5

He is handsome indeed, very handsome. Unfortunately too handsome, not my type. Laurel immediately decided at their first glance. The Spanish-blooded man with copper gold skin and jet black curls and deep eyes looked too dangerous to be his type.

Meanwhile his new boss was just looking at her with a look of value, considering. So there was a long silence and Laurel was not allowed to sit down.

“Sit down.” Mr. White appeared to be smiling faintly, as if satisfied that he had decided something. “Do you know who I am?”

What kind of question is that? Laurel thought involuntarily frowned. Of course she did.

Mr. White smiled again, seemingly aware of the rhetoric in his question. “Ah, sorry I'm a little nervous.”

Again Laurel frowned, nervous? For meeting her? Impossible. This boss must be nervous about something else.

“We haven't met each other yet.” The man then stretched his slender fingers towards Laurel and she could not help but welcome the helping hand. “We'll just be informal right away, remembering me and you will often be in touch. Especially when Alin starts her maternity leave period, you can just call me Mr. White,” muttered the man after releasing his firm grip.

'Just'. Laurel was sometimes amused by her sharp analysis of words, but she just couldn't help it. Why did Mr. White use the word 'just' in his sentence? As if he had another name, wasn't his name really White?

The man cleared his throat. “Maybe you are wondering why you were called into this company. I have a reference from your university that you are the best graduate there. I am very happy to provide experience and space for new graduates like you to exploit your intelligence and abilities. I love hiring new graduates.” Mr. White seemed to be smiling and Laurel shook a little when she realized that when he smiled he looked extraordinarily handsome. “Because new graduates are usually easier to teach modern methods, they are easy to absorb knowledge and certainly they are very excited.” Mr. White paused for a moment to see if Laurel was listening to his words, then continued, “That's what I expect from you too, the ability to absorb new knowledge quickly and an extraordinarily high spirit, can you?”

“I can,” Laurel answered quickly and steadily. She sure can, she is very excited to learn new things here. The world of work is new to her and she believes she has the ability to learn quickly.

“Great.” Mr. White nodded in satisfaction. “Judging by your good academic figures, I'm sure you will also be good at practice. If so, welcome to this company, Miss Laurel, I hope we will cooperate well in the future.” The man stretched out his hand again and smiled very sweetly. “I was looking forward to it, Laurel.”

Laurel took the helping hand formally. “Of course, I will try my best.” Then she stood up and said goodbye back to his boss.

“Oh, Laurel?”

Laurel, who was at the door ready to open it, turned to look at Mr. White, who was still sitting upright in his chair.

“I heard you took public transportation to come here?”

Laurel nodded. “That's right, I use public transportation,” she replied, frowning and wondering, doesn't information like this seem less important for a big boss to know?

“And I know the location of your house is quite far.” Mr. White looked thoughtful, then gave Laurel a stern look. “I'll arrange an operational vehicle for you. We have a special employee shuttle facility for employees who live far away. Maybe you can ask Alin to sign up.”

“That's great!” Laurel's eyes lit up irresistibly, this employee shuttle facility would be of great help to her. Laurel can save on commuting costs which require changing mini-buses three times in one travel period, she will be able to save. “Thank you, Mr. White, I will ask Mrs. Alin.”

Mr. White nodded and Laurel stepped out of the room.

_______________

She doesn't recognize me. Aaron unconsciously took a deep breath, relieved. Slowly he rubbed his face. Thankful that Laurel didn't realize how nervous he had been. How he struggled to present a firm and dignified figure, because such a figure could cover him from Laurel's suspicions.

I'm not the self-deprecated human I used to be, Laurel. You once told me to come to you when I had my pride again. Now I have, pride and all its attributes, maturity, wisdom, kindness. But somehow, I still don't feel worthy of seeing you. I am, the unforgivable human.

Aaron sighed softly and rested his head on his chair. Until when did he have to be like this? Can't admit his true self in front of the only woman he is aiming for? Until when did he have to be like this? Hiding? Shame to admit himself? Aaron didn't have an answer, he just felt it was better for him to choose the cowardly path, hiding in the shadows of White's figure.

Isn't it this way, you can more freely look after her? his conscience whispered and Aaron nodded his head involuntarily.

Yes, his decision was right. It would have been better if Laurel never found out his true identity. The wounds of the girl's heart had already healed, it wasn't right for him to break them with an encounter from the past that would definitely open up those old wounds.