Gloomy On Mars

CHAPTER 3

I have never been as dumbfounded as I am right now. My mind is completely blank yet racing in a million directions, and the sad part is it's just 9 am.

It has been exactly 2 weeks since my unexpected run-in with Alex, and since then, I have applied, been asked to come in for an interview, and got the freaking job!

I was so happy, I cried. Then I became nervous. I wasn't going to be working at some Ryder & Co. anymore.

Amari privé is a luxury conglomerate that specializes in the design, manufacturing, and customization of high-end automotive, including yachting and aviation. It was a multi-billion dollar company, and the fact that I was going to be working there was exciting yet nerve-wracking to think about.

So with every moment I wasted doing my makeup and straightening my hair, I grew more and more anxious. I burned myself twice because of my shaky hands, and I swerved more than a few times driving to work today.

I was even more nervous for my first day than the interview. What if I get there today, and they decide they don't like my makeup and fire me? If that happened to me I'd never show my face to the world ever again.

The lump in my throat grew when I made it past the gatehouse and drove down the winding roads of the Amari privé headquarters.

I couldn't even look at the impressive greenery on either side of the smooth black road for fear of swerving again, and soon, I approached the ramp that led to the indoor parking area.

I sought out the parking spot allocated for executive assistants and I let out a sigh. Let's just say parking isn't my strong suit and I didn't spend 10 minutes trying to park my damn Audi.

I flipped the visor down and looked at myself in the mirror and analyzed myself. My hair was straightened to perfection and matched the black stripes on my white and black striped fitted button-up. Grey pleated skirt, long socks and heels, that I shamelessly copied from Pinterest.

"Damn it, I knew this was too much blush" I cursed myself, grabbed my purse and hopped out of the car.

The place was huge and it was kind of overwhelming going up the elevator looking down at the property. It spread out hundreds of acres and me being here just seemed wrong.

And when the elevator dinged, letting me know I was on the 12th floor, my heart skipped 3 beats. I impulsively smoothed my skirt and walked out of the elevator.

I stepped into a sleek marble-floored lobby stretched before me, flanked by floor-to-ceiling windows that offered breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. Employees moved with purpose, exchanging pleasant smiles and nods.

I moved towards the large main desk, and an elegant girl with a cute boob greeted me with a smile.

"Good morning; my name is Emily Chen, and you are Margaux, I presume?" She asks and I nod.

"Yes I'm Margaux, but you can call me Mars"

"It's great to have you on the team, Mars; welcome to Amari privé. I hope you enjoy your time here. This is the executive floor. It's for all the execs and assistants like you. To the east, you'll find the executive offices. That's for the CEO, COO, CTO and CFO Assistants' workstations are right outside or close to their offices”

“Yours is right outside the CEO's office-Mr Amari. To the North are the HOD offices. The west houses the conference rooms. Through that door is the kitchenette and lounge area, and the restrooms are right by there" I nod and try to take everything in. She smiles, noticing how nervous I am.

"It's okay to be nervous, it's only your first day. You'll be a regular here by tomorrow trust me"

"Thank you", I manage, and she steps around the polished marble desk and puts a hand on my shoulder.

"Let me show you to your station", She says, and I nod; suddenly, the elevator dinged, and her hand left my shoulder. Everyone in the lobby went rigid and I looked around in confusion.

The elevator doors opened and my lips parted in shock. The reception seemed to have gotten colder than it was before. You could hear a pin drop with how silent it was. No one dared to make a sound.

How fortunate that the man I f****d 3 weeks ago and never thought I'd ever see again walks through the elevator making a shiver run down my spine, and not in a good way.

Emily speaks up beside me, making me flinch.

"Good morning, Mr Amari" I shivered at that, and I swear he noticed. He barely pays Emily any mind. Instead, he stares me down, locking me in place.

"Mr Amari this is your new assistant Margaux" I don't even know what to do. This most definitely is not the same warm aura'd man I slept with I'll tell you that. His stare is unnerving and makes me ridiculously uncomfortable.

"It's nice to meet you, sir", I speak up, and I instantly wish I'd just stayed quiet.

"Why is my assistant dressed like a pimp, out here, not at her station?" He spits. He doesn't even look at me as he insults me, he's glaring at Emily like she picked my outfit.

"I was just showing her to her station, sir", Emily says quickly. He takes his eyes off her and looks at the other bystanders.

"And why are you all just standing there?" He says in a low voice. It sounded almost nice, but with that look in his eye, I highly doubt it.

"Why are you all just standing there!" He yells and they all disperse. Emily leads me into the east wing and I hurry behind her. We stop in front of a corridor outside Zayne's office which is lined with dark wood paneling. The floor is made of polished white marble. This wing is honestly breathtaking, and I would be in awe if my heart wasn't trying to beat out of my chest.