Thank you for giving this story and it's fellow author your precious time and a chance. this story is a journey through my imagination. Every person has something or the other to explore and generate about themselves, for me, my stories help me to get through these lanes. This was also my very first story ever, so this one is a lot more precious to my heart and I hope each and every reader would enjoy reading :D
Some points before you get into the story.
1. English is not my first language.
2. If you find any grammatical errors or plot errors, please comment in the comment section.
3. Unnecessary hate comments will not be entertained.
4. Constructive criticism is always appreciated. You can either comment or feel free to DM the author.
5. This is an original piece of writing. If you encounter any plot similarities with some other works you've read, then it's pure coincidence.
6. Unedited, but the author is going to start editing it soon.
7. This story has some cliché office romance shit, so read at your own risk.
I know you'll enjoy reading this story as much as I did, writing it. I'm sure you'll appreciate it and I'm thankful that we are going to be a part of this book.
©Sugarfairy1976
Do not republish or copy
Chloe's POV
I stare at the window, looking at the sky outside, noticing sun rays filling the ambience with a calm energy. My entire room glowed, though it was a long day.
'I knew exactly what to do, but in a much more real sense I had no idea what to do.' Michael Scott said. I shifted my eyes to the L.E.D screen taking a deep breath.
"I feel you, man." I said, using the minimal energy my body retained.
You must be wondering how can a woman in her mid-twenties, sit so ideally, doing nothing. Right?
Why aren't you telling us your age?
Bruh, I'm a woman! Maintain some decency. But, I'm not too old, so, I'll tell you, my age. I'm twenty-six.
Ha! Boomer.
Keep your trash opinion to yourself. Well, usually I'm in my office but today I'm at home, getting bored. Let me explain the reason behind that. I got fired for my rude behaviour towards one of my colleagues, Barry Parker. And I am definitely going to point out the fact that he's a fucking asshole.
Of course, a man who is a womanizer, an arrogant human and someone who takes advantage of females at the workplace can never be respected. At least from my perspective. So, just like any typical office day, I was sitting on my desk, reviewing the project proposal file which our company, The Velvet Corporations, recently had signed. It was all fine till 'Barry the asshole' showed up.
"Hey babe! What are your plans for tonight? Want to go on a long drive?" he said with a disgusting smirk plastered on his face. I didn't even spend my energy to look up to his face.
While staring at the file I had in my hand I simply said, trying to avoid making any conversation with him "No, I'm not really interested."
"Feisty huh? Pretty girls like you suit the best with someone who can take care of you." he said.
I chuckled and said "How long did it take you to come up with that one?"
"You think you're slick? Huh?" he said getting annoyed.
"Yes, I am." I said, resuming my eyes towards the sheet.
"Your mom wouldn't think the same. Oh sorry, I forgot you don't have-" he said but wasn't able to complete his sentence.
That was the last thing that came out of his mouth. Not like he instantly stopped talking, but you can say, I shut him up. Picking up the vase and I threw it on his head, trying to practice my skills. And you know what? I'm still a player! The vase directly landed on his head, making him fall on the floor.
Yo! Throw Ball!
A huge hustle could be heard as everyone gathered around the noise of the vase hitting the floor. Luckily it didn't break and I couldn't possibly care less about the man-whore. But the next thing I knew was that I got an invitation for a 'cup of tea' in my boss' office. A 'cup of tea' is just a code word used by all the employees, used when we are invited, with due respect, to listen to the scolding from our boss.
"I never expected this kind of behaviour from you Ms. Cameron. I know you don't like Mr. Barry Parker, but losing your temper up to this level is intolerant." He said with a calm expression.
He looked serene yet it gave me anxiety. My palms were getting sweaty and I knew my intuition this time would not be wrong. Mr. Thompson, my boss, stood up from his seat and came closer to me, giving me an envelope.
"I'm sorry Ms. Cameron but you are fired. I really can't help it as Mr. Parker's father is one of the shareholders of this company. I know what kind of a douchebag he is, but I can't do anything, dear. I'm sorry." he said in a low apologetic tone.
So, this is how I got fired from the job. Even though Mr. Thompson said that if in future Mr. Parker leaves the firm, I would be welcomed to join back. But I personally have no interest there anymore, though I miss my colleagues and friends. And I'm also happy because at least Mr. Thompson knew that I was not wrong on my part. He himself stated that he's a douche!
