The Price For Loving Mr. CEO

Oh my God!" Jane exclaimed.

My heart skipped a beat in response to Jane's sudden scream, fear got the better of me where I stood in the kitchen washing dishes. Jane was fond of screaming time after time as because it was her habit. Her screaming was worth ignoring, but we fail not to ignore her and it terrifies us whenever she does so, reason being that a time came when we took her screaming for granted having no idea she was screaming due to a severe health condition."

"Are you alright, Jane?!" I turned off the tap so to hear her response.

Jane wasn't saying anything which prompted my heart to throb non-stop, I was afraid that she might be in trouble again. Quickly, I left the kitchen to check up on Jane. Hurrying towards Jane's bedroom in apprehension, before I could get to her bedroom door.. she exclaimed again. Then I realized it wasn't a scream of pain but of joy. I froze in place, burning up in rage. Furious, I barged into the bedroom with the aim of letting it out on her.

"You're impossible! Why can't you grow up!" I snarled.

Oh, My!!!" Jane exclaimed so loud, ignoring me. I frowned upon her stubbornness. Even though my reaction annoyed Jane, she made sure to get back at me by exclaiming again.

"I suppose you stop screaming too much, you leave me wondering if you don't get migraines at all. You drew my attention for nothing " I warned.

"Did I? Of course not! I suggest you have a look at this first and then you'd know who's making a fool out of each other here." She requested along with a joyous gesture.

"Jane, I really don't have any time for your nonsense, I've got a lot of work to do. Unlike you who lock yourself up in your bedroom doing nothing."

"Please sweetie, come see, you'll like it, I promise. " She requested sweetly.

Normally I felt very much egoistical that I barely brought myself to do a very simple thing for people who are below my age and status. Jane might be exceptional, but I sometimes let my ego come between us. Since the reason felt tempting, I walked closer to her with a feigned frown which settled on my face as though I didn't want to see what she was so excited about. Believe me I was in dire need to see whatever it was. I sat next to her on the bed and then looked into her laptop.

"Oh my God!" I myself exclaimed, gaping at the screen.

For the first time in my entire life I saw a company which actually suits my aspirations. My whole life I had wanted to be a great fashion designer, a cosmetician and a skincare product producer. I attended schools and took lessons for it. Many years I searched for companies that accommodated my taste. But after a thousand research and effort, I found none.

Many are more times when I even found some where the bosses humiliates the workers like they were his slaves. I ended up running away from those jobs because I hate humiliation. Nevertheless, there I sat looking at the biggest one of my dreams, MARQUI.

Nevertheless, MARQUI wasn't just the only thing which caught my attention. The Director, Jolie spann.

He had a crush on me back in highschool and we attended same fashion lessons together at Lakeville. He hated fashion a lot, yet he attended fashion lessons because of me. We both had the same dream although his dreams were far from fashion alone unlike me. Everyone who knew us back then thought I was going to be the one to take the first step ahead due to my narcissistic and splendid behavior.

But there he was, what a world? The tables turned against me eventually. Jolie Spann and I had shared a lot of memories together, and in every bit of our memories were my misbehavior. There where I sat, I could feel my eyes burning up in hot tears which eventually dropped down to my cheeks already.

"Olivia, are you fine? You don't seem alright." Jane questioned as she noticed that I was in tears.

"Oh! Nothing" I denied and feigned a smile, wiping off the tears with my hands.

"Oh no, sister, there must be something. You're not so emotional, are you?" She kept a furrowed brow which suggested worry. She locked her gaze on my face waiting for my response.

Aye, too much pride and ego made me dispassionate. I tried keeping my sadness at bay with all my possible efforts, I couldn't even look into Jane's eyes anymore. She looked at me as though she was going to pull the words out of my mouth, thank God she doesn't read minds. I decided to try another lie if only it would be enough to win her over.

"I'm glad. This is what I'd been dreaming about for years, and I'm happy for your efforts to making me just what I wish to become of myself." I grinned forcefully.

Felt like words couldn't be enough to convince Jane. She locked her gaze on me, in fact she began shooting me a knowing glance this time. Everything felt like she saw the truth in my eyes. Jane sometimes used to be full of suspicion. 'Come on, you have to believe me for once', I urged in my mind. It felt like she caught me already the moment she gazed upon Jolie's photo ceaselessly.

"Jolie Spann, he's handsome. His name reminds me of Jolie dog." She said and chortled.

Huff, I eventually found relief. I was so thankful I didn't get to freak out and spill the truth. Jolie dog was what I preferred to call him because he had a dog I compared him with just to humiliate and ridicule him because he was quite unkept.

"So... there are six vacancies available for employment in MARQUI. Tell me, isn't that good news? Because I registered you online already...

"What! "You didn't have to!" I growled.

