THE CONTRACT MARRIAGE

Monday mornings are usually busy. The sounds of vehicles mix with footsteps of many who are trying to get something useful out of life. "Wow! It's so huge, " Loveth whispered, just like every other person,she just landed a job at the Groove's Fashion House. The largest garment making industry in Seoul,Korea. In order to make an impression on the first day at work, she decided to be 30 minutes early (work hour starts by 8). She greeted the old man at the gate politely, he returned the greeting, and they both got a little chatty.She realized that he was called Steve, who recently got kicked out of his previous job and trying to survive. "Gosh, I have to go, or else l will be late," she immediately bade Steve her goodbyes. She was so happy that she made a new friend on her first day at work even though she felt pity for Steve. "Good morning,"she greeted the front desk receptionist politely, but instead, the receptionist sneered at her and said, "A new competitor already?" .Loveth ignored her comment and stated her reason for being there, asking directions to her place of work. The receptionist grudgingly gave her directions,and she calmly thanked the receptionist. She began walking gracefully to her assigned place of work. Loveth was a fair lady ,full of smiles and life. She made heads turn, and her presence stood out in any place she stepped into. The comment she got today was not shocking to her because she was used to the harsh comments from inferior fools. Loveth,a 22 year old lady who just rounded up her masters degree program got her first job as a secretary to the CEO of Groove's Fashion House. She wore a black waistcoat over a tailored corporate black pant,letting her straight long black hair down. "Annyeonghaseyo, the CEO is in the board room, and we all have been waiting for you for over ten minutes. Could you please make yourself present?" Mrs Chen Yao said. She was the sales manager, she was aged and a respected figure in the company. Loveth quickly hid the shock on her face and plainly said, "Oh ,I wasn't informed of the meeting, am behind you." As Loveth walked towards the board room, she took a deep breath, smoothing out her waist coat. She had always been confident in her abilities, but this new job was a big opportunity, and she wanted to make a good impression. The board room was a large, sleek space with a polished wooden table and chairs. The walls with fashion magazines and awards. Ethan, the CEO, was a young man in his 30s , his face was structured and straight, radiating a dark, chilling atmosphere. "Were you going to deliver a child in the office?"Ethan calmly asked,"No,I wasn't informed that there was a meeting, sir. "Loveth replied. Ethan waved his hands ,and the meeting began immediately. During the meeting, Loveth listened intently, taking notes and asking thoughtful questions. As the meeting progressed, she found herself feeling more at ease, getting accolades because of her helpful contributions. As the meeting concluded, Ethan turned to her and said, "Welcome on board ,Loveth, Chen Yao . Please show her around and get her set up with everything she needs ." Mrs Chen Yao nodded, and Loveth followed her out of the board room,feeling a sense of relief and accomplishment, as they walked, Mrs Chen Yao turned to her and whispered ,"I'm glad you are joining the company, don't mind the front desk receptionist she is just having a bad day. you are going to do great here ." Loveth got settled into her office, and Louis walked in with a stack of documents that needed to be reviewed. Loveth let out a sigh because she knew her ass was going to stay in the office till evening because the documents were too many. "Thank you, Louis," she said with a forced smile, trying to mask her inner turmoil. Louis seemingly oblivious to her inner trouble nodded and said, "The CEO needs this to be reviewed and signed off by the end of today.it priority." Loveth nodded, taking the documents from Louis and saying, "I'll get to it right now ."Louis smiled, turned, and walked away. She sighed, already preparing herself mentally for a long night in the office space. "I'd better get some coffee,"Loveth said walking gracefully out of her office. On her way, she met Steve about doing the same. "Hey buddy,"Steve said. "How's your first day at work?"he inquired. "I think the universe hates me. Can u believe I am staying in the office space past work hours? The documents can't sort themselves out,"Loveth replied, pouting playfully. "Oh, sorry dear, first days at work can be like that sometimes, you will pull through, okay?"Steve replies, trying to reassure her.Loveth smiled back at him in response "I have been curious since our last encounter. Do you have any family? "Loveth asked, "Yes,I do,I have a wife and two kids,a boy and a girl."The girl is 3 years while her brother is 8 months.What about you?"Steve asked "Am 22 years old, my parents live in New york, but I attended high school at London and college in Houston, traveled down here when I got the opportunity to work for this company." I see you love moving and exploring the world.Steve said, "I would love to continue this conversation, but I have to go back to work. See you later.They bade themselves goodbye and went their separate ways. Immediately, Loveth reached her office ,she wasn't in high spirits anymore, but she needed this job and wanted to prove her commitment and level of efficiency, so she drove straight into the documents assigned to her, her mind wandering to all the things she would rather do than being stuck in the office all day long. But she was determined to be effective, so she pushed her fatigue aside and poured her efforts into it. Hours ticked by, and Loveth worked tirelessly like the whole world depended on it, her focus solely fixed on reviewing and signing the documents. As the work arena grew quieter,and the sun began to set outside, Loveth finally finished the task, feeling a sense of accomplishment and relief. She tidied up her desk,just as she was about to leave,her telephone rang, when she picked up,it was the CEO. "Meet me in my office ," a husky voice rang out. Loveth's heart skipped a beat as she wondered if she had done any wrong. She took a deep breath, smoothing her clothes, and made her way to the CEO's office. As she entered the office, she noticed he was fixed on a document displayed on his computer screen. He looked up and nodded at her. "I see you have finished reviewing the documents. Thank you for your hard work. "He said, his voice deep and smooth. Loveth smiled and nodded,letting out a sigh of relief that she hadn't done anything wrong. "It's not a problem sir,am happy to help out,"she said. Ethan nodded, leaned back on his chair, studying her for a while. "I wanted to talk to you about something,"he said, his voice serious . Loveth's heart skipped a beat as she wondered, was she in trouble? Was there something wrong with her work? Ethan leaned forward,his hands on the desk."I'm attending a charity gala tomorrow night,and I need someone to accompany me." Loveth's eyes widened in surprise . A charity gala?With the CEO?she wasn't sure of what to say. "I'd like you to come,"he continued. "It would be a great opportunity to network and mingle with some important people in the industry. " Loveth's mind was racing. This was a big deal. She was representing the company and the CEO in a high-profile setting. She nodded, trying to play it cool. "i'd love to accompany you, sir," Ethan smiled and said, "See you tomorrow night then. You can take the day off, and my driver will pick you up by 8 pm,okay?" "Okay, sir,have a good night's rest,"she said as she turned and left. She hailed a taxi. When she got home, she collapsed on her bed and slept off. "we have arrived, ma'" The driver kindly called out.