chapter 7

                                    

                                          
 "Falling in love is very real, but I used to shake my head when people talked about soul mates, poor deluded individuals grasping at some supernatural ideal not intended for mortals but sounded pretty in a poetry book. Then, we met, and everything changed, the cynic has become the converted, the sceptic, an ardent zealot."    -E.A. Bucchianeri, Brushstrokes of a Gadfly
                          


                          
CARINA'S P.O.V.
                          
I opened my eyes and sprung out of the bed realizing that the annoying sound was coming from my alarm clock. I quickly went to the bathroom and brushed my teeth, took a bath and dressed up. Since this is my first day, I still don't have my uniform. Christine told me that the uniform will be provided by the company, and that for me is convenient. I selected my best outfit that I could find in my closet. I was about ready when I remembered my dream. I blushed at the thought and I felt my body became hot. Who was that guy anyway? What a sinful dream. I shook my head to brush off the thought and went out of my room. 
                          
Christine dropped me off in front of the building since their company is just half a mile away from Bayleaf Corp. I thanked her and got out of the car. I stared at the building in awe. It was a beautiful glass building that radiates luxury and power. The architectural design amazed me. I walked into the building and went straight to the information area. 
                          
"Hello. I have an appointment with Mr. Novell at 9 am" She smiled at me professionally 
                          
"What is your name Miss?" 
                          
"I am Carina Westbay" She checked on her computer 
                          
"You must be the new Executive Assistant? Do you have a valid ID with you?" I opened my bag and prayed that I didn't forget it. I felt relieved when I found it and gave it to her. She typed something on her computer and gave my ID back to me. 
                          
"His office is located at the 2nd to the last floor" 
                          
"Thank you. Have a nice day" I said politely and went straight to the elevator. The interior design is also beautiful. There was a large red carpet on the clean white floor. The high ceiling was decorated with beautiful chandeliers. The ambiance was so welcoming. It was like that of an expensive hotel at first glance. What a nice building. I just hope working here will be a nice experience too.
                          
While I was in the elevator going up, I started to become nervous that I almost pressed the ground floor button and walk out of the building. But I know it's something that I couldn't do. Christine asked her cousin a favor for my sake and even if I wasn't happy about it at first, I knew she was just trying to help me. Christine is just concern about my well being and just wants to help me raise the money and get back our house which is the important thing for now, not my pride. My mind was battling between going back down or continue when I was interrupted by the 'ding' sound and the elevator opened. I took a deep breath and went out of the elevator. This is it. No turning back.
                          
***** 
                          
I was greeted by a middle aged woman and guided me to the office of Mr. Novell. She knocked the door and opened it, 
                          
"She is here" she said to the man inside, then I heard a familiar voice
                          
"Send her in" upon hearing it, she smiled at me and motioned me to go in. 
                          
*****
                          
"Good morning Mr. Novell. I-I am Carina Westbay" I cursed myself for stuttering a little. I saw him frowning at me, examining me from head to toe. His expression was unreadable and again, cold. Doesn't he get tired of that expressionless face of his?
                          
"Have a seat Ms. Westbay. Good that you are not late. I am telling you now that I don't tolerated tardiness. My cousin is your best friend but that doesn't mean I cannot fire you when you can't meet my standard. I heard a lot of good stuff about you from her so I expect a lot from you. Anyway, as I said earlier, I am giving you 3 months trial period. I am going to observe your performance during that period and then decide if I will make you permanent or not. Is that clear?" He said to me formally, staring at me without a hint of any emotion from him.