it was Monday, the day of my important interview at Gustavo Group of Companies. I felt the weekend's exhaustion still clinging to me, but there was no time to waste. I rushed through my morning routine-taking a quick five-minute shower, cooking breakfast, and eating swiftly.

As I stepped out of my dorm and waited for a cab, I felt a mix of excitement and nervousness. Luckily, it didn't take long before a cab stopped in front of me.

"Where to, miss?" the cab driver asked.

"Gustavo Empire main office," I replied, sliding into the back seat. During the ride, I texted my sister Anna, letting her know I was on my way to the interview.

By 7:30 AM, I stood in front of Gustavo Empire's impressive building. I smiled with anticipation as I approached the main door, where a middle-aged security guard greeted me."Good morning, ma'am. Do you have an appointment here?" he asked. I handed him my ID, and he checked it against the master list.

"Aleeza Zinn Deogarcia," he confirmed.

I nodded, and the guard let me pass. I made my way to the elevator, feeling my nerves intensify as I thought about possibly meeting the CEO. As the elevator doors began to close, a woman about 5'5" slipped in. I wondered if she might be another applicant, which only made me more anxious. When the elevator reached the tenth floor, the woman walked briskly to an office. I took a seat in the waiting area, trying to calm my nerves. Soon, someone called my name, informing me that the CEO was ready to see me. I took a deep breath and entered the office, surprised to find the woman from the elevator seated in the CEO's chair.

"Good morning, ma'am," I greeted her, trying to keep my voice steady.

"Aleeza Zinn Deogarcia," she read from my resume.

"Yes, ma'am," I replied.

"Why did you choose our company?" she asked.

"I chose your company because I believe it offers opportunities for me to develop my skills. I've heard that you treat your employees well, which is important to me," I answered honestly.

"You're an engineering graduate. How can you contribute to our company?" she inquired."I plan to contribute by doing my best and handling my responsibilities with dedication and excellence. I want to use my knowledge to help improve the company," I explained.

"Why should I hire you?" she asked, raising an eyebrow.

"You should hire me because I believe I have the skills and dedication you need. I also really need this job to support my family back home," I said, my voice faltering slightly with emotion.

To my surprise, she smiled and said, "You're hired! You can start now."

Tears of happiness filled my eyes, but I managed to smile. "Thank you, ma'am. I owe you so much," I said, overwhelmed with gratitude.

She handed me a tablet. "This is my schedule for the day. But first, report to the HR department to complete your paperwork."

"Okay ma'am, thank you so much," I said, standing up.

"Call me Aminah," she said with a warm smile.

"Thank you, Ma'am Aminah," I replied before heading to the HR department.

As I walked to the HR department, I greeted everyone I passed, trying to make a good impression. The head of the HR department, a woman in her late thirties, greeted me with a firm voice.

"So, you're the new employee," she said.

"Yes, ma'am. I'm Aleeza Zinn Deogarcia," I replied nervously.

She chuckled. "Just kidding. I'm Rhiyan Suarez. Sign this," she said, handing me a paper.

It was a contract confirming my employment. After signing it, she gave me my employee ID. I couldn't believe how quickly everything was happening.

"Thank you, Miss," I said and left her office to begin my first day of work.

My new office was filled with paperwork to organize and review. I dove into my tasks, feeling a mix of excitement and exhaustion.

I returned home that evening feeling drained but grateful for my new job. After taking a refreshing shower, I cooked dinner and called my sister Arra to share my good news. After a long conversation, I opened my sketchbook and began to draw, capturing the day's experiences.

"First day as an employee""Though it made me nervous, it was all worth it.""I'm hired.""But it was tiring. I'll adapt soon enough."

I prepared my outfit for the next day, carefully ironing a gray blouse, a royal blue skirt, and white two-inch heels. After drying my hair, I climbed into bed, ready for a good night's sleep.

At 5:30 AM, I awoke to the city's sounds-the honking of cars and the distant chatter of people. I cooked a quick breakfast of sunny-side-up eggs and rice before taking a shower. By 6:00 AM, I was dressed and ready, waiting downstairs for a cab.

"Where to, ma'am?" the driver asked.

"Gustavo Empire," I replied, settling into the seat.

After a 45-minute ride, I arrived at the office, greeted the guard, and headed straight for the elevator to the tenth floor. Once at my desk, I checked the tablet for today's schedule. The day was packed with meetings, keeping me busy and on my toes.

At 3:00 PM, Ms. Aminah called me into her office, where I found her with some friends-gorgeous women who exuded confidence.

"Good afternoon, ma'am," I greeted them.

"Good afternoon," one of Aminah's friends replied warmly.

"Aleeza, can you pick up the kids from school?" Ms. Aminah asked.

I nodded, though unsure of how I'd manage.

"Do you know how to drive?" she asked.

"I don't, ma'am," I admitted, feeling embarrassed.

"That's fine. Ask Jun to drive you," she instructed.

One of her friends, Caleigh, commented on my appearance. "Oh my, your secretary is quite pretty, Aminah!"

"Shut up, Caleigh. You're making her uncomfortable," Aminah scolded playfully, and I appreciated her understanding.

One of her other friends suggested, "Maybe Alyx should pick up the kids."

"It's okay, ma'am. I'll do it," I assured her, curious to learn more about Ms. Aminah's life outside work.

I left the office, grabbed my bag, and took a cab to De Castro Academy. Upon arriving, I was impressed by the school's grandeur. I approached the guard house, knocking gently on the small door.

"Who are you looking for?" the lady guard asked.

"I'm here for Ms. Aminah Celestine Elloren's kids, Ms. Krystal Claire Fajardo's kids, and Ms. Caleigh Sheen Salvador's daughter," I explained.

"And who are you?" she inquired, making me pause. Just then, a baritone voice behind me said, "She's the babysitter for those kids."

I turned to see who had spoken, but the mysterious man had already disappeared, leaving me puzzled yet intrigued.