THE CEO'S PERFECT MATCH

Daisy returned home late in the afternoon feeling so tired and used up. She dumped her bag on the cushion and slumped there for a while, being sad for herself.

She had just returned from a job hunt and it was obvious that the search for job didn't go well as planned. She was angry at herself for overreacting or acting up, when she would have been as quiet as a dove, which she really was. For so she thought.

She said loudly but to no one in particular. "I mean, how would I have known that the little man who was hopping up and down, showing off, how would I have known he was the interviewer. They don't behave so silly as he did. It's not my fault, yes, it's not my fault. I only told him the truth about himself, he should be grateful." She consoled herself, in a way not to feel guilty for flopping her interview.

She tried to cheer herself up by telling herself that, the man was only rude, while she, on the other hand was honest and straight forward, which was a good value every company should look out for in an employee.

But, as she thought about the interview, she felt worse and started hitting herself. She regretted ever acting the way she did. She could have gotten the job.

This was her fifteenth time going for a job hunt that month and all had proven abortive. She felt like giving up, getting herself all drunk and maybe, hit by a rich man who would take care of her afterwards.

Now deep in thought, she continued, "what if the rich man hits me and I loose all my memories and I can't even remember my name again? Huhh! she gasped, putting her left hand over her mouth.

"No no no no. I won't suffer from amnesia. I'm just too young to suffer that." She encouraged herself for sometime.

Daisy felt so bad knowing that she could have done better, not letting her temper get a hold of her.

Looking at her bag which was becoming so worn out, she sighed deeply, wishing it would all end. It had been a year and six months since she graduated from the University, with a second class upper, in business consultation. Yet, it had been very difficult to get a single job. She was tired of the whole thing and was slowly giving up.

She only stayed for about two months after graduating before venturing off in search of a job. She thought it was going to be an easy one, but it turned out that it was quite tougher than she thought or imagined it to be.

She was the second child of her parents, her elder sister had disappeared few months after her graduation and no one ever heard of her or knew her whereabouts. That was about five years ago. Now, she had three siblings to look out for, with her parents, though separated.

Her mother, Mrs. Kute has been disturbing her about getting a good job, so she can help fend for her younger siblings.

She tried working for an average restaurant for two months and was earning just enough to feed herself and a little to send home. But, when her mother found out the kind of job she was into, she scolded her and made her stop it without hesitation.

She went back into the mess she was once into. Carrying her files every single day in search of a white collar job, with a very nice office, a good computer, an air conditioner, good lunch for workers and a fairly weekly stipends from the manager or CEO as giveaways.

She drooled in her imagination as she fantasied herself in a well furnished office, enjoying her job as a new recruit and running little errands for her boss or bosses who definitely wouldn't give her trouble.

She could see herself dressed corporately, on a nice heels and bouncing hair, smiling at her colleagues and showing off her attractive dimples as she walks into her office, ready to start off the day's work.

That would be a dream come true if any of that eventually happens someday, she thought.

She needed to do something about her present situation as soon as possible, or she's likely to run back into her restaurant job without letting anyone find out about it. Her friend, Stacy had been helping her for the time being and it was high time she started doing something about bill payment in the house.

She wasn't paying for the rent, nor was she contributing to the house bills. She didn't spend money on food nor provisions either. She was more like a little unharmful begger who has no choice than to succumb to whatever she saw. Luckily for her, Stacy was a very easy-going person and let her have whatever she wanted. She knew the condition she was into, so she doesn't bother her at all about expenses.

She was grateful to have a friend that was that nice, or else, she might have been found sleeping on the streets.

She stared at the envelope containing her credentials for sometime and hissed loudly. She had the urge to throw the envelope into the waste bin in the backyard and perhaps, end it all.

The job search had been giving her a lot of headaches lately. None of the places she had been to that month had called her back. Most of them had about two days for that and she usually got a rejection email from all of them.

She wondered if she was cursed from getting a job, because she couldn't fathom what the problem was. Perhaps, she was getting it, but she was missing something.

"What could that be? She wondered deeply. "What could be the problem? Is there something I am missing? She murmured to herself.

