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Chapter IV

“Good morning, Cejay!”

I snorted meeting Marlou’s wide smile as if he found something amusing this morning. I walked to the refrigerator to get some milk and put it in the glass. I didn’t bother to ask Marlou to make me his specialty coffee. With his annoying smile right now, I could kill my gay friend right away.

“Now I regret that I told you that happening last night.” I shook my head and sat on the stool just across from him. I took the toasted bread and placed a butter. The butter melted atop of my toasted bread. Then a piece of bacon. I rolled it over and shoved it to my mouth with a frown on my face which Marlou just laughed and grinned at me.

“You’re bored in here. I knew you can’t stay here in this condo not for long. I wonder what you are doing here when I wasn’t here,” he teased, wriggling his brows.

I rolled my eyes. “Oh, please! You’re thinking malicious idea, Mars.” He thinks I’m bringing a guy here and having sex. I felt my cheeks heat from that thought. That thought didn’t occur in my head but now. He was about to speak but I summoned my hand to stop him. “Save it. I don’t need your thoughts! I’m already embarrassed since yesterday! Don’t push it too hard for me!” I almost shrieked.

“Yeah, I could clearly see it. You’re blushing anyway, girl.”

“I’m not!” I said defensively. Although I could feel it again. That was too embarrassing for me! I didn’t know Mr. Huntington was there just behind me and he was listening to all my rants. I couldn’t do anything to face him anymore but I have to see him right away.

“Yes, you are.” Marlou winked.

I groaned in frustration and shook my head, frowning. I turned my back and walked towards my room to prepare myself knowing that it is my first day. I wore the new corporate attire Mr. Huntington gave to me yesterday after he heard me that I was going to see him just to agree to his proposal.

I looked myself through the mirror and saw my reflection. Oh, how I love the power radiating within me whenever I wear corporate attire. It appeared like I am a boss in this kind of clothes. It’s pretty amazing seeing your other self wearing like this. I think I’m a different person whenever I exactly wore this. Pretty much amazing to my liking though.

I took the hair blower and dried my hair. I’m planning to pull my hair on a tight ponytail because I want to appear to be sophisticated in front of people’s eyes.

“Well, yeah, Cejay. Don’t forget your self-efficacy.” I murmured to myself while applying light makeup. When I’m ready, I glared at my reflection in the mirror before I pulled off to be ready to go to the office.

“Good luck on your first day,” said Marlou with a grin on his face.

I rolled my eyes in submission. “Screw you, Mars. I’m going.” I bid goodbye.

“Tell me what may happen!” he shouted before I closed the door. I just shook my head in response to that even though Marlou couldn’t see my expression.

I went to the ground floor and hop in my car I just bought because of earning my salary. As I drove off, I wonder what would maybe the reaction of the people working on Huntington Inc. if they find out I am back again. Not as the marketing manager but the CEO’s personal assistant.

I put my pride down. I won’t go back to my father if he finds out I signed a resignation letter. I would rather work for Mr. Huntington than be in my father’s power. I won’t go back unless I proved something he should be proud of.

“Pull yourself up, Merryweather,” I said when I parked the car. I went out and walked to the lobby. No one seems to notice me because it is too early. I used to be so early because I’m always excited to work even though I’m not a morning person.

I rode on the elevator and pressed the button where Mr. Huntington’s located. As I reached the top floor of the building, I was met by black and white walls, the significance of a very manly person. My eyes roamed around as I see lots of paintings hanging on the wall. Expensive vases were displayed. I was truly amazed by this kind of interior design. Whoever did this, he is absolutely amazing!

I twitched my lips. This is a visitor’s area. I found an office desk near the door of this floor. This is the office of her secretary. Nice! Helga is not around yet. I thought she is as early as me.

I walked straight to Mr. Huntington’s office. If I’m always too early, no one can beat Mr. Huntington as the most punctual here. He has his own flat just near his office. I wonder where it was.

I knocked three times before I twisted the doorknob. As I opened the door, my eyes already found him sitting and was busy reading the piles of paper files placed on his desk. He looks so dashing wearing his office suit and the mere fact that he was wearing reading glasses.

Oh my gosh. I love guys wearing that kind of glass. They look so cute to look at.

I eyed him. I knew that he was engulfing and busying himself on the paperwork he had on his desk. I think he didn’t notice me yet so I cleared my throat. “Good...” I cleared my throat again because my tone changed. “Good morning, Mr. Huntington,” I said formally.

Slowly, he raised his glance to look at me. I caught my breath in an instant when our eyes met. Those ocean blue eyes of his succumbed to me instantly without a warning and the reading glasses he was wearing gave a huge impact on how he exerted his authority, eerie, and coolness right now.

Mr. Huntington stared at me for seconds before he snapped out, nodding his head to my presence. “You’re early, Ms. Merrywheather.” I don’t know why but I saw a hint of smile stretching out on his lips.

I pursed my lips into a thin line as I want to provoke him and say sarcastic words but I remember I’m his employee and he has the power to order me around. I know saying mocking words is such disrespect to my boss.

“I’m always like this, sir.” Be formal, Cejay. Don’t mock him. Don’t you dare?

Mr. Huntington nodded his head. “Good thing we have the same perspective being a punctual person, Ms. Merrywheather.” He flashed a smile. Then he eyed me up and down. I was feeling uncomfortable the way he scrutinized me. “Your office attire is suitable for you.”

My heart raced rapidly as my eyes widened. Did he... Did he actually smile?

“Y-You’re smiling...” I said out of nowhere, looking at my boss like he murdered someone. I almost ignored how he checked me out and complimented my attire.

He arched his brow and smiled once more. “I do smiling.”

I shook my head, looking at him in disbelief. “But... But you’re not actually like that.” Oh my god! Kindly tell me that this is not a nightmare, right? My boss is smiling! He is capable to smile genuinely! As far as I know and hear, Mr. Huntington has no capability to smile. He always looked so grumpy and all.

Mr. Huntington gave me an amusing look. “Says who?” he said, cocking his eyebrow.

Glaring into his eyes was a mistake because I could sense the danger shouting on it. I gulped. “Um... N-Nothing, s-sir.” I diverted my gaze. Okay, I was intimidated by the way he eyed me. I’m not comfortable being treated like this. “N-Nevermind what I said. Y-Your orders?”

Oh please! I was stammering and could feel myself turning red. I know I shouldn’t say that. I could get him offended by what I said. I don’t want to lose my job right now. I want to appreciate this now because I don’t know what to do to myself if I don’t get a job again. That would push me to go back to my father and that’s the last resort I wanted to do.

“Buy me some breakfast. I want an order of two,” Mr. Huntington ordered.

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