Chapter 2: The Work

Clive gestured to Celeste to walk ahead