THE BEAUTIFUL DEMON

Chapter Two - New Beginnings

The room fell silent as the weight of the news settled over everyone. A new contract was always met with a mix of excitement and apprehension. The anticipation of the challenge was palpable, but so was the realization that this would entail long hours and considerable effort. Yet, the rewards—a chance to prove one’s worth, secure promotions, or even earn bonuses—made the prospect thrilling.

Professor Ruben, the head of the company, continued speaking, his authoritative voice breaking the silence. “What we’re about to undertake will bring significant gains to this company,” he announced. As he spoke, his keen eyes swept over the room, and he noticed John, one of his employees, gazing at Iris with a look that was unmistakably filled with admiration and longing. Ruben’s expression hardened as he addressed John directly, “What’s going on, John? Not interested in what I’m saying? Bored already? For God’s sake, what the hell is wrong with your attention?”

Startled, John quickly redirected his gaze to Ruben, his face flushing with embarrassment. “I’m so sorry, Boss,” John stammered, “I was just...”

Ruben, cutting him off mid-sentence, retorted, “Just what? Distracted by beauty? Oh, I see. Well, get over it and focus. We’ve got work to do.”

Iris, realizing that she was the “beauty” John had been admiring, couldn’t help but smile, her dimples deepening. The tension in the room eased slightly, but the underlying seriousness of the meeting remained.

Ruben resumed, “I’ve already taken the necessary steps. Our company is going to start building wooden houses and manufacturing wood for supply. This venture is critical for us. What do you think?”

Hillary, one of the top employees, spoke up, voicing a concern shared by others. “It’s a great idea, Boss, but how do we kick this off when the company is already strapped for finances?”

John, who had regained his composure, interjected confidently, “We don’t need much to get started. I’ve gone through the plans the boss laid out. This idea is solid and could really boost our company’s profile globally. We’re all working towards making this company a household name, right? We have to get it right with this project.”

Brian, another senior employee, nodded in agreement. “I love this plan. It’s ambitious, but it’s achievable. It might take us a few months to fully establish this new venture, but the payoff could be huge. So, are we all on board with this?”

There were nods and murmurs of agreement around the table. The sense of collective commitment was clear.

Ruben, satisfied with the consensus, concluded, “Good. If there’s nothing else, then this meeting is adjourned. Let’s get to work.”

As the meeting ended, everyone rose to leave. The top employees dispersed, heading back to their respective offices, discussing the new project in low tones. Brian, however, made a beeline for John.

“What’s wrong with you, man?” Brian asked in a hushed voice as they walked down the corridor.

John, feigning ignorance, replied, “What? What did I do?”

“You... You’re just something else, always daydreaming about love. Why can’t you control yourself, especially in a meeting with the boss? Don’t get yourself kicked out over something stupid,” Brian advised, his tone a mix of concern and exasperation.

John, appreciating the advice, responded, “Really! Thanks for the heads-up.” But before Brian could say more, Iris walked by them, her presence immediately drawing John’s attention. She moved with grace, carrying a stack of files in her right hand, which she held close to her side.

Brian noticed John’s distracted gaze and called out his name, but John didn’t respond. Annoyed, Brian playfully slapped the back of John’s head, snapping him out of his trance. “Ouch, what was that for?” John exclaimed, rubbing his head.

Brian smirked, “Were you really listening to me, or were you just ogling her?”

John, defensive but still flustered, shouted, “What! No way, man. I was just... I was just admiring her beauty, okay? That’s all.”

Brian chuckled, “Her beauty, huh? Sure, let’s go with that. Just keep it in check, alright?”

John started laughing, unable to contain himself. Brian, though still curious about what was so funny, let it go and walked off to his office. John, still bent over with laughter, looked up and saw Brian leaving. He called after him, then quickly ran to catch up. They both exited the meeting room, which automatically locked behind them.

Iris, meanwhile, was the most admired woman in the office, a fact that did not go unnoticed by any of the men, especially John. Her beauty was the kind that captivated attention effortlessly, and John found it impossible not to be drawn to her. Iris, however, remained focused on her work. She returned to her office and sat down at her desk, sorting through files. She opened a small cupboard and retrieved a brown file bag. Inside were documents labeled “The Inherited Documents,” a set of papers that the boss had entrusted to her for safekeeping. Iris was the only employee in whom the boss had placed such trust, knowing she would protect the company’s most confidential and valuable assets.

As Iris began to read through the documents, she realized they belonged to one of their wealthiest clients and contained sensitive information about valuable properties. She had kept these files secure for a long time without fully understanding their importance. However, today, driven by curiosity or perhaps a sense of responsibility, she decided to review the contents carefully. Finding nothing unusual or alarming, she locked the documents back in their place.

As the clock struck 5:00 PM, signaling the end of the workday, the office bell rang. John, still in his office, heard the bell and sighed with relief. “Thank God for the day. Time to head home,” he muttered as he began packing his belongings. His laptop was the last item he placed in his bag, which he then zipped up and slung over his shoulder. Before leaving, John paused at the door, looked back at his desk, and said, “Thanks for the hard work, buddy,” as if speaking to an old friend. Then, with a nod, he opened the door and left, the door automatically locking behind him.

John headed straight to the elevator. As he stepped inside and was about to press the button to close the doors, he glanced up and saw Iris hurrying toward him. “Here she comes,” John thought, holding the door open for her.

Iris entered the elevator, smiling at John in appreciation. Just as the doors began to close, Brian emerged from his office, running towards them and calling out to John. John saw him coming but chose not to hold the elevator, allowing the doors to close just as Brian reached them.

Brian, arriving a second too late, raised his hands in frustration, exclaiming, “Really?”

As the elevator descended, John tried to lighten the mood. “Thanks for riding with me,” he said, trying to sound casual.

Iris, ever quick-witted, responded with a teasing smile, “And with Brian too, since he was with us in spirit.”

When the elevator reached the ground floor, the doors opened, and Iris stepped out first. John, as usual, couldn’t take his eyes off her as she walked away. Lost in thought, he almost let the elevator doors close on him again before he quickly dashed out to follow her. As he exited, he couldn't help but reflect on how the day had unfolded—full of challenges, distractions, and a touch of personal drama that made him both anxious and excited about what tomorrow would bring.