I felt nervous as I stood in front of the imposing glass doors of the W&L Enterprise. My heart beat fast, and my hands felt sweaty. Today was the day I'd try to get a better job. I had heard about the company's exceptional reputation and its owners; the handsome billionaire brothers. I took a deep breath, and pushed the doors open. Inside, the surroundings looked very modern and classy.
"Good morning, ma" I greeted the receptionist with a friendly smile. "I'm here for a job interview."
The receptionist's eyes brightened as she looked up from her computer and returned the smile. "Sure. What's your name, please?" She asked, her tone friendly and welcoming.
I felt a sense of relief at the receptionist's warm conduct. "My name is Olivia Baker, ma" I replied, feeling more at ease as I tried to adjust my belt. My trousers seem worn-out and loosen.
"Please have a seat. My boss will be with you shortly," the receptionist said, smiling.
I nodded gratefully and took a seat at the comfortable waiting area. I took a deep breath, reminding myself of my qualifications for the job.
As I sat down on a colorful leather couch, I couldn't help but notice the vibrant energy that filled the office. Everywhere I looked, employees were engaged in conversations, and the air buzzed with creativity. I felt excited and full of anticipation, knowing that I belong in such a dynamic environment.
Moments later, the receptionist motioned for me to come with her. "Mr. Lucas is ready to see you now," she said.
I stood up, straightened my trousers, and made my way towards the elevator.
As the elevator doors opened, I hesitated for a moment outside the imposing doors of Lucas Anderson's office. I smoothed my shirt, straightened down my trousers, before knocking on the door.
"Knock.. knock..."
"Come in," a voice called from within the office, prompting me to step further into the office.
With confidence, I opened the door and stepped into the fancy office. I was greeted by the sight of Lucas, seated behind a massive desk made of dark wood, busy with papers.
"Good morning, sir," I said, smiling, trying to sound calm even though I felt nervous inside.
Lucas looked up, his eyes scanning me from head to toe, wondering what was making me smile. "Ah, you must be Olivia. What's making you blush? You can sit over there, until I need you."
I nodded gratefully in shock. "Why is he acting arrogantly? I haven't done anything wrong, why so harsh?" I asked myself, as I took a seat opposite him, my hands folded neatly on my lap.
"Now, what brings you to W&L Enterprise today?" He asked, his tone sounding businesslike and serious.
I straightened my posture, meeting his gaze with confidence. "I've heard wonderful things about this company, Mr. Lucas Anderson. I believe my skills and experience would be of value here. I'm eager to contribute in any way I can."
Laughing, "really?" He raised an eyebrow, curious. "And what skills, exactly, do you bring to the table?"
With a self-assured smile, I talked into a detailed description of myself, explaining my impressive academic achievements. As I spoke, he couldn't help but wonder about my guts in my first interview; impressed by my Intelligence.
"Well, Olivia, you certainly seem qualified on paper," He remarked, leaning back in his chair. "But as you know, we value more than just qualifications here at W&L Enterprises. We're looking for someone who can think outside the box, who isn't afraid to think differently."
Standing up from his seat, he leaned against his desk. "We're looking for someone who can bring fresh perspectives and innovative solutions to the table," he continued, his gaze steady on mine.
My eyes sparkled with determination. "I assure you, Mr. Lucas, I'm not scared of any challenge," I said confidently. "In fact, I do my best work when faced with them."
Shocked by my confidence, Lucas nodded, considering my words carefully. "Very well, Olivia. Consider yourself hired. Welcome to the team."
A rush of excitement flooded through me as I extended my hand across the desk, trying to secure the position with a firm handshake.
Hesitating, Lucas asked, "Why are you trying to shake my hands? You're here to work, and not to shake hands with your boss!" he spoke harshly.
"Thank you, Mr. Lucas. I won't let you and the company down," I said, my voice filled with determination, unbothered by Lucas' attitude.
"By the way, why didn't you use deodorant before coming?" he asked arrogantly.
Feeling embarrassed, I became speechless.
"Now you can't speak? Suddenly gone dumb?" he remarked, making me feel more embarrassed.
Stammering, I replied, "I apologize, sir. I used deodorant. The journey from my place to here was quite long, I think my sweat caused the odor," I tried to explain the situation, trying to alleviate the embarrassment.
"How do you intend to come to work early everyday?" he asked.
Stammering, I began "Um.. sir"
Before I could finish my sentence, he interrupted. "Actually, never mind. You can leave my office now and start work tomorrow," he ordered.
