"Falling in love is very real, but I used to shake my head when people talked about soul mates, poor deluded individuals grasping at some supernatural ideal not intended for mortals but sounded pretty in a poetry book. Then, we met, and everything changed, the cynic has become the converted, the sceptic, an ardent zealot."    -E.A. Bucchianeri, Brushstrokes of a Gadfly

CARINA'S P.O.V.

I opened my eyes and sprung out of the bed realizing that the annoying sound was coming from my alarm clock. I quickly went to the bathroom and brushed my teeth, took a bath and dressed up. Since this is my first day, I still don't have my uniform. Christine told me that the uniform will be provided by the company, and that for me is convenient. I selected my best outfit that I could find in my closet. I was about ready when I remembered my dream. I blushed at the thought and I felt my body became hot. Who was that guy anyway? What a sinful dream. I shook my head to brush off the thought and went out of my room.

Christine dropped me off in front of the building since their company is just half a mile away from Bayleaf Corp. I thanked her and got out of the car. I stared at the building in awe. It was a beautiful glass building that radiates luxury and power. The architectural design amazed me. I walked into the building and went straight to the information area.

"Hello. I have an appointment with Mr. Novell at 9 am" She smiled at me professionally

"What is your name Miss?"

"I am Carina Westbay" She checked on her computer

"You must be the new Executive Assistant? Do you have a valid ID with you?" I opened my bag and prayed that I didn't forget it. I felt relieved when I found it and gave it to her. She typed something on her computer and gave my ID back to me.

"His office is located at the 2nd to the last floor"

"Thank you. Have a nice day" I said politely and went straight to the elevator. The interior design is also beautiful. There was a large red carpet on the clean white floor. The high ceiling was decorated with beautiful chandeliers. The ambiance was so welcoming. It was like that of an expensive hotel at first glance. What a nice building. I just hope working here will be a nice experience too.

While I was in the elevator going up, I started to become nervous that I almost pressed the ground floor button and walk out of the building. But I know it's something that I couldn't do. Christine asked her cousin a favor for my sake and even if I wasn't happy about it at first, I knew she was just trying to help me. Christine is just concern about my well being and just wants to help me raise the money and get back our house which is the important thing for now, not my pride. My mind was battling between going back down or continue when I was interrupted by the 'ding' sound and the elevator opened. I took a deep breath and went out of the elevator. This is it. No turning back.

*****

I was greeted by a middle aged woman and guided me to the office of Mr. Novell. She knocked the door and opened it,

"She is here" she said to the man inside, then I heard a familiar voice

"Send her in" upon hearing it, she smiled at me and motioned me to go in.

*****

"Good morning Mr. Novell. I-I am Carina Westbay" I cursed myself for stuttering a little. I saw him frowning at me, examining me from head to toe. His expression was unreadable and again, cold. Doesn't he get tired of that expressionless face of his?

"Have a seat Ms. Westbay. Good that you are not late. I am telling you now that I don't tolerated tardiness. My cousin is your best friend but that doesn't mean I cannot fire you when you can't meet my standard. I heard a lot of good stuff about you from her so I expect a lot from you. Anyway, as I said earlier, I am giving you 3 months trial period. I am going to observe your performance during that period and then decide if I will make you permanent or not. Is that clear?" He said to me formally, staring at me without a hint of any emotion from him.

"Yes sir. I understand." I said meekly and I tried to meet his cold gaze. Then he continued his explanation.

"Good. Now, as my executive assistant, you are expected to maintain professionalism and composure under pressure. Of course, you are to provide me assistant. You are to handle incoming and outgoing communication, filing and clerical work. You are also in charge of scheduling meetings, maintaining filing systems and databases, document review and preparation and possibly overseeing other staff such as making travel arrangements etc." I saw him opening the drawer of his desk and took out some documents.

"This is your contract for the next 3 months. The other pages explains your duties and responsibilities. Read it carefully before signing. Normally, I am not the one who do this to the new employees but I wanted to personally do it since I was the one who accepted you". I nodded then took the documents and began reading it. There were 2 copies, 1 for me and for the company. When I finished reading it and satisfied about the things written on it, I signed it and gave back to him the other copy.

"Okay. This is just for today. You can start tomorrow" he said dismissively and I stood up to get out of his office. I was about to open the door when I heard him called me.

"Ms. Westbay. As much I hate tardiness and laziness, I also don't tolerate those kind of clothes here. I want my employees to look presentable at all times. Talk to Mrs. Miller and ask her about your uniform" his voice full of distaste of my outfit. I felt humiliated and I felt my cheeks became hot with embarrassment. I opened my mouth to say something but I couldn't find my voice. I just nodded at him and went out. What a jerk. He didn't need to go that far.

I went straight to Mrs. Miller's desk to ask about the uniform but I stopped on my tracks when I heard her talking to someone.

"Hey Mrs. Miller, who was that girl a while ago? She looked like she's going to attend a church mass." I heard the younger girl said and laughed.