"Uh uh, look who just said she wanted this so badly?" Baffled, she reminded.

Shocked and nervous, Jane's action compelled me to lose guards. If I must avoid further complications and mishaps, then I would have to open up to her.

"Jane... I'm scared. Jolie dog is the director of MARQUI and.... I'm afraid I will see him again after all I have done to him. What will he do when he sees me?"

Jane bursted into a sudden laughter just after I opened up to her. "What's funny?" I frowned.

"You're funny, Olivia. Count yourself lucky that you have a smart sister such as I. I realized that earlier, so I took a proper care of it. I set things in order, and then I changed your identity. You're Madelyn Taylor now."

"Really! Jane, you're a genius. I'm really lucky to have you as my sister. You did a great job. You reduced my worries, thank you." I embraced her happily. Suddenly, my mood drifted to apprehension and doubt. "What if I get caught?"

"If I were in your place, I'll remain positive about my abilities and my thoughts as well. I suppose you stay positive. Just believe it's your moment to shine, and smile upon your anticipation." She demonstrated her last statement in a joyful manner.

I sat on a sofa and watched Jane explode in happiness, she seemed quite optimistic about the whole situation. I had so much of worries going on in my mind, Jolie especially. It would be a big shame to see him again after I covered myself with ego, underestimating and humiliating him. Including many other kids in both highschool and fashion tutorial. Only because I was super rich and I had the best skills. Heaven alone can tell what he says whenever he remembers me. "Lady pompous".

How was I to know that the world would move in circles for me? I was amongst the richest kids in Highschool and fashion school, and I took that as an advantage to hurt a lot of kids who liked me, especially Jolie. The future unfortunately turned the tables entirely against me that I just didn't become a loser but also a poor wretch. I lost my dad and ever since then ... Surviving has been quite difficult for us.

"You'll be leaving for your interview on Wednesday." Jane said, wearing a big smile on her face.

"What! On Wednesday? Isn't that a bit too close. It's such a short time, almost seem like no time at all."

"Actually you've got to hasten up. The clock is ticking already." Jane answered, ignoring my complain. " All you need to do now is visit that cleaning job of yours for the last time and let them know you're done for. This is the time for you to be Olivia Taylor and not Oliver Twist."

"Madelyn Taylor." I reminded.

"Suck it! Whatever."

"I must start getting ready now. You know, practice makes perfect."

"Enough of these practices, trust me, nobody has ever needed rehearsals like you do. Go away." Jane spoke in annoyance, frowning at me. "Do whatever suits you. I'll only speak for you in places where I can.

"Thanks for everything. I'm grateful for your support." Suddenly, my mood saddened again. "Jane." I called and she answered. "What if I don't pass my interview? What if I eventually lose this opportunity? " I asked faintly.

"You don't have to worry about anything, you only need to believe in yourself and aim at fulfilling your dreams. Only then will you get the job." She encouraged. I nodded in agreement even though my mind wasn't at ease. I eventually returned to the kitchen to continue washing the dishes.

Next morning, I woke up from sleep. All through the night was me thinking and dreaming about MARQUI and Jolie. Thank God I still had the chance to fall asleep, thanks to nature.

I yawned aloud like a dog, I usually did that all morning to an extent it became a habit. In the middle of yawning, I realized it was Tuesday so I seized and growled. I started hitting the bed like I had lost my mind only because Wednesday had me pestered. I lay back on the bed exhausted. Gosh! I could get a heart attack.

"Olivia!" Mom yelled my name, and I huffed.

Sometimes I wish I were my mother, she only works as a nurse at least she has a focus. Unlike me.. I'm twenty-four and have absolutely nothing to write about. All I did was to stay home, make videos on YouTube where no one watches, work as a cleaner being paid very tiny amount of money.

"Sweetie, it's time for breakfast." Mom opened the door and informed, then she walked away immediately. I looked at the bedside clock and it was seven.

"What!" I yelled. Thinking about Jolie made me rise very late, that was unlike a cleaner.

During breakfast, mom and I stayed silent and ate our meal. Jane just couldn't get off the phone even for a second, she giggled non-stop with a mouthful of food. She always did that by the way, so not even my mom nor me had asked her to stop.

"Olivia. Are you aware you're late for work?" Mom asked, not being aware of the news yet. I didn't know where to start by explaining the news to her because I was afraid what her reactions might be.

"Haven't you heard, mom... Olivia got a new job and she'll be working with MARQUI." Jane disclosed out of the blue. I quickly dropped my spoon out of apprehension.

Lucky for me, mom wore a nice expression on her face which suggested she was in support of my new job.

"Wow! Really, Olivia?! That is good news. How did this happen?"

"It was all Jane. She made it happen." While I spoke, Jane gestured proudly.