Feeling disheartened, I left his office, bidding goodbye to the receptionist on my way out of the company.
Walking down the street, my mind replayed the events from Lucas's office. I couldn't shake off the feeling of being spoken to with such words, wondering if he knew me before.
As I walked along the road, I kept thinking about what Lucas had said to me. It made me feel really bad. I couldn't understand why he had talked to me like that. It felt mean and made me feel small.
Suddenly, I heard a car beeping, but I didn't realize it was beeping at me. The sound kept going, but I was too lost in my thoughts to notice. I didn't realize I was walking in the middle of the road, and the driver wanted me to move out of the way.
The sound grew louder as the car got closer, but my mind was miles away. I was replaying the scene in Lucas's office over and over again, trying to make sense of his harsh words. "Why did he treat me like that? Did he know something about me that I didn't?" I questioned myself in my own thoughts.
All of a sudden, I heard a loud screech. I quickly looked back and saw a car turning sharply to avoid hitting me. It scared me, and I fell back onto the sidewalk, my heart beating fast.
"Stop the car!" The strange man commanded his driver, opening the car door and stepping out. He walked over to where I stood and asked, "Are you okay, my dear? Why were you standing in the middle of the road with your mind elsewhere?"
I blinked in surprise, still a bit shaken from the close encounter with the car. I looked up at the strange man who had approached me, grateful for his concern. "I... I'm fine," I stammered, "I guess I was just lost in thought." I offered him a small, appreciative smile, feeling relieved that someone had noticed my distress.
Bringing his hands together, he said, "it's fine. My name is William, and you?"
After a moment of hesitation, I replied, "my name is Oliver Baker."
Laughing, William responded, "Baker? Are you a baker or something?" He noticed I wasn't laughing at his jokes, he quickly stopped. "I apologize for laughing. You should focus on the road next time," he said, as he pleaded to leave, insisting he had somewhere important to be.
With a smile, I waved goodbye as he entered his car, which soon drove off. As I watched the vehicle fade into the distance, memories of home flooded my mind. I couldn't shake the thought of my uncle's mean wife awaiting my return.
Feeling a knot of worry in my stomach, I sighed and focused on the road ahead. I knew I had to face whatever awaited me at home, but I couldn't help but feel a sense of unease.
Struggling to find a cab, I decided to walk home instead. I was determined to make it home, even if it meant a long journey on foot.
After what felt like an eternity, I arrived home, my shirt clinging uncomfortably to my sweaty skin. I hadn't eaten anything before leaving because my uncle's wife had locked the kitchen door, and I didn't have time to exchange words with her as I was rushing to leave for my interview.
As I stepped inside, the aroma of home cooked food teased my senses, intensifying my hunger. Despite the exhaustion from the day's events, the thought of a good meal stimulated me on, fueling my determination to find a way into the kitchen.
"Oops, she's finally home!" Isabella exclaimed. As my uncle's only child, she was used to getting what she wanted and often displayed an air entitlement.
With an exaggerated roll of her eyes, Isabella added, "I was starting to wonder if you'd ever make it back home." She had a habit of using sarcasm, which was a common feature of her patronizing attitude towards others.
I brushed off her remark with a polite lipped smile, knowing better than to engage in a witty rivalry with her. Instead, I focused on my goal: securing a meal to appease my gnawing hunger before tackling the next challenge of the day.
As I entered the kitchen and approached my uncle's wife, who was busy serving dinner for her family, I greeted her politely.
Her eyes brightened for a moment before she responded, "So, you finally decided to return. I thought you had left for good."
Ignoring her comment, my focus remained on my empty belly. I headed towards the cupboard to fetch a plate, intending to serve myself. However, before I could even lift a plate, her voice interrupted me sharply, "What do you think you're doing? I only prepared dinner for myself and my family. If you're hungry, prepare your own dinner."
Frustrated with the situation, I said to myself, "What kind of problem is this? I'm starving, and now I have to cook something from scratch?" Wanting to avoid more conflict, I defeated myself by making my own dinner. I picked noodles from the cabinet since they were the quickest option. I needed to eat and get to bed early for my new job in the morning.
With a sigh, I started boiling water for the noodles, my stomach grumbling impatiently. As the aroma of cooking filled the kitchen, I couldn't help but feel a sense of satisfaction knowing that, despite the obstacles, I was taking care of myself.
