Ambers

Chapter Three

“Next” a voice called from the interview room.

Roseanne had received a message from Knight Global Holdings to be present for an interview. She was elated and had dressed her best in formal office wear which consisted of black office pants and a blazer with a white button-up under the blazer. Her blond hair was neatly styled and packed into a neat bun, pairing it with black heels.

Getting to the room, she was asked a few questions and one out of the panel said “Congratulations, you have been granted the job. You are expected to resume by tomorrow.”

Was getting a job easy these days? More so in Global Holdings?

“Uh excuse me, what position was I given?”

The woman who was a brunette, glanced at her and said dismissively “The CEO’s Secretary”

“Oh, okay – wait what?” Roseanne asked appalled. She was capable to be a manager in Starlight, but a secretary here? She was afraid she didn’t have what it took.

“I – don’t think I’m sui – “She started

“Enough Ms. Hayes, we expect you to be more professional as you were recommended by an important person.

Roseanne nodded quietly and left. She felt the woman was in a bad mood, and didn’t want to provoke her.

She had just stepped out of the elevator when she saw a glimpse of someone who looked like the stranger she had met. She widened her eyes and increased her pace. It’s not strange to see him here as this was a place where big shots often frequent for business and other reasons, she just hopes she won’t see him again.

Like a child excited for Christmas, she couldn’t sleep as she went around her apartment trying to get ready for the big day – she’s literally living her dreams, working for Global Holdings, as a secretary. She paced around before realizing that it was already 1:30 am and she couldn’t sleep, she too anxious to.

NEXT DAY

… …

The next morning she woke up with a big smile plastered on her face. She was yawned before stretching her arms, she reached for her phone, and suddenly she let out a scream. It was 8:42, she needed to be there by 8:00. On her first day, she felt her heart sink into her stomach, and felt a threatening feeling that urged her to not go, but she pushed it aside.

…. …………………………………………..

By the time she had arrive , it was 9:02 am and she felt so sick. Her hands were clammy and her legs wobbly as she tried to swallow the fear of being sacked on her first day.

“You are just coming” Ms. Maya said in a monotone voice. She was the Brunette that had attended to her during her interview. Her face was stern as usual, but this time around, it was laced with anger.

“I’m sorry, I overslept” Roseanne muttered under her breath. She was dressed in a black office skirt that stopped right at her knees, She paired it with a white chiffon blouse making her look like the regular secretary. Her heels clicked as she tried to keep up with Maya who walked really fast.

Arriving at a glass door, Maya stood by the door, making Roseanne to stop. Maya rolled her eyes at the girl’s silliness before gesturing towards the door, before leaving. Roseanne stood there for a while, before knocking at the door.

“Come in” a voice said

Pushing the door, she quietly stepped in, with her head hung low. She knew she was in for an earful, and would be grateful if it ended with that.

“You are?” He asked calmly as if he doesn’t know who comes in and goes in the company.

“I am Roseanne Hayes your new secretary.” She said, before adding quickly, “I’m sorry I arrived late sir, spare me just this once and I will forever be grateful”

Vincent held a brooding look as he looked at the familiar face that stood before him.

“Look up” He finally said, and taking it as a sign of mercy she heaved a sigh and looked up with a small smile, just to widen her eyes and taking a step back.

STARLIGHT ENTERTAINMENT

“Sir many of the A – list artists that were signed under Ms. Roseanne are wanting to resign” Luciano’s secretary reported in a panicked voice. Luciano sat behind his desk his face looking grim. He had wanted to keep the matter of resignation secret until he had found a substitute, but that sl*t Jenny ruined everything for him.

“Inform them that they would compensate for breach of contract if they all left impromptu, and that will cost nothing less than $100 million, as stated in the contract” He will keep all of them, as they are his money bags. He would be honest and agree that Roseanne had bred the best of artist Starlight has today.

Roseanne… he seethed, he must make her come back to him, crying and begging, because no man would accept her as he would. He gave her many things she had today. The exposure, the circle and everything!

… ..

Global Holdings

Vincent’s death stare didn’t change as he saw the look of despair on her face.

He beckoned to her to come closer around the table, to which she did. “You get a job offer, and you decide to slack off on the first day, it’s makes me wonder if you want to quit on the first day, or if you want to be sacked.” He saw her shaking her head, but ignored it and continued “I despise freeloaders and inefficient people the most, which is making me wonder if a did the wrong thing hiring you. Do you think I should sack you Ms. Hayes?”

