"She loved only her lover and Iphigenia
in the narrowness of her cold breast."

-Gabriela Mistral

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Roman's POV:

The perverted lust for deception and conquering what needs to be achieved is the ages old cowardice of humans. It is vivid, raw and it consumes. 

The distinct trait of making and committing to mistakes beget perfection.

Cowardice is a trait, an elusive one which is usually hidden behind  a mask.

After all, everything is a stage and we pretend to be what we are not.

_____________________________

A frown graced my face as I fixed my tie for the umpteenth time. It failed to centre repeatedly, it had been long since I had the need to .

Azure slept peacefully, Mrs. Crompton said week old kittens slept the whole day. I stole a glance at his serene face, a pang of jealousy hitting my chest.

Oh to be a fretless kitten in a rich woman's house and sleep the whole day!

Somewhere in the mirage of the dark night, I was awakened by his small whimpers. I decided to sleep cradling him on my chest, whispering soothing words of comfort in his ears. He fell asleep but for me sleep was non-existent. I had heard the rumours about Mr. Mikhail being in his deathbed and waiting for his death and progressively grew more worried about the notorious Ms. Mikhail, his daughter.

I didn't realise the takeover was going to happen so soon. The rumour ran quite strongly that she was an absolute nightmare to work with and nothing like her father in work ethics or ethics in general.

She couldn't be worse than the situation I was in.

Even walking on fire seemed tempting at the moment; and a fire that happened to be the company I have idolised forever? Count me the fuck in.

Mrs. Crompton kindly offered her help to look after Azure after I informed her of my out-of-the-blue job recruitment. She was ecstatic, most probably because now I filled the handsome, tall and eligible criteria.

Mikhail Inc. was the biggest architecture and tech firm in the country. We had plenty of tech firms or architectural firms- but none that specialised in both.

Mr. Mikhail started his early days as a first generation immigrant from Egypt. Married a beautiful Indian woman, bought the failing Whiston Corp with his last savings and turned it into a multi-billion dollar firm, graduated with a degree in Architecture and CSE, had a daughter.

His success story was a newspaper favourite and often published in their 'Self-love' section. Of course, the biggest successes were often seen as temporary. There is always a 'if' and the 'if' factor in Mr. Mikhail's success was his daughter.

It was pointed out several times, by business gurus and tiktok financial advisers- "Is Ms. Mikhail as capable as her father?"

Seeing how their stock didn't fall as of yet, I would assume she is. The world was only kind to rich men and often loved to downplay the success of women and their achievements.

My interview with Mr. Mikhail would undoubtedly be the highlight of my career. A poised but relaxed man, occasionally sipping coffee as we had a nice chat. I didn't get the job on the first or second calling but he was still my idol. I grew up wanting to be him, aspiring to be him, learning how he applied certain tactics in his business.

I sighed, fixing the tie and my glasses, running a hand through my stubble. I trimmed them today because I didn't want to look like a hobo.

My hair was slicked back, the pale blue cotton shirt highlighted the grey colour of my eyes.

I was dressed to impress but it was questionable as it was Ms. Mikhail.

Taking out the cologne that I reserved only for job interviews and special occasions, I sprayed a pump, the shithole of the apartment being drowned in soothing cinnamon and bergamot fragrance.

"Let's go, baby," I picked up Azure, placing a kiss on his head who was now awake and eyeing me curiously, "I will be back tonight okay?"

"Meow?"

"I will give you treats if you are a good boy," I nestled him in my arms, locking the door and climbing down the stairs. I looked around and found no noisy neighbour, the threat had worked adequately.

"Meow!"

I chuckled, nuzzling his tiny forehead. I knocked on Mrs. Crompton's door. "Aww you brought him already?" She smiled, opening the door.

"Yeah," I smiled, "I hope it's okay to keep him for the day?"

"Of course! C'mere baby," She took him from me, petting him. She looked at me, throwing me a small smile, "Goodluck for your job! Mikhails are a big deal."

I nodded, thanking her and kissing Azure goodbye as I let myself out.

As a kid, I have always envisioned being in a large skyscraper that pierced the cloud.

Getting to work in the tallest one and under the person that owned it would be a dream come true.

_________________________________________

This is a fucking nightmare.

"Mr. Carlisle, please sit in that room and switch off your phone. Ms. Mikhail will be meeting you shortly."

Shortly my ass.

It's been two hours since I had been sitting in the room that was painted in an awful white, looking at the wall and contemplating my life choices.