A few minutes later, I finished cooking and joined the others at the dining table. "Good evening, uncle," I greeted as I took my seat. "Good evening, Olivia. How was the interview today?" he inquired. Straightening my shirt, I responded, "It went really well, uncle. In fact, I got the job, and I'll be starting work tomorrow."
My uncle's face lit up with pride and excitement. "That's fantastic news, Olivia! Congratulations!" he exclaimed, his voice filled with genuine happiness for me. Isabella, who had been quiet until now, joined in reluctantly, "Well, I guess that's good for you."
"She had probably given her body to the owner of the company," my uncle's wife said, standing up to dish more food for herself. Ignoring them, I smiled gratefully at my uncle, thankful for his support and encouragement.
As I began to eat, conversation flowed more easily, with my uncle asking about the details of my new job and offering words of advice. Despite Isabella and her mother's lukewarm response, I remained focused on the positive energy surrounding my accomplishment and the support of my uncle.
After a simple but satisfying meal, I cleaned up the kitchen and prepared for an early night's rest, ready to face the challenges of the new day ahead.
"Goodnight, uncle," I said, before making my way to my room to freshen up and get some sleep.
After a quick refresh, I slipped onto my bed, feeling a mix of excitement and nerves for my new job awaiting me in the morning.
As I closed my eyes, I reflected on the day's events, grateful for both my arrogant new boss and securing a good job. With a sense of determination and anticipation, I drifted off into a peaceful sleep, ready to embrace whatever the new day would bring.
***** *****
"BEEP BEEP BEEP!"
The loud sound of the alarm suddenly shattered the silence, prompting me to hastily rise from my bed.
I had set an alarm for an early morning wakeup, ensuring I'd have enough time to prepare for my new job. It was exactly 5am as the alarm went off, a necessary precaution to prevent any chance of being late for work.
My mind is still feeling dazed from sleep. With a deep breath, I shake off the last trace of drowsiness and move my legs out of bed, ready to tackle the day ahead.
"Thief, thief!"
A cry for thief echoed from the sitting room, and it sounded like my uncle's wife's voice. "Thief? Where?" I muttered to myself, feeling surprised. Initially, I had left my room to get water from outside, as the tap in my room seemed to be malfunctioning.
"Thief? Where's the thief?" My uncle who heard the noise rushed to the sitting room.
"It's just me, not a thief," I reassured, entering the sitting room with a bucket of water in my hand. "I only went outside to get water for bathing because the tap in my room was acting up," I explained.
Giving me a bombastic side eye, my uncle's wife responded sharply, "You, always causing a commotion! What were you doing outside at this hour? Don't you dare scare me like that again!" With that, she returned to her room.
"Olivia, why're you up by this hour?" My uncle asked.
"Sorry, sir. I had to get up early to prepare for work. My place of work is quite far from home," I responded. With that, he went back to his room, as I returned back to mine to continue my preparation.
At exactly 6:30am, I was done preparing, and I hurried into the kitchen for a quick breakfast. "Good morning, sir. Good morning, ma," I greeted my uncle and his wife, who were just waking up.
The absence of Isabella's presence was noticeable; it seemed she was still asleep. Not an unusual occurrence, as it was her daily routine. Rather than heading to work or attending to other responsibilities, she often chose to spend her time socializing with friends or clubbing.
"Goodbye, uncle. I'm off to work now," I announced, leaving the house.
As I stepped out into the fresh morning air, I felt a sense of anticipation for the day ahead. Despite the early hour, the streets were already buzzing with activity, a reminder of the city's ceaseless energy. With a quick glance at my watch, I quickened my pace, eager to reach my work place on time. Today marked the beginning of a new chapter, and I was determined to make the most of it.
***** *****
"Vroom."
"Splash."
My heart pounded as I stood drenched from head to toe. "What's wrong with you?" I yelled, gesturing toward the speeding car that had just soaked me.
The driver, unapologetic, continued down the street, leaving me in a state of disbelief. With my clothes ruined and my first day at work about to begin, I couldn't help but wonder what else could possibly go wrong.
I glanced at my watch, anxiety washing over me as I realized I had less than 10 minutes to make it to my new office. Taking a deep breath, I gathered myself and rushed toward the building, my wet shoes making squeaking noise with each hurried step.
Upon reaching the building, I walked into the busy entrance hall and headed straight for the elevators, doing my best to ignore the curious glances from the people around me. As I stepped into the elevator, I hurriedly pressed the button for the 5th floor, where my new journey was supposed to begin on a high note.
