The sound a solid attachment of a shoe makes can sometimes be very powerful. Often times the deciding factor in lives. For someone getting queried at work, after a long wait, this sound increases fear of being dismissed, to another awaiting the doctors diagnosis and most importantly the sound of a lady's heel can either be greatly appreciated by a man or insanely irritating.

In this case, to the man sitting atop his throne like the king he is in the industry, whose space has been invaded by the woman who is currently cat walking towards his desk whilst giving him looks that he assumes are meant to turn him on, he is fervently pissed.

I heard the sound of someone coming into my office after I had left strict instructions to my secretary not to let anyone in. How difficult is it for people to follow simple instructions. I do not tolerate insubordination in my company.

The first thing I see when I look up is a pair of legs in a very tight and I bet uncomfortable skirt. My eyes trail up to a similarly tight top, "how is this fellow breathing?" she must have thought that my silence and the way in which I have been analyzing her was progress so she strikes a pose.
Hmm, might as well play with my meal.

I lean back on my chair and drag my eyes to see the individual that wishes to incur my wrath, up to the face of my secretary of two years. 
"What nonsense is she playing at! she knows I do not condone such an attitude except by my female acquaintances that have been given an invitation by me"

I get up from my chair and walk towards her, I can see that this excites her because she comes forward while unbuttoning her top, to reveal more flesh. Am I supposed to be aroused by this skank? I don't think so.

When I reach her, I look down because even on heels she was still brief in comparison to me. I rake my eyes over her.

"hmm Ms. Blakely?" I say while leaning into her, almost touching.

"huh?" she pants. Disgusting.

"you are fired" turning my back on her I begin walking back to my seat with purpose. This irritant has just wasted precious amounts of my time.

"what?" she exclaimed probably in shock that all her devises did not work.

"get your belongings and leave this premises in the next fifteen minutes or you'll be thrown out by security. The clock is ticking." she must have seen the look in my eyes because she scurries out of the office almost falling on her face due to those heels.

After she leaves I sit back and drag my hands through my hair. Fuck! I don't need this right now, not with so much work as regarding the closure of a very important deal. I have gone through more secretaries than most business men I know. And when miss Blakely stayed for a year, I thought she would last. Apparently I was wrong.
"well I can't dwell on that right now. I got work to do." so I roll my chair back to the desk and dial my Vice president's office. We will have to share secretaries again. I also contact the HR department. I need a secretary. Maybe I'll just stick to a male this time around.

*****
"Okay Arjana, you don't look too bad" couldn't help but praise myself. I had been worried about what to wear especially as I couldn't afford much due to a shortage in my allowance. then I remembered there was something I could wear, thanks to Project defense. It was an office gown with a jacket which complimented my body and gave off a formidable look.
If this is what I'm going to look like everyday to work then I love it. Because I look like one who has her life planned out, knows what she wants and will get it. Not bad at all.

The building in front of me was one thing and one thing alone, intimidating. Some companies co own building and accommodation spaces but not Zarlton Corp. 

This company is owned by Kyros Iason Vasilis. He started the company from scratch, then along the line, when the company was doing well he started buying out other businesses about to crash and built them up. So this company has so many branches and arms, talk about Real estate, Advertisement, shipping and some others. 

Getting a job here was the dream of every business oriented individual, as it will not only help you grow, with much experience but will boost your career to the front line. Even an interview was a struggle to acquire. Although I knew of this company i did not send an application as I thought it would be fruitless and a waste of time. Yet, here I am.

I walk pass security after signing in, to the reception desk, where a young adult male was seated with his focus on the computer screen he was typing at. I smiled, this will be me soon.

"excuse me" I called to him still maintaining my smile

"welcome ma'am. How may I help you?" he replies returning my smile, hmm so polite.

"I'm here for the Intern job, please"

"what's your name?"

"Arjana. Arjana Martins."

"here's an ID you may require it to get to the 40th floor. That's where the HR department is located. Good luck" he says still smiling

"thank you" I walk to a group of elevators and swipe my card. Time to boss up.

When I got to HR I recognized some of my colleagues seated already. And few others. You could see different emotions on  our faces. They must have arrived really early because when I check my wristwatch it's 7:30am and our interview starts at 8:00am. I have 30mins to talk my mind into a relaxed and confident state. I start my mantra "this job is mine."

One after the other we were called in, till it got to my turn

"Miss Martins" the interviewer calls. I stand up, adjust my gown and step into the room. There were two persons in the room seated behind a desk. Maintaining my smile I greet them. Was asked to seat and they started asking questions.

"your CV says that apart from being top of your class for Business administration and Strategic studies, you were also a Teachers Assistant. Plus a degree in Managerial studies."

"yes, that's right." I maintain eye contact with them while speaking

"how did you do it. I'm sure a young adult like you will also have a lot of social life. How did you handle the stress of juggling this three?

"I have always been interested in everything about business, how to start, where to pitch it, what one requires to control and also improve a business. Being a TA helped keep my grade from ever dropping in case of my social life like you said. At the end of my social activities I know I have a responsibility which had to be fulfilled. In other words, being a TA kept me in check. As for Managerial studies, it was an advise I took in after watching a short clip while studying. It said that having a degree in Managerial studies gives your career an added edge, not just during interviews but you understand what it means to manage almost anything business oriented. This I found to be true when I started the course. This three things where beneficial to my growth, I enjoyed doing them. And because of this, the stress wasn't a problem."

After speaking they look at each other, and leaned in to whisper. Hopefully good things. Because I really tried to sell myself well. Of course I omitted that I had and still have no social life because after school comes slave duties.

I was brought out of my thoughts by one of them. "Usually we would ask the candidate to go and we'll get back to them but we have to make an exception sometime." one of them said

And the other continued "Young lady you have impressed us and we'll like to talk about terms for the job."

I was overcome by joy but right now I keep calm, there will be time for celebration later so I school my features right and listen to them.
After so much discussion. They get up and shake hands with me
"welcome aboard"
"thank you" I replied the interviewer. My face is definitely going to hurt from smiling too much.
"There is something we must discuss immediately though. Although you will be working understand a staff we need you to handle the secretarial duties of the boss."

Wait, what?
she continued speaking "he is a very busy man but unfortunately doesn't know how to retain secretaries."
She must have seen the look on my face because she suddenly reassures me of my job

"you won't have to deal with him directly per se but through Emails. This should have been done by the VP's assistant but everyone is quite busy at the moment."

"we trust that you can handle this?"
"yes I can" wow
"of course you'll be paid accordingly" now this made me smile harder
"also we would like you to keep a low profile about this."
"I understand." Working for the boss I will be handling a lot of files that need to be protected so I can't bring attention to my self since I'm not his direct secretary.
"Now that it is all settled, let's get down to business" I agree. As much as I like hearing what they are saying I am eager to start work.

They give me directions to my new office. I leave the room, there are still some others to be interviewed. I make sure my facial expression is neutral and head to my new office. I like the sound of that.

 On getting there I'm shown around, given a desk to work, in an office adjourning my director. Also I'm given an email I will be using to communicate and handle everything with the boss.

I get down to work starting by going through his schedule. I see that some of them could not possibly work out the way it was set, so I rearrange the time frame. I also receive some calls as all the boss's office calls are now directed to my desk. Then I started proof reading some documents after which I filed them back to him.

At the end of the day I was truthfully stressed out. I made sure I wasn't needed and then left the office by 5:30pm. Some people had already left the office by that time because it was kind of empty.

I felt his lips trail down my neck and begin to suck on that sensitive spot

"oh my..." I moaned out loud. I couldn't hold it back. so much pleasure, there's something I want, just beyond my reach. He knows what that is, but is holding it back.