It was 12 PM and my stomach was rumbling. If this was some fucked up way to test my durability, fuck her. Every time I had the urge to get up and walk out, I was reminded of my financial condition.

Azure.

That demon god and witch from hell.

That fucking tap.

Endless debt.

So I would have to bear it, even if I didn't want to. My body was tempted to succumb to a slumber, on the verge of giving out as I blinked my eyes, struggling to keep them open.

Suddenly, the door opened and relief washed over me. It was the woman from earlier.

I smiled habitually, "When will Ms. Mikhail be attending me, Jenna? Can I call you Jenna since we are working together?"

She smiled back, although I saw something akin to pity shining in her eyes, "Sure, Mr. Carlisle. Please follow me."

I nodded, standing up. I followed her as she guided me through the massive infrastructure. The building was covered with glass. One could see the entire city line through it. It had an oval structure which opened to a giant lobby down.

"Ms. Mikhail is very picky," She said as we walked to the elevator, "Your job will be extremely hard."

"I understand."

"Ms. Mikhail said she will discuss your salary with you extensively," She cleared her throat, "You don't have to worry about the money, your only concern from now on should be her. She is extremely closed off, dictating and prudish."

An ice queen.

"I will try my best to open her up," I smiled, "Maybe all she needs is someone that is not always business with her."

Her eyes snapped to me as she shook her head, her eyes glum, "Don't even think about it, you will be fired in a heartbeat."

"Jenna I don't think you-"

The elevator dinged and the doors opened. I froze as I heard the commotion coming from the opposite side of the large oak door.

"This is what I was talking about," She sighed, pressing a hand on her temple, "I need a cup of wine mixed with black coffee."

The door opened slightly as a dishevelled man came out, looking small and on the verge of tears.

"DO NOT PRESENT ME WITH THIS BULLSHIT AGAIN!"

"I am sorry, Ms. Mikhail. I will submit it by tonight," He was sweating profusely as he clutched the file to his chest. He shut the door and met my eyes.

"You seem new here....." He remarked.

"Hello, sir," I smiled, "I am Roman Carlisle, Ms. Mikhail's new assistant."

He observed me for one second... then two and then he burst into a fit of laughter.

I took a step back, confused.

"You are such a handsome guy," His small body still shook as he ran his hand through his greying hairs, "Run while you still can with your youth."

"Okay..."

He walked off, chuckling and shaking his head.

"Uh," Jenna laughed nervously, "That was Mr. Jim, our head architect. You should go through that door and knock twice. Good luck."

"Um-"

She walked off, waving at me before I could question anything.

Okay, so I was starting to feel a little conscious.

A dryness resided in my throat as I gulped, looking at the intimidating oak door. I mean, She couldn't be worse than my good for nothing neighbour... right? Blood pumped in my veins as I gathered my courage and slowly knocked twice on the door with my trembling fingers.

"Come in."

Jesus christ.

I pushed the door open, peeking inside, taking the broad window pane. A chair that faced the window, its back turned towards me as smoke emitted.

She smokes.... Holy shit.

My mouth went slack as a rush of feel self-consciousness washed over me. The pungent smell of smoke permeated the air, suddenly it was too warm all over.

"Have a seat."

Her voice was deep, it screamed authority and command. Husky, rough- like the cigar she was smoking. I was intrigued, but I wanted to make a run for it all the same.

A clink of her nails against the glass table, a soft sound of the tobacco burning. I tugged at my tie, hunger was messing with my head.

"Roman  Carlisle, age 27, Bevill State Community College, two prizes in programming, is excellent at handling stressful situations," She trailed off, taking another drag of her cigar. I noticed her long manicured fingers as she rested them on the armrest, "You passed the durability test. I have one last question for you before you become my employee."

"Y-Yes mam."

Her melodious chuckle filled the silent room, coarse but as soothing, that of a siren's, as she took another drag of the cigar, "Ms. Mikhail would suffice. Are you nervous?"

"Yes," I answered honestly, "Actually, I am very nervous."

"Why?"

I shifted in my seat, taking in a deep breath, "Because I have always dreamt of working in this firm and I want to do it right now that I finally have the chance."

She turned her chair, abruptly.

Holy....

It was as if I was struck by a bolt of lightning. Sudden, electrifying, and absolutely lethal. My fingers trembled as I took her in, a mortal looking at a goddess.

She is so pretty it hurts to look at her.

Her eyes were sharp, burned like two pools of warm gold. Her skin reminds me of everything that is warm and beautiful, rich chocolate brown shining golden under the sky. Jet black curls, adorned with small pearls, cascaded down her waist like an obsidian waterfall, the desk hid the rest of her from me.