She widened her eyes, as she felt her knees nearly giving way. Her eyes had unshed tears as they glistened. “I promise that I’ll never be inconsiderate sir. Can you give me a chance to prove myself?” She asked as she clasped her hands together.

He beckoned on her one more time, to which out of desperation didn’t think twice before stepping forward bringing them closer in proximity. He, once again held her wrist and tugged her down, resulting to her landing on her knees on the soft rug. His hand reached out to caress her face, making her breath hitch. He ran a hand from her jawline to her ears before going to catch a tear that had fallen. “Sweetheart, you don’t cry in front of me, I don’t like tears, okay?” She nodded vigorously as she wiped her face quickly.

He gave a small smile at her cute and desperate reaction. “Go on, Maya would show you around, and tell you what to do” He said retrieving his hand. She stood up a scurried out of the office in a haste. His eyes followed every of her movement as a dark glint flashed his eyes.

“Roseanne” he muttered under his breath, before turning back to what was before him, s his mind kept going back to the girl.

….. …

Roseanne followed Maya all around the office, till she was sure she had showed her everything she needed to learn. Maya was a brunette who was tall and slender like a model. She had a very high nose that looked like she got a nose job, and Roseanne wondered if she did.

Maya didn’t like her, and she knew it, she felt it, even a blind could see it with the way she glared at her and was snobbish.

After being showed her working space, she decided to set to work as she was already far behind schedule. It was two hours already, and she was still seated by the table, sorting out documents. It seems like the last secretary left impromptu as she saw many half written works. She glanced at her schedule and almost cussed out loud. It was already time for a business meeting he had with a client in another company, and she hadn’t informed him.

She rushed to his office and knocked gently “Come in” his low voice rang.

She stepped in nervously, trying her best to avoid an eye contact. “Sir you have a business meeting with a client at The Dorchester”

Vincent, without a second glance stood up from his chair and headed to the door. “Have you picked out all the essential documents for the contract?” he asked as he brushed pass her, the subtle spice of his cologne lingered in the air. She noticed for the first time how tall he was, she had to strain her neck to be able to meet his eyes, he should be around 6’3” while she was 5’2”.

“Yes sir, she said as she tried to keep up with his pace, which led to her slightly running”

Outside, she saw the very familiar Maybach that brought back memories of that night which made her shudder subconsciously. By the door, stood once again a familiar man, it was Fred. He gave her a nod as a form of greeting before proceeding to open the door for Vincent, and held it for her to enter which flustered her a bit. The ride was too quiet and awkward. Fiddling with her phone she zoned out till she was out of her reverie in time to realize that they had arrived at the hotel.

Stepping out, she followed Vincent swiftly to avoid running and tripping. An attendant met them halfway through, and led them to a private room. In the room, sat a small table and a soft mat on the floor. The room had a Chinese décor and they had to leave their shoes by the door.

Inside the room sat a man in his mid- 50s. He had a bald head but slightly young. He looked Asian, either a Chinese or Japanese. He stood up to greet Vincent with an enthusiastic smile and exchange pleasantries, and she noticed how he had an accent slip to his English which confirmed her thoughts. Roseanne stood quietly to the side as Vincent sat on the mat, folding his legs. He glanced at her, and said “sit”

She nodded and knelt on the mat. Her skirt restricted a comfortable position, so she had to make do with it – hopefully, they don’t take long. The man for the first time noticed Roseanne.

“May I ask whom this gorgeous lady is?’

Vincent took a sip of tea, glanced at Roseanne, before replying with “My secretary, Mr. Wei I hope you keep your eyes off her”

Mr. Wei chuckled and raised his hands in surrender, though that didn’t deter his eyes from roaming over her. “Where is Maya then” He added after a realization.

“Are you so free that your concern is other people’s business” Vincent asked with raised eyebrows. His tone held slight displeasure as his cold eyes turned dark. Roseanne who was beside him stiffened. Why was she being so scared? she asked herself.

“You are too serious, I was just joking with you Vincent. We’ve been in business as partners for so long already and I was trying to make the tense atmosphere a bit free for the beautiful lady” He said referring to Roseanne. Vincent’s cold eyes turned to look at her suddenly, making her breath hitch. Her legs were sore already, and they haven’t started anything, she felt frustrated and now scared of the man whom looked at her as if she did something wrong.