I can't think straight

"will you be mine?" I heard him ask. Somewhere in my scattered thoughts I know not to answer but I just want what he's offering so badly

so I say " Yes. yes I'll be yours, just ahhhh..."

what have I done...

To business tycoon Kyros Iason Visilis, whatever he wants, he must get

The HR manager came back with the leaders' comments, and Lin Qian was surprised at what they said.
Well, surprised and moved a little. The wording was sincere and nice: "Miss Lin, since we, Aida, offered you this position, we won't break our commitment because of the temporary difficulties in our operations. If you decide to stay, your pay scale will remain unchanged. As for your position, it won't be set until the new CEO takes office. If you decide to leave, we wish you good luck on finding a better job in the near future."
While waiting for the HR manager, Lin Qian had Googled all the news about Aida Group on her cell phone. She thought about it, and answered sincerely, "Thank you. I'll think it over and give you a reply tomorrow."
When Lin Qian left Aida Group, it was still early, barely 12 o'clock at noon. She walked home slowly. She ordered two dishes at the small restaurant near the entrance of her development and ate them in low spirits. She then went upstairs to her own apartment. After opening the window and turning on some music, she walked out to the balcony and gave Lin Mochen a call.
It was around dusk there in the USA. The deep voice from Lin Mochen seemed to carry a kind of indolence and arrogance typical of Manhattan. "Your call came later than I expected."
She was suddenly frustrated. "Of course you knew about it."
The whole world knew about Aida's recent dilemmas. How could this man, her brother, who worked specifically in financial investment on Wall Street, not know about it?
Dressed in an iron-gray tailored suit, Lin Mochen stood in front of the floor-to-ceiling window on the top floor of a skyscraper. Behind him were staff members who were occupied with data analyses and investment reports.
Through the window were starry lights sparkling all over the city and the Hudson River winding its way through the skyscrapers.
He chuckled and asked, "What's your plan?"
"I'm still not going to work for you." Lin Qian sounded sullen.
Lin Mochen frowned a little but said in a flat tone, "Oh really? So where are you going to work?"
Lin Qian replied, "I was thinking that I should stay at Aida."
In all fairness, despite the plight Aida was facing, "a lean camel is bigger than a horse," as the old saying went. There was still the possibility that they would be able to strike back and return to their previous success. Besides, they had impressed her with the brief interaction they had today.
"I feel a bit bad to give it up," she said.
Gazing at the starlight above the skyscrapers, Lin Mochen tapped the tabletop at his side with his fingers. "Lin Qian," he said, "feelings are the most useless thing. As my sister, you should think more reasonably and objectively." He came off cold and somewhat bossy.
Lin Qian didn't become annoyed. Instead, she went along with him and said softly, "All right then, brother, then could you help me with an objective analysis? Is it worth staying?"
Lin Mochen kept silent for a moment, which made Lin Qian a little nervous.
"You may give it a try," he answered steadily.
Lin Qian burst into laughter. She didn't ask for a reason because the terminologies from him, like net asset value, yield rate, etc, would give her a headache.
"Thank you, brother!"
On the other end of the line, Lin Mochen's lips also revealed a barely noticeable smile. "Xu Yong, the Chairman of Aida, is getting old and weak," he said flatly. "He is no longer in charge of daily operations. His eldest son, Xu Yiyang, died in a car accident three years ago. Based on Xu Yong's personality, I bet he won't choose anyone outside of his family. So, there are only three candidates. First, Gu Yanzhi. Second, Xu Chengyan, his illegitimate son, still studying in the USA. And third, the son of Xu Yong and his ex-wife, details still unverified. I'll check."
Hanging up the phone, Lin Qian buried her head in her arms and stared into the distance.
After a while, something caught her attention.
There was an army-green truck. It ran through the city along the highway and stopped outside the gates of Aida Group.
Soldiers in camouflage uniforms jumped off the truck, each carrying a backpack. The truck drove away, leaving them standing there. Soon, someone came out of Aida and brought them in.
Demobilized soldiers? Well, meeting those soldiers is the only good thing I've done the past few days. Are some of them coming to work for Aida?
That's when she made up her mind to stay.
The next morning, after the induction, Lin Qian was taken to meet the legendary Gu Yanzhi.
The whole building was surrounded by an indescribable air of depression, so it was refreshing for Lin Qian to walk into the office of this court-like room, which was stylish and spacious.
Gu Yanzhi was sitting behind his executive desk and looking at Lin Qian, his new employee.
As a candidate for Li Zhicheng's assistant, she shouldn't have been interviewed by him. But Li Zhicheng had rushed to the nursing home to see his father overnight, leaving the interview up to Gu Yanzhi. The boss had also discreetly given him an order to temporarily keep quiet. The secret, of course, referred to his identity and arrival.
Gu Yanzhi had asked, "Why though?" Since Li Zhicheng had taken over the Group, he would have to meet all the staff sooner or later. Did it make any difference when he revealed his identity?
"I need to know the situation first, " Li Zhicheng stood by the window with his hands in his pockets and continued indifferently, "in an undercover way."
Dumbfounded for a second, Gu Yanzhi had suddenly understood.
He had spoken in an emotionless way, but actually…
He was treating it like a battle and planned to conduct secret strategical observations of his enemies before revealing his identity.
Gu Yanzhi couldn't help smiling with this in mind. He glanced at Lin Qian, who stood in front of him, and said steadily, "You must know the current situation of our company. The more difficult our situation is, the more we need talented minds to help. If you are skilled enough, you will naturally be put into an important position. But if you are mediocre, we won't keep you as a burden. Everything is up to your performance."
It was an expected sentiment, tempering justice with mercy, so Lin Qian nodded calmly and said, "I will do my best." Looking at the smile on his face, she thought, He doesn't seem as sinister and difficult as the rumors describe him to be. 
Gu Yanzhi wasn't in the mood to talk much, so after a short conversation he made a decision. She would work in the CEO office first, taking on the daily work of that department.
So, Lin Qian's career at Aida started without much of a formal introduction, and she immediately noticed that everyone's work was nerve-wracking and chaotic.
The CEO office sounded appealing, but there were only three people in total, including Lin Qian. The other two were new university graduates. The HR employee explained, "This department didn't even exist until the former CEO came and established it. There were sixteen or seventeen people in its prime, but they all eventually left, one after another."
Lin Qian accepted things as they came. Advised by Gu Yanzhi's secretary, she searched and collected industry information and news every morning, and then compiled a report for the leaders to reference. A duplicate copy of weekly work plans and summaries from every department in the company were sent to her, which she would make an independent report out of. Of course when any big incidents took place in or out of the company, she also needed to gather and summarize relevant news references. 
In short, she had to keep writing endless report after report.
The job was tedious and boring, far away from actual business operations. Lin Qian didn't like it. But she later thought that since she was new to the company and since she had come directly from the company's competitor, it would be weird for them to put her in an important department in an important position at the very beginning. Thinking this made her feel relieved and she focused her attention solely on reports. After a few days, she was familiar with the basic information of Aida.
But she wasn't sure if Gu Yanzhi even read her reports as she sent every one to his secretary. Later, Gu told his secretary to secretly request that Lin Qian send a copy through email to an appointed email address every time she filed a paper report. Lin Qian looked at the email address: "Apache2013@126.vip.com."
Is "Apache" the English name of Gu Yanzhi? It doesn't look like a personal name. Maybe it's a word or an acronym. Urged by a whim, Lin Qian tried to figure it out, to no avail.
On the weekend, Lin Qian got up early and took the bus to the nursing home on the other side of the city.
Built after 2010, the Luyuan Nursing Home was the best and most comfortable nursing home in the city in terms of both facilities and space. Guided by a personal support worker, Lin Qian walked along the leaf-covered river wall with a bag of fresh fruit in her hand, and saw He Qingling sitting alone under a large tree.
She walked up to her with light steps. "Mom…"
In her fifties, He Qingling had wrinkles all over her lean face. She looked at her calmly. "Well, I see that you're back."
Mother and daughter talked for a while. Lin Qian did the talking while He Qingling listened. Soon, He Qingling said that she felt tired and needed to rest.
"I know you're busy with work, so I won't keep you," she said.
Sitting in a wheelchair, she was pushed away by the personal support worker. Lin Qian stood still for a while and took out her cell phone to call Lin Mochen.
"I'm in the nursing home. Mom looks well." She paused for a moment. "Would you like to talk to her?"
It was probably late at night over on Lin Mochen's side. She couldn't hear anything but his calm breath.
"Lin Qian," he said, "I don't need to know how that woman is."
Lin Qian didn't respond.
Since the year He Qingling had insisted on divorcing her husband, and each parent had started taking care of one child, Lin Mochen had refused to call her "Mother." 
That afternoon, Lin Qian took a tour of the small town near the nursing home and then visited a former classmate living nearby. When she left the classmate's house, it was past nine o'clock.
She declined the offer of a ride from her former classmate. She didn't want to take a taxi either. Instead, she strolled to the bus station alone. The night around the suburban area was dark and quiet. The platform was empty with only a street lamp glowing dimly.
Soon, the last bus came.
Lin Qian took a window seat in the back of the bus.
It was a departure station. Most likely because it wasn't the departure time yet, the driver spoke to her loudly. "Miss, keep on waiting. We'll leave in another five minutes." He then took a nap on the steering wheel. 
Lin Qian wrapped up her coat and looked out the window into the dark sky, her mind quiet.
At that moment, she heard footsteps outside coming towards the bus. A tall man got on.
Lin Qian took a casual glance at him and turned to look outside the window.
A few seconds later, she suddenly turned to him again.
Under the dim light of the bus, the man was dressed in a dark gray windbreaker, black sports pants, and outdoor shoes. At first glance, Lin Qian knew that they were basic articles of high-end brands. He wore a cap as well, the brim pulled so low that only his straight nose and clean-cut chin were exposed. Even without seeing his entire face, you could tell that he was handsome and neat.
Lin Qian felt a skip in her heart.
A feeling of deja vu came over her. His build and height were exactly like that man from before, and he had the same strong and unique sense of—how to describe it? Strength, defiance, and aloofness. Even if he did nothing, it was impossible for others to ignore his existence.
He was striding towards her with his long legs. Lin Qian quickly turned to look out the window.
His pace was steady yet brisk, passing her quickly. From the fuzzy reflection in the window, Lin Qian saw him sit down in the last row.
The bus left.
The night was as chilly as ice with a bright moon and sparse stars visible in the sky. The bus rattled along the quiet road.
Sitting for a while, Lin Qian couldn't hold back her curiosity. She simply turned around and looked at him directly.
Well…
He was sleeping again.
He had positioned his tall body squarely in the seat. One arm was resting on the back of the seat in front of him, in which he had buried his face, and the other hand rested casually on his lap. The cap on his head covered his entire face. Not far from him, Lin Qian could hear his even breathing.
Hi, Big Cat.
Lin Qian held back her laughter.
She leaned forward and lowered her head, trying to look at his face from underneath to see if he was the same man. But it was dim and shadowy on the bus and she could only see vague details of his profile.
"What are you looking at?" A clear and deep voice burst out of the silence.
Startled, Lin Qian swiftly straightened herself up and blushed. Lifting his head slowly from his arm, he stared at her patiently with his bright, black eyes. 