It's been almost a week to that incident and I really don't regret throwing the vase on that good-for-nothing-unnecessary-piece-of-shit. Honestly, I feel like I'm finally free from that hell. An environment where the radiance and power of being a woman isn't taken into deep consideration, isn't a place to be a part of.
Well, I've applied to several other firms for the job but haven't got a call from any of them. And right now, I am sitting on my bed with a big bowl of chocolate ice-cream binge watching movies and television series.
>>
I was sleeping but I woke up to the sound of my phone ringing. I opened my eyes a little and the bright sunlight almost made me lose my eyesight. Tracing my phone while tapping around the table and bed, I finally found it. But before I could pick up the call, it was already declined. Stretching my arms, I yawned and realized I slept for almost the entire day. But I was completely refreshed, so I didn't actually mind sleeping for that long.
Standing up on my feet, managing to not lose balance, I reached my bathroom, engaging myself into my morning routine. Working for a few years now, I rarely get lazy in the shower, but I felt carefree for once, and ended up spending about forty-five minutes. Half of it dancing in the shower like I'm a professional stripper, but let's not go into details.
That's a special performance is only reserved for my towel, sorry fellas.
While drying up my hair, I checked my phone and found two missed calls from an unknown number. Without thinking much, I redialed the number. After ringing for a few seconds someone picked up the call
"Hello, Valentino Group of Industries, how may I help you?" a lady said in a sweet voice.
"Hey, umm, actually I got a call from this number a few minutes ago, but I couldn't pick it up." I said, moving towards the kitchen
"Oh, wait, let me check." She said.
"Yeah, sure." I said as I continued drying my hair with the towel.
"I am speaking to Chloe Cameron. Right?" The lady asked.
"Yes, I'm Chloe Cameron." I said, falling into the benefit of doubt without trusting my intuition completely, which I usually do.
"Good morning, Ms. Cameron. Your resume for the position of 'Personal Assistant' has been approved. So, you're requested to come for the interview, other details regarding the same are forwarded to your email." She said and it's safe to exaggerate I almost dropped my phone.
I could feel a sudden rush all over my body and my mind thinking about what I could wear. A very woman instinct, I know.
"Thank you so much ma'am." I replied happily.
"Have a nice day dear." she said very softly.
I slowly placed my phone on the counter and looked around to see if it's a dream. Lightly pinching myself, a winning smile evaded my face. An unimaginable trail of thoughts indulged my mind and I had to share it with my family. The only person who still gave me rights to use the word 'family' even though, I am an orphan. My heart beat was quick and blood rushed to my ears, my hands quickly dialed a number I never forget. Probably the only number I have memorised, other than my own.
"CLAIRE! GUESS WHAT?" I screamed when she picked up.
"Good morning, Ms. Cameron. Ms. Grey is coming downstairs, just a minute." I heard Jeremy, Claire's assistant's, voice from the other side of the phone.
"Oh! Jere! How have you been?" I said smiling.
I have known Jeremy for about three years now. He joined Claire's firm when he was a novice with no experience. Surprisingly, Claire hired him because Jeremy shared his name with one of Claire's exes. Claire enjoyed scolding Jeremy when he made little mistakes, because he was a rookie. But slowly she managed to uproot a diamond in the rough, out of him.
Claire's way of dealing might be burdensome to understand by most people she comes across, but she's a successful businesswoman for a reason. Well, because I always saved Jeremy from Claire, he ended up developing a huge crush on me. He never confessed, but made it pretty obvious and him being younger than me made it even cuter. This is why it is never a bad decision to talk to him. I might sound mean, but making him fluster is something I thoroughly enjoy.
"I am good, Ms. Cameron. Thank you." He said, in his meek voice.
"I have told you to not address me so formally! Are we not friends?" I asked chuckling, imagining how he must be blushing so hard.
"I'm sorry, Ms. Cameron, I just respect you a lot, I can't-" he said and I interrupted.
"Oh, come on Jere! Please call me Chloe, I would prefer that." I said, knowing very well he won't.
"I will try." I just am always in awe, seeing how well-mannered he is.
"Very good!" I said smiling.
"Stop flirting with the kid Cameron." I heard Claire and I pursed my lips rolling my eyes.
"You wish." I said, walking towards the couch, with my coffee mug entangled with my fingers.
"More like, he wishes." She said and laughed.
"Jeez, why are you so mean?" I said laughing with her.
"What? I'm just stating facts girl." She said, being the carefree asshole, she is. I love her.