She decided to wave it off and keep trying, till she gets what she wants. After all, she quotes,

"Not getting a job is like failing, and failing doesn't mean I'm a failure. So, I should keep trying but never give up, because that's the real definition of a failure." She said to herself, trying so much not to feel bad.

Finally summoning up courage to get over the incident of constant rejections she had been facing, she picked up her file from where she had tossed it and got up from the sofa, then she headed to the room.

She took a shower quickly and dressed into a soft, light cloth. Looking at herself in the mirror, she saw that her hair was really unkempt and bushy already, but then she had no money to change styles.

"Arghhhh! She screamed at herself in the mirror, holding out her hair and staring angrily. "How do I even get cash to make a new one." She murmured sadly and that made her face look squeezed and she became uglier than reality.

The more she thought about it the angrier it made her. All of a sudden, she remembered a quote she stumbled on one time, which said, "when you are so angry that you feel like you're going to explode, smile. Yes, smile, that will make you much better."

At the thought of that, she decided to change her approach towards what and the way she was feeling, and act like the quote said.

"Wait a minute? How am I gonna laugh when I'm actually very angry. That's insane, is that even gonna work? She asked herself, thinking deeply.

She recalled another quote by the same author, which was thus, "since you've been so angry at yourself, what good tidings has it yielded? If not negativity and low self esteem, so smile!

She decided that, she would actually try smiling when she was angry. Maybe, that would actually in a way change her perspective of how she views life.

First, she was going to force herself to smile, perhaps that would help her out. Thinking deeply about it, she realized that all her worrying and getting mad at herself for flopping at an interview have never yielded to anything, rather it made her lose hope in getting a job.

She stared intently at herself in the mirror and tried to force herself to smile. It didn't work out, she couldn't do it.

"Wow. How is it so difficult for me to smile? She wondered.

She let go of her hair, used her fingers to shape her lips do it looks like she was actually smiling.

"Good girl! You can do it."

She left the bathroom to the bedroom and picks up her phone. She scrolled to her music playlist and selected one of her favorite hip-hop songs. Connecting it to her bluetooth speaker and increasing the volume, she started dancing to the rhythm of the song.

The song was quite helpful as she danced and sang the lyrics with the singer.

She headed to the kitchen to make something she could eat as she was hungry. Getting to the kitchen, she realized that the stew remaining was quite small, so she decided to leave it for her friend, which she thought was the best idea.

She poured some cups of water into the pot, to prepare noodles, which was quite easy to make. As she was cooking, she was dancing. After a while, she was absorbed by the music and had totally forgotten her fate.

Daisy noticed that her phone had stopped playing the music she assigned it to. She frowned, wondering what put a stop to it.

She put down the fork she was using to eat on the plate, got up and headed to the room where her phone was. By this time, she could hear her phone ringing. "Who dares disturb my peace this early afternoon." She said, in a loud voice.

As she left the kitchen to the room to go check out the caller, she heard the doorbell ring.

"Oh damn it." She whispers, under her breath and moved to the sitting room instead.

"Hold on, hold on. I'll be right there. Please!" She yelled, hoping whoever was at the door would listen.

She got to the door, unlocked it forcefully and yanked it open.

"Ohh! Stacy." She said excitedly, now reducing her voice and acting so gentle and mild.

Stacy walked past her into the sitting room and sat down, looking so tired. "Seriously, are you deaf now? Geez, like I literally stayed out for almost 10 minutes even after knocking and using the bell. Damn, what's with you today? She asked, making gestures with her hands as she spoke, like she was giving a presentation.

Daisy not knowing if she was annoyed or not kept mute, to watch her reaction to avoid making the issue worse.

Stacy removed her shoes and sighed lightly in deep relief. "Ohh, that was really painful. Gosh. Sometimes I wish I can go barefoot in the office. This is tough." She complained to no one in particular.

"Sorry about that. But, I guess you'll have to bear this for a little while, because this is just Monday. You have the rest of the week to go to work. Maybe, you'll have to change it, for something more comfortable." Daisy opined.

Stacy sighed. "That's the problem." She said, hissing loudly. "I always have to wear heels to the office because I need to appear classy. I'm really getting tired of it."

"You don't have a choice now, do you?" Daisy asked in a more calmer tone. She wished she had a job at all, would she be complaining about what she is being asked to wear? Not when it makes her look like she's a rich working class lady.

