Dark obsession with my boss

CHAPTER 3

NAOMI POV

After the strange night I had, I make the coffee extra strong to start my day,

adding a second spoonful to my favorite yellow mug before pouring the hot

water. What I wouldn’t give for one of those five-dollar fancy lattes froma Café on Park Street. Instead, I sip the mug of instant coffee.

This will have to do.

Today, I'll have to find a job.

A real job. Not some made up pity work for a gorgeous mystery man who

followed me all the way home after buying me a pregnancy test.

Looking in my closet, I find a clean black skirt, white button-down blouse,

and a red cardigan. Pulling my hair back and adding a pair of fake pearl

earrings, I give myself a nod in the mirror.

I look like a Plain Jane, ready to report for clerical duty. No more pounding

the pavements, a red scarf around my neck, interesting earrings dangling

from my ears, searching for fancy art jobs that will feed my soul.

I was foolish to rely on my boyfriend in the first place, living off his salary

while trying to find a dream job. Today, I found a job, any job, that will feed my tummy and pay my rent.

The mystery man from the store last night did give me an idea.

Over summers in high school, I worked as a front desk clerk at Terrific

Teeth, the only dentist’s office in my small hometown. The name was

terrible, but I was good at the work. I kept bookings organized, and the

patients seemed to like me.

I could do office work again. Sure, my hard-won art degree will silently cry

tears behind my back, but for now, rent, utilities, and food are taking

priority. I have to find something.

Anything.

Stepping out onto the bustling city street, I’m greeted by a crisp spring

morning breeze that nips at my cheeks. The sound of traffic, car horns, and

people chatting surrounds me, the chaotic energy of the city.

Amidst the suits and briefcases, the professional working world charging

the pavements, I feel a fierce determination burning in my heart as I embark

on my mission.

For hours, I walk from office building to office building, venturing further

and further away from my apartment than I have ever ventured before on

foot. Rejection after rejection weighs heavily on me, but I refuse to give up.

With each step, my desire for stability and independence only grows

stronger.

Thankfully, I had chosen to wear flats today, making it easier for me to

explore the unfamiliar streets of Mexico. As I walk past sturdy

brownstone buildings, I come to one on the corner with an updated,

modern-style glass façade. A sign catches my eye: ‘Maxwell Enterprises.’

My curiosity piqued, I hesitate for a moment before summoning my

courage and walking through the revolving doors. Inside, the lobby is

opulently decorated with marble floors, modern art adorning the walls. A

beautiful woman sits behind a desk, her perfectly manicured nails clicking

away on the keyboard. “Excuse me,” I say tentatively, hoping this could be the opportunity I’ve

been searching for. This side of town, this building, this lobby, it all breaths

energy into me even if the job may not.

The woman eyes me from head to toe, her bright eyes filled with

intelligence. “Hello. I’m Sarah.”

“Hi, Sarah. Nice to meet you. My name is Naomi.” I stand there, trying to

remain calm as she studies me. “I’m so sorry to bother you but I’m just

wondering… are you hiring?”

“Actually,” she says, rising from her seat. “We are. Well, he is. My brother.

This is his business. I’m just filling in for the time being. It’s this desk that

needs manning, actually.”

“Oh.” Hope sparks within me. “Well, I’d love to be considered for the

position.” I quickly pull a paper resume from my bag, my name, Naomi Davidson, swirling across the top. “I have experience working a front desk

back at home.”

She takes the resume from my hand, flipping through the pages with a

critical eye. After a moment of silence, she looks up at me, a small smile

playing on her lips.

“I’ll let him know you’re here. Just take a seat over there.” She gestures

toward a plush waiting area. “I’ll go inform Mr. Maxwell of your interest

in the position.”

I thank her with a grateful smile and make my way to the seating area, my

heart pounding with anticipation. She disappears down a long hall, leaving the desk open. As I settle into one of the leather armchairs in the lobby, I can’t help but feel another surge of hope rising within me. Maybe this could

be my chance to start fresh in this hard city.

I can’t help but stare at the big, beautiful black desk, picturing a nice potted

plant, maybe an orchid on its shiny top.

Get the job. Sit behind that desk. Make it my own.

Minutes tick by slowly, each second feeling like an eternity as I wait for the

man that must be both the boss and owner of this business. The soft hum of the air purifying system fills the silence, adding to the tension in the air.

Finally, the woman returns, her eyes bright with excitement.

“Mr. Maxwell will see you now,” she announces.

As I follow her down the long hallway, my footsteps echoing on the

polished marble floor, I feel a mix of nerves and excitement swirling inside

me. The door to Mr. Maxwell’s office looms ahead, the frosted glass

displaying his name in elegant gold lettering. With a deep breath, I push the heavy door open and step into the luxurious office space.

The room is bathed in warm light streaming in through large windows that

offer a breathtaking view of the city skyline. A massive mahogany desk sits

in the center of the room, adorned with a sleek computer and stacks of

neatly organized papers. The walls are lined with bookshelves filled with

leather-bound volumes and intricate figurines from around the world.

And there he is, the mysterious Mr.Maxwell, standing by the window with

his back to me. His tall frame is silhouetted against the golden light, his

dark hair perfectly styled, bits of salt showing through the pepper. As he

turns around, I catch a glimpse of those piercing brown eyes…

The ones that seem to see right through me.