Veronica

Bella was waiting for me outside, she was eager.

"Hey, guess what? I got the job" she told me. Phew, at least my news won't be as surprising now. Although, her job had almost nobody else to compete with, and I was up against hundreds.

"Congratulations" I said. I didn't know what to feel, it was a huge surprise, I wasn't expecting to even make it to the top ones to be considered, getting selected on spot was beyond.

"Veronica! What's wrong? How did your interview go?" she asked.

"uhm" I tried to speak, but there was a sudden hustle and bustle after the announcement of cancelation of further interviews.

"I.. I got selected" I said, as fast as I could.

"what? Really?!!" Bella was shocked too, but not as much as I was, maybe because she didn't know what went on inside, "Congratulations" she hugged me tight.

"Miss Rakes" the old guy who interviewed me came over.

"Yes, sir" I replied.

"Mr. Michaelson" he raised his hand for me to shake, "you can call me that. Reserve 'sir' for Mr. Kauscher only"

I smiled a bit. Surely, this boss of mine was something huge. Not only because he owned this gigantic company, but because of the hold he had on everyone.

"Come, I need you to get to know all details of your work. You need to get started tomorrow" he said. I nodded and followed him, with a silent goodbye to Bella.

********

I was lying on my back, staring blankly at the leaky ceiling.

"Veronica, are you even listening to me? You need to get up and pack your stuff, girl. You are going to live in that mansion" Bella was yelling.

"I know. Mr. Michaelson said I would be provided with everything, so apart from a night suit for tonight, I don't think I need anything" I replied, still staring at the ceiling.

"It's weird isn't it" she said, lying beside me, "The whole thing"

"Definitely" I said.

It was actually very weird. I was a personal assistant to Mr. Preston Kauscher, and personal, was very personal here. According to Mr. Michaelson, I was supposed to take care of everything Mr. Kauscher did. His food, his clothes, his files, meetings, you name it. Everything had be under my surveillance. It wasn't at all what I was expecting but since it came with a handsome salary, I wouldn't deny it. And it also came with free residence at his house, with free food and essentials. That meant, I can save and get free of my debts soon.

"This is not a dream right?" I asked Bella, still not sure how so much good has suddenly happened to me. All my life I had lived from hand to mouth. My parents were poor, and I lost my dad in my teens. My mom was ailing and couldn't work much after, until her death 2 years back. I had been working ever since my dad died and none of them paid enough. On top of that, I had to take loans for mom's health, house rents and my education.

"I hope not", Bella replied,"I'll get some beer, we need to celebrate our new beginnings"

I smiled and nodded. To new beginnings, at the the Kauscher mansion.

*****

My eyes flew open as my alarm rang. This was the day. I could finally move out and start anew. I quickly grabbed my luggage, put on some loose fitting jeans, a long sleeved black sweater and some flats. I looked like shit already, but there was no time to do any more than just clean myself up. Mr. Michaelson had clear instructions that I arrive at 6 am sharp and he would explain everything further.

A large Toyota hilux, deep blue in color, awaited me at the entrance of my miserable building. The driver and another guy took my luggage and escorted me to the car, helping me get in.

I had never been seated in such a luxury car before. With leather seats and chilling air conditioner.  There was even champagne in the cup holder.

"So", the other guy started, "my name is Aaron. You must be Veronica Rakes'". He shook my hand firmly and introduced himself.

I smiled awkwardly, "Nice to meet you"

"I would be your assistant and a few guys would be working under me. So, we are basically a team, who have the sole purpose of serving Mr. Kauscher"  he explained.

"Oh. Okay" I said awkwardly.  I hadn't expected that at all. A team of men to working for me? That was unbelievable for a girl who never had a respectful job in her life . Suddenly I was terrified. This was going to be a difficult one, I just hoped I didn't screw it up.

We arrived at the Kauscher mansion, and I gasped as the gigantic gates opened, making way for the car to enter.

The mansion stood tall in the very centre, covering a large space, and being ten floors tall. There was a large fountain , surrounded by green bushes and beautiful flowers. The gardens were huge as well, and seemed to stretch on forever.

After parking the car, the two other men got out as well. One walked around and opened the door for me.

