[Nicole]
As promised, Clara provided me with the transaction details from the marketing and sales department, and this was all I needed to complete the whole assignment.
I didn't for a slight moment imagine completing the assignment today but I did, and I have Clara to be grateful to.
From the window I saw three cars drive into the compound, and my heart skipped a beat, knowing that the CEO had arrived.
You already did everything, I repeated to myself to stop my heart from thumping really fast but it just wasn't working. I looked away from the window, and continued with compiling the list of transactions.
I got carried away by the assignment so that by the time I remembered that the CEO was present already, many minutes had passed.
With so much haste, I left my desk, and headed for the lobby where I was sure the others were assembled to officially welcome the new CEO.
I got to the lobby in no time, and saw him. He was difficult to miss, a super expensive suit hung over him, and at his sides two heavily built men stood guard. He was facing the other staff while his men stood facing the direction from where I emerged. The men were strangely familiar, and for a moment I wondered where I knew them from.
Then it hit me, and with my knowledge came a slowed movement and a heaviness in my heart. They were among a couple of other guys who stood guard outside the hotel room that night when I got out.
To make matters worse, the CEO turned towards my direction, and my feet suddenly lost their ability to walk. Images of that night rushed into my memories, and I suddenly felt the urge to disappear from under his haughty eyes.
How did a bad day begin with so much positive vibe? And why the hell was he looking at me like that?
His eyelids flickered in recognition for one minute and the next minute it was gone. My eyes sorted for Clara from among the others and our gaze met and held briefly. Like the others, she was confused about the whole scene that was playing out.
My gaze returned to the man in front of me, who I could bet was suppressing a smile, and that was all I needed to be strong.
I ignored all of my emotions, and my feet which had lost their ability to walk were restored and I resumed my walk towards him.
"Good morning sir," I greeted without a trace of sadness or shock. "I'm here to walk you to your new office." I added with a delightful smile, leading the way to the CEO's corner.
"What took you so long?" He asked in a tone that was caught up between aggressiveness and gentleness, looking into his phone. I looked at him from the corner of my eye and he was smirking, and I wished I could strike him across his stupid face.
"I…I was working on the assignment you gave me." I replied, pushing open the door that led to the CEO's corner.
Seriously if you men that are heavily built can't get the door, then what the hell are you doing here? I said in my head.
I made to open the CEO's office but one of his men beat me to it, and Leonard, as he was called by the others, stepped inside. I contemplated between going inside with him and going back to my desk, and decided on the latter.
"As ridiculous as it may sound," Leonard started to say as I turned to leave, making me stop in my tracks. "I need you to get started here." He finished, and settled on his seat behind the office desk.
I stepped into the office, mustering every ounce of self control I could. If his men saw anything wrong in the way he addressed me, they did nothing to show it.
I brought out Louis' official laptop, and placed it on the desk, after powering it and inputting the password. Then I proceeded to open the drapes on the windows, while trying to avoid bumping into one of the men who towered over me in the office.
"What is this?" Leonard asked, referring to the laptop. There was a hint of irritation in his tone.
"It contains all you need to know for an effective running of this company." I replied, and he raised an eyebrow. I was annoyed, and it reflected on my tone.
"And what do I need to know about running this company?" He asked again in that annoying tone I have come to associate with him. He seemed to be having a good time pissing me off.
"I don't know, sir. I'm not supposed to know." I replied, trying to sound as polite as possible. The information on the laptop was classified, and strictly reserved only for the CEO.
"Is that all sir?" I asked after some time, during which he said nothing. I was ready to leave his annoying presence, and continue with compiling the list of transactions.
"Oh!" He exclaimed, as though he was suddenly reminded of my presence.
"Have a seat," he said Instead, pointing at the seats in front of him, and my heart skipped a beat. I drew one of the chairs, while seriously hoping we won't be talking about anything that is related to the other night.
"Can we talk?" He asked once I settled down on the seat, and I stared wide-eyed at him. Talking about that night was bad enough for me, talking about it in front of his men is way more than I can handle.
"Not in front of my men of course." He added, and signaled his men out of the office. He must have noticed my discomfort which was strange because all I see in him is a wealthy, handsome, self-centered son of a bitch who doesn't care about the feelings of others.
The office was quiet for the next couple of minutes after his men stepped outside. I could hear my chest heaving as I inhaled and exhaled heavily, and I was sure he could hear it too.
"What happened the other night…," He started to say and trailed off. It was as if he wanted me to complete his statement.
"Was a mistake, and will not be spoken of, ever." I finished for him, and watched as his expression became one of sheer surprise.
Is it not what he or any one of his status would want?
"No, I mean, not really." He continued, disrupting my thoughts, and I wondered what could be going on in his mind.
"Marry me, Nicole." He added suddenly, without warning.