CHAPTER FIVE - FIRST DAY AT WORK
1492 Words
CHAPTER 5
Monday morning came earlier than I expected.
It was my first day at M&S Global, and I woke up before my alarm rang. I stayed in bed for a few seconds, staring at the ceiling as I reminded myself that this was no longer an interview. I had actually gotten a job, like a real corperate job.
I got out of bed and started getting ready.
After taking my bath, I opened my wardrobe and looked through the clothes James and I had bought during the weekend. I finally chose one of the outfits we had picked together.
It was a simple, knee-length flare dress. I tied a scarf around my neck and wore a pair of closed-toe stiletto shoes.
I stood in front of the mirror and looked at myself.
For a moment, I smiled.
I looked like someone who actually belonged in a corporate office.
I picked up my bag and left my room.
My mother was already in the kitchen preparing breakfast. She looked up when I walked in, and a smile immediately appeared on her face.
“You look beautiful,” she said.
I smiled.
“Thank you, Mom.”
She served me breakfast, and I sat down quickly.
I didn't want to be late on my first day.
I hurried through my breakfast and stood up as soon as I was done.
“I should go now.”
My mother nodded, then looked around the kitchen before reaching into her pocket.
She squeezed some notes into my palm.
I looked at the money and then at her.
“What is this?”
“Your transportation and lunch money,” she whispered.
The way she passed the money to me made it look like we were trading drugs.
I almost laughed.
“Mom, why are you giving me this secretly?”
She glanced toward the sitting room.
“Just keep it.”
I understood immediately.
I knew exactly why she was doing it.
If my father somehow found out that she had even a penny, he would collect it and use it for betting and lottery at the local casino.
I closed my fingers around the money.
“Thank you, Mom.”
She smiled.
“Have a good first day.”
“I will.”
I hugged her quickly before leaving the house.
I walked to the bus stop and took a bus to the city.
When I finally arrived at M&S Global, I checked the time on my phone.
I was almost thirty minutes early.
I smiled to myself.
At least I wasn't late.
The lobby was already quiet and organized. I greeted the receptionist and explained that it was my first day.
She directed me to the HR department.
I sat in the waiting area and waited for the HR manager to arrive.
About ten minutes later, Brenda arrived.
She recognized me immediately and walked over.
“Good morning, Lisa.”
“Good morning.”
“Welcome to M&S Global.”
“Thank you.”
She gestured for me to follow her.
I stood up and followed her to her office.
Once we were inside, she took a seat behind her desk while I sat opposite her.
She opened a file containing my employment information.
“Lisa, there has been a change to your initial assignment,” she explained.
I listened carefully.
“You were originally recruited to work as secretary to the Managing Director. However, due to a change that occurred over the weekend, your assignment has been adjusted.”
I sat up slightly.
“Adjusted to what position?”
“You will be working as the assistant secretary to the CEO.”
I paused for a moment.
“The CEO?”
“Yes.”
She continued in the same professional tone.
“Our current secretary to the CEO is pregnant and will be going on maternity leave in approximately two months.”
I nodded.
“She will also not be returning after her leave because she and her husband will be relocating to Australia.”
“I understand.”
“Until then, you will work alongside her and assist with her responsibilities. This will give you enough time to understand the position before she leaves.”
I nodded again.
“That makes sense.”
Brenda closed the file.
“This is actually a good opportunity for you, especially since you are just beginning your career in the corporate environment.”
I listened carefully.
“You will have the opportunity to learn directly from someone who already understands the position. If you are diligent and perform well, you may be considered for the position when she leaves.”
My eyes widened slightly.
“I understand.”
“Good. Take the work seriously, be punctual, and pay attention to details.”
“I will.”
“There is also a difference in your compensation.”
I looked at her.
“The salary for this position is twice the amount you were expecting based on your original application. It also comes with allowances and medical insurance.”
I couldn't hide my surprise.
“Twice?”
She nodded.
“Yes.”
I smiled.
“That is more than I expected.”
“Then make sure you give the company a reason to keep you.”
“I will.”
She reached into a drawer and brought out a card.
“This is your access card for the CEO floor.”
I took it from her.
“Thank you.”
“Keep it with you at all times.”
“I will.”
She stood up, and I followed her out of the office.
We walked toward the elevator.
When the doors opened, we stepped inside.
Brenda used her access card, and the elevator took us directly to the CEO floor.
When the doors opened, I stepped out and looked around.
The atmosphere was different from the lower floors.
It was quieter, more private, and more controlled.
Brenda led me down the hallway until we reached a desk beside the CEO's office.
A pregnant woman was sitting there, going through some documents.
Brenda approached her.
“Amanda.”
The woman looked up.
“Yes?”
“This is Lisa. She will be assisting you from today.”
Amanda looked at me and gave me a polite smile.
“Nice to meet you, Lisa.”
“Nice to meet you too.”
Brenda pointed toward the empty desk beside Amanda.
“This will be your workstation.”
I nodded.
“Thank you.”
Brenda left us to continue with her other duties.
Amanda turned her attention to me.
She briefly explained how the office was organized and showed me where the important documents were kept.
She also explained the CEO's usual schedule and the things I would be responsible for.
“He prefers his mornings to be organized,” she explained while arranging some papers on her desk. “His coffee should be ready before nine.”
I nodded and took note.
“Start preparing it at 8:55.”
“Okay.”
“He doesn't like unnecessary interruptions, so always knock before entering his office and wait for permission.”
“I understand.”
She continued explaining the routine.
The instructions were simple, but I paid attention to every detail.
After a few minutes, she checked the time.
“It is almost nine.”
She walked toward the coffee machine and prepared the coffee herself.
When she was finished, she handed the cup to me.
“Take this.”
I carefully picked up the coffee.
Amanda walked toward the CEO's office.
She stopped in front of the door and knocked softly twice.
Knock.
Knock.
She waited.
A deep voice came from inside.
“Come in.”
Amanda opened the door, and I followed her.
The CEO's office was spacious and neatly arranged.
Large windows covered one side of the room, allowing natural light to enter.
The CEO was standing with his back toward us, searching through a shelf.
Amanda walked toward his desk and placed some documents on it.
“Good morning, sir.”
“Good morning,” he replied without turning around.
Amanda looked at me.
“This is Lisa, the new assistant secretary.”
I stepped forward slightly.
“Good morning, sir.”
He didn't respond immediately.
He was still looking through the shelf.
I moved toward the table and carefully placed the coffee there.
Amanda remained beside me.
The CEO finally found the file he was looking for.
He pulled it from the shelf and turned around.
My eyes met his.
I froze.
The coffee tray suddenly felt heavy in my hand, even though I had already placed the cup down.
My heart began beating faster.
I knew that face.
I had seen him before.
I had seen him in the dimly lit hotel room.
The man I had tried so hard to forget was standing in front of me.
And now, as my boss.
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