Lin Qian used to believe that her Mr. Right needed to be handsome and reliable. An elite man in the business world who was extremely influential. A person that Lin Qian would admire, for nothing would be impossible for him.

However, when she finds her love, she realizes that what attracts her is his calmness, silence, persistence and loyalty. She loves him so much that she is willing to stand by him to face the schemes and cruelty of the business world. She just wishes to spend the best time of her life with him, regardless of what the future will be.

There was nothing special about the first time they met each other. Who knew that such an ordinary encounter would be the start of their glamorous time together? If you are looking for a light and sweet romance with a thrilling story line, then this is definitely the right book for you.

On the beach, Yve has fallen asleep beside Vince after eating the food they bought. Her workload plus the things that Vince revealed tired her up.  Having understood all of this, Vince carried her back to the car and settled her in the front seat and drove back to the hotel.

After ensuring that Yve is comfortable on the bed, he went to the bathroom to freshen up only to be interrupted by Sylvan.
"What is it?"
"Primo, they found a report about Nyelle's mother. I sent the details to your email."
"Okay. Thanks."

Thinking that it must be urgent for even Sylvan to call him late at night, he went to his study to check his email. He didn't like what he read and for sure Yve wouldn't like this, too. But he's bound by the promise they made at the beach.

---
A few hours ago while eating on the beach
--

"Vince?"
"Hmm?" Vince said as he stopped eating to look at Yve doing the same thing to him.
"To be honest, I feel nervous knowing the dangers that being in the underworld might bring."
"Do you want me to quit?"
Yve looked at him and said, "As if it would be that easy to quit."
"So what do you want me to do?"
"Just be honest with me."
"...."
"I don't need you to tell me the specifics especially when it doesn't concern me. Don't make lies like you're going for a business trip or something. Just tell me you need to do something Primo-like."
"Primo-like, ei…" 
"..."
"Please, Vince. Other than that, I want you to ensure your safety as well. After that, I guess everything is fine with me."
"I promise." 

---
Back at the present
--
Vince took a deep breath and turned his laptop off and decided to tell Yve everything tomorrow morning. Before heading for bed, he instructed Sylvan to inform the police station that both of them are coming in the afternoon for their interview.  He finally took a shower and slept. 

The following morning, Yve was the first one to wake up and so she took the responsibility to prepare a simple breakfast for both of them. A few moments later, she saw Vince coming down from his room with a brown envelope in his hands. She decided to ignore it thinking it was related to Gray Group.

"Good morning, King!"
"Good morning, my Yve." Vince said and kissed Yve on the forehead.

But his next actions caused Yve to be curious. Vince pulled back a chair for her and urged her to take the seat. Yve decided to follow and was handed with the envelope. She gave him a questionable look.

"As much as I would like to hide it from you but a promise is a promise." Vince said as he went to the kitchen and served the food on the table. 
Yve reads the contents of the envelope and was shocked to see the title. 
"Did you held them captive?" Yve asked.
"Yes."
"How are they?"
"Nyelle is doing much better than your step sister."
"I want to see Nyelle now. Take me to her."
Vince knew about this but didn't say anything. He sat on one of the chairs and looked at her.
"How about your interview in the police station?"
"Ahh!! I almost forgot! I'll call Sylvan to…"
"There's no need. Upon receiving the report late last night, I ordered Sylvan to postpone your interview. It will this afternoon with me." Vince explained.
"Thanks. So, will you take me to where you're keeping her?"
"Do I have a choice?"
"NO!"
"Then to avoid your dangerous methods, I'd rather take you there myself before my subordinates kill you."
Yve swallowed her saliva in fear of what she heard but in the happiness of Vince's decision, she hugged her and whispered,
"Thank you so much."

Today is another busy day for me. Work and home are the only places I go to for the past 3 years. The end of THAT relationship ended my happy, easy-going life. But then, when I think about it, it was not his fault but mine. My friends would tell me that I need to move on. I HAVE MOVED ON. It's just I don't want any side trips anymore in my life. I have my dreams and I am working hard for it. Little did I know what the destiny has installed for me.