"Thank you" I smiled softly, and then I stepped out of the car. Aaron handed over my bags to the loading guys and then guided me inside. It was a huge lobby, like those of five star hotels,  with crystal chandeliers hanging from the ceiling. There were paintings everywhere, some with landscapes, others with sculptures.

As we walked through the reception area, I saw the manager, a woman in her mid 40's. She gave me a friendly smile as we made eye contact.

"Welcome Miss Rakes"  she exclaimed, as she approached us, "Mr. Michaelson told us to expect you. We will show you your room, follow me".

She walked with us to the elevators which again, were magnificent.

"This is the ground floor obviously, where the reception, kitchen and office of appointments is. On first floor we have the meeting room, the dining hall, and the bar. On the second floor is the gym, the game room and spa. The third and fourth floor is for all of us workers who stay and work here. The fifth floor is for guests. The  sixth floor belongs to Mrs. Kauscher and her daughter. The seventh floor belongs to Mr. Kauscher's twin sons. The eight, ninth and tenth floor are exclusive to Mr. Kauscher" she finished.

The elevator doors dinged at 10th floor "We are here. This is the penthouse suite. Your room is here, next to Mr. Kauscher, so you can tend to his needs with ease" she opened the room and handed me the keys. It wasn't a room though, it was a huge apartment, larger than 3 of my previous apartments put together.

"Thank you" I said politely.

"You're welcome. Just drop your stuff in the living room, there are towels and shower things you may want to use. If you need anything, don't hesitate to ask" she smiled. Then she left me alone with my luggage.

I walked over to the window, there was a beautiful balcony with the gardens view. The wardrobes were full of beautiful dresses, formal clothes, nightwear. The large dressing table had every essential a girl could ever need.

There was a bell on the door, I rushed to answer, fearing it would be Mr. Michaelson. But it was a sweet serving girl.

"Breakfast madam" she said with a smile, and I let her enter. God! The hospitality of this place. She set the small coffee table with my breakfast, putting napkins and glass, cutlery, everything perfectly.

"Which omelet will you like to have?" she asked.

"uhm? What are the choices" I asked, clueless.

"Cheese or, meditarrean?"

"Cheese" I replied. She asked me about coffee choices, juice and fruit choices and I was served a perfect breakfast including pancakes with maple syrup, Greek yogurt, French toast and an amazing latte. I helped myself, eating to my hearts desire. My phone rang and I hurriedly picked up, it was Mr. Michaelson.

"Miss Rakes, I hope you are comfortable. Please get dressed and meet me in the small office on the same floor in 20 minutes"

"Yes, Mr. Michaelson" I replied and hurried to get ready. I had showered already, so, as tempting as the gigantic bath with all the scrubs and fragrances was, I focused on the dresses and quickly put on a formal bodycon wrap dress of deep purple color. Combing my hair nicely, I got into high heel pointed velvet pumps and stepped outside.

"Miss Rakes, Mr. Kauscher is waiting for you" Mr. Michaelson told me, guiding me to the small office.

My heart raced  as I entered the small room. Sitting behind the desk in front of me was Mr. Kauscher, his eyes locked on me as I entered. And of my God! He was so handsome, hazel eyes, oblong face and a mix of grey and black hair.

"Good morning, Mr. Kauscher", I greeted him politely.

"Hello, Veronica" he said smiling. I felt a chill go down my spine as I heard his voice, it was like an icy cold wind blowing through my ears.

He was wearing a gray shirt and dark slacks. His aura was so intimidating and overwhelming.  How could someone be so beautiful?

"Please sit down" he ordered, motioning for me to take the chair in front of his desk.

"I hope you are briefed about your work?" he  asked, as he leaned forward, resting his elbows on the desk.

"Briefed, sir" I nodded.

"It's alright, you will understand everything in a few days. I have a meeting at 10, so prepare and learn about it whatever you can and we shall leave by 9."

"Yes, sir", I replied.

"Do not forget that you are working for me and you are always welcome. Any questions, concerns or problems will be dealt with immediately, regardless of their importance to you"

"Of course, sir. Thank you " I replied, feeling intimidated.

"Alright, you may leave." I got up and walked out, sighing in relief. He wasn't as difficult as I expected him to be, and not that old either. He didn't give me creepy sugar daddy vibes.

I found Mr. Michaelson and Aaron waiting for me and joined them for discussion about the meeting