"I wish I do have a choice seriously. I'm glad my boss is not so tough. That's one of the reasons I vehemently refused transferring from my department to a different one. Some of these top workers think they have made it in life by bossing people around."

"Hahahaha. That's very normal really. You might do same when you're in their shoes as well, so don't blame them so much." Daisy replied.

She shrugged lightly, then turned towards

Daisy abruptly, like she just remembered something.

Daisy stared back at her and asked, "what is it? Using her body gestures.

"Yeah, uhm, how about the job interview you went for? Stacy asked, letting go of what she was doing and kept staring at her like she was expecting something new this time.

"What about it? Daisy asked, not ready to bring up the fact that she flopped her job interview again, this time, the fact that it was evident that it was all het fault made it quite difficult for her to spill it out.

Confused, Stacy shook her head. "What do you mean? You, you didn't get the job? She asked, wide eyed.

Daisy nodded casually at Stacy, then walked to the sofa and sat right across her. She knew Stacy would feel bad for her and maybe try to make her happy by offering to lend her some of her fancy dresses, or perhaps offer to take her out to see a movie or buy food for her, just to make Daisy feel like nothing happened. But, Daisy felt she was really over all that. She had gotten so used to it that it had turned like a constant ritual. She wanted something good for herself, something that would make her feel like her days in college weren't a waste.

"Oh no, not again." Stacy said, giving that unpleasant look. "What happened this time around? Did you miss a question? We practiced almost all night? What got bad this time? She asked in total disappointment in her voice.

Daisy shrugged lightly, not knowing what to say or how to say it. "It's past already girl. I just, I just." She stopped talking, trying not to cry as she could feel the tears forming in her eyes already.

Stacy left her position to where Daisy was seated and sat beside her, holding her left hand gently and tapping her calmly on her back.

"Hey, it's okay alright. It's gonna be fine." Stacy consoles her. "I know we might have said this exact thing frequently but, I know something big will definitely come." She whispered in Daisy's ears, to relieve her of the sadness that could have erupted.

"Stacy, I'm tired of waiting for so long. It's so disheartening and frustrating." Daisy complained. "You know, I have tried what I can do, but it doesn't seem like I have done enough, but I have tried, really. What do I do? Am I slowly losing it? sobbing uncontrollably.

Stacy tried as much as she could to calm her down, but to no avail as Daisy was really down in tears and pouring her out heart out to her and there was nothing she could do about it.

"Daisy, Daisy come on. You know crying won't solve the problem right now. Let's figure out a way to work this out. Please stop crying." Stacy pleaded, not comfortable with the way her friend was behaving.

Daisy stopped crying, then looked up at her. "What do you think I should do? I'm thinking of going back to that restaurant to know if Mr. Joash would take me in. At least, I was making little cash there and I could add to the house bills and even groceries. It's not..."

"Stop it Daisy." Stacy cut in, in annoyance and got up. "Have I complained a single day about the bills? Have I ever? Haven't I made you feel so at home ever since you joined me?

Daisy nodded, now in tears, then used the back of her palm to wipe it.

"Daisy come on. You are my friend and I love you seriously. I don't want you to feel like you are a burden to me. Honestly, since you came here I've become more alive. I would come home from work and have someone interesting to talk to. You make me feel more lively than my usual self and I can't trade it for anything." Stacy confessed, becoming very emotional.

Daisy stopped crying by this time. "I'm sorry Stacy. I know all of this, but I feel you'll understand better if you were in my shoes. I want to be responsible for what I do, for my bills, for my siblings, for my mother. I want to be that lady my mother would be proud of. I am not asking for too much." She answered calmly.

Stacy nodded and wiped the little tears that had fallen on her cheeks. She cleared her throat and spoke. "You're right Daisy. Perhaps, I'd understand better if I'm in that position. So tell me, what do you think you want to do this time? I will gladly give you whatever support you might need."

"Well, I'm thinking of taking back the job at the restaurant, if it's still vacant." Daisy replied without thinking about it.

Stacy frowned when she said that. She didn't like that kind of job and felt Daisy was too big for that job and wasn't a job worth trying. "I don't want that for you, say something else."