The moment the elevator doors parted, I moved toward the office's reception area, desperately hoping my appearance wouldn't make a terrible first impression. A well dressed woman with a kind smile greeted me, her gaze quickly falling to my drenched clothes.
"Hello, you must be Olivia, our new marketing specialist. I'm Jennifer, the office manager," she said, maintaining a professional composure despite the obvious scene before her.
Feeling my cheeks burn with embarrassment, I explained my situation, apologizing for my awful appearance. To my surprise, Jennifer simply laughed and offered to help me dry off.
"Don't worry, Olivia. Accidents happen, and I assure you this won't be the first or the last time we'll see someone in a predicament like yours." She led me to a small lounge area where I was able to pat myself dry with a towel and attempt to regain my appearance. As I worked to smooth out the wrinkles on my shirt, I couldn't help but feel grateful for Jennifer's kindness and understanding.
"Now, are you ready to take on your first day?" she asked with a smile.
Nodding, I took a deep breath, straightened my posture, and followed her to my new desk. Although my morning had started off rough, I was determined to make the best of my new opportunity and prove myself as a valuable asset to the team.
As I settled into my new desk, a commanding voice broke the silence. "Miss Olivia, why did you arrive at the office wet?" Startled, I turned to face Lucas, the company's CEO, standing before me with a questioning gaze.
"I...I'm really sorry, sir. Good morning, sir," I stammered, feeling a mix of embarrassment and anxiety. Jennifer, the office manager who had kindly helped me moments ago, hastily retreated to her office, leaving me to face Lucas's anger on my own.
My mind raced as I struggled to find the right words to explain the unfortunate situation. Finally, I managed to explain the incident with the car, all the while silently pleading for understanding.
He listened attentively, his expression softening as I detailed the morning's events. "I see," he murmured, nodding slowly.
He leaned against my desk, his eyes examining me. "So, you're the lady my driver accidentally splashed earlier," he stated. A wave of anger washed over me as I realized it was his car that had drenched me on my way to work, but I forced myself to remain calm, knowing it was too soon to create tension with my new boss.
"Regardless, let's focus on why you're here," he continued, seemingly unconcerned and not bothering to apologize. Suppressing my frustration, I shifted my attention to the work at hand, eager to prove my worth and dedication.
As Lucas disappeared from sight, Jennifer cautiously approached my desk once more. "Olivia," she began, her voice lowered, "make sure you focus on your work and try your best to avoid him."
I didn't need to ask for an explanation; Lucas's arrogance had been noticeable from the moment I arrived. Nodding in agreement, I appreciated Jennifer's advice and decided to keep my distance from Lucas as much as possible.
Turning my attention back to my tasks, I committed myself to excelling in my new role while navigating the challenging dynamics of my new workplace.
Over the next few weeks, I threw myself into my work, involving myself in projects and quickly proving to be a valuable asset to the team. Despite my efforts to maintain a low profile, it was inevitable that my path would cross with Lucas's from time to time.
In those moments, I remained professional and focused, never allowing our initial encounter to enrich our interactions.
As I grew more comfortable in my role, I began to notice the unique dynamics between Lucas and the rest of the staff. It appeared his arrogance wasn't isolated to our first meeting, but rather a defining characteristic that influenced his relationships with everyone in the office.
One day, as I was leaving the office later than usual, I noticed Lucas was still at his office, looking confused. Something stirred within me, and despite detesting his arrogance, I approached him. "Is everything alright, sir?" I asked, my voice tensed.
His eyes widened in surprise as he noticed my presence in the office. "What are you still doing here, Miss Olivia?" he inquired, closing his laptop in preparation to leave.
"I had a few tasks to finish up, so I had to stay a bit later," I explained.
Surprisingly, he regarded me thoughtfully, seemingly impressed by my dedication. As we walked towards the elevator together, an awkward silence enveloped us, the air filled with unspoken thoughts.
"I appreciate your hard work," he finally said, breaking the quiet. "It's not often I find someone as committed as you."
I felt a strange mixture of pride and vulnerability in that moment, unsure of how to respond.
"Thank you, sir," I managed, my voice barely above a whisper. "I believe in giving my best at my job."
The elevator doors opened, and we stepped outside the main entrance, we headed towards the main front doors.
When the front doors opened once more, we walked out into the cool evening air, the city lights casting a warm glow over the bustling streets.
"Goodnight, Miss Olivia," he said, his voice softer than usual.
"Goodnight, sir," I replied, watching as he made his way to his car.