"Mom, I still love her. She ended the relationship without any valid reason and I didn't agree."

"But son, what if the reason is that she doesn't love you anymore? Isn't that a reason valid enough for you?"

"I have to know it this time, mom. I did try to go out on dates but still failed. I think meeting her again will help me know what is happening with me."

"I guess I have no other choice. But remember, don't let her disrupt your plans and the family's business."

"I know, mom. Steph, book my flight to the Philippines tomorrow."

"Vincent! Why are you in so much rush?!"

"Because I believe that the early bird gets the worm."



Just wait for me, Yve. I will get you back by hook or by crook.

"One of the very nicest things about life is the way we must regularly stop whatever it is we are doing and devote our attention to eating." 
                                   -  Luciano Pavarotti

=========================

A couple of weeks ago, Firah had just gotten married to her highschool sweetheart. It was a small wedding, with only families and friends as attendees. She did not even invited many of her friends, only those whom she was close to. Looking at the groom's side, it seems like he, too, did not invited lots of his friends either. Fortunately, Delilah was one of the wedding attendees. If she wasn't, she probably would cause a riot in the office, demanding Firah to invite her. In fact, only a few of the people in the HR department were invited, including Aubree and Howard.

It was a nice wedding with flowers and streamers adorning the walls of the wedding hall. There were also flowers on the carpet floor, leading to the bridal dais. Delilah had fun, chatting with her colleagues, while enjoying the music and the buffet. They also took pictures with the bride and groom; doing selfie and wefie. 

Then a week later after the wedding, Firah and her husband went for their honeymoon at a nearby country. And they were currently still on their honeymoon. And Delilah had to take over some of Firah's tasks, which wasn't a lot since she had already done them before her wedding. 

Delilah was discreetly having her snacks inside her cubicle when Aubree knocked on the wall of the cubicle. She nearly choked, surprised at the sudden noise. She quickly swallowed her biscuit and drank her water. She then turned around with a smile. "Hello, Aubree. What's up?" she greeted.

"I'm not sure how to say this but…" Aubree started. "Firah is quitting her job."

Delilah's eyes widened. "Wait, what?" she exclaimed, shocked.

Aubree scratched the back of her head with a sigh. "Well, she just texted me that she had just received an email from a job that she had been applying to, months ago. Remember the day when she took a day off? Apparently, she had an interview on that day. And she got it!"

Delilah leaned back against her seat as she looked down on the floor. "Wow," she said, letting out a breath. "That's great, right?"

Aubree grabbed a chair from Firah's cubicle and sat down in front of Delilah. "Hmm… Yes," she said slowly, her arms crossed across her chest. "I mean, I'm not saying that I'm not happy that she got a job. But…"

Delilah gave a small smile. "Yeah, I get what you mean. I'm gonna miss her. So, she's going to send her letter of resignation?" she asked.

Aubree nodded. "Yeah, she asked for an immediate resignation. Because her new employer told her to sign in to work immediately after her honeymoon."

Delilah chuckled. "Okay. That really doesn't give her much rest from her honeymoon."

Aubree giggled. "Yeah, but well. That's work for you." She then stood up and pushed the chair back into Firah's cubicle. "And yeah, I wanted to give you a heads-up because we probably will leave the position empty."

Delilah's eyes widened. "What do you mean? So, I will be alone in this sub-department?" she asked, surprised. The HR department of the Kang Company wasn't so big. There were only a couple of them working in the department, including Delilah and Firah. Though, most of Delilah and Firah's works were more into administrative and training. And they do not interact much with the other employees in the HR department since they worked mostly under Aubree and Howard's orders.

Aubree nodded as she stood in front of her. "I'm sure that you can handle it, right?"

Delilah exhale a long breath. "I guess so. I probably would need to contact Firah about her other works that I'll be taking over. And also, I probably need to learn the new system that she had proposed." Months ago, Firah had proposed to Delilah and Aubree on her new attendance schedule system, where she was able to keep track of employees and their timely check-in. She further proposed that the new system will also be able to take note on the lateness and immediately cut their salaries once they were late for more than three times. She had already proposed this to the IT department, who had agreed with the system. Though, they also told Firah that they would be adding several new functions to the system. 

Aubree nodded again. "Do whatever you need to do. Alright, I'll see you around," she said, walking away, heading towards her own cubicle. 

Once Aubree was out of sight, Delilah let out another sigh and turned back around on her seat. She sat there, quietly as she watched blankly at the computer screen. She had worked with Firah for more than two years already. Although, it wasn't that long but over the months that they have worked together, they had a bond. They were not just office colleagues but also close friends. Delilah was happy for Firah but it would be weird to find her not in the next cubicle. Delilah recalled the times that they went out to the bakery together before work and how they usually go out for a job on Saturdays. 

She was still staring off-space when Deegan knocked on her cubicle wall.

She blinked her eyes furiously and whirled around. She saw Deegan standing behind her, a curious look on his face. "Are you alright, Delilah?"

Delilah scratched the side of her face awkwardly. "Uh, yeah," she said. She tilted her head. "What's wrong? Is there anything I can help you with?" 

Deegan looked down at his shoes nervously before raising his head. "Nothing. Are you alright?" he asked in concern.

Her eyebrows furrowed in confusion. "Yes, was there something wrong?" she asked again, concerned.

He laughed awkwardly. "I'm sorry but I overheard what you and Aubree were talking about. It must have been quite a shock," he replied, nodding at her. 

Delilah pooh-poohed at him. "Nah, it wasn't," she denied vehemently. Though, she did feel a bit weird for feeling the way she was feeling. It wasn't as if Firah was the first person in her close circle of colleagues to quit. But then again, she had worked closely with Firah like a close-knit team so that was probably the reason why she felt a bit… lost. 

Deegan gave out a small smile, as if he knew that she was holding back her emotions and trying to look strong. "So, uh, lunch is about to start. Want to head down together and have lunch?" he invited, becoming nervous again.

She cocked an eyebrow at his invitation. It has been awhile since they were together alone. She inwardly sighed. She probably looked so shocked that even Deegan noticed it and had to invite her to lunch to cheer her up. 

Delilah then began to smile mischievously. "We still have, like, ten minutes to lunch. Are you telling your own supervisor to get lunch early? At the office cafeteria where there are other employees here?" she teased.

Deegan's eyes widened at the realization. He did not expect that Delilah would call him out over the timing. "Uh…" he stammered.

She snickered. "I'm just kidding," she said, waving off his stammering. She stood up and grabbed her handbag and turned to him. "Shall we? Lets go to a restaurant, instead. You drive."

Deegan grinned. "Sure!"

-----

A few minutes later, the two of them arrived at a small open-air restaurant. It was more like a big food stall but it has been identified as a restaurant. It doesn't have any walls, other than the rooms for the drink and cashier counter and the wet kitchen. There were many chairs and tables for dining, which was sheltered with a large roof. 

It was noisy with small families and office employees having their early lunch there. Yet, it has that pleasant atmosphere as the noise did not bother the two people who were about to have their lunch there. They went to grab an empty table and began to study the huge menu board, which was hung on top of the cashier counter.

A waiter immediately came over to their table, with a pen and a notepad in hand. He took both of their orders and quickly returned to the kitchen. 

Both Deegan and Delilah began to have their small talk; discussing about their personal lives and what they have done before. Deegan also talked about his university, where Delilah was an alumnus. They had a lot of fun, laughing over some of the lecturers who used to teach Delilah. Deegan knew them as well as they were his current lecturers, as well.

Right in the middle of their conversation, their food has arrived. Both of them had ordered 'Mee Goreng Mamak Ayam', which was actually Indian Fried Noodles with chicken. The waiter placed their food in front of them. They both reached for the dining utensils and began to eat.