"Hey. You don't have to say it like that. She is the new EA of Mr. N" Mrs. Miller replied to the girl. Then I saw someone approaching the two so I hid myself behind Mrs. Miller's door.

"What's up guys? I heard that the new EA just arrived. What does she looked like?" the other girl inquired.

"She looks like a nice young lady to me. Anyway, where did you hear about that? You really have super power when it comes to gossips do you?" Mrs. Miller ask the new comer, shaking her head.

"Come on Mrs. Miller. I am just curious. Anyway, how many months do you think she can handle our boss?" The new comer said, smirking and clicking her tongue. What did she mean by that?

I was about to come out and talk to them when I heard the other lady respond.

"I think 1 month, I will bet my lunch money for that." She said laughing

"No, I think 2 weeks."

"Well, I think 1 week. I will also bet my lunch money for that" they laughed all together this time and then the 2 girls left. I got scared all of a sudden. Is it really wise for me to work in this company? From the way that the three ladies talked, I could tell that Mr. Novell was a difficult boss to handle. No! Maybe they are just making fun of me. I tried to convince myself that it would be alright.

"Hrmm. Excuse me Mrs. Miller. Mr. Novell instructed me to ask you about my uniform." She lifted her head from what she was doing and looked at me.

"Ah yes. I think you have a size here from our stock. Wait, I'll go and check it." She asked me about my size and then left for a minute. When I she returned, She has two pairs of office uniforms.

"I think this size will do. If you want you can try it to be sure." I examined the uniforms.

"It's okay Mrs. Miller. I think this size will do. Thank you". She shrugged her shoulders and sat on her chair.

"Okay. It's up to you". I said my goodbye and went out of the building. My mind wandered about my meeting a while ago with Mr. Novell. He was a very different man when he was working than seeing him together with his relatives. Is he really that kind of a demon boss that the other employees are betting on how many days that I could handle him? No. I must get it together. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity. I mustn't let it go to waste.

*****

"Hey Tin. How much do you know about your cousin? I mean, how is he as a boss?" I asked her. We were in her room, watching a TV series. She looked at me quizzically.

"Why do you ask?" I told her about the incident at his office a while ago, about the 3 employees betting on me. Upon hearing it, she laughed but I could tell that she also became uneasy.

"hmm...Cari. I don't know about the opinions of other people but as his cousin, I can assure you that he is a good man. Maybe, he is a little bit on the strict and cold side but I know he means well. He just doesn't want any inconvenience. You know, he has a lot of responsibilities. His father is already dead so he is doing everything to take care of their business." She explained.

"Okay I understand. I'll just ignore what I heard."

*****

I was running like crazy to get to the bus stop on time. I was wearing heels and my feet were already killing me. I woke up a little bit late. Christine couldn't drop me off at work because her work starts at 8:00 am today because of an important meeting and my work starts at 9 am. I was about to cross the pedestrian lane when I saw the bus passed by. I ran my ass off and shouted at the driver but he didn't hear me. OMG! I'm going to be dead. The next bus will be in 11 minutes.

When I arrived in front of the building, it's already 8:55. I tried to do my best to catch up to the elevator but it's already full. I went to the other side which was luckily, empty. I was about to press the close button when I somebody quickly entered. It was him. I held my breath. Suddenly, I felt the air around us became thicker that it became hard to breath. What's with him? He wasn't a scary looking guy even though he never smiles to other people but he really is intimidating.

"G-Good Morning Sir." What is it with me always stuttering in front of him? He stared at me for a second, his blue eyes staring at me intently.

"Good morning" He said and stood straight. He fixed his necktie and checked his wristwatch.

Until we reached his office, nobody talked.

*****

REGAN'S P.O.V.

I was driving irritably because of my headache. I went out with Bryan last night and we kept on drinking until I couldn't lift a finger. I couldn't even remember how I got home. Upon parking my car at the building's VIP parking lot, I went straight to the reception area and asked something to the receptionist. Then I caught a familiar sight entering the building. My lips parted a little upon seeing her. She was wearing the company's uniform but I couldn't deny how beautiful and sexy she looks wearing it. Her curly long hair was tied into a pony tail. Her hair was swaying with her hips as she walks by. She made the simple uniform looked like a sexy looking outfit, her curves were on the right places. I couldn't deny the fact the she affected me. What? NO! I shook my head and brushed off the unwanted thoughts in my head. I saw the other elevators already packed with employees, and then I saw her entered at the other elevator. I ran to catch up to her.

When we were together in the elevator, I studied her from my peripheral vision. I've never noticed it before but she had an angelic face. Her beauty is innocent. She just had a light make-up on. She really didn't need to put a lot of make up because she doesn't need to. She has long eye lashes that looked so beautiful everytime she blinked her eyes. My eyes went down to her lips and I gasped for a little bit. She has a full kissable lips. Her red lipstick accentuated her white complexion, it looks so sexy. He suddenly have the urge to.....No! You don't have the right to think about other women anymore!

****Hello guys! Another chapter update just for you (If someone ever reads this lol)****

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