CHAPTER 2: Settling in as Ms. Secretary
1512 Words
Emily's POV
I woke up before my alarm rang, for the first time in a long time. I was both excited and nervous for the day. When I returned from the successful interview yesterday, Lily made me go shopping for formal wears. We bought a ton of outfits, shoes and bags for work.
When I was done dressing in a black palazzo pant and white shirt, I put my hair in a high pony tail and applied a little make up. I already prepped my hand bag last night so I just grabbed it and walked downstairs.
The banging beats of 'Hey Mama by Bebe Rhexa and Nicki Minaj' rang through out the living room as i arrived the dining where Lily served our breakfast.
"How are you even up already?" I asked her, surprise laced to my voice. I sat my bag down on the chair beside me as I took a seat on our island.
"Well, Good morning to you too", she replied sarcastically as she filled a plate with toast and eggs and placed it before me.
"You didn't think I'd over sleep on your first day of work, now. Your my favourite b***h. I gotta be up when you're up", she stated enthusiastically.
"Awww, so sweet. Thanks for having my back, soul sis", i appreciated genuinely with a smile.
"Anytime, Hun. BTW, you look hot as eff. Your boss would be an i***t not to look at you twice"
"Oh C'mon, Lily", we both laughed as I dug into my breakfast. She poured me a glass of orange juice which is my favourite by the way.
"Yunno, there's something weird about Mr. Nightshade"
"Weird? What is it?", she asked as she took a seat on the table.
"He has this look in his eyes. Like his pupils dilate and turn a shade darker momentarily. He's super handsome, no doubt but I can't shake off the feeling of something more mysterious about him"
"Really? Are you sure you're not over imagining things", she asks giving me the unsure look and I affirmed with a nod while drinking up my juice.
"I know what I saw, Lee. I'll just have to pay more attention to him to confirm that I'm not losing it"
"It sounds really abnormal so just keep an eye on Mr. Hottie", she winked and teased and I got up, grabbing my bag.
"Of course. Thanks so much for breakfast. I'll see you when I'm home or call you during my break. Bye"
"Bye girlie. Have fun" she waved off as I ran out of the apartment building.
##########
"Good morning, Ms. Parker. Mr Nightshade has asked that you get him a cup of black coffee with no sugar before he arrives", the cute receptionist related. She handed me an ID card with my profile on it.
"Thank you, Samantha", I said after taking a short glance at her ID that's clipped on her pink blazer pocket.
I smiled warmly as I walked briskly towards the private elevator. I used my ID card to the scanner and it granted me permission to enter the lift.
Soon I arrived on the CEO's floor and I walked straight to his office. I opened the door and turned on the light. The room was neatly arranged.
His cologne still lingered in the air giving me a heavy feeling in the pit of my tummy. I walked over to the room that was my supposed office wandering why I had a door that was easy for the CEO to access.
I just shrugged and fell into the soft black office chair, sitting behind my black desk. There was a Mac computer laying on the desk and a couple of books stacked on it.
There was a small flower vase with dandelions and an empty picture holder. Hmm, Dandelions? So weird. The office was a medium size compared to Mr. Nightshades.
It's walls were white with gold linings. There were two visitor seats opposite mine. There was a suit holder and two stainless cabinets.
I noticed the big black door that probably led to the hallway. Then there was a small black door and I got up to inspect what was behind it.
Hmm, A bathroom. Generally the office was clean, cute and Posh. How perfect.
After settling in for a few minutes, I sprinted out of the CEO's floor to speak with the receptionist.
There were staff members littered around the floor, dressed in formal wears with their tags clipped to their outfits and engulfed in group conversations.
I headed to the reception desk to speak with Sam
"Hey Samantha" but she was still on a phone call with someone. I tapped my fingers on the tiled slab impatiently waiting for her.
The magnificent Ottoman clock sat on the wall behind the counter ticking away. I heard footsteps approach me and a familiar cologne filled my senses.
"Ms. Parker", I heard an all too familiar voice call out from behind me. I turned around to face my very handsome boss.
He was wearing an orange two piece suit with a white shirt. His hair was nearly brushed and curled on his head and his ever evident smirk was plastered on his soft pink lips.
"Good morning Mr. Nightshade", i greeted with a bit of fear, remembering his unmade coffee. it's only my first day and I'm in trouble. There was a brown haired man in a white suit, standing just beside him.
"Why are you down here?", he asked as he walked forward, closing the space between us. My heart beat quickened and my tongue went dry.
I turned around to look at Samantha who might I add was done with her unending call and standing professionally to watch I and Mr. Nightshade.
"I came to inquire about the staff lounge or some place I could get your coffee from", I replied lowly with my head bowed.
His voice dropped an octave, with a loud deep resonance, "My coffee isn't ready? Ms. parker I'll have you know that I will not tolerate tardiness from you. Today will be an exception as it is your first day but if there is a repeat of this, you won't be escaping so easily" his voice sent shivers down my spine.
"I understand sir, thank you", i replied hastily.
"Mr. Hayes please give Ms. Parker a quick tour of the office building. When you return, Send me the industrial contract documents for Sentiva Industries", then he walked briskly away. It was until now that I realised that the reception floor was empty.
The staff that were here earlier were all gone now. Hmm, are they really afraid of Mr. Nightshade? I mean who wouldn't be.
"Michael Hayes", the brown haired man introduced as he stretched forth his right hand for a shake.
"Emily Parker", i replied shaking his hand.
"Wow, such a beautiful name for a beautiful lady. Welcome to Petrocorp, Emily. I'd love for you to call me Michael as I wish to be a friend of yours" he said with a charming smile.
"I don't mind at all Michael. Now please show me to the coffee machine, I'd love to get Mr. Nightshades coffee now", he gives a curt nod and we walk over to the general elevator.
### ### ###
My first day at Nightshade Enterprises was a whirlwind of excitement and nerves. I found myself thrust into a world of high-powered meetings and intricate corporate politics, trying my best to keep up with the fast pace of the company.
As I settled into my new role as a personal assistant to Mr. Nightshade, I couldn't shake the feeling that there was something off about the company. I noticed the way the other employees whispered nervously whenever I followed Mr. Nightshade down the office hall and the strange symbols etched into the walls of the building gave me an eerie feeling.
We had three meetings today, the board meeting, meeting with Sentiva Industry team and the Managerial team meeting.
Despite my reservations, I threw myself into my work, determined to prove myself to my new boss. I quickly discovered that Mr. Nightshade was not an easy man to please, with his exacting standards and demanding schedule. He's probably the most of a perfectionist that I had ever met.
I was drowned in work that I didn't realise I had exhausted my working hours. I quickly packed up my bag and went to Mr. Nightshades office. I knocked and he let me in.
"Mr. Nightshade", i addressed as I walked to his desk. His head was resting on his palms and his shoulders were slacked. He rose his head to look at me and his dark pupils gave out his stressful mood. Before I could point it out to him, it was gone and his intense stare was eating me up. "It's time to leave, Sir. Is there anything I can do for you before I exit the premises?"
"No, you can leave", he replied sharply and I nodded.
"Good night, Mr. Nightshade".
- Writer