The noodles used for the dish was fresh yellow noodles. It has a slightly sweet taste for a noodle and was soft too. But when fried, it has that added slightly fried taste which made the noodles tasted a bit crispy and oily, due to the cooking oil. It also made the noodles more fragrant. Added with chili paste, garlic and lime, the taste also became more tangy and spicy when mixed with the noodles. Other than that, cubed potatoes and cooked chicken pieces were also added in. It made the noodles more savoury and fulfilling. 

The two of them ate in silence, enjoying the delicious fried noodles. As Delilah continued to relish in her food, she likes to put in some spicy soy sauce and bird's eye chilis to make it more spicy. She loved how the bean curds and bean sprouts were added. It brings out the crunch when mixed together with the savoury noodles.

Yes, sometimes it was best to leave everything aside and let ourselves enjoy the food that we eat.

Life as an HR officer isn't easy. 

Delilah faces everyday struggles like any other office worker, but are they enough to hinder her chance to enjoy life? Thankfully, good food is always there to save the day.

=======

Every Saturday, 8PM GMT+8. Once a week.

Please do not kill the author if you are feeling hungry from reading this. It is advised that readers should eat and drink before reading this novel. Thank you.

=======

All the characters and places in this book are fictitious, and any resemblance to actual persons living or dead is purely coincidental.

=======

Cover-page made by @blackmaya

=======

If you would like to see pictures of the foods that were described in the novel, come and join my foodie server! Meet other foodies as well! Here is the link to the server! Hope to see you there! 

https://discord.gg/uwE9yeF

Sean's expression dropped when I asked for Sir Albert's photo. I wondered where I had gone wrong or what's with the question that made him react like that. However, he was quick to revert to his usual, smiling demeanor.
"I have it at home. Don't worry, I'll bring you home when you're ready."
I sat upright gaping at what he said. I could not understand why he seemed so serious in his treatment towards me. Our relationship had just begun and it would yet start at a working phase.
"Sean, why do you seem to take this seriously?" I asked the attitude he showed me was too good to be true. I could still count the days we were together by my fingers, and those meetings were all non-significant to build up a strong bond between us at such an early stage.
"So, it means you are not serious in accepting my proposal?" Throwing back a question as an answer may have silenced me but it did not wipe off all those unanswered questions I had in my mind.
"It's not what I mean-"
"If you are true to yourself then you can see my point in believing that if you can, others also can. And I, my dear girlfriend, also can."
"I know but-" I tried to explain, ignoring the fact that I still felt awkward to be called his girlfriend.
"Red, as I said, we are going to work this out together. The reason why I am successful at such a young age is that I am always sincere and that I am always looking at the bright side of everything, and I am taking things seriously. And positive thinking always does a miracle."
I looked down after I lost the argument. Perhaps, he was right. The current success of the whole TAG conglomerate was all because of his dedication and hard work. I then felt his fingers on my chin, lifting it up to look at him. He was already towering in front of me with his head bent down, meeting my awkward gaze.
"Red, promise me we're gonna work this out." I nodded, pursing a smile. All the courage I had a while ago to speak out everything that was in my mind blasted against his sincere and intense gaze.
"You have to sleep now. Tomorrow, you'll be starting the interview of your personnel in the clinic," he said, pressing his lips on my temple afterward.
"Alright, but do I really have to do it?" I slouched and pressed my back on the soft cushion of the couch's backrest.
"Yes, so that you can choose only those whom you want to be with."
I nodded again and slowly stood up to give him a hug. It was already getting very late and both of us needed the rest despite the surge of thrill that enveloped us as new lovers. My move surprised him but I saw the spark of happiness in his eyes. And I was not surprised when he held the back of my head again as he angled his face and covered my lips with his mouth. He then pulled my lower lip between his and gave it a gentle suck before he reluctantly released me.
"Goodnight, Red," he whispered against his shallow breathing. I knew he wanted more.
"Goodnight, Sean," I said, wearing a weak smile. I then walked him to the door, watching him leave reluctantly.
I woke up early the next morning and reviewed the credentials of each applicant. Sean had given me access to the company's website through email. I was surprised at the number of those applicants on such short notice so I had to pick a few to be interviewed. I send the list of those I picked back to the HR personnel to get them notified.
I hurried to take a shower before I went down to the kitchen to prepare my breakfast. Even if for five years I got used to a home where housekeepers did the chores,  those many years I lived on my own had still helped me get readjusted back to independence. My mind was on the choice of food I would prepare while I stepped down on the stairs.
However, my eyes flew wide when I saw the curtains in the living room pulled to the side. The golden rays of the sun were already flooding the room in halos as it pierced through the heavily-tinted glass walls. The well-crafted landscape outside that bathed in the cool morning sunshine came into partial view and greeted my eyes with a refreshing afterglow. It made me feel a wonderful sense of freedom. Of being in control of my life once again.
I almost jumped and stepped back when I saw the door to the kitchen half-opened. I made it sure last night that all the doors of the house were closed. As I was debating whether or not I should go in, the door opened wide and Sean's captivating smile filled the door frame.
"Good morning, dear," he said as he approached me, placing a smack on my lips. I still stood pinned on the floor, wondering why he was there.
"Greenville Subdivision is one of the businesses of TAG, and this unit is supposedly mine, so that explains why I have the keys."
I stared at him but I got lost in my thoughts. Why did he know about my plan to purchase a unit? Why did he offer me the post as a company doctor? Why did he seem to know my plans?
"Sean, are you stalking on me?" I placed my hands on his chest while I glued my eyes on his gentle eyes. He also locked his hands at my lower back, enclosing me in a warm embrace.
"I am."
"Why?"
"Because I want you."
"When does this stalking started? When you saw me at the hospital?"
"No. A few months before that."
Goosebumps started to creep all over my body. Who is this man? Why is he interested in me? What is his true intention?
"When I knew you were a doctor, the company bought the hospital you are serving."

Just when I thought I had successfully moved on from a loveless relationship, I realized I had made the same mistake again. I fell in love again with a kind and handsome billionaire, and I thought he was already the perfect man. Before our marriage took place, I learned about his deep secret--the secret that evolved around my identity. And the secret that shattered my respect for him.

I broke off our engagement and claimed everything that belonged to me. I hated him like he was the fiercest criminal in the world. I accused him as a thief, stripping him off from his once, dazzling glory.

But then, a particular event led me to the truth. Only to know that I was late already!