"Cleaning job is over, mummy. Olivia here would be leaving for an interview tomorrow already." Jane concluded.

Mom couldn't be any happier, even to an extent I became afraid to tell her about the implications. But I must say it.

"But, Mom...

"What now?" She asked me, seeing the sadness on my face.

"Olivia's got a problem somewhere." Jane nervously said.

Jane and I did well to explain everything to her. Just as I expected, we ruined her mood.

"It's okay. Since that is what you want... Then we must do something about it. Jane and I would have to hide away from everything concerning you...

"Mom!" Jane and I fearfully screamed in response to her last statement.

"Honey, there is nothing we can do about it. However, I suppose you let him know because... You cannot tell what the future holds. Hiding your identity may not change your fate or whatsoever, rather things might get worse." Mom said, grimaced. Our mood saddened all of a sudden. Mom may be right but everything had been done already. "But you've faked your identity already. Jane and I would have to give up for your happiness."

Mom's words left me shattered. I blamed myself for taking rash actions without consulting her in the first place. Even Jane must be blaming herself as well because she was the one who claimed to be a smart sister. I imagined my own family and I keeping a long spoon just for my own happiness. Thousands of thoughts overwhelmed me, including everyone else. Mom realized I was hurt, and I may decide to give up MARQUI.

"Olivia you... You don't have to give up on your dreams. We are your family and we should do whatever it takes to support you." She held my hand and said. "And I want you to know this.... We can't remain hidden forever. The future is far more deeper than you can ever imagine. So you need not to worry." Mom encouraged. "Okay?" She asked. I hesitated for sometimes, then I nodded.

I woke up early in the morning as possible as I could. Even though I didn't have enough sleep because I spent all night thinking about how to escape my mistakes, I needed to set the table for the day. I wore the best makeover including the most gorgeous dress I designed all by myself, and then wore my favorite perfume. I must slay my day of interview. I didn't forget doing an awsome hairstyle.

I wanted Jolie to see that I am still tailor-made for him no matter how long it seemed to have been. Another reason I dressed to kill was because I didn't want anyone looking down on me. I even forego eating because I had a very sensitive stomach, rather I decided to sneak in a strawberry candy into my mouth for a sweet scent.

Thank God we weren't as broke as not having a car, we still had two cars left after our downfall. However, Mom anticipated on selling the both car. Lucky for me she haven't sold anyone yet, including my favorite sport car. I was very fortunate that I didn't have to take a cab to MARQUI. I took the car and left for the interview.

MARQUI was even bigger compared to what I saw in photos and was extravagantly rich and sumptuous. If I were to give MARQUI a name, then I'll call it a Fashion Heaven on Earth. MARQUI seemed to be a very busy place indeed despite it was morning.

Instead of being delighted to have been in MARQUI for the first time, I pretended as though I wasn't amazed only because I wanted my dignity to remain.

I approached to the entrance with the intention of moving straight right into MARQUI to have a better scrutiny and also do a vlog. But then, two men on suit stopped me on the way. These men looked strict about their duties as securities. One of them was a black man who looked muscular and the other was a white man who looked athletic.

"Your pass?" The black guy requested.

Hearing them request for my pass card made me roll my eyes in disgust only. There was nothing I could do about it in as much as I had no idea I will be needing a pass. All I did was to pretend as though I was searching for it in my bag. I grimaced and looked at them.

"I think I forgot it at home."

"Then I suppose you go get it." The white man suggested. But then I remembered that I was new and I wouldn't be needing a pass card.

"Oh! I am a job seeker here. I don't need a pass....

"Then I suggest you show me your invitation letter." The black guy cut me off.

That was the end of it, I had no invitation letter either. Doesn't that mean my registration wasn't complete? I must do something to get in.

"Ugh!" I growled in feigned irritation. " My dog ate it." I lied.

My lies had no effect on these men, they gazed at me with blank expression. They looked like they weren't going to believe me.

"I'm sorry, but your excuses have been used by too many careless people. You happen not to be the first." The black guy said. What else could I do? I thought.

"Is there...

"You need to leave, ma'am." The white guy cut me off immediately. I felt despaired.

I made myself believe it was still morning and I may find a prominent person who could help me get in. So I stood there, squirming hopelessly.

I scrutinized the splendid and attractive people whom I set my eyes upon. Every worker in MARQUI appeared extravagantly rich by the way they dressed. Although most workers still dressed elegantly and responsibly.

I waited for so long until I was chomped at the bit and I may relinquish my faith. I was very ashamed to stand there as though a beggar. I even regretted my decision to dress like I did. I needed to avoid shame yet there I stood, nothing felt more embarrassing than standing there in spite of being dressed like the daughter of Mrs Marquinne, founder of MARQUI.