Time passes a little too quickly with Claire, its almost fascinating to see how admirable our connection is. Maybe it's the level of comfort that has created this unbreakable nexus between us. If fate is something truly real, I am probably the luckiest girl on earth. I found a gem without even putting into consideration how important her presence is in my life.
I have known Claire since I was nineteen years old. My parents were divorced and my mother ended up becoming a drug addict, keeping in mind her drug addiction was a major reason for the divorce. The level was extreme that she almost sold me out one day. Sounds like a crime, doesn't it? I still have no idea how I escaped alive from that drug dealer's house. Some relationships are questionable, even after my mother barely treated me like anything but a commodity, I never hated her, I rather blamed the situation she was in.
'But would you do the same to your daughter if you ever fall in a situation like that?'
Claire's question always makes me fall into self-doubt. But, well, for the most part, I just never really had the guts or heart to loathe my mother. Her overdose didn't let her survive for too long, within a few months her condition deteriorated and she died. My dad did take the responsibility of becoming my official guardian but his wife didn't approve of another child being a part of their household. I respected their decision and didn't intervene much in their life. My father did help me completing my education though, which is the biggest help he could do. He still is my official guardian even though Claire always insists on her being my official guardian.
'I should just adopt you.' She always says whenever I talk about my family to lighten the mood. She makes me smile when I'm on the verge of falling into the deep ends of anxiety. Yet, a huge part of me feels empty, is it because I overthink scenarios? I honestly don't know, but I would really love for it all to end someday.
"So, you're going to work at the Valentino corporations? " She asked as I heard minor mumbling from behind. I knew she was probably busy. In my defense, she never tells me and talks to me, regardless wherever she is.
I'm not the one to blame entirely.
"Yeah. They seem good." I said reading the description of them firm online.
"They are one of the few multinational information technology companies in the country who has earned the most profit even in the stock market this year. Their CEO has been winning the award for the best businessman consecutively for two years now. I hate that guy, he's too good." I heard the competitive Claire; she sounds intimidating when she talks about business. My favourite trait about her.
"I will be working as your rival Ms. Grey." I said, chuckling.
"Yeah, right, that company can only steal you as their employee not as my best friend." She said, making me laugh.
"Yes ma'am." I said hearing her softly chuckle.
"I just hope you find good people there. Not jerks like in your previous job." I nodded to what she said.
Me giving way heavy input on this matter will result in Barry being wiped off of the face of this industry. Claire doesn't know what exactly happened because I know if she does, the demons in her head won't let Barry survive. I didn't want further tension so, I decided to rather take my feet out the mud. I just want a happy and safe place to live and work in, that matters the most.
The building was a beautiful existence, I couldn't get enough of how sophisticated everything looked. As I entered the place there was a dark walnut wood covering the entire huge left-hand wall, making it look intimidating but also very gorgeous.
The leather sofa with a fur rug over the back and an Indian blanket draped over the arm gave a feel of how expensive everything was. The far wall had a large painting of three jazz musicians dominating the centre, with bookshelves lining it on either side. In front of that reception was an upright piano and bench in dark walnut.
Hanging on the wall above the piano was an abstract painting of jazz musicians. Seems like the owner has a liking for music. There was a double door before the piano which led out to a patio, which was another place for the visitors.
The place looked more like a seven-star hotel rather than an office. Everything so expensive and lavish, gave a hint the owner definitely is a person of taste. I was very impressed. And don't blame me I have a thing for rich movable property.
Humph.
As much as I admired the sight, I was very anxious as well. Obviously, I wasn't there on a hangout, so as I took every step forward, my nervousness rose up. I was looking around when my eyes went in the direction of a beautiful lady in the reception area and I went towards the counter.
"Hello." I said, grabbing her attention.
"Yes dear, what may I help you with?" She asked politely.
"I received a message that I've been appointed as the new assistant for Mr. Valentino?" I said, making it more like a question.
"Oh yes, Chloe Cameron, right?" She said and I just nodded.
"I'll just inform and arrange a meeting. Alright? Till then you may sit in the waiting area." She said as she shifted her fingers to the keyboard.
"Okay ma'am. Thank you." I said with a little smile.
I walked down the lobby reaching the foyer which was again another room with rich furniture and dominating wood, and a fresh metallic scent covered the room. The yellow lighting gave it a sexy yet a sophisticated vibe. I entered and seeing I was the only one there, eased a little, though still very worried.
I opened my phone saw a text from Claire in the notification panel which said 'All the best my sunshine!'. A smile came on my lips when I saw that. She really is the most precious human; I genuinely have no idea what I would do without her.
>>
"I mean what can I say? I'm just the best." She said, taking a sip from the glass.
"Yes, you are indeed the best part of my life, but no more drinks, give it back." I said, leaning towards her in an attempt to take the glass from her hand, but she was quick enough to toss it in the other hand.
I furrowed my eyebrows getting irritated while she gave me her cheeky smile, closing her eyes as she clearly was super drunk. I sighed, shaking my head. I knew what happens when she gets drunk, so without wasting much time I called her driver to take her home.
"Bruce, don't tell Mr. Grey about her getting drunk again." I said as he helped me, making Claire sit in the car.
He nodded and went towards the driver's seat. "Bye Chloeeee, I love you." Claire sang, giving a flying kiss.
"I love you too. Take her home quickly, Bruce." I said waving at her while James nodded driving away.
I sighed as I watched the car going away, hoping they get home safe. Without wasting another second, my steps shifted towards the parking lot, dragging my feet to my car. Obviously, I was horribly tired so all I was thinking about was reaching home as soon as I could.
My steps became a little calmer as I saw my black beauty at a distance. The area was quiet and I could hear my heels stomping on the floor, loud and clear. But a very sudden uninvited thought came to mind.
"Am I forgetting something?" I said to myself recalling the entire night in order to let go of this uneasiness, I felt for no reason.
I checked my purse. Keys, credit card, perfume, chocolates, lipstick, my phone, Claire's phone, extra cash... wait a minute- why do I have Claire's phone? Why the hell is she so damn careless? I shook my head, sighing. I got an urge to check the club again, because it won't be a surprise if I see her purse lying on one of the couches, though I still decided to make a quick call to Bruce, before and I was right.
"Ms. Claire's bag isn't here, ma'am." He said.
I sighed.
"It's fine, I'll get it." I said, keeping my phone in my purse.
My body ached but I quickly entered the club again. It was almost midnight but the entire place was still crowded, probably even more people came in while I was outside. I faintly remember the place we were sitting at because it was near the corner but all the couches looked identical and it was hard to look for her handbag in the dark. I kept looking when I saw something on one of the sofas.
I bent for a clearer look when I heard someone from behind. "Nice ass." He said.
I stood up straight, rolling my eyes as I shook my head. I then turned around and saw him smirking. I said with a smile on my face, "Thanks. I know."
I turned back, continuing my search but some useless words again left his filthy mouth. "Want to have a drink with me."
"No." I said with an uninterested look.
"One drink won't hurt, honey." He said getting closer to me. The air around him was filled with the strong smell of alcohol. I stepped back, getting irritated.
"Do you not understand what 'no' means?" I said, furrowing my eyebrows.
"Aye feisty, I like it!" He said, holding my wrist as he smiled.
"Leave my hand." I said, in a calm tone.
"Oh come, just one drink." He said smiling as he pulled me with him.
"I said fucking LEAVE MY HAND!" I shouted as I jerked his hand with force, pushing him away.
He looked at me again and while he attempted to reach for my wrist again, I performed my favourite activity.
SLAP!
My fingers almost got printed on his cheek because I knew I hit him very hard. My own palm heated up which was satisfying to feel. He looked at me angrily with his eyebrows furrowed while his hand was placed on his hot red cheek. I raised my left eyebrow, giving him a disgusted look, walking away.
My mood was spoiled and I just wanted to get away from the place. But I heard him again, "How dare you fucking whore!"
I was a few steps away from home when I saw him with a few men standing around him while he said something to them pointing at me. My eyes widened in sudden fear and I knew I was in trouble. Are they going to hit me?
I mean you slapped him as well.
He was being a douche.
But they don't know that.
True. So, what should I do?
Run, you dumbass!
Oh yes! RUN CHLOE!
I ran through the crowd, pushing people aside while I kept looking back and saw them approaching. They were getting closer. My heartbeat increased as I saw them following me. My mind was growing blank and I had no idea what to do. I kept running in an unknown direction because I didn't know where I was heading to.
My mind was in a hustle when suddenly someone pulled me into a dark room. I was standing, facing the wall while the man stood behind me. Yes, it was a man because I could feel his tall figure towering over mine.
"Who are yo-" I tried completing my sentence but he kept his hand on my mouth, shutting me up as he said, "Shh!"
I felt helpless and scared to the core with questions lining up in my head like a trail of continuous fences. Everything was fussing up in my brain and now this stranger was holding me in a dark room alone. Yes, his hand was around my waist and his grip was tight. I could smell his strong cologne which surely seemed expensive.
All I could hear was my heart beating in every part of my body and his breath interrupting every thought that was invading my mind. I was out of ideas and just stood there, in the arms of a person I don't even know. I couldn't even see his face but I could feel his strong arms around me.
It was after a minute or so he whispered in my ear, "Go straight to your car and don't look back. Okay?"
I nodded as his hand was still around my mouth. Then he left me and I did as I was commanded to do. I quickly ran towards my car, though I kept looking around for any danger. I sat in my car and started it quickly, driving away. Taking a deep breath of relief, I realized I neither saw that stranger nor said thanks to him for helping me.
I wish I could meet him.
>>
"Excuse me, Ms. Cameron." I jolted up to a man's voice, coming back to reality.
"Huh- what?" I said, shaking my head slightly.
"Mr. Valentino is asking to meet you." He said.
"Ahh okay." I said, standing up from my seat, following the person.
The man guided me to the cabin door which was a huge wooden piece made with utmost delicacy and sophistication. The door itself echoed this man's power. I was nervous to meet the boss, and this anxiousness increased when I slowly knocked on the door, stepping inside. The room was freezing.
I realized something amazing. The office was almost double the size of my living room. The window was fully made up of glass which covered the far wall of the entire office. The sun rays were making their way inside but I shivered, taking in account of the cold room and perhaps my anxiety.
I looked around when my eyes landed on the reason for the goosebumps. It was not the air conditioner but the owner himself. He was sitting on his huge chair with a phone in his hand, wearing an all-black three-piece suit. Everything about the man was as beautiful as a dream. It felt like a crime looking at him.
His well-defined features and that sharp jawline gave me enough reason to stare, with his light brown hair glowing and one of his large curls falling over his forehead. They were a little messy but still looked perfect. His long eyelashes, almost touching his beautiful and smooth skin. He had the kind of face that stopped you in your tracks. I guess he must get used to that, the sudden pause in a person's natural expression when they looked his way followed by overcompensating with a nonchalant gaze and a weak smile.
Of course, the blush that accompanied it, was a dead give-away. I'm sure it made the girls fall for him all the more. His hand was occupied by a gold plated Armani watch which was looking exquisite on his wrist, suiting him. His gaze sent shivers down my spine, yet a clear need to still stare at him was alive in my head. He was the kind who looked effortlessly stunning.
I was staring with so much concentration that I didn't even realise he was asking me to sit. I only noticed him calling me, when he cleared his throat again as he said, "If you are done staring then you may please sit down."
"Huh?" I said, coming back to reality.
"Please have a seat Ms. Cameron." He again said.
Not even the first day and you're already making an amazing score to ruin your non-existent reputation. Fantastic! Blood rushed to my face as my ears heated up, getting embarrassed. I bit my lip trying to cope up with that self-humiliation. I was more upset because I didn't just make a fool of myself in front of my boss, but also an outstandingly handsome man.
I cursed under my breath as I sat on a comfortable sofa right in front of his desk. I saw him looking at me which made me tense. His mere gaze gave me a weird sensation of tickling that could be felt in my stomach. I never felt that way just by someone looking at me. This was something unusual.
He held up a file in his hand and after looking at it he said, "Chloe Cameron. Right?"
When my name left his mouth, he made eye contact with me and I nodded a little. My name had never sounded this sexy ever before, yet it made me anxious.
He kept looking through the file, flipping the pages and after a few seconds he said in his deep voice, "Welcome to the firm Ms. Cameron."
What? That's it? I got the job?
This is the world's shortest interview where the only question asked was the applicant's name.
Not even a proper question, rather a confirmation.
Exactly. Wait, am I in the right place and not in some illegal organization? I genuinely got scared thinking that this can be a possibility. I got so stunned for a minute. His voice was so demanding and scary in a weird way because his calmness gave me goosebumps.
"Any questions?" He said as he kept the file on the table and locked eyes with mine.
I gulped in a big sip of saliva to make my burning throat a little soft as I tried hiding my apple red face. "No, sir." I said in a low voice.
"Well, you will be sitting in my office because I may need you anytime and because your personal cabin is getting renovated." He said and I nodded.
"Now you may go to Zara. All the meetings are fixed for the day. So, you can just understand the work today. Alright?" He said, with absolutely no expression on his face.
I'd rather say, he was totally uninterested. But it's good because he won't bother me much and moreover, I was happy I got a better job with the bonus of a handsome boss, though he has a sculpted face.