+++
Sylvester dropped the landline receiver after speaking
with Agent Dakolo, he sat back into his seat, trying to
decide whether to attend to the Agent's request first or to
follow after Henry. He chose the latter and got up from
his seat. He picked up his phone from the table and
proceeded out of the office.
Two minutes later, he was seated in the visitor's seat
behind Henry's table. Henry wasn't paying much
attention to him but was focused on his work on the
laptop.
'Here's what I wanted to show you' Henry quickly handed
a paper to Sylvester and turned back to his laptop. 'How
was the interview? What position did she apply for?'
Henry asked.
'There was no interview' Sylvester answered without
taking a look at the paper he was handed. 'She only came
to submit her credentials in person'
'I see' Henry said in a low voice, acting less interested.
'You thought I invited her over for an interview?'
'Yes, of course. You are the Boss here and you don't need
my permission to interview anybody' Henry answered
with a slight chuckle.
'But we already agreed to work with those available and
not to take in anyone else for now. I wouldn't go against
our agreement'
Henry paused and looked up, he fastened his eyes on
Sylvester's face. 'I didn't suggest that in anyway' He said
and turned his face back to the laptop. 'Oh! You thought
that was the reason I didn't agree to see her?'
'What else could be the reason?'
'I wasn't aware of the interview before, neither do I know
the position the interview is for so I didn't think I had any
business to do with her' Henry answered, keeping a light
smile on his face.
Sylvester remained quiet for a while, staring at Henry's
face. He had thought Henry was angry but Henry's
demeanor and words have proved him wrong.
'So what do you …' Henry paused on seeing that Sylvester
had not checked the paper given to him. 'Come on, read
what's there'
Sylvester picked the paper and scanned briefly through
it. 'When did you start working on this?'
'It wasn't my work, Dayo did it' Henry replied. Dayo was
the new employee that was taken in the week before.
'It looks good but we have to find how crackable these
codes are' Sylvester commented.
'That's why I was in your office then, I wanted to check
through your history log but I've been able to check it
from here'
'So, are they crackable?'
'Yes, it's even made up of very easy combinations'
'Does that make it usable or not?'
'It's not usable. It would be easily cracked by the
opposition'
Sylvester folded the paper and dropped it on the table.
'Agent Dakolo called some minutes ago, he'll be here in
the afternoon to get a report on all that we've been doing
concerning the breach we've been experiencing'
'Okay, I've been expecting him to ask for it. I prepared a
report already and he doesn't even need to come here,
we could mail it to him' Henry said.
'I think he'll also like to get some explanations, that's why
he wants to come physically' Sylvester put in.
'No problem, we'll be ready for him'
'So what do we do now with Mr Dayo's piece?' Sylvester
asked as he got up from the chair, ready to leave for his
office.
'We'll just keep it and keep working, we need something
deeper' Henry tapped the enter key on her laptop
keyboard in a loud manner and then relaxed into his
seat, signifying that he was through with what he was
doing. He stared up at Sylvester's face. 'You know we are
trying to entrap this group, so we have to be wiser than
they are. We cannot afford to use simple keys and scripts
in tackling them, that'll be making mockery of ourselves'
'Alright then' Sylvester shrugged and turned to leave.
~~~
**Kabakawa, Batagarawa Katsina, Katsina State. **
After lodging in an hotel for two days, the team finally
moved into the rented apartment for which they had
paid the rent fee for a year. The house wasn't too
expensive but it was big enough to contain all of them. It
was already furnished to their taste before they moved
in.
They had chosen a flat with three bedrooms in the two
storey building house with a total of six flats. Theirs was
located by the left side on the middle floor. Tarasha had
carefully chosen an apartment for them in an open area
this time, it would reduce the rate of unnecessary
suspicions. But they also had to be extra careful and
watchful.
It was Monday morning and work had begun already.
Cole was seated behind a table, composing an email on
his laptop to inform the Ata's foundation of their team's
arrival into the country. Benny was in one of the rooms
where he and Cole had chosen for themselves, arranging
the new arms and ammunitions into the wardrobe. He
neatly arranged the various sizes of bullets and sealed
explosives in a section. He arranged the pistols in another
section and long guns in another. The last section was
used to store his clothes and Cole's.
Aisha was also in her room, setting the place in the order
she wanted. She hissed on seeing the little bag of clothes
which she brought to the place. Although the bag was
actually the biggest bag amongst all bags of clothes the
team had brought, she still thought it to be small. Their
kind of job would not satisfy her desire to always take
her best clothes around town.
She hissed again as she saw herself in the mirror on
bending to arrange the makeup kits placed in front of the
mirror. What did she even need the clothes for now that
her hair was gone? She looked like a man, she thought.
She gave a brief mockery laugh at herself as she rubbed
her palms on the head. She then turned back to pick a
small case which contained more makeup kits. That
wasn't for her but for the team, the team would
frequently need to change their appearances on this
operation. Another small bag was lying beside the case, it
contained camouflage materials like artificial beards,
masks, wigs and even skinlike gloves.
Benny walked into the living room after he was done with
arranging the tools, he met Cole already closing his
laptop.
'Have you finished typing the email?' He asked as he
moved to sit on the couch.
'Yes, we'll see it when we come back from the boutique'
Cole answered, standing up with his closed laptop in his
hand.
'You want us to go now?' Benny seemed not too
comfortable with the idea.
'Yes, what else should we do now?'
'Why don't you send the email now and let's see their
reply, they may probably engage you in a chat' Benny
tried to convince Cole.
'I've sent the mail to the Boss first for vetting, until she
replies us we cannot forward it to the foundation' Cole
responded with a wry look on his face. 'Dust your lazy a-s
and let's go out to get the clothes now. I'll go get Aisha.'
With that Cole walked away, leaving Benny who remained
on the seat tiredly. For Benny, it was always fun to get
new clothes but this one was different, the clothes would
have to be disposed off at the end of the operation.
~~~
**Abuja**
2pm
'You went this far?' Dakolo stared Henry in the face as he
read the report provided to him. 'Even the US CCTV
officials have not discovered up to this, nice job' he
commended cheerfully jamming his palms together.
'Thank you sir' Henry smiled.
'The only thing that looks similar in this their report is…'
Dakolo began but stopped abruptly. He bent to bring out
the report from the US CCTV from his small brief case
which was placed by the leg of the chair he was seated.
He placed the binded four pages report on Henry's table.
Sylvester was the first to pick up the report and open it.
Dakolo opened back Henry's report which was still in his
hands. He began to flip the pages until he got to the last.
'Here' he said, pointing a particular area on the page.
'This code looks similar to theirs'
Henry bent forward to look at where Dakolo was
pointing. Dakolo handed it over to him to have a better
view.
" BN 10354
' Encrypt XL
<< — t.a.r– n.e.f — >>
Run script = enter '
>>"
That was one of the most mysterious encryption code
Henry had ever come across. He had never seen the key
words anywhere else before and since he discovered the
script, he not been able to decrypt it.
Dakolo collected the report Sylvester was holding and
opened to the second page. 'Here ' he pointed another
area to for Henry to look at. The encryption script Henry
saw in the US report was similar to the one in his report.
"BN 20679
'Encrypt XL
<< — s.e.r— n.e.f — >>
Run script = enter '
>>"
'What??' Henry's lips vibrated as he fixed his eyes on the
code, looking slightly baffled. He took his eyes off to
Dakolo face. 'The assassin group is larger than we
thought, it's a worldwide organization'
Dakolo licked his lips slowly and silently as he watched
Henry fix his eyes again to the report.
'Can I…' Sylvester who was anxious to see the correlation
stretched forth his hand impatiently to collect the
reports from Henry.
'So now that we know that we are dealing with a
worldwide assassin group, we have to up our game'
Dakolo finally spoke. 'Your engineers have to be
informed about what they are dealing with. And I think
the corporation has to establish a strong connection with
the US corporation'
'Wow! I wasn't aware that there have been breaches in
the CCTV operations in the US too' Henry spoke in low
tones, relaxing his back in the seat.
'There have been' Dakolo replied him, tapping a finger on
the table as he stared into the air and inhaled. 'The breaks
always comes during the period of assassinations just like
ours'
'Hmm… Same strategies, same codes' Henry said
thoughtfully.
Dakolo stared at Henry's face for a moment. 'Henry E.G, I
need to ask you some questions' Dakolo stated after a
brief moment of silence.
Henry sat upright and adjusted himself to pay attention,
surprised at the Agent's sudden change of tone. 'What
questions sir?'
'You were kidnapped recently' Dakolo paused and stared
at Henry's face, noticing a change. It was obvious to him
that Henry wasn't comfortable with the new subject.
'Yes sir' Henry confirmed reluctantly.
'It happened after you got a job from the late Chief Jubril
Lawal?' Dakolo continued, making sure he maintained
eye contact with Henry. Henry noticed this and decided
to try as much as possible to hide his expressions, else
the Agent would extract every information from him
even if he tried to lie.
'Yes, I don't know if the job was for Chief Jubril but it was
brought to us by one of his workers' Henry answered.
'Chief Jubril sent him' Sylvester quickly put in.
Dakolo took a glance at Sylvester and fixed his eyes back
to Henry's face. 'Let's talk about your abduction first. It
lasted for less than a day. How did you escape?'
'I was told that they left us to go after they had a
disagreement amongst themselves' Henry replied.
'You were told?'
'Yes, I was knocked out. I only opened my eyes after
we've moved far away from there'
'You and your girlfriend?'
'No, but a very close lady friend'
'Well, I don't need to go into details of how you were
abducted that day. I know that you have been questioned
about that already.' Dakolo adjusted to a more
comfortable seating position and placed his chin on his
right fist. 'You mentioned during your interrogation with
the police that your suspect was Dare, Chief Jubril's son?'
'Yes' Henry confirmed with a nod.
'But you didn't mention to me that you've seen him
recently' Dakolo frowned.
'Sir, we've not really been able to discuss personal
matters since you came into town'
'That's true.' Dakolo paused and turned to Sylvester who
was already clearing his throat to announce his desire to
leave since he felt he wasn't concerned with the
questioning.
'Mr Sylvester' Dakolo called with a chuckle. 'You have to
wait, I also have some questions for you too.' Sylvester
nodded in reply and comported himself. Dakolo turned
back to Henry.
'Let's push the personal matters aside for now' Dakolo
continued with Henry. 'Did you ever think that the kidnap
could be related to the job brought by the late Chief's
PA?'
'No' Henry replied sharply after narrowing his eyes
thoughtfully.
'You don't think so?'
'Yes, I don't' Henry shook his head in negative to
emphasize. He thought again briefly. Omotara was the
suspect behind the number he was investigating, so was
it really possible that she had planned their kidnap.
'So you insist that it could have only been Dare Lawal?'
Dakolo pressed. 'Wait' he cut in before Henry could
speak. 'What was the result of your investigation?'
Henry's heartbeat increased thrice in speed. The question
he was scared of have been finally asked. Was he now
going to turn Omotara in? Knowing fully well that Agent
Dakolo would not stop until he fishes out who Alexander
Evelyn really was and probably even associate her with
the Chief's assassination which Henry believed Omotara
was innocent about.