I actually was in dire need to give up, I couldn't bear any more shame. People already began staring at me. I'd been standing for a long time and my foot hurts in the heels I wore. These men weren't even giving me any more attention. People would come and I will have to shift to a corner to let them clear their way in. None of them looked like they were prominent workers.

I arrived by 7 o'clock, but I stood there up until it was 9am. I felt quite exhausted and hungry, so I decided to take my leave.

But then I saw a young man who looked more like Jolie walking into the building. I trailed alongside him with my gaze. I feared that he may recognize me, but if I must get into MARQUI he may be the way out. Wether he knew me or not, it didn't matter to me, what mattered was if he still have a good behavior.

I finally met a prominent person who everybody greeted with an absolute respect and no security asked after his passcard. I wished he would recognize me because I had put in so many effort to look beautiful for him.

"Look! I came to see him, I've got an appointment with him. Mr Jolie! "I called out his name.

Immediately I called his name, he stopped in his track. He didn't even turn around to glance at the woman who called his name and that rose several questions in my mind. Especially a question about Jolie trying to recognize my voice.

Although I was afraid if he would recognize me, I was willing to face any consequences just to accomplish my mission. Those men desired not to stop me from speaking with Jolie, instead they were ready to see if I actually had an appointment with him. Jolie still wasn't looking at me which made me look like a liar.

"Madam are you sure you've got an appointment with Mr Jolie? "

"Yes I am ". I answered faintly.

"I'm sorry, Mr Jolie?! This lady here said she's got an appointment with you" The white man said to Jolie.

Jolie turned around and locked his gaze on me as though he was trying to mean something out of me. I got hypnotized only by seeing Jolie's face again. There was no happiness compared to the one I felt on seeing Jolie again. I desired to smile but I kept my joy at bay.

A part of me compelled me to thinking he found me familiar. My heart began to throb like it would pull out of its position. I smiled in order to win him over.

"Yes. She does, let her in."He cooperated. He took his last glance at me for a second and then he walked away.

Happy with his corporation, I smiled like a boss. The eyes of these men trailed my behinds while I walked pass them, swaying my hips.

Finally, I made it into MARQUI, only thing left for me to do was to get the job. Getting to the second entrance with the intensions of walking straight into the building, a security man cautioned me to stop.

I halted and frowned at him. 'Hey, I've got an appointment with Jolie.' I said in my mind. I rolled my eyes in annoyance and wished they hasten up with every procedures. I left home as early as I could but still I haven't started my interview.

The second securities examined me with a scanner in order to see if I had an illegal object with me. 'I could kill you if I want to' I said in my mind. After he was done, I eventually stepped into MARQUI.

The inside of MARQUI felt like being in heaven for me. The first thing which welcomed me into MARQUI was a chilling breeze from countless air conditioners accompanied by a fine icy scent.

It felt like a dream land, glad it was my reality. MARQUI was very much large, expensive and heavenly that it compelled me to take looks around forsaking my ego and dignity.

I printed out a new letter of invitation at a cyber cafe inside MARQUI. Then I approached to the front desk and showed my letter of invitation to them. I stood there and I waited until I was recognized in the database system.

"Miss Madelyn Taylor, I suppose you sit at the waiting reception while we process your credentials."

"Erm... How long will that take?"

"Not long, you just have to be patient. And focus on the screen over there." A receptionist instructed, pointing at a large screen on the wall of the waiting reception. "You shouldn't lose focus on the screen, when the turn is yours, you'll see your name on the screen and once it show up... You must meet the recruitment team."

"Thank you." I sighed.

I waited at the waiting room, also focusing on the screen. I apprehended my fate a lot because I wasn't sure of my credentials. I prayed I wouldn't get caught and rejected for having a fake identity.

I shivered dreadfully, hoping it wouldn't be my turn yet. I didn't realize I was obviously shivering until a young man tapped me on my shoulder and gave me a bottle of water.

"There's no reason to fear, you just need to know that you can't change whatever happens at the end of everything. In this world, it's either you win or you lose. You need to be strong to face reality." He gave me an advice. I smiled faintly and nodded.

I sat there until many aspirants were called, including the man who gave me courage. I was chomped at the bit, so exhausted from waiting. Other interviewees had their chances but I still waited there despite arriving earlier.

Fortunately, my name displayed on the screen. Immediately I saw my name on the screen, I jerked off the couch happily. Immediately, I quickly grabbed my documents. Due to the rush, most of my papers fell off.

Picking up the papers, a young man approached me. He asked if I was Madelyn and I agreed, then he ordered me to follow him. Before he could move an inch, I already finished picking up the papers and followed him.

We passed through the elevator to the fifth floor. There in the elevator, my heart fluttered continuously whenever I remembered my fake credentials.

