Chapter 3

The next day, I back to Blue Star Food Company. With a confident stride, I headed for the division floor. As I was about to enter, I bumped into Kenneth. His golden hair was shiny as usual, as was his smile.

"Good day, Avery."

"Good morning."

"Beautiful as always."

"Thank you." I nodded and Kenneth waltzed into his room.

Kenneth Owen was the half-year head of the programming division. His cold nature was public knowledge. It was just that he made a smile every time I met him.

I headed for my desk. My gaze went straight to the other side, Xavier's desk. It was already empty. I was sure our internship hasn't ended yet. I wonder, where did he go?

Keeping the question to myself, I sat down and turned on the computer. A resigned sigh could be heard from the other side.

"We're doomed. Lowly employees like us will be expelled. I have to find a new job."

"That's right, we're so ruined that the summer is turning into agony. It's so hot...."

I lowered my gaze. The file I analyzed was finished. Now, I just need to print it out. At the same time, a message appeared on the screen. Kenneth asked me to come to his office.

It was a little strange that he sent a message instead of calling me directly. Maybe he's very busy, I thought and went to his office. All eyes were on me. The fake whisper back there was, "The new kid's flirting with him."

I quickened my pace.

I knocked on the door, then entered. Kenneth sat behind his laptop. Rimless glasses rested on the bridge of his nose. He turned his head.

"Can I help you, Mr. Owen?" I asked.

Kenneth rose from his chair. He reached for the remote to blur the glass wall. Neither the inside nor the outside could see each other.

I watched as the glass turned gray. The shadows of employees passed by outside. Then, I faced Kenneth. The scent of apples pierced my nose as we were two steps apart.

"Avery," he called softly. He looked down deeply at me. I looked down too, avoiding his beautiful eyes.

His thumb brushed the corner of my eye. It was slightly swollen from crying. Kenneth continued, "Don't be sad, Avery. He doesn't suit you."

"What are you talking about, Mr. Owen?"

"I saw you yesterday, crying while the shit went on a date."

My eyes widened. A moment later, I closed it tightly. Damn, he's watching me shed tears while walking around dragging a bag. How shameful!

His finger grabbed my chin. He lifted it so our eyes meet. His bead that curved behind the lenses was intoxicating. His light voice flowed slowly like a poem in spring.

"Pain isn't for you, Avery. If you have it already, I'll get rid of it."

I was lost in thought. His sweet words were nice, but I wondered what he meant. I asked, "What are you talking about, Mr. Owen?"

"I'm talking about my feelings, Avery. I like you, a lot."

My mouth opened. That sudden statement was too sudden! I never expected the cold Kenneth to confess his heart.

"Be mine, Avery."

He pulled at my waist. I held my breath as he caressed my face. There was a sense of pleasure that eased the pain in my heart. Even so, my common sense acted decisively by telling me to reject him.

"Cannot."

"May I know why?"

I shook my head, then turned around. "I don't fit in," I replied and was about to walk away.

Kenneth caught my arm and pulled. My face hit his chest. Both his arms wrapped me. I was wide-eyed, stricken with fear that someone would suddenly walk in.

"Please let me go."

"Avery, I've been watching you. I always make sure nothing gets in your way, even if it's a small thing. I like you, I want to protect you."

I answered firmly, "I can protect myself."

"Nice confidence, Avery, but the world is tough."

"I'll be tougher than the world."

Kenneth chuckled. He tightened his embrace. He let out a long breath. "I'm too impulsive, aren't I? How about we talk about this some other time over a peaceful lunch?"

***

I walked briskly to my desk. My breathing was still labored. Fortunately, he softened up to let me off with the promise of lunch. No problem. I'll reject her at that moment.

My body landed on the chair. The bustle of the other employees was a little quiet. If they usually didn't have time to chat, now they did. I don't think anyone thought positively of the money that was taken away.

Rin's remark about the crazy boss flashed. My fingers moved quickly over the keyboard writing Ace Company. Then, I realized it wasn't right. I closed the screen before someone caught it.

The crazy title Rin gave was interesting. I wonder why she called it that. Curiosity is terrible. I had to wait until I got home to uncover everything about Ace Company.

***

The time to leave work is five o'clock. After packing my things, I rushed out and caught the bus . I sat by the window, then impatiently took out my phone.

I typed Ace Company into the search bar as fast as ChatAI worked. I selected the article at the top. There was a picture of the company building, its history, and the owner. 

The owner of Ace was the man who appeared on television yesterday. He was one of the young billionaires who worked with many companies! His last name is Davis while his first name is Graciano.

"Graciano Davis," I whispered.

There's really nothing interesting here except for his handsome portrait. The more I scrolled down, I found the job posting information. The position was the CEO's secretary.

I clicked on that. There was a list of requirements for the position. My lips curled knowing I met all the requirements. I'll prepare the paperwork, then head to Ace.