This story is about a Lady Assassin who was
trained in Russia, specially skilled in the art and
carrying out the job with no fears, restraints or
apologies.
She became so powerful and was greatly feared
by several of her male counterparts, including
some of the masters who trained her. She hated
so many things, God was number one on her
hatred list.
She came down to Nigeria and was still involved
in her profession until she met someone who
was willing to help her start a new life.
But people from the past came into her life
bringing back old memories. Then she met her
match, another fierce assassin

Rafael told Betina that it is his company's command to build rapport with the doctor, he is not expecting that this will end up differently. The two of them wept because they had already felt the struggle and realized that anywhere in this world there are people who are an opportunist and employ their power to prey on the weaknesses of others. Betina understood the clamor of her boyfriend and even loved him more because he has resisted worldliness in exchange for a good job position and rewards. " I followed you when you went up to his room, I felt naive for entertaining some hideous thought." Betina's word.  Rafael knelt down and was sobbing and begging for Betina's forgiveness. She wipes the tears of his boyfriend by her hands and said: " You don't need to feel sorry, I love you and this love that I had inside will always go beyond your understanding". Rafael was calmed and elated with Betina's words. 

           The following day the National Manager called  Rafael about the development of his assigned task. " Were you able to talk with Dr. Villavicencio? " his manager asked.  Rafael reluctantly narrates what had transpired to him and the doctor to avoid controversy plus he is afraid that his manager will misconstrue him that the reason why he surpasses his sales target is because of his underground activities which are not really happening. He just said " He told me, no, and if we really wanted to have him on our business side, he wanted to talk with someone in our company who is in the higher position if we intend to have him" explained by Rafael. "If you want Sir, I can provide you his mobile number and you may talk to him and schedule a round table discussion or meeting, but with your indulgence Sir, I wish that I will not take part in that undertaking " he added. His manager did not qualify and go into the details on why a very strong and decisive Rafael back off and withdraw from pursuing the doctor. 

             Mr. Ronald De Vera who is the National Manager of Brix Pharmaceutical scheduled a formal visit to Dr. Villavicencio in response to the doctor's assertion to Rafael. He waited for 2 hours since the doctor has chemotherapy procedure.  Mr. De Vera introduced himself and explained his intentions. The doctor was jovial in exchanging words with Mr. De Vera. He reiterated " I will definitely help you with your proposal and we can put it in a certain memorandum of agreement. But I have one request aside from what we agreed upon today".  Mr. De Vera responded, " It will be my pleasure doctor, how may I help you with that?".  Dr. Villavicencio bluntly answered " I want Mr. Rafael Bahaghari out of your company, he is a liabilities! He is compulsive, arrogant and self-assured. He even terrorized me in our dinner with my children and wife. If you can't have him fired, forget about our agreement!". Mr. De Vera paused for a while, think deeply, and reassured Dr. Villavicencio that he will convey his concern to the boards of the company and will give him a favorable response as expeditiously as possible.

                 Mr. De Vera was a bit confused because Rafael was a good worker and has been an employee of the year for 3 consecutive years, he never heard any detrimental activities from him from his fellow workers and clients.  Above all, he brought great sales revenue to the company through his marketing and sales strategies. Mr. De Vera called for a management conference and board meeting to further escalate the demand of the doctor and to come up with reasonable and a winning decision. If they will choose Dr. Villavicencio the operational expenses for this new drug will be augmented and there would be an increment of 40 percent in their sales once this product is launch in the market with Dr. Villavicencio support and linkages. Thus, they came up with an urgent resolution. 

               They dug into the files of Rafael and they found out on his Curriculum Vitae that he transcribed, he put on writings that he works in Euchan Pharmaceutical for 1 year but when they verified it to the said company, he just worked there for 8 months. They had discovered that one of the signatures of the doctor on Rafael coverage list was altered which they considered as a forgery. 
                
                They summon the attention of Rafael. He went to the office abruptly. He receives some congratulatory remarks from some office staff who thought of Rafael's promotion. He ushered to HR by his district manager Mr. Javi De Llano.  The HR explained to him what they found out and they are giving an amicable decision for Rafael to stay in the company but he will be transferred to another district in the western part of the Philippines.  "It was an honest mistake that I deleted one entry in my doctor's coverage form. It was Dr. Luis Madrigal who signed on another doctor's name that is why I deleted it, and in relation to my 8 months tenure to Euchan Pharmaceutical, I just rounded it off to a year of service. I believe that these petty issues can outweigh the revenue that I gave to this company"  explained by Rafael.  " This is not just a petty issue Rafael, the reason why you have immediate supervisor is to inform them of some of your concerns so that they can vouch for you yet you never reported that issue to your supervisor or even to me as your HR Manager. Our company is built-in trust, integrity, and professionalism and we must adhere to that policy, actually if you read our company handbook, any form of forgery or misrepresentation is ground for expulsion or termination of employment, since we are humane and a rational company, we are given you another chance to broaden you expertise out of your comfort zone" directed by the HR to Rafael. 

               " Well, I can't think of a better reason why this is happening to me. I've been working for the company for 6 good years but this is where it ends. If this is not a demolition job or a politics then I don't know what it is. Anyways my life will never end here. I will just tender my resignation today. I will just email it now to put this on writings!"  exclaimed by Rafael in a disappointing way.

