Chapter 43: Human Resources

“Well, luckily I am very good at filling in paperwork and paying attention to boring lectures,” Harper said casually as they make their way to the human resources department. Oliver’s lips quirked into a genuine smile at her confident remark, the tension in his shoulders easing slightly as they navigate the familiar office corridors. The prospect of Tanja’s inevitable lecture seemed less daunting with Harper beside him. “Good, because I have a feeling today’s lecture will include diagrams and flowcharts,” he replied dryly. “Tanja loves visual aids when explaining corporate regulations.” They approached the human resources department wing, where the walls were adorned with motivational posters about teamwork and ethical decision-making. The fluorescent lighting cast everything in a sterile glow that contrasted sharply with the warmth between them. As they reached the door leading to the human resources department, marked by a nameplate in precise gold lettering, Oliver paused with his hand hovering over the knob. His expression became more serious as he looked down at Harper. “Are you ready for this?” he asked quietly.

Harper nodded firmly. Oliver’s confidence visibly strengthened at her resolute nod, his own nervousness melting away under the force of her conviction. He gave a sharp nod in return, determined glint entering his blue eyes. “Alright then,” he said quietly, pushing the door open without knocking. “Let’s get this over with.” The human resources department was arranged in typical corporate fashion– cubicles lining the perimeter with glass-walled offices along the centre. Inside the glass-walled office was a simple desk, the surface painted black and a black office chair. Surrounding the glass-walled offices, the floor is covered in smooth, dark grey tiles, which contrasts with the lighter walls and furnishing in the cubicles. As they walked past the cubicles, Anna noticed that some of the walls were decorated with pinned photos, notes, design boards and Calanders. At the far end of the department, near the large windows was a small seating area, which included a few black armchairs arranged around a low, round table with magazines placed on top.

Tanja’s cubicle was located in the corner, where she was seated behind her desk. The inside of her cubicle was covered with a mix of grey panels and colourful, wavy-patterned wallpaper in the shades of green, blue, yellow, and white. At the centre of the desk sits a computer setup, including a black monitor, keyboard and mouse. The desk surface is a light wood and fairly tidy, with a desk planner placed in front of the keyboard. There are a few sticky notes in bright colours on the planner. On the left wall, there are teal-coloured hanging organizers with multiple pockets and below them is a small potted plant. The back wall was decorated with several framed photographs, most of which appear to be personal– possibly family members, including children. On the right side, above the monitor, there is a white round wall clock mounted on the panel. And beside the monitor on the desk, there is a black shaded desk lamp that is turned off, along with a telephone and containers holding pens, markers and other stationery. Anna was impressed by the level of organisation mixed with creativity present in Tanja’s cubicle.

Upon noticing their arrival, Tanja immediately turned in her beige office chair to look at them over her shoulder, her expressions shifting from neutral professionalism to sharp curiosity as she took in their linked hands. Tanja is wearing a fitted long-sleeve red top, black pants and black high-heeled shoes. Her light brown hair is pulled back into a low ponytail and she is wearing thin black-metal framed glasses. “Mr. Williams? Mrs. Miller?” she greeted them coolly, gesturing toward two adjoined chairs opposite hers, right next to the cubicle entrance. “To what do I owe this unscheduled visit?” she asks and turns her office chair to face them directly. “We are her to disclose a romantic relationship,” Harper said in a professional tone. Tanja’s carefully composed HR manager façade cracked for a fraction of a second, her green eyes widening behind her black-metal framed glasses. She quickly recovered, adjusting her posture and picking up a pen from her desk with practical efficiency.

“A romantic relationship?” Tanja repeated, her tone measured but betraying a hint of surprise. “Between the two of you? This is certainly unexpected.” Her gaze flickers between Oliver and Harper, assessing the situation with the clinical detachment of someone trained to evaluate risks. Her fingers tapped rhythmically against the desktop as she considered the implications. “Mr. Williams, as CEO, you understand the company’s policy regarding interoffice fraternization,” she stated, addressing him directly while keeping one eye on Harper. “While we allow such relationships provided, they are disclosed and properly managed, there are significant legal and professional considerations at play.” Tanja leaned forward slightly, her expression becoming more serious.

“Of course,” Oliver said firmly. “That is why we are here. Following protocols.” Tanja’s professional demeanour snapped fully back into place, her finger pausing their rhythmic tapping. A faint smirk touched her lips as she leaned back in her beige chair, crossing her arms over her chest. “Following protocols, indeed,” she said, her voice carrying a note of amusement. “Well, this certainly makes my afternoon more interesting than reviewing benefits packages.” She turns in her chair and reaches for a folder in the teal-coloured hanging organizers pocket, hanging against the wall. Then she turns back to Oliver and Harper, the light blue folder in her hands is labelled ‘Relationship Consent Agreements’. “Since you are both so eager to follow procedure, let’s begin with the standard forms.” Tanja pulled out two identical packets bound in plastic covers. “There outline company expectations regarding confidentiality, conflict resolution procedures, and potential reporting structures. Read them carefully before signing.” As she handed Oliver and Harper the forms, her gaze lingered on their joined hands.

Oliver took the form with practiced efficiency, his long fingers handling the plastic-bound packet with familiarity from years of signing legal documents. He scanned the contents quickly, his blue eyes moving rapidly across the sections detailing conflict of interest guidelines and mandatory annual reviews. Harper let go of his hand and took the form too, scanning it as well. “Standard format,” he noted aloud to no one in particular, already flipping to the signature page. “Nothing we haven’t covered in corporate training seminars.”