Chapter 3 A Good Start

Time continued to tick. Now the watch on Vanny's wrist showed almost ten o'clock at night. My goodness. How could eating fried chicken take almost three hours? Tsk. Hopefully Vanny and Estella would not get kicked out of the restaurant.

"So... that's the chronology," Vanny finished her explanation of the complete sequence of events, as Estella had requested earlier. "Now, what do you think I should do?"

"Um..."

Estella cleared her throat rhythmically. This time, her throat clearing took longer than her usual quick ones, making Vanny feel anxious as he waited for her answer.

"Before I ask anything else..."

"Yes?"

"You really don't want to see Haris again?"

Vanny's shoulders slumped. She nodded weakly. "Yes."

"Uh... okay then. In that case, why don't you just quit your job? Problem solved, right?"

Vanny grinned. Of course, that did not mean she had not considered that option. In fact, she had been thinking about it ever since she left the towering Bumi Pertiwi building.

"But I need a job, Es."

Estella glanced over and nodded. "Aah! You're right. You do need a job. Sorry, I forgot."

"That's what makes me hesitate, Es. I need a job, but do I have to work with my ex-boyfriend?" Vanny shook her head and closed her eyes, as if rejecting the future scenario that might unfold. "No. No. I just don't want that to happen. What will the world say?"

Estella scratched her head. She was confused, too, to be honest. She felt sorry for Vanny, but at the same time there was something strange about it. In Estella's opinion, the likelihood of exes meeting as boss and employee was very low. In fact, it was more likely to roll a one on a fifty-sided dice.

"Now it's up to you, Van. If you want to quit the job, at least you can look for another one. And... as for financial matters, um..." Estella paused for a moment, weighing her words. She seemed to consider carefully what to say. "I'm sure you still have enough savings to survive until you die. Besides, come on! You don't really need to work, Van. Your life is already secured."

Vanny let out a long sigh. Her eyes blinked slowly, as if she had no energy left. It seemed that this time she knew that there was only one way to go.

"I think... I really should resign."

*

Okay. Income can be sought, but one's mental well-being should come first.

Vanny had made up her mind. Because her thoughts and Estella's thoughts led her to the same decision: to quit her job.

So that Monday morning, Vanny took a quick and enthusiastic shower. She picked out a nice work outfit and made sure her makeup was flawless. If she was going to meet her ex-boyfriend, she had to look her best.

Oh! Vanny had not even thought about giving Haris a chance to say something like this:

"Since we broke up, you've let yourself go like this? Like a stray kitten."

Vanny shook her head once, trying to banish the image of Haris possibly mocking her if her appearance was miserable. At the very least, she needed to look like a modern career woman-neat and radiating unparalleled intelligence.

After confirming that her appearance was neat, wearing a combination of a pink blouse and a black knee-length skirt, along with seven-inch heels, Vanny moved away from the large mirror by her closet door. She grabbed her work bag and left her apartment.

Taking a taxi, it did not take long for Vanny to arrive right in front of the EcoScape Constructors office. She got off and entered through the office gate, exchanging friendly greetings with the security guard stationed there.

On her way to a special elevator that would take her directly to the floor where she was supposed to work, Vanny took a deep breath. Honestly, even though she had prepared herself mentally and physically all night, she still felt nervous now. Look! Her hands were even sweating cold.

"Oh! Calm down, Van. Why are you so nervous?" she scolded herself.

Vanny cursed herself and took another deep breath just as the elevator doors opened in front of her. She stepped inside. And for some reason her legs, supported by the pointed heels, felt wobbly. Perhaps it was because she was too nervous.

What was certain was that Vanny felt her steps were unsteady. She stumbled and prepared to embarrass herself with an awkward fall. But strong hands caught her around the waist and quickly pulled her back.

Vanny's body seemed to float in the strong grip. A small, muffled scream remained in her throat. And when her hands landed on that broad chest, she breathed a sigh of relief. She had not started her day with an embarrassing incident. Thank goodness.

Vanny lifted her head, expressing her gratitude amidst her still heavy breathing.

"Tha-"

The words of thanks vanished into the air. Just as she saw whose strong hands had caught her.

Vanny paled. Her mouth opened in a shocked expression that she could not hold back. She could not believe what she saw.