               After he made his resignation letter through email, the HR have it printed and let Rafael signed it and process his exit clearance. As per their company handbook, despite of voluntary resignation, he will receive a separation pay, last salary and other compensation intended for him. He endorsed his car key and other documents. He called GB to pick him at the Starbucks nearby their company's building.  Before he left the office he said to the HR and his Boss  " Thank you for hiring and firing me" and left the building unhappy and displeased.

B. I.  Cycle ( Brother I Love You)



             Running, bicycle and swimming is a way for Rafa to escape the world that would not accept his person.   He wanted to take the air off the speed of its wind map East whether or west. Rafa's said ' I want to be a breeze that can't afford to reach out for anyone else, that's a strong blow that doesn't leave a trace. Rafael is a famous Athlete and young professional and has proved much from his age. But for every victory he enjoyed to remain sorrowful, anxious and concealed in the darkness he didn't want to face.               

               What is Marco in your life Rafa? Will he complete your longings? Will you stay in the shadows of the dark or give it a vivid color and float the rainbow after squall and storm? 

            Marco said: ' You are a huge part of me. You are the race, the business, the work and the life that I love. You have nothing to prove because I know your fears and I can sense you are perturbed and unsettled. I will be a friend, Brother, I Love You and whatever love I can offer it is a love which I know will set you free...

Joe was falsely imprisoned for a crime he didn't commit. When released from prison, he realizes that his record is preventing him from re-establishing his life. He realizes that the only way for him to re-establish his life is to live unethically. However, superheroes appear and proclaim that they will put all unethical people behind bars. 

How will Joe deal with this?

The next morning, right after Zhaoyang rummaged through her handbag just to stop the alarm on her phone, she put on her usual widow-dark suit along with some basic makeup before getting herself properly seated in her apartment. She was waiting. She could feel that an interview might be coming anytime soon. 
On second thought, time was the greatest cost to her at the moment. She must not be idly waiting for something to happen. She then took off her coat and headed to the kitchen to make herself some snacks. 
"Alright, Zhaoyang, let's do this." And there Zhaoyang was, mixing in all sorts of ingredients she got from the supermarket. 500 grams of flour, 300 grams of sugar, 4 egg yolks with the egg whites beaten up to be folded in, she tried following the random recipe she found online but she found the weighing process was unnecessary.
In the midst of a messy kitchen table, she rested on her chair, gasping in relief as she looked at the oven. "Almost done." But right before she put on her gloves, she shuddered as her phone vibrated vigorously in her pocket. 
She took off her baking gloves and picked up the call, "Hello?"
"Greetings, is this Miss Lu Zhaoyang?" The voice was gentle.
"Yes, I am." Zhaoyang nearly tripped herself as she turned to have a glance at the oven. Her biscuits were almost ready as with her job interview too! Such miraculous coincidence!
"Miss Lu, I am from the HR of Ge Yu Corporation. Are you available for a face-to-face interview tomorrow at 9?"
"YES! I am…" She tried controlling her joy. She could not believe it. She got an interview offer on the very first day.
"Okay, see you there then. Goodbye."
After hanging up, Lu Zhaoyang replaced her phone and put on the gloves to take the tray out of the oven. Her biscuits were in the shape of teddy bears. It was cutesy but it did not taste as good as the ones made by her mother however. 
"Well, better than nothing I guess," muttered she as she poured herself some tea. Within the next few hours, three companies called her and she arranged the interviews apart from each other. 
She should not put all of her eggs in the same basket after all. 
She changed into her pajamas at night after showering and headed to sleep right after. The day after, she dunked her biscuits in hot cocoa before she put on her dress. It was a satisfying discovery that her biscuits actually tasted better with a hot drink. Pumped, she took a Uber to Ge Yu Corp. first. 
Ge Yu Corp. was a rather standard middle-sized company which anyone could grasp a handful of its kind on the first page of Google search. It should not be that hard for her to at least pass the interview.
"Good morning, how may I help you?" 
"I was invited to an interview session with the company."
"Oh, yes. Are you Miss Lu? The President will be waiting for you inside the meeting room at the 12th floor. The elevator is right behind the reception."
She was applying for the same old position she had before—the president's secretary. Therefore it was justifiable that she was going to show herself not at the HR department but at the meeting room. 
She expected a one man show inside the room, like an alpha at one far end of the marble meeting table but it was not quite what she imagined as she pushed the door open.
The president was nowhere to be found. Instead, the heads of different departments were there, asking her a few really basic questions that she nearly did an eye roll before them as she wondered if they actually read her resume. It was a smooth exchange nonetheless. 
They seemed rather pleased towards her responses.
In the midst of awkward silence, right when she wondered if she flunked her interview, the lady with the name Yuan Li picked up her mobile phone and just spoke without even unlocking it, "How do you think, sir?" 
She appeared to be pretty high up in the hierarchy of this company.
That was when Zhaoyang realized that the president had been listening to their conversation over the phone! 
"Alright," said Yuan Li calmly as she hung up, before reaching out her friendly hand towards Zhaoyang, "Miss Lu, we are pleased to inform you that you have passed the interview. You are ready to work as his Personal Assistant anytime now. Congratulations!"
Zhaoyang held her hand and shook very sluggishly in bewilderment, "Uh… Personal Assistant? I applied for a secretary position, didn't I?"
"Well, for your information, the president found your performance to be fairly superior while he's lacking a personal assistant. With your solid experience being the head secretary in Thunderbolt Corp. before, you can definitely tackle the tasks perfectly." She smiled, "Now you're at a higher position than all of us. I hope that we will have a pleasant working experience together!" 
"Umm…okay? Sure?" Zhaoyang was still processing the sudden change of events. She remained skeptical of the fact that she got hired without any further discussion among the administration. 
What a president. She thought.
Well, at least she got a position with a fair job scope and benefits. It looked like there was no longer a need to attend other interviews. 
"Special Assistant Lu, allow me to show you around the place while I brief you the full job scope of your position," invited Yuan Li as she opened the door for her.
"You don't have to be so formal. We will be colleagues from now on," said Zhaoyang as she followed Yuan Li.
"It's alright. The president requested me to show you our company after all."
She brought Zhaoyang directly to the President's office. It was a very wide wooden door classily crafted in ancient Victorian style. 
The office was spacious, even more so when there was only a desktop at the center towards a large window where a few potted plants stood. 
There was nothing else. 


She was the little chief secretary at Huo Yunting’s office, who carried out jobs both on the table and "under" the table. 
She was also his obedient wife at night, fulfilling his needs.
It was a repentance, a redemption to her sin, Lu Zhaoyang was swallowing all these humiliations as heaven forbade, her mother was the other woman in this ugly affair with the wealthy Huo family, and eventually shattered the entire family, droving Huo’s mother insane.
It was probably the fairest, also the most horrible bargain of Lu’s life as Huo Yunting raided their house one day.
“You would compensate with your body. On daily basis.” The offer was made and she could not say no. 
“If you think you aren’t having enough fun… Well, perhaps we could play the divorce game, then we could have another marriage, making the same vow with you always as my bride. I can do this, again and again. Again, and again. Isn’t that sweet, honey?”
 
Was it heart-moving, or simply tear-moving?
ISN’T IT OBVIOUS?
Huo Yunting, he’s a devil, both body and soul a devil!
Join the Fifty Thunders of Huo Yunting! 
As you see dominance occurs in the classic office romance taken place in modern world with a hint of quirky comedy and heart-wrenching episodes!

interview follow up email to hr

hr/

CEO's Little Bride: My Irrevocable Decision

Our Glamourous Time

This Time You Are Mine

The Daily Life of a Foodie in the Office

Through Your Eyes

Tarasha

B. I. Cycle ( Brother, I Love You)

Domino - The First Super Villain

WARNING! Tsundere President

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