"Come on, I have been idle since I stopped it, I can't even think of something else. It's the easiest I can get around here. Or, do you have one for me? Daisy asked.

"Well." Stacy said and paused for a while, before speaking up again. "A job came in today, but I don't think you can actually do it. I have a slot for it though, but, damn, it's quite, urghhh!

"What job is that? Daisy asked, in curiosity.

"You know Mr. Dash, the CEO of this company I work with.."

Daisy cuts in, "the tough one that hardly smiled at people? The sadist?

"Exactly. The stone hearted sadist, damn! That man is the most scariest person I have ever, ever seen. His presence alone gives me goosebumps. I swear that I have almost wet myself the very day he mistook me for one of his direct staff. I'm just so glad I don't work directly under him, I would have resigned myself."

"Geez, is he that bad? Hmm, I would love to meet that monster of a human." Daisy said in amazement.

"He's that bad girl. I can't even stand him for a minute. He's that bad."

"So, what about him? Daisy asked, inquisitively, wanting to know why she brought him up.

"Well uhm. Today, his contract with his secretary Joan, expired. She, I mean Joan said she does not want to renew the contract with CEO Dash, so she left after getting her end contract pay. So, as it stands now, Mr. Dash the sadist doesn't have a secretary and he's in dire need of one." Stacy finished.

"What do you think? Should I try my luck this time around? Perhaps, I might be lucky." Daisy suggested smiling calmly to herself.

"Daisy, the problem isn't about the job, it's about the person you'd be working with. Guess what?

"What?

"He changes secretaries every three months and since two years and few months I've worked with him, none of them have worked more than one contract. They all disappeared after their three months contract expired." Stacy explains

"Disappear? Like, they do not exist again or something? Like they get killed or what? Daisy asked in shock and fear.

"No no no, not that. I mean, they never came back for a second contract. That's a proof that, the man is just so evil. Now, if you're really planning on working with that type of a being, you should be ready to do all sort of rubbish."

"When you say rubbish, what exactly do you mean? Can you be a little more specific? Daisy asked.

"Like, sleeping over at the office alone, just to make sure you complete the day's job before resuming the next day. You know why? Because he does not tolerate seeing any unfinished jobs." Stacy answered.

"And what if someone doesn't finish up?

Stacy widened her gaze like she had seen a ghost in one corner. "He'll break your neck and feed you to the swine."

Daisy frowned, knowing she was playing with her mind. "Come on, be serious. This is business we are talking about right now."

"You mean you are serious about going to take the job? Stacy asked, sitting down closer to Daisy and staring at her in surprise mixed with anxiety.

"Yes, I don't mind. What's the duration again? What was that you mentioned?

"Three months." Stacy answered less concerned.

"Cool, not bad for a beginner. So, what is the pay like? Any idea?

"Well, it's actually the pay that attracts a lot of them who have worked with him. But, just few weeks of working for him, they are screaming their lungs out."

"Just answer me Stacy."

"Okay okay. It's $1000." Stacy answered.

"Oh my goodness. That's twice your pay. Damn, that's like five times of my salary in Mr. Joash restaurant. I think I'll take it, I'm not going to sleep on this."

"Well, be ready to pay the price though. Anyway, that's weekly pay, not monthly."

"Are you f**king kidding me? Daisy exclaimed in amazement. Totally flabbergasted by the amount of money she mentioned.

"I'm not. Since, you are interested in it, you can go for it. Meanwhile, don't bother asking for help when you start facing a lot in there, because, I'll be busy doing my job." Stacy replied seriously.

Jumping up from the sofa with force, Daisy started dancing around the sitting room with so much excitement and happiness.

"Gosh Stacy, I feel I'm going to get this job. Oh my goodness, I can see myself swimming in money, damn damn damn. Mom would be so happy for me when I finally get this job Stacy. You know, I wouldn't have to be avoiding mom's calls again. I will have some cash to pay for Jacob's classes and for Daniel's school as well. Oh my goodness, I'm definitely getting this job." Daisy said hitting the air and screaming happily at the top of her voice.