Her gaze, both intense and tender, held the power to ignite sparks within my soul, drawing me closer with an irresistible magnetism.

She burns me.

The mere sight of her burned me in ways I could not fathom. It left a sparking sensation all over my skin and suddenly I wanted to think about things I was not meant to think.

Time ceased to exist, and my heart beat in sync with the rhythm of her enchanting aura. Every second was difficult, each breath I took was measured. I was mesmerised, one look and I was intoxicated.

I looked down, averting my gaze. Such beauty was not for gawking. It was for worshipping. It was for reverence and prayer. 

I was an unworthy twat. I shouldn't even be having these thoughts. She was forbidden for me, so much so that looking at her would be a sin. 

I gave myself a firm shake, suddenly feeling warm all over. Hunger was consuming my brain. The cacophony of my palpitating heart rang in my head and I wanted nothing but to run out of the fucking office.

"Look at me, Roman."

I clenched my fist, taking in a deep breath and meeting her eyes. Her beautiful amber eyes lined in kohl. I didn't dare to breathe, trying my best to keep my expression in check so that I wouldn't be fired before getting started.

Some may mistake it as lust but I was not lusting after her. I was admiring her, the intricate craftsmanship of her delicate yet sharp, almost lethal features. Her lips a shade of brown, curling around her cigar. She wore a peach suit that highlighted her complexion perfectly. full, round face, an aura of elegance one would imagine a woman of her caliber to carry.

I saw her through the eyes of how Pheidia might have seen Athena. Reverence of an artist looking upon a goddess.

She was undoubtedly the most beautiful woman I had ever seen.

Her eyes glowed like that of a tiger's as a small smirk curled up in her lips. She was mind-numbingly beautiful.

"It is a speech I have heard several times," She leaned back in her chair, taking a puff of her cigar, the small gesture exuded elegance, "The question is, are you fine with working under me?"

I licked my lips, adjusting my glasses and staring at her forehead, "When I applied for this job, I knew what would be expected of me. So yes, I am fine with working under you Ms. Mikhail."

"You are to bring me coffee every morning, report at 8 AM, sharp. Coffee should be balanced, not too sweet or bitter. Also a breakfast sandwich. I expect you to jot down the meetings and mark the points that seem useless to you. You are to handle the papers and filter them before passing them to me. You get off when I do. You are expected to accompany me to the meetings and functions. Do socialising for me, talk to clientele. Understood?"

That's.... not too bad.

Still bad but not she-is-going-to-work-you-to-death-and-do-voodoo-with-your-body bad.

I nodded, not daring to meet her eyes. I was afraid she would see right through me and I couldn't let that happen. As much as I admired her beauty, I needed the job.

"For now, arrange the files by numbers and colours, take the phone calls, tell everyone to fuck off and do not let anyone enter. I have a 4, 6 and 8 PM meeting scheduled today. You get off at 8:30. Schedule my next meetings by time zone order and here-"

She shoved a large stack of files toward me. I caught them in time, contemplating whether it was too late to run from through the door.

"Sort them. You have three hours. Grab some lunch. And here-"

She extended a piece of paper to me.

"Sign this. This is our agreement. Your salary is 20k a month. Is that fine with you?"

I nearly choked. That was way more than any other company have ever offered me.

"It could be 25k if I am satisfied by your work. Understood?"

I nodded wordlessly, feeling dizzied by the unexpected outcome and huger alike. She was generous with her salary offer and suddenly my admiration morphed into something akin to gratefulness.

My earlier exhaustion was forgotten as I gave her the brightest smile I could muster. Something delightful coursed through my soul and suddenly I felt as if everything would change for better.

"Thank you, Ms. Mikhail. I will work hard," For the first time in this office, I met her piercing eyes. The universe shined in them, radiating so much life. So much anger. So much stubbornness and determination. A force to be reckoned with, her gaze and her rage seemed welcoming in my hunger induced state.

She seemed taken aback, her lips pursed and a small frown in her brows.

"Stop smiling."

My smile immediately dropped. "Don't make it a habit," She snapped, killing her cigar and leaning in, "Unless you are in a boardroom. Understood?"

Wordlessly, I nodded.

"People who smile without any reason seem fake to me," She stated, her honey rich voice thrumming around the walls, "Don't take it personally."

"I will work on it, Ms. Mikhail," I nodded.

"Your work hours start now, sign the contract and go.

________________

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