He finally led me to the recruitment office and left me there all alone with three strict looking interviewers. They were two men and a woman who were dressed gorgeously, looking expensive. They watched me while I approached. The office seemed quite big making me walk a longer distance. Despite the shame, I managed to approach towards them. Reaching near the table, I greeted in a faltering manner. One of the men mentioned my name and urged me to take a seat.

Some minutes later after the recruitment process came to conclusion with the recruitment team, I moved to one of the human resource manager's office with directions from people around.

I pressed the door button and I heard a woman's voice ask me to walk in. Shocked by the voice I heard, I hastened in to be sure if I wasn't imagining things. Unluckily, it was actually a woman. A Manageress.

I so despised women of high ranks. I regarded them as wicked, despicable and scoundrels. They are usually characterless, oppressive and they lack manners of approach. Many companies I worked with were led by female bosses who are cruel to their workers.

We stared eye to eye as I approached. Even though every other women of this position wouldn't be cruel as I thought they would be, this woman whose hair is tinted red and black, with green eyes must be beyond my thoughts. She looked nefarious, although I wouldn't judge a book by its cover.

All I hoped for was that she won't be the one who would catch me in the web.

"Good morning "I swallowed the lump in my throat and greeted. She looked away, refusing to give an answer to my greeting.

"Welcome, you may sit. I'm aware you're here for an interview. However... I smell a rat in your CV." She started examining them again.

My heart raced out of my chest, I could even pass out due to the intense shock. But I had to be strong and give a quick thought on how to escape the situation instead of giving up.

Yet, I still couldn't pull myself together. Fear already got the whole of me that I began shivering even to my lips. I may even be at risk of hypertension at the moment if I don't take it easy on myself.

While being scared, I recalled the advice which was given to me by the man at the waiting room. I encouraged myself with his advice, I was ready for anything that may occur.

"You have everything it takes to get a job here... But I still don't understand why you chose to change your name. Can I know why? " As soon as she said this, I lost a grip on myself and seized her hand.

"Please ma'am. I can do anything you want me to do, I can be whatever you want me to be. But please do not reject me. Please I beg of you." I pled tearfully. "Please. I know I've done something very wrong. But please... I need this job." I teared up.

"Hands off." She ordered. I quickly took my hands off her hand.

"I may be ready to hear you out... But first you need to tell me why you did this?" She demanded an explanation.

I demurred for a while, thousands of thoughts flying through my mind. I knew she would be capable of taking advantage of my situation, but if I must get the job then I need to let my fate decide for me.

"There is... There is a prominent person here in MARQUI. I had rough memories with him..." I later disclosed the entire truth to her including telling her it was Jolie Spann. After my explanation, she laughed.

"Wow! That is super amazing, I mean... That's a nice story." She cleared throat. "Well... I will make sure you get this job. But on one condition." She frowned. My heart fluttered on hearing she had a condition. What could it be?'. I thought. " You'll live under my control. And you'll be my puppet. And... You must avoid the CEO. Agreed?" I knew she would definitely take advantage of the situation, but what could I have done? I want nothing to do with the CEO anyway. But for being her puppet, I had no other choice other than agreeing. "Good. You may leave. Since the deal has been finalized." Once I walked to the door... " Bear in mind.... I'm the only one aware of the real you, and only I can ruin your reputation." She smirked. I nodded faintly and walked away.

I waited patiently for hours at the waiting room, checking my Email if I had been employed. My mind revolved around the deal I made with the manageress. I wondered what life would be like for me in MARQUI since I agreed to become someone's puppet.

Two o'clock by noon, I received a mail. I had no single fear or doubts about getting the job because I was sure of it. However, the fact I wouldn't be happy in my new job felt devastating. I checked the mail and I really got the job as promised. It was my turn to fulfill my own promise.

Another young lithe man who looked as though in his early 20s entered the waiting room and called my fake name which I failed not to recognize. I snapped out of my thoughts and answered. He ordered me to follow him. So I did.

On our way to the trainees co-working space, on the escalator. I oversaw Jolie discussing with a man whom I didn't get to see his face because he turned his back towards me while focusing on Jolie.

Seeing Jolie's face actually quenched my worries and brightened up my mood. But when the other man turned sideways, his portrait started seeming familiar to me even though I didn't know him. Eventually he looked my way but not at me, then I realized he almost resembled Jolie. Although he looked different from Jolie because his face looked strict enough unlike Jolie who looked lenient.

I fixed my gaze on the Jolie I knew. Even though the other man still looked immensely charming, Jolie Spann was the person I wanted.

Jolie really looked much more handsome than he used to be. He looked unlike the younger ugly Jolie with a rough skin and tousled hair he usually forgot to tidy. Of recent, he appeared more handsome and good looking. His appearance mesmerized me to an extent I got lost in gazing at him. The young man whom I was following snapped his finger on my face to draw my attention.

