Chapter 5: “A New Life”

Amber’s POV

The first day at work felt heavier than I expected. My outfit, the only decent clothes that seemed harmless at least to me, didn't sit well with some people. Not that I cared, I just wanted to make a good impression with the people I would be working with but the whispers started the moment I stepped into the office.

“They’re really letting anyone in these days,” one woman said with disgust shown all over her face.

“Did she even try? That outfit, really?” another sneered.

I kept my head high, walking with my confidence and pretending not to hear. Pretending became an art over the years.

But someone had heard. And it wasn’t just anyone.

“Amber,” a voice cut through the murmur, low and angry. I looked up to find Adrian standing there, eyes sharp like they were boring into my soul.

“You are not going to a meeting dressed like that.”

I swallowed, keeping my composure. The look on his face was filled with irritation. His tone was demeaning and full of that arrogant authority he wielded effortlessly.

“I… I didn’t realize…” I started, but he interrupted, stepping closer.

“Don’t start,” he snapped. “I will not have you humiliating yourself or me in front of clients.”

I bit my tongue. Of course, I couldn’t argue. Not yet. I had to survive this.

Adrian’s POV

She looked ordinary, too ordinary and it irritated me. I couldn’t stand seeing her like this, there was something frustratingly human about her appearance. I don’t know why she would wear these rags to cover her beautiful self. “Did I just compliment her?”

But despite the stares and talks, her eyes still held that stubborn spark.

“You’re coming with me. Now.”

Amber’s eyes widened as we moved through racks of silk blouses and tailored jackets. I watched silently, noting how the clothes fit her frame perfectly.

Finally, I paused and looked at her. “You look a bit human now.”

She blinked, processing the words. I didn’t soften them. Why would I? It amused me, to see her blush slightly, embarrassed yet proud.

We finally got to the conference room, and as soon as she entered, the room lit up. I felt proud that I had her beside me and she was mine alone.

Not until the meeting ended and I saw her get familiar with Richard Hale.

I couldn’t stand it. The way she laughed with him. Friendly and familiar, I don’t think she has ever shown me that side of her. The audacity of it, I ended it abruptly, clearing my throat.

“Amber, let’s go.”

I draped my arms over her shoulders as if trying to mark my territory and I hoped he got the message.

In the car, the silence was thick. I finally spoke, voice low, not wanting her to read meaning into my questions.

“How do you know him?”

“An acquaintance,” she said lightly. “He helped me once. That’s all.”

“I see.”

I didn’t believe her. Why work for me and still be friendly with a rival? My chest felt odd. Was it Jealousy or Fear? The feeling was new, and it unsettled me more than I cared to admit.

Richard’s Pov

For me, it was just another business meeting where I had to sit through it with Adrian glaring daggers at me. I wonder why he thinks the work should always revolve around him.

Surprisingly, I got to the meeting before him which was unusual, Adrian has always been the early bird type.

Just as I was thinking, he strolled in with a gorgeous lady behind him. I heard he got a new P.A but I didn’t expect her to be this gorgeous.

She turned around to pass some documents to him and that’s when I saw her, Amber. We had a short encounter but she lingered in my mind longer than usual which was weird to me. I couldn’t wait for the meeting to end so I could get to talk to her. I found myself stealing glances at her and for some reason found Richard staring at her too.

“Amber, is that you?”

She looked at me with surprise and made a face as if trying to recall my name.

“Richard, it’s you. Why are you here?

“For the meeting, of course. Why else would I be here?”

“Of course.” She said amidst laughter.

Her laughter was filled with warmth. It did something to me, something I didn’t want to admit. She laughed lightly at a joke I barely made, her eyes bright and beautiful.

“Why are you here though?” I asked her.

“Uhm, I accompanied my boss for the meeting.”

“Your boss? Don’t tell me you work for Adrian, piggy face, arrogant Adrian?

“Stop it, he’s not that bad plus he’s not a piggy face.” She said dreamily, like she was already imagining his face.

“Are you his new personal assistant?”

“Yes, resumed today actually, you couldn’t tell right?” She asked.

“Yea, you did amazingly well for your first time.”

She blushed. I liked that I had that much effect on her, her cheeks turning rosy pink was my highlight of the day.

Everything about her was perfect, was it her eyes that exuded the golden glow or the lips that sat prettily on her face. Still basking in her beauty, I heard Adrian speak.

“Amber, let’s go.”

Authoritative as usual but why did I feel like it was laced with jealousy and possessiveness.

As Adrian led her away, I could see his arm resting on her shoulders like a deliberate act to spite me. One thing was certain, Amber was no longer someone I intended to forget.