Chapter One _ The Employment
818 Words
"Congratulations, you have been hired as an office cleaner," the managing director announced.
"We hope to receive your full cooperation throughout your stay." He extended his hands for a handshake.
"Thank you, Sir," I smiled and shook his hand.
"Mr. Smith," he corrected.
"Yeah. Thank you, Mr. Smith".
"I will show you the CEO's office. Introduce yourself to him so you can begin your duties," he said, getting up from his seat.
With a smile that was more like the tip of the excitement that bubbled up inside of me, I got to my feet as well. Finally, I would stop selling my blood to hospitals in order to cover my daughter's tuition.
"There is his office," the MD said, pointing to the door with the inscription 'CEO's office'.
"Go in and introduce yourself," he instructed.
After a few knocks, I pushed the door open, gaining access to the large, air-conditioned office.
"Here she is," a baritone voice announced, and the two men in the office shifted their gaze to me. The voice came from a younger man in a sapphire suit who stood next to a gray-haired man.
I glanced over my shoulder to see if they were talking about someone else, but I was the only one at the door.
"Good heavens, she is so beautiful!" The gray-haired man exclaimed, his eyes twinkling with delight as he approached me. He easily wielded the walking stick, which appeared to be more fashionable than supportive.
"T_thank you, Sir," I stumbled and bowed my head.
"Why knock on your fiance's door before you go into his office?" He inquired.
"What fiance?" I asked, tucking my hair behind my ear and shifting my gaze between them.
"Dad, I have not proposed yet," the young man explained as he walked towards me, his gaze fixed on mine.
"Dad, meet my sweetheart," he said as he stood beside me, wrapping his hand around my waist. His perfume scent triggered a faint recollection, but I could not pinpoint it.
"What is your name, dear?" The elderly man inquired, his hazel eyes scanning my face.
"Jannie. My name is Jannie Wills," I said, wiping my sweaty palms on my skirt.
"What a lovely name for the mother of my unborn grandchildren," he said, a smile spreading across his wrinkled face as the corner of his eye cringed.
Glancing at the CEO, my mind whirled with alarm and confusion. What exactly was going on? Why were they both acting strangely?
"Babe, are you not glad to see my dad?" The CEO's warm breath brushed against my earlobe.
"I… yes…" I stammered, pushing my glasses up the bridge of my nose, my fingers trembling slightly.
"Why should she be?" His father murmured, rolling his eyes at the CEO.
"When you only decided to introduce her to me after I threatened to sell the company," he continued, as the CEO's gaze shifted.
"No, Sir. He did not mean to," I smiled as I leaned into the CEO's chest.
"Oh, dear," his father said, making me blush. "This evening, how about you join us for dinner?"
"Dinner?"
"She will come, Dad," the CEO cut in, but the man's gaze remained fixed on mine.
"Definitely, sir. Sure, I will be there," I smiled.
He said, "See you later then," and left the office.
As soon as the door shut, the CEO gently pushed me away, causing me to stumble.
"Is your stamina that low?" he asked, firmly grasping my waist.
"I just did not see it coming, Sir," I said, adjusting my glasses.
"You must be the..." he drifted as he walked to the shelf and took out a blue file.
"Yes, sir. I am new...
"Sign this so we can make this official," he said, handing me a paper from the file.
"Okay, Sir," I said as I placed the paper on his table and picked up a pen. As I scribbled my signature, my eyes caught on a startling phrase, and I jerked back, the pen slipping from my fingers.
"Is there a problem?" He inquired.
"You never informed me that it was a marriage contract certificate!" I yelled, furrowing my brows.
"I thought you were the one I had asked my secretary to send me?" His eyes narrowed.
"No, sir. I was directed here by Mr. Smith."
"That means you are a client, right?"
"No, sir. I am Jannie Wills, your newly hired cleaner," I explained.
He cast a silent glance at me, and I checked my dress to ensure I was okay.
"You appear too refined to be a cleaner."
"Well, we are now married, and you cannot be my cleaner," he said, picking up the paper I had signed.
"I can not marry you," I blurted.
"Why?" His arms stretched out.
"My father already likes you, and you will be paid nearly ten times more than a cleaner."
"I have a daughter," I yelled.
- Writer