"What are you looking at? "He asked. I had to open up to him. I was eager to enquire about the other man who looked like my crush.

"Who's the other man? What position does he hold to speak with the Director of the company?"

"He's the CEO..." As soon as he mentioned, my eyes widened. Just exactly the man I was asked to avoid. "He's the second to the chairman, his grand mother, Mrs Marquinne. Cohen Franco is his name. More often newbies mistake him for his childhood friend, Jolie Spann. Come to think of it... The faces seem different still. I mean Jolie kinda seem friendly and the other seem erm... Hostile I think. Also, their bodies make a lot of differences. Jolie Spann turns out to be athletic while Cohen seem well built. Despite these differences, most insensible newbies fail to notice that they're two different people. Let us hope you won't be one of them."

As his words fell on my ears, I had to give in much thoughts to it especially because people could mistake them for each other and they almost look alike.

It felt disorienting. How could they look alike? Jolie and Cohen didn't actually look alike. However, judging from the body structure, the Jolie I lived with for long at Lakeville looked more like the CEO.

Moreover, back then he may be lenient and laconic yet he wore a strict expression most times. Especially on a day he accosted me at the classroom passage in highschool.

I hoped and prayed that the CEO won't be my Jolie at Lakeville because I had been asked to avoid him and I definitely will lose my job if I dare to cross paths with him.

The worst happened when I spotted a visible birthmark behind the right ear of the CEO. My heart fluttered. Jolie I knew also had the same birth mark at the same spot as the CEO. I hope my thoughts must be deceiving my sight.

Whom amongst these men could be Jolie Spann at Lakeville? Is the bearer of the name no longer the owner? Why does the CEO have a birthmark near his right ear like Jolie dog?

I convinced myself that I was only thinking dramatically because Jolie was Jolie and Cohen still remains the CEO. Despite how I tried not to think about the CEO, my mind just couldn't stop thinking about these two men and my confusion grew even more.

I couldn't hold on to the loads of questions in my mind, I had to ask another question.

"Who is Jolie Spann and who is Cohen? "I asked.

" Jolie span is the director, and Cohen is the CEO. Perhaps you are confused because the CEO answers his friend's name most times due to the memories behind the name."

His explanation left me mulling over the statement 'Memories behind the name'. Why would he answer his friend's name? What memories could that be? I thought.

"What memories?"

"I do not know. He only mentioned but didn't care to elaborate."

"Which highschool was his alma mater?"

"Both friends attended Hotchkiss. For some certain reasons, one of them had to leave Hotchkiss."

I got even more confused especially because they both attended Hotchkiss. Hotchkiss was my alma mater as well. But whom amongst them left?

"Which one of them left?"

"I'd rather die than to say anymore words to you, Miss Madelyn."

There, the investigation came to conclusion.

Wait a minute, these two couldn't be that broke and miserable like the Jolie at Lakeville. Especially Cohen who comes from the family of Franco. Jolie Spann in the other hand turns out to be a childhood friend to such a rich and famous person, there was no way they could have been that miserable. I thought. Or did they by any chance disguise themselves to be broke and miserable at Lakeville to conceal their identities?

How could I not had seen them both at Hotchkiss? If I did, then who left Hotchkiss first because the Jolie I knew would not give up on anything so fast.

No, No way! I can't get myself into the trouble of losing my job. The CEO can't be Jolie Spann. I tried convincing myself but it just couldn't work.

I had to live with it and try not to lose my job. Cohen may have a birthmark near his right ear, Jolie Spann must have his as well as long as I haven't taken a vivid examination on his face. Finally, I looked away from them, my job must be my first priority.

My first day in MARQUI went perfectly well. I was introduced to my coworkers in the co-working office, and I made new friends. I couldn't remember the last time I made friends, the only people I called friend was Jane and my mom.

I met Megan. A very funny and beautiful young lady. She work in the Accounting department of MARQUI. I met her on my way to the trainees rest room. She came to meet someone in my co-working space and all of a sudden she had an urgent need to pee.

We bumped into each other on her way running towards the restroom. She was so fun and amiable, although I didn't think she would be nice with me on the long run because of her position and lifestyle compared to me.

Other than that, I started training and it felt more interesting yet stressful. I decided to cherish my first stage of work and let my fate determine the rest. After all I got the job. Moreover, I didn't forget I already became someone's puppet.

I also made another friend, Kaisha. An African American young beautiful woman who work in the cosmetic department. I so loved her caramel skin and her long African curly hair.

During the time we introduced ourselves to each other, I made it known to her that I liked her hair as well as her skin. I felt lucky to have not crossed paths with the CEO, at least my job would be safe if I avoid him.

I stayed in the co-working space summarizing my work for the day up until it was as late as 8pm.