Part of me had hoped my boss might offer me a ride, but I quickly dismissed the thought, reminding myself of our professional boundaries.
Resigned to finding my own way home, I began the familiar trek towards the main road in search of a cab.
As I walked, lost in thought, the sound of a car horn shook me back to the present. I turned to see an expensive car pulling up alongside me, its window rolling down to reveal William, the man who had once mocked my surname.
"Olivia, right?" he called out, a playful grin of amusement playing on his lips. "Need a ride?" I hesitated, torn between my disapproval for the strange man and the prospect of avoiding a lengthy wait for a cab.
Eventually, I reluctantly accepted his offer, sliding into the back seat where he was seated, with his driver in front.
"Thanks," I muttered, trying to ignore the grin that seemed permanently etched on his face.
"So, how's life treating you?" William asked, glancing at me as his driver navigated the evening traffic. I offered a nonchalant gesture, unwilling to reveal my thoughts to a man I barely know. Though, I can't deny the fact that he was very handsome. He is handsome just like my boss, Lucas, but my boss is more arrogant.
"It's fine," I replied in a rush.
William laughed, clearly unaffected by my cold attitude.
"Where can I drop you off, Olivia?" He inquired, motioning for his driver to proceed. I tensed, unwilling to reveal my home address to a stranger.
"I'll give you directions," I replied suddenly, intent on guiding the driver to a location a few blocks away from where I stay. There was no way I would let William know where I lived.
As we navigated the city streets, I provided concise directions, carefully avoiding any mention of my actual address.
"Somewhere in particular you'd like my driver to stop?" William urged, a hint of amusement in his voice. It was clear he suspected my avoidance, but I refused to give him the satisfaction of knowing the truth.
"Just keep following my directions," I insisted, my tone leaving no room for argument. Eventually, we arrived at a nearby junction, close enough for me to walk the rest of the way home without raising suspicion. "This Is fine," I announced, quickly carrying my file and handbag.
"Well, it's been a pleasure, Olivia," William said, his voice tinged with sarcasm. "Do let me know if you ever need another ride."
"Thank you," I said, ignoring his comment, I exited the car, feeling the weight of the evening's events lift as I watched his car disappear into the night.
"I don't even have his number. He doesn't have mine either. That's really funny," I whispered to myself, smiling.
Upon arriving at home, I exchanged a tense greeting with my uncle's wife, who was outside chatting with her daughter, Isabella.
"Good evening, Aunt" I greeted, eager to avoid any unnecessary confrontation.
"What's so good about the evening? Why are you getting home so late?" my uncle's wife questioned, angry. Isabella stood by, an arrogant laughter plastered across her face.
"Isabella, respect yourself. I'm not your mate, so don't forget that," I warned, my patience wearing thin. Ignoring my aunt's interrogative glare, I made my way inside, seeking the solace of my own space.
As I entered, I closed the door firmly behind me, shutting out the unpleasant exchange. It was clear that Isabella and her mother took pleasure in making my life difficult, and I refused to give them the satisfaction of seeing me rattled.
Since my uncle wasn't home, he traveled for a while now, so I went directly into my room. I collapsed onto my bed, mentally and physically exhausted from the day's work. Between the challenges of my new job, the complexities of dealing with my billionaire boss, and my new rich stranger friend, William; the enmity of Isabella and her mother. It seemed that my life had become an endless balancing act.
A loud, insistent banging on my door interrupted me from my thoughts. "Who is it, and what do you want?" I called out, frustration mounting.
"Open this door right now, or I'll break it down!" my uncle's wife's loud voice demanded.
With a heavy sigh, I made my way to the door, determined to find out what she wanted this time. As I opened it, she stood before me, her face filled with anger.
"What is it?" I asked, my voice low and weary from the day's stresses.
Without warning, she grabbed my arm and began pulling me out of my room. "What are you doing?" I demanded, struggling against her grip. "Am I some kind of criminal? I've only shown you respect because you're older. Have some respect for yourself!" I yelled, my anger reaching a boiling point.
Her face turned a deep shade of red, but she refused to back down. "You will show me proper respect in this house, young lady!" she declared.
I wrenched my arm free and stepped back into my room, slamming the door in her face. Leaning against it, I closed my eyes, my heart pounding in my chest. It was clear that her anger would only escalate, and I needed to find a way to deal with the mounting tension in the household.
As I stood on the other side of the door, her voice pierced through the silence. "Who was the man that dropped you off a few blocks away?" she demanded.