"Ha-Haris?"

The name stuttered from Vanny's lips. And she found Haris furrowing his brow. A mischievous grin appeared on his face.

Vanny snapped back to reality. "M-Mr. Corbyn."

The sly smile turned into a mischievous one. Haris cleared his throat, then looked down, focusing on Vanny's hands, which were still on his chest.

"How long are you going to hug me?"

The formal tone of Haris' words shook Vanny's consciousness. Especially with the implied question he asked. She felt nervous, uncomfortable, and withdrew immediately.

"Uh!" Haris cleared his throat. "You arrived very early. It seems you're quite enthusiastic about your work."

Vanny felt her face freeze. It was like being stung by hundreds of bees, making it incredibly difficult for her to respond.

"Maybe... just the opposite," she managed to say.

"What do you mean?"

Vanny took a deep breath and forced a half-hearted smile. "It's nothing, sir. Um... thanks for earlier."

At least Vanny still had a conscience as a human being. When someone helped you, expressing gratitude was an absolute must. Even if the person who helped her was the last person she wanted to see.

Haris nodded with an expression that made Vanny suddenly feel like the fried chicken she had eaten earlier was swimming in her stomach. Nauseous. But she did not want to throw up her source of energy.

"You're welcome," Haris said. He raised his left hand and gave it a little flick to adjust his suit. He glanced at his watch. "Well, have a nice day at work. Ask Mrs. Belle about your duties."

Vanny did not say anything. She just nodded once. Just as Haris entered the elevator and left her alone. She immediately took a deep breath and quickly took in as much air as possible.

"Oh, God," Vanny whispered, wiping her forehead, which was already covered in drops of sweat. "Did I really make the right decision to quit here? Can you imagine, Van? You only talked to him for a few minutes and your internal combustion level increased tenfold. If you're around him all day, you might burn up from the inside again."

Vanny shivered. Seriously. She had not expected meeting an ex-boyfriend to be so terrifying.

"Oh, God. Thank God I only have one ex. How's Estella, whose exes could populate an entire neighborhood?"

Successfully calming the uncomfortable palpitations that had been tormenting her chest, Vanny resumed her steps. She turned and walked down a long corridor. From a distance she could see Astoria sitting behind her secretary's desk. She arrived and greeted the woman.

"Good morning, Ma'am."

Astoria raised her face, smiling from behind her thin-framed glasses. The greeting was warm and friendly.

"Good morning, Vanny. You look very nice today."

Vanny blinked. She smiled, but could not help being curious.

"Is my appearance a bit excessive, Ma'am?" she asked in a low voice.

Astoria laughed slightly and shook her head. "Not excessive at all. And... that's how a secretary should look. Neat and beautiful. A secretary represents the company and the CEO."

Vanny nodded as she listened to Astoria's explanation. To be honest, she found proof in Astoria's words. Judging by her appearance, Astoria might have been over thirty-five years old, but she still looked no less stylish and classy than the younger employees. She was fashionable and carried herself with grace.

"Don't just stand there staring. Come and sit down. I've already outlined all the tasks you need to do."

Snap out of her brief reverie, Vanny was now confused. Wasn't she there that morning to express her intention to quit this job? And now she was going to start training with Astoria? Oh, the irony.

Astoria instructed Vanny to sit at a desk next to hers. Literally, the desks were connected. She handed Vanny an agenda book.

"I've listed all the tasks you need to do in here. Actually, Mr. Corbyn is looking for a second secretary because I can't leave the office all the time."

Vanny accepted the agenda book, her eyes looking innocent as she looked at Astoria. "Why is that, Ma'am?"

A smile appeared on Astoria's face as she stroked her calf and answered the question casually. "I was in an accident a few months ago. My condition has mostly recovered, but my legs often hurt when I walk too much."

Vanny's expression changed abruptly, she felt uncomfortable. "I'm so sorry, Ma'am. I didn't know you had an accident."

"It's okay," Astoria shook her head. "It's just one of life's challenges. That's why Mr. Corbyn needs a second secretary, especially since the company is expanding significantly. Mr. Corbyn needs a partner to..."

Ugh!