I was definitely ready to go home otherwise I may pass out due to starvation because I haven't eaten all day. Although I got plenty of chances to eat, I was just so obsessed with work. I hit the elevator immediately.

There in the elevator. I struggled to steady my quivering limbs which had been buried deep in starvation.

Suddenly, the elevator stopped midway. Immediately, an extremely handsome and well built young man made his way into the elevator.

He looked quite charming and responsible, yet his face seemed strict. His demeanor seemed hostile. Could he be a sadist? He was extremely good looking on the navy blue notch lapel tuxedo he wore. He had a brown hair which he styled in a textured quiff haircut. His cologne was one in a million, very harsh that I almost got choked by the first inhalation. So bad that the scent of his perfume continued to cause chaos in my stomach.

He stood next to me with his hands tucked into his pocket. He watched the elevator close.

He made no attempt to even steal at glimpse of me although I knew he saw me while entering the elevator.

Everything about the way he looked hypnotized me. But then, my heart began palpitating as depression overwhelmed me.

I shivered and almost started crying in fear. All these was because I realized it was the CEO who stood next to me in the elevator. He's the son of Tedson Franco, and his name is Cohen Franco.

All I could do at the point was to cover my face with my bag so that he doesn't see me any further. I was actually in the elevator with the real Jolie dog, although I still wasn't sure if he really was Jolie dog. I didn't even want to believe he was the main Jolie dog, yet I found myself feeling so attached to him for no reason.

The manageress was not the only reason I must avoid Cohen, but also the fact that I humiliated him in the past. If he happens to recognize me, then my future may be no more.

If these friends were really the ones at Lakeville, then they succeeded in deceiving me.

Cohen is the CEO of Grand mother's business, MARQUI. He's also the chairman and cheif executive officer of his own billion dollar business, TALKOT, an online retail and worldwide shipping company.

If he's really Jolie dog, then he studied business management and had a degree in marketing. Those were the aspirations which made him quite different from me at Lakeville. Although without studying those courses, he still would have been my superior.

I prayed the elevator moved in a flash speed, but that was just out of the ordinary.

We both stayed quiet. I kept on hiding my face, waiting for the elevator to drop to our various destinations in peace. How I wished that the silence would continue, how I wished that he was hostile enough to not care about the person in the elevator with him. But unfortunately, he broke the silence.

"You're an orientee , aren't you?" He asked with a voice which sounded deep.

Again, Jolie's voice changed suddenly from light to deep at Lakeville. Moreover, Jolie Spann being the director still has that light tone I used to know Jolie dog. Jolie dog's voice was soft but suddenly contorted to a deep one.

I wish I could snub him so to remain silent and avoid the Manageress' wrath. However, he already knew I was a trainee, what if he terminates my job opportunity? I had to respond to the CEO if I must keep my job.

"Yes sir." Despite being worried, I still answered. I didn't stopped covering my face.

"Trainees like your kind usually procure nothing in the end. They do a lot of work, they believe in practice makes perfect, they devote their whole time to work simply because they desire perfection but still... They eventually get crushed by their own fate." He mocked, indirectly taunting me.

I didn't intend to react but his scornful statement left me no choice. I hated it when someone try to discourage me in my own effort.

I vexed within me owing to his insolence and discouragement towards all my efforts. I knew I had no audacity to get back at him.

The manageress may had warned me to avoid him, but I just couldn't stand those words. The least I could do was to infuriate him.

"You can use those words however you like, but do not make light of me. I've got lots of experience and I assure you.... That I am capable of bringing such an idea Mrs Marquinne had never in her entire life thought about. Not even in her wildest dreams. Poor old woman." I taunted back, speaking like a boss.

In a split second, I realized that I didn't only taunt him but I insulted his grandmother as well and that may cost me a lot. What prompted me to muster such courage? He may not rip me off my opportunity, but I would still be in a mess somehow.

I didn't want anything drawing us closer, yet I just couldn't control myself. I saw myself drawing closer to him in just few minutes of crossing paths with him. This was the person I thought I wanted nothing to do with.

Maybe the manageress knew he would be irresistible which prompted her to hold it against me in advance.

Expecting him to explode in a ruffian rage because of my insolence, he laughed and drifted his glance to me.

Shocked, I wondered why he laughed at my mockery towards his beloved grandmother. 'Hey, I know that's a menacing laughter' I said in my mind.

Even though I wasn't seeing his face, I knew his laughter was attached to a smoldering rage.

"Are you aware how possible it could be for me to snatch your opportunity with a snap of my finger? But I just wouldn't go that extent with you, otherwise you may be more miserable in your aftermath. You only need to bear in mind.... That you owe me a lot for insulting my grand mother ".

At the mention of the word 'Owe'. I knew I had finally gotten into a big trouble with the manageress.

The ultimate problem about his statement was that it could draw me even closer to him and if that happens, I'd be done for.

I also couldn't help but to wonder what it may be that I owe him. Whatever it may be... would ruin my life in every way. I felt so pained to an extent my eyes burned in hot tears. Owing him would definitely be the beginning of calamities and misery in my life and I felt so.

"I apologise sir, I'm sorry" I steadied myself to avoid sounding faintly before I apologized, hoping apologies would do.

"Apologies wouldn't do anymore. It's late." He paused for few seconds. "Look at me while I'm talking to you. If apologies can't do, then... You owe me to my heart's content." He said.

Haven't heard that, the bombshell which came along with his statement compelled me to hold my bag aside and gazed fearfully at him forgetting all I worried about.

At first, I thought he made such statement in order to make me look at him. But his expression seemed to convey something else. Seriousness precisely.

I stared into those charming gray eyes of his to see if dishonesty left traces in them, all I saw was an absolute honesty. I couldn't be any more terrified by his words.

I felt it may be necessary if I give up the job because it would be for my own good. 'What about my family's own good?' I thought. My family left me no choice but to endure whatever may happen, I must make them happy at any cost.

"Would you like to know what your first debt is? "He asked and I reluctantly nodded. He continued. "Give me that thing you may not like to share with a man." He requested.

His statement compelled me into squirming in shame and apprehension. The one thing I have and will not like to share is my body.

"Whatever you must be thinking doesn't suit you at all, I suppose you snap out of it already. I only meant your phone number and nothing more." He clearly said.

Suddenly, my emotions cooled off. I hesitantly handed my smartphone over to him.

"You should have said that earlier." Slightly upset, I said.

"Really? It seem like you're suffering from a disease called cancer of disrespect, it may be quite difficult to treat but I assure you... You've met the right doctor." He sneered. " Madelyn Taylor." He mentioned while saving my number.

Cohen stored my phone number in his phone? That was the end of it . I had a feeling that Cohen may be trying to trick me into something immensely hurtful but was taking baby steps towards it.

"Secondly." He said.

He came too close for comfort, causing me much discomfort that I almost began to recoil. He ignored my uneasiness and tucked a strand of my hair behind my ear.

I looked downward, avoiding his gaze, I felt so ashamed to look into his eyes at the moment.

"Miss experienced, you will be given a task by me to design my grandmother a perfect dress for her birthday. You should do whatever it takes to make sure it looks perfect. I don't care if it eventually costs your life trying to design only the embroideries. You know Mrs Marquinne love looking quite expensive. So you must make something expensively beautiful."

"But... Why me? "I asked, trying to fight the fear which grew within me.

How do I stop us from getting closer to each other any further? Furthermore, how can I avoid the manageress' wrath.

"Because you're not just a trainee, show me what made you an expert. Besides, there's no need to panic.You're not the only person assigned to do the job, or do you wanna die doing it alone?"

"It doesn't matter. I still can't do it. I've got work to do here. I need to make it up to my responsibilities as well." I whined.

"This is my company. And I have an absolute control over whatsoever happens here. I have the right to use your time however I desire...

"You can't understand." I grimaced.

Both anger and sadness grew within me. How could I make it known to him that I was living under someone's control instead his control.

"Your third task is... You'll accompany me to my grandmother's birthday party."

"I'm sorry, don't you have a girlfriend who could help you with that?" I furiously questioned.

Immediately I asked, his face started displaying both anger and sadness. I couldn't tell exactly how he felt about my words, he seemed complicating to me at the moment.

Perhaps, his expression could only mean one thing... that I asked a question which I wasn't supposed to ask probably because it had something to do with his personal life. Maybe I reminded him of an awful memory he usually tried to forget.

"The birthday party is in five days".

"Five?! " Stunned, I yelled the question.

'Fivedays to my bane?!' I thought. Panicking.

He ignored me and left as soon as the elevator stop at his desired destination. I was left feeling despondent. I was submerged in fear and sadness.

Right after I got home, I rushed to the refrigerator and reached out for plenty of food. As many as they were, I gladly finished them all.

Suddenly, I went down for the count right there on the dining table.

Later, someone tapped me on my back. I woke up to see whom it was. Ugh! it was Jane.

"Wake up ungrateful! "She yelled. I looked at her with sleepy eyes. "Tell me. Was Jolie able to recognize you?" She asked.

As soon as she asked, my brain processed my whole awful memories in Marqui.

Words couldn't come out to explain my situation to Jane, instead my mood saddened and my face grimaced like I was going to cry. My expressions already gave Jane a hint about me feeling sad, therefore her mood saddened as well.

I finally teared up in seconds, not withstanding my pained emotions. Jane cuddle me in consolation. Although my emotion got the better of me, I made sure to explain the whole situation to my family.