"Are you sure you are ready for this job? Hope you can fulfill all the conditions that would be required of you, right? Don't forget who you're dealing with, the sadist we all hate." She paused briefly, then continued, "Wow, I can't believe you'd like to work with our enemy. Well, that's the choice you made for yourself. Don't forget how I tried to talk you out of it."

"Stacy, Stacy. Let me try it come on. Don't be so negative about it. There's a possibility that he might even change when I start working with him, you know I'm that kind of a person." Daisy said in a bid to melt Stacy's heart.

"Hahahaha. That won't happen even in your wildest dreams, so don't just go there. Anyway, I've told you the part I know well about him, just make sure not to do anything stupid when you start facing your bad moments with him."

"I've heard you, I've heard you. I'll try my best not to do anything stupid. So, uhm, can I apply for the job tomorrow morning? What do you think?

Stacy paused for a moment, then replied. "Well, yeah. I think that will be just the best for you. Since the lady's contract expired today, the job hunt could start from next week. So, if you go tomorrow, you'll be at a more advantageous spot than the rest of your competitors."

"Hmmm, is that so? That means, I'll prepare for tomorrow then. But, why should the job hunt start next week instead of this week, if the CEO really needs a secretary as you said? Daisy asked, quite confused.

"Not much of a big deal. The CEO gives all the employees a slot each to find someone within this week. The truth is that, no one has ever come from the employees. Of course, we all know how he behaves and no one would actually love to bring anyone to that position. As a matter of fact, we'll have to act like we don't know each other, because, I won't want anyone terming me a bad person when they find out that you're my friend." Stacy finished.

"Hahahaha. Oh my gosh, that was so hilarious. Really? You know I can be crazy at times. Even if you decide that you'll pretend not to know me, I'll make them know." Daisy said, laughing uncontrollably.

"You silly girl. Anyway, we are likely not to stumble on eachother, because, my office is quite different from where you'll be. Remember, you'll be working very closely with Mr Dash the sadist CEO."

"Whatever! Just help me with the documents I should need for tomorrow, so I don't miss out."

"That won't be a problem."

Stacy listed out all the documents she would likely need for the job application. Stating that it usually took about two days for the job application to be reviewed, so that means that in two days, Daisy should be expecting to return for a job interview.

That evening, Daisy prepared all the documents Stacy mentioned and made sure that they were all intact for the next day. Stacy gave her one of her fancy classic wear, so she can look presentable and with high taste to whoever she would submit the job application to.

Waking up that morning feeling excited and more relaxed than she was the previous day, Daisy, had the feeling that she was going to get this job and she had never felt this way before in a very long time.

She had to remind herself that she was only going to submit her job application letter and get information on when she would return for the interview, so she doesn't get disappointed if something bad happend, though she hoped and prayed that it doesn't.

Stacy on the other hand left quite earlier than Daisy, as that was the nature of her job which she had to keep up to daily. She wished her friend a successful job application and promised to give her a treat if she eventually gets the job as a means to support her.

At exactly 8 o'clock that Wednesday morning, Daisy took her bag with her file containing all the necessary documents and dashed out of the house to start her day with another job hunt.

The company was about twenty minutes drive from her house, so she waited to get a good cab before flagging it down.

** **

Daisy stood in front of the company and stared at it for over five minutes. This was her first time coming to this place as she had never had any reason to, even though her friend worked there.

It was magnificent and very beautiful. She noticed a lot of people comment about it's beauty as they walked past. She started visualizing herself on her desk in her office as the secretary of the CEO of this magnificent company. She made up her mind immediately that she was going to do everything she could in her own power to get this contract the second time. She would make sure her stay here became a memorable one. If only she knew what she wished for.

She walked gallantly past the door to the first receptionist she saw when she walked in.

"Hello, good morning pretty lady." Daisy said amicably.

The lady smiled adoringly at Daisy. "Good morning ma'am. How may I help you today? She asked, smiling calmly.

"Please, I need the right direction somewhere I need to be right now."

The lady nodded prompting her to continue with her explanation.

"Okay. Uhm, I'm here for a job application, but I need the right information on where I am submit to the necessary documents." Daisy explained confidently.

"Oh, a job application. Well, I can't give you the exact description, because we have different sections of jobs here and you can't submit your application in the same place. So, what position are you applying for? The young lady asked still smiling.

