Chapter 7 ELEMENT OF SURPRISE

GENEVIEVE POV,

I stared at the skyscraper, lost in its glorious sight. The windows blazing against the morning sun, creating the perfect look.

I was going to work in this company, and I was happy about it. Everything seemed so perfect.

My eyes widened in shock at the sight in front of me as I entered the lobby. Footsteps approached, as each one walked steadily to and fro the place.

It was different from the sight I saw the previous day. Everyone was calm, each one to its own work. But today, it was loud. Everyone was on their feet.

My thoughts were broken by a voice as I turned abruptly." Miss. Is everything okay? You have been standing there for a while, which is not really the best thing to do presently."

"Um. Everything is fine. I just got a job here. Why is everywhere tense?" I quickly spoke, hoping to get a reason why the place seems to be in an up heave.

"Oh. You can reach out to the Manager's office. Apparently, there will be some transfer of workers, as the CEO in charge demanded."

I nodded at her words mouthing a thank you, as she left

I reached out, my legs taking me to the front of the elevator leading to the Manager's office, with a thought in mind: Never to be transferred.

Everything seemed so programmed, and I knew for a certainty that something seemed off somewhere even though I could not place what it was.

Well, not until my eyes met with that of the Manager.

"Congratulations Miss Genevieve. You have been transferred back to our biggest branch in the United States."

One, two, three seconds passed as I stared at his right hand placed forward to congratulate me. I was shocked.

What the hell!

Yet, I could hear my inner self cautioning me to be calm.

"Wait, what?" The words finally spilled out of my mouth.

"Even though you are a graduate of Business Administration, your Résumé showcased some of the skills you have, and the branch company is interested in having you."

My heart beat more than usual, and I could not help but blame Anabelle for adding too much information to my CV. She must have included quite a lot about my skills.

"But sir, is there nothing you can do to stop me from getting transferred? I chose this company because I felt it was the best for me. Please do something about this sir," I pleaded. I said a silent prayer hoping he would change his mind.

The look on his face says otherwise. He breathes out gently, before beckoning me to sit.

I sat with my head wagging with so many thoughts. Going back to the States meant many things, and involved going back to face my past, which I wasn't ready to.

"You have potentials Miss Genevieve, and I'm afraid this company does not suit you perfectly. Going through your CV made me not object to you getting transferred. Our United States branch company needs talented people like you. I'm sorry Miss, but this transfer is an order from above and there is nothing I can do about it. Your flight has been booked for tomorrow."

My words got stuck to my throat and that was when I realized it was better to keep silent. There was nothing I could do.

I said a quick thank you before I strode out of the room.

I didn't wait any longer, as I left.

Stepping outside, I felt a gust of wind, the scenes from the past week suddenly hitting me more than ever before.

It was a bad day for me, and thinking about it only made me sad. Not only was I transferred back to the States, but my flight was booked for tomorrow.

It felt really weird that all this was happening. But then, at a second thought, I felt like staying over in New Zealand instead of going back, but now it seemed impossible since the company had booked my flight.

And I doubt if my savings will be enough if I thought of staying over searching for a job. What if my College got a wind about the fact that I didn't go along with the job offer transfer. After all, they made it easy and possible for me to get a job with a good pay.

I facepalmed, feeling so exasperated. Walking down to my apartment was not enough to brood over the million thoughts going on in my head.

I opened the door to my room, as I slumped on the bed, staring at the ceiling. I've only been in Zealand for two days, and the sudden dread of what could go wrong was boldly written over me.

My phone rang jolting me out of my reverie as I stared at the screen. A sigh of relief left my mouth as I picked the call instantly.

"I've been transferred back to the United States."I dropped the bomb before she could say her first word.

"What? Why?" I rolled my eyes at her constant use of those words, especially in the state of shock.

"Apparently, there is a need for more recruits at the headquarters there. And judging by my skills and educational background, I fit in better there."

I sighed, picking myself off the bed. "Was there nothing you could do? This seemed rather forced." She voiced out.

"I begged the Managing Director 'a thousand times'. My flight had been booked already. So, by tomorrow, I jet. I hope I would still be welcomed at your place." I creased my forehead at the thought of seeing any of my foster parents.

Just thinking about going back gave me the creeps.

"It's fine. You are always welcome. But don't you think you should forgive them already, especially your mum. She is distressed about you."

I shook my head at Anabelle's lamentation. If only she knew what I was passing through. Of course, she knew. She was just too merciful and forgiving perhaps to a fault.

"I'm thinking of finding a new job here, but the odds are against me. What do you think I should do?" I asked, hoping it would be good enough to talk about something else.

"Seriously? Anyway, do as you like." She hissed, as I could sense the irritation in her words.

"Maybe we should talk later." I stated.

"No. I have something important to say." A small smile crept to my lips, as she spoke.

I knew she couldn't be angry forever.

"Hit me," I said. I used that opportunity to open a bottle of water, as I gulped it down in one go, before letting out an exhilarating breath.

"Don't you think it is weird that you are suddenly transferred? I mean..."

There was a knock on the door, stopping her from speaking further.

"Someone is at the door. Can we talk later?" I asked, heading for the door.

The call ended as I opened the door.

My eyes met with a pair of brown eyes, my heart skipping slightly at how a stranger ended up at my door.

"Hi ma'am. I'm here to deliver this to you."

With a smile plastered on his face, he finally spoke.

"I didn't order," I refuted, as his brows creased.

"It's a delivery from someone. He requested for it to be delivered to Miss Genevieve Armstrong." He broke the ice, my brain freezing for seconds.

"Ohhhh." I mouthed, my head spinning around, who might want to give me something.

I haven't made any friends in Zealand. The only person who came to mind was the Managing Director. But why on earth would he want to give me something?

He wasn't so nice this morning.

I groaned inwardly.

He handed a box shaped like stuff, covered with embroidery design and ribbon.

"Here it is. You can sign here."

I nervously wrote down my initials and slightly crossed it, before holding on to what seemed like a gift.

I bade the delivery guy before shutting the door behind me, my hand clamped against the gift.

Settling on my bed, different thoughts fought against opening the stuff. What if it was a time bomb?

My heart accelerated at the thought of it, as I dropped it on the bed.

" What could be the worst that could happen?" I could hear my subconscious winding in on me.

I untied it gently, only to reveal a golden box, which glittered like never before. It was beautiful with a gem shape design.

Anticipation kicked in as I was more than eager to know what was inside.

My eyes widened in admiration at the sight of what I saw. A bracelet. A rounded one with black and blue imprint of a gem shape alongside three letters boldly written on it: GEM. I was lost staring at it.

Curiously, I placed it on my wrist as it fitted well. It was like the most beautiful thing I have ever seen in a long time. Simple yet beautiful.

It was better than the one Bryan gave me, which I had intentionally burnt after we broke up.

I swallowed the lump of saliva in my throat suddenly realizing I didn't know who sent it.

My eyes picked the little piece of white paper folded in the box, as I picked it, slowly opening it.

"TO THE GEM OF MY LIFE."

Those were the words on the paper, leaving my heart melting. Yet, there was only one question in my mind.

Who sent it?