Vanny coughed spontaneously, interrupting Astoria, who promptly offered her a glass of water that happened to be nearby. Panting and gasping, Vanny tried to calm her cough by swallowing the water several times. With a horrified look on her face, she asked.

"Mr. Corbyn needs a partner, Ma'am?"

Astoria nodded confidently. "Yes, Mr. Corbyn needs a partner."

This answer made Vanny's eyes widen. In fact, she widened them so much that Astoria was afraid her eyeballs would pop out of their sockets.

"Does that mean..." Vanny struggled to swallow a lump of saliva that felt like it was stuck in her throat. "...I'm going to be Mr. Corbyn' partner?"

Blinking several times, Astoria nodded again, causing Vanny to suddenly become hysterical.

"Oh my God! What does all this mean? I applied for an administrative position, but now I'm supposed to be the second secretary. And now you're telling me that I have to be his partner? What? A partner? Oh my God! No, no, no, no! I don't want to marry him, please! I don't want to."

Not only was she babbling hysterically, but Vanny kept squeezing her hands. She looked so panicked that it made Astoria furrow her brow.

"Who are you going to marry, Van?" Astoria asked, her confusion enveloping her. Vanny turned to her and grimaced.

"You said Mr. Corbyn was looking for a partner," Vanny said. "Isn't that right?"

"Yes," Astoria nodded stiffly. "A partner for office events. One of the secretary's duties is... that."

Vanny's eyes widened. For a second. Two seconds. Three seconds.

Then Vanny's hand shot up into the air, pointing at who knows what. She looked like a robot that had suddenly been rebooted.

"Oh, right. So, Mr. Corbyn has scheduled events, right? Um... what's my job?"

Astoria joined in with a confused expression. Meanwhile, Vanny immediately opened the agenda book she had placed on the table and started reading the writings inside.

"Th-the first task... making sure Mr. Corbyn looks presentable. Check his daily, weekly, monthly and yearly schedules. Make sure Mr. Corbyn has lunch. Prepare tea in the morning, coffee at noon, and latte in the evening. If Mr. Corbyn can't come, go to his house immediately and help him with his work.

Reading the notes in the agenda, Vanny repeatedly cursed herself in silence.

Embarrassing. Embarrassing. You're really embarrassing, Van. Oh, my goodness! Where can you hide your face? In a pot, perhaps? How could you ever think that you would be asked to be Haris' life partner? Aaargh!

Now look at this. Mrs. Belle is looking at you with such a strange expression. Just like when she met Superman selling underwear in mall.

Because that was probably more or less how Astoria felt at that moment. Her forehead was still wrinkled, even though they had left the discussion about a partner a few minutes ago. Now she suddenly broke into a smile as she realized the misunderstanding Vanny had had earlier.

But Astoria was really mature. She did not make fun of Vanny. Instead, she gave Vanny a chance to escape the embarrassing situation. She allowed Vanny to read her to-do list. And it... was really important. Something Vanny had to do.

"Accompany Mr. Corbyn to every event he attends, whether it's a holiday or not. Accompany Mr. Corbyn on business trips, including helping him choose the right clothes during the trip. Ensuring Mr. Corbyn' health during business trips, including observing some of his dietary restrictions. I..."

Vanny's words suddenly stopped in the middle. Her eyes blinked as she tilted her head to the side and looked at her list of tasks in the agenda. She was not sure, but something was making her brain work.

Um... why does it feel like there's something strange about this job list?

Vanny was not sure, but she definitely felt it. She turned to Astoria.

"Is this my job, Ma'am.?"

Astoria nodded. "Yes. As I said, I have limitations when it comes to travel. Also... when Mr. Corbyn is away, there are pros and cons to bringing or leaving me in the office. Mr. Corbyn needs to be accompanied, but the office can't be left unattended."

What Astoria said was true.

"Therefore... you must accompany Mr. Corbyn wherever he goes."

Astoria's conclusion caused the agenda book to slip from Vanny's hand. Dramatically and accompanied by a choking sound that made Astoria shudder.

"In that case, it's like I'm really becoming a companion."

"Yes, a companion indeed."

Vanny was frustrated. If she did not remember where she was right now, she would want to scream.

Oh God. Why do I have to go everywhere with Haris? Seriously! Aaah! I don't want to go anywhere with my ex!

*