I Can't Breathe Without You

Chapter 4

Mrs. Thomson welcomed me to the Head of Department's office and gave me an introduction to my new co-workers.

They gave me a warm welcome and made me feel comfortable with their warm grins. After that, I was shown to my office, where I would start this fascinating new phase of my professional life.

I was given a brand-new laptop, a business phone, and all the tools I needed so I could get started right away.

Mrs. Thomson told one of my new co-workers, "James, please take Miss Mary around the company," in a firm but friendly manner.

Show her the division in which she will be employed. I want her to begin as soon as possible, tomorrow.

James went above and above what was required; he was more than helpful. He pointed out different departments and amenities as we walked around the facility, but I must admit that I had trouble paying attention to what he was saying. The company's style and how kind everyone looked completely captured my attention.

I felt like I had discovered my new home at the workplace because of how kind the atmosphere was.

When James saw that I was preoccupied, he stopped and apologized, Miss. You didn't seem to be listening to me. I gave him a sheepish smile, but I couldn't help but admit it. There was too much going on around me for me to focus completely.

"If you ever need anything, my office isn't far from yours," he said, chuckling lightly. I became aware of a dramatic change in the atmosphere as we continued to walk.

Everyone around us appeared to be on high alert, with nervous or even scared expressions. The fact that someone significant had entered the premises was obvious.

I scanned the throng and saw him—a tall, attractive man with broad shoulders, about six feet tall, with a commanding presence, glass skin, a good, well-defined jawline, and short, clean-cut, light brown hair.

His costly emerald eyeglasses gave him an amiable yet menacing appearance, and he was approaching me with a deliberate gait. I was forced to stare as my breath seized in my chest. He was an exceptional gentleman who clearly looked after himself.

To the increasing unease of those around us, I was unable to take my eyes off of him because I was so enthralled by his presence.

I was really engrossed in him. I became aware right once that this man was unlike any other person I had ever seen.

"Mary, you're staring at him too much," James said in a light-hearted but humorous whisper. I hurriedly averted my gaze, ashamed by my obvious gawking as my face reddened.

When he saw me, the man grinned and said, "Sorry, miss, what’s your name?"

"Mary Jenkins," I answered, attempting to gather myself. "Nice to meet you, Mr. Timothy Harrison."

He shook my hand firmly and remarked, "Nice to meet you too," before he was called away.

I couldn't stop looking at him as he excused himself and passed by me on his way to a meeting.

My eyes seemed to be acting independently.

"That’s our CEO," James said, grinning knowingly, as though he had witnessed this response before.

"He's being courted by every lady in the department. You seem to have joined the group. Even though I was still in shock from the experience, I couldn't help but smile as he laughed.

Startled, I exclaimed, "Wow, he’s so young,"

"That’s what makes him the most eligible bachelor in the company," James smirked in response.

I was unable to ignore the veracity of what he said. Without a question, Timothy, the CEO, was a man who attracted attention.

James ultimately went back to his office after showing me around, allowing me to take up residence in mine. However, my thoughts kept returning to Mr Timothy in spite of the bustle in the workplace.

I got to work early the following day in the hopes of running into him again and perhaps even getting a chance to talk to him.

When I arrived at my office, I was taken aback to see a woman seated at my desk. I hesitated, wondering if I had walked into the wrong office, but the name plate assured me that this was my assigned room.

The woman said, "Hello," as she raised her head with interest. "Who are you?"

I said, "I'm the new employee." Although I was informed that this was my office, I was not informed that I would be sharing it with anybody. "Who are you?"

A glimmer of recognition appeared in her eyes as she gazed at me. She said, "You must be Mary, right?" and I gave her a nod. "I'm new, too. I was informed that I am in charge of this role when I started today.

Additionally, I was asked to deliver this letter to you.

I accepted the letter from her, becoming further perplexed. I was shocked by what I saw when I opened it.

I was in a different position now. I had interviewed for a Head of Department role, but suddenly I was a Personal Assistant.

"I don’t understand," I turned to her and said. "I was meant to take over as the department head. What's happening?

She gave me a pitying glance. "I was told I got the job after I interviewed for the same position," she stated. I'm not sure what's going on, but I was requested to deliver this letter to you.

I inhaled deeply as I tried to take it all in. "So, who am I working for now?" I inquired. "I was informed that I am the C.E.O personal assistant. “Who is he?"

James's eyes sparkled with a hint of mischief as he smiled knowingly. "You’ll love this," he suggested. "It’s the man you were staring at yesterday—the CEO."

On that day, I met with the director. We talked about my abrupt department move, and although though it was a serious meeting, I felt a sense of anticipation.

I was carefully informed that, in spite of the change, my pay would not be impacted and that the previously agreed terms would still apply.

I was eager to find out why this sudden choice had been made.

The abrupt turn of events left me speechless. My thoughts was racing as I walked directly to James' office, but he spoke before I could even ask him what was going on.

He stated, "The instructions came from the higher-ups," with a pitying expression on his face. "There’s nothing I can do about it."

Calmly, he stated that the CEO is in need of a well-trained personal assistant and that my excellent performance during the interview had drawn notice. It appeared that I was the best candidate because of my qualifications.

However, I felt a knot in my stomach even while he was speaking. I wasn't comfortable with it. The new lady, who had less experience but had a "fresh start" vibe, should have been the one selected for the position, not me, in my opinion.

However, a glimmer of ambition burned deep within. I was moved by the prospect of putting this job on my resume and the opportunities for development that would arise from collaborating closely with the new director. There might be a chance for anything more.