“Let’s commence the meeting” Vincent finally said as his eyes left her. Roseanne moved to bring out the documents and files that she had prepared when she suddenly went stiff. W – why were the documents strange? This were freaking cooking recipes. Maybe they were under, she said to herself as she flipped through them, but she knew better.

Vincent looked over, his cold eyes seemed to grow colder as he noticed her strange behavior and could already guess the reason. “Roseanne, the documents” he growled slowly. He was trying his best to be patient with her already.

“T – th – The files… a – a – are mi…” She started, but couldn’t finished as her breath hitched when she saw his glaring gaze.

“Don’t frighten the poor lady Vincent” Mr. Wei chuckled and for once she was grateful to him that afternoon. “She’s become a stuttering mess. Mistakes do happen, and I am not in a rush to sign the contract, we can reschedule for another time”

Vincent glared at Roseanne one more time before shifting his gaze back to the man seated before him.

“E - excuse me” she said as she rose to head to the restroom. Finding her was, she locked herself in a cubicle and sobbed quietly. Those papers were given to her by Maya, and she had told her that they were confidential information which she needed not to open. She stayed there for some minutes, before heading to the sink to wash her face. She dapped her face with a tissue and was in the process of disposing it when the door opened and man walked in.

Seeing the man in the restroom, she knitted her eyebrows.

“This is the ladies’ Mr. Wei” she said unsure if he hadn’t known

“I know, I’m here to console you. Vincent has been harsh, hasn’t he?” he said and made an attempt to caress her face, to which she dodged.

“I’ll be leaving” she muttered and made to move out when he held her wrist.

“You know I have an interest in you, so why are you acting nonchalant huh? Is it because I’m not as handsome as Vincent!” He said looking annoyed.

“Let me go” she said calmly, while her heart was miles away from being calm.

He became more incensed as she had ignored him “You sl*t, I know you would sell your cheap self for money, so why acting all modest and innocent when you are a w***e” he bellowed as his hand reached out to her neck strangling her. She choked before he released her, giving her a warning stare before adding. “You can come to me when you make your decision” he said smiling as if he hadn’t strangle her some seconds ago. She nodded sharply at his words which made him chuckle before giving her a pat on her waist and leaving.

Vincent was already waiting in the car when she was done. She entered and sat before closing the door. Fred ignited the engine and drove off. She could barely breath as she fiddled with her fingers.

She swallowed before summoning up courage to say “I am sorry” she said it so quietly that if the car hadn’t been so quiet, he wouldn’t have heard.

“Stop the car” he said, and Fred parked and alighted, leaving the two alone.

Vincent turned to her and said in a serious tone “You can’t go acting like a child Roseanne. You should know that you have responsibilities you need to take. Learn to act your age Ms. Hayes” He added. His words cut deep, but she understood his anger. She was incompetent and useless to him and it’s just her first day at work. She nodded submissively without a word that made his anger simmer down a bit.

They had arrived at the office, and Roseanne went to her table to sort every document out to avoid a future mishap.

It was time for his coffee, and she wondered if every CEO took coffee at work and why. She knocked at the door and stepped in. She place the coffee gently on his table and moved a step back waiting for him a take a sip, Vincent noticed she hadn’t gone, and he looked up from his computer.

He wanted asking her what the matter was, but his words stopped midway when he saw the purple bruise on her neck.

“What’s on your neck?” he asked calmly.

“On my neck?” she asked and reached out to touch her neck, when she flinched. She had forgotten about it completely. She was in a rush to leave the hotel that she had no time to check if it lef any marks.

“Need I to ask again Roseanne?” he said his voice sounding low and dangerous. She realized how he calls her name and not her last name when he was pissed.

“Uh I think I bumped into a wall” she said stumbling on her words.

“A freaking wall huh?” Vincent asked as he chuckled. He pushed back his chair and strode over to her. His sudden predator move, made her distance herself from him which annoyed him the more. He stepped forward which made her take a step back. They continued till she felt her back hit the wall. Was this the famous scene that would happen I every romance movie? She asked herself. Only that, she wasn’t feeling butterflies. Her stomach churned at the dangerous man and fear was evident in her eyes.

“This is a f*cking bruise Roseanne, and you better tell me or else you wouldn’t really appreciate me.”

The threat in his voice was evident.

She opened her mouth to talk, but couldn’t as she felt breathless due to fear and the close proximity between them. She had to crane her neck to meet his dark eyes.

“Tell me sweetheart, who did this?” he asked again, his hand going to wrap around her neck gently, as his other hand tilted her head to look him in the eyes.