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Today is my first day of work. I look in the mirror to have a final look at my outfit. I'm wearing white trousers, a cream long-sleeve, with my stilettos. I nodded at the mirror, satisfied with my looks, then I grab my Hermes bag and I'm good to go.

I'm excited but nervous at the same time. It was my first time working in a company that is not owned by my parents. I know that the treatment will be different compared to when I was working in my company.

In Zobel Group of companies. the employees were friendly and lenient towards me. Somehow you can feel that they want to get your favor though, not all employees are like that. But some are genuine in giving their service.

Jenny, one of the HR started to tour and introduce me to all departments. Before we went to the creative department, Jenny took me to David's office.

The first thing that got my attention was his office, it looks sleek and neat. Then I look at the very handsome man sitting on his office chair. Gosh! My boss is so handsome, it makes me more excited to work here.

I imagine all the romance novels that I read where the boss fell in love with her employee, it's a perfect scenario for me and David. I guess I have a new crush now!

Having a crush is not new to me. As Mara always commented on me, I easily get attracted to handsome guys, I have long-list of my crushes but I never had a boyfriend. It's easy for me to like someone but find it difficult to fall in love. The first and only guy that I fell in love with was Mara's husband. 

"Welcome on your first day, Yelle!"

"Thank you, David!"

"Are you excited?" He asked.

My eyes twinkled. "Super!"

He chuckled and turned to Jenny. "You can go back to your office. I'll introduce Yelle to the creative department."

Jenny nodded and respectfully went out of his office.

"Let's seat first. I will be discussing something with you." David said in a formal but friendly tone.

When were both settled, David started our discussion.

"I don't know if I already told you about the plan for the expansion of our business this year."

"No, you haven't."

He nodded his head. "As I said, our company is expanding the business year. Aside from ready-made furniture, customize furniture and interior design services, we want to offer architecture and engineering services."

"James found the perfect partner for this expansion. Are you familiar with Cabello International Corporation?"

I nodded. "Yes, they are the rising architecture and engineering company. Our company worked with them with our new mall in Cebu."

"Good to know. What do you think of them?"

"I met Penelope during the Cebu project. I can say that she's an outstanding person. She was good with negotiation and implementation of the project. I personally like her not just for her talent but also for being a strong and independent woman. I heard that her parents died at a young age and she had no choice but to handle their business alone. And she is great! She grew their business in just a few years." I honestly said.

Cabello International Corporation had been in the attention of the media because of her relationship with the Laertes heir. It almost damages her reputation but her talent will always speak for herself.

"You almost have the same comment as James. James also admired the owner of CIL." David said.

"Penelope is married though." I can't help but comment.

David chuckled. "Not in a romantic way, don't worry. Anyway, we had a meeting with them last week. And we are just waiting to finalize the contract before we announced our new partnership."

My eyes widen. What a nice choice.

"Why are you telling me all this?" I asked a bit confused.

I'm just a regular employee, not to mention a new one.

"We are considering you to sphere head the Asia account, especially in the Philippines since you already had prepared a portfolio," David explained.

"But I'm just a new employee. I don't think my colleagues will like the idea." I said.

"You might be new but you're the only interior designer here who has projects in the Philippines, plus we want your connection in the Philippines, of course after you prove yourself here. We are not sending you to your country right away, I know you have something you want to prove for yourself, the very reason why you chose to work here." David said in more detail.

I nodded. I get their point. As someone who grew up in the business world, I knew how connections give you a great advantage. I appreciate that they also considered why I chose to work here.

Also, I like the idea of handling the Asia account for JDLI.

"But I want you to keep this a secret. As I said, I was new here and I don't want my colleagues to have a wrong impression of me." I said.

"I understand. You don't need to worry about that. Also, it will take months or a year before we implement the whole project. We want to focus the expansion here first before we offer the full service in Asia."

David stood up and guide me to the door. "Shall we? It's time to introduce you to your department"

The employees look very busy. They stop working when they saw me and David entering the office.

David introduced me to the employees. They all welcome me with warm smiles, though I notice that some girls are looking at me intently, especially at my bag. I just shrugged.

Then we went to the head of the Interior design office.

“This is Hailey Smith, the head of Interior Design, and Hailey this is Yelle our new Interior designer.”

“Hi Ms. Smith, I'm Abriella Isla Zobel, I'm looking forward to working with you,” I said in a formal tone.

I heard that Hailey Smith is a close friend of David and Mr. Feria - I prefer to call the CEO by his surname than his name. I can’t help but think of an annoying guy whenever I hear the name, James.

Also, it was rumored that Hailey will soon be engaged to Mr. Feria. Though, these two never confirmed that they are in a romantic relationship. But the fact that Hailey chose to work here instead of working in their company somehow confirmed the rumor about him and the CEO.

Well, this girl is beautiful. I wouldn’t blame the CEO if he fell in love with her. I just hope that she's a nice boss since I will be under her.

“Nice bag! Where did you get it?”

I turned to the girl who asked me. “In the Hermes store?” I said like she was asking a dumb question.

“Oh yeah! What a dumb question, right? You must be rich! Anyway, I'm Hanah Garcia.” Hannah, my new colleague said.

“I'm Abriella Zobel, but you can just call me Yelle,” I said ignoring her remarks about me being rich.

Hannah’s eyes widen. “Zobel?! The owners of the elite malls in the Philippines?”

I creased. “How did you know that?” I asked curiously.

“Well, I'm half Filipino. I grew up there. My family moved here when I was in high school. But we visit our relatives there every 2-3 years.” She explained.

It added to my excitement to work here, knowing that I have a Filipino colleague.

“Wow! I'm so glad to know that you're also a Filipino. But can you keep my background a secret here?” I asked Hannah.

She gave me a thumbs up. “No worries. Your secret is safe with me. But to be sure, don't include your surname when you introduce yourself, because there are some Filipino employees here who might know your family name.”

I nodded and mouth thank you.

After our short conversation, Hannah started to brief me on my task. She was asked to do the briefing since her workplace is next to mine. After that, we both became busy with our work.

Hannah then invited me to join her and her friends for lunch. She introduces me to Monica and Edward. They are both half-Filipino. Monica is also an interior designer, while Edward is a furniture designer.

I offer to pay for our lunch as my way of thanking them. I brought them to my favorite restaurant near our office. Last night, I googled the list of restaurants near the office and saw my favorite restaurant on the list.

“Are you sure you are paying for us? The price of the food here is so expensive.” Edward said full of concern.

“Yes. This is one of my favorite restaurants, I'm sure you'll love the food here!” I said with excitement.

I saw Hannah shake her head.

When the meal was served, all the girls, including me began taking photos of our food. I also asked the waiter to take a picture of us.

I posted the photos on my personal I* with the caption, first lunch with my new friends and colleagues.

While we were eating, my phone got a notification. I opened it and saw James' name on it. He sends me a direct message on I*. I opened it out of curiosity. Since that night, I haven't got any messages or calls from him, except for his sudden visit to Mara’s house when I was sharing the news with them.

My eyes widen when I saw the content of his message. ‘Does that guy know you're married?’