Daisy hesitated for few seconds before answering. "Uhm, the position of a secretary." She answered lightly.

"The position of a secretary." The lady replied, typing something on her laptop. "Okay, to whom exactly, do you have an idea? Oh you want to apply for any secretary position available?

"The secretary to the CEO." Daisy answered calmly. "I heard it's vacant at the moment."

The lady stared intently at Daisy and for a moment didn't say a word to her. Finally, she spoke up, rather in a whisper.

"This job you want to apply for? Did you ask questions properly before coming here? I mean, hope you are aware about what you are going for exactly? She asked like she was feeling pity on her.

Daisy nodded. "Yes, I have asked questions properly and I know exactly who I am likely to work for, that's if I get the job."

The lady shrugged and gave Daisy direction on how to go about it and who she should meet after using the elevator on the right hand side of where she stood.

She thanked the receptionist profusely and went ahead to continue her journey. The look she observed on the receptionist's face was a confirmation of what Stacy had mentioned.

Within few minutes, she stepped out of the elevator and looked around for a while. She noticed that everywhere was quite lovely, even more than she expected.

It was still early, so she thought. Perhaps, they were yet to resume their jobs for the day. She smiled as she envisioned herself as one of the staff she saw as she walked to the place she was asked to go to.

She saw some workers chatting happily on their table as she walked past. She was taking note of every single actions she came across.

She got to one of the topest floor, where the CEO's office was and where she was likely to start working in. She became quite confused as to why Stacy said he was a sadist, if his close workers could be as free as this. That was except if he, the CEO wasn't in office at the time, or he became less a sadist and decided to embrace happiness. Stacy said that was the last thing that would ever happen though, but she, Daisy felt it was possible.

Daisy walked to the table of a guy which matched the description the receptionist gave her and called to his attention.

"Good morning sir." She greeted formally, making sure the smile on her face looked real.

The guy looked up from his computer and stared at the lady in front of him. It was a strange face, so he went ahead to ask.

"Good morning. Please, call me Mark, no need for the formality. So, please, how may I be of service to you, this beautiful morning?

"Oh, noted. I came to submit my application for the position of the secretary to the CEO. I was informed that this was the right place for submission." Daisy answered.

"Yeah, yeah. You're at the right place. You are actually the first person to apply for this new job offer. I guess you had an insider information." The guy said staring at her.

"I guess you can say that. Well, I have all my documents ready. Can I submit them now?

"Yeah, you can. Let me have them. He requested.

Daisy handed it over to the guy, Mark. The guy collected the file from her and took out some documents from it. He scanned everyone of it, before finally handling it back to her.

"You'll get a mail from us soon. So, please, get ready for your physical interview in two days time." He said, smiling.

Daisy thanked him and gave that fake smile she had prepared. She arranged her documents properly, before trying to put them in her file.

Just then, she noticed an extremely odd silence envelope the place. It was something that she didn't quite understand at first. The chattering had stopped, the little discussions and monologues had stopped and when she turned around to observe more, she saw everyone quiet and working on their tables. She became a little confused but waved it off waved it off. But then, she heard this distinctive and mild footsteps approach her, so she had to look up almost instantly.

She saw the mysterious man who she might have to start working with. He was far handsome than she ever imagined, though she could see that trace of coldness on his face and his eyes. Still, he was quite attractive for a man of such attributes.

He walked some distance passed her, stopped and then turned to Mark.

"Mark, are you busy?

"Yes sir." Mark answered in a jitter, even though he tried to comport himself.

"What are you doing? The CEO asked in that thick voice of his.

"I'm working on a job application sir. It's about the secretary position."

"The secretary position? Is she? He asked, eyeing Daisy.

Mark nodded before replying, "yes sir, she just applied for the job."

"Good. Bring her to my office right now." He said and walked to his office, with one of his escorts following from behind him.

Daisy felt this cold aura around her and fear gripped her. So, for the first time since she agreed to go for this job, she felt the urge to turn around and forget about the application. But, it was too late. Mark walked her to the CEO'S office and waited for her to be called in. Her heart almost jumped out of her chest when she heard that tough voice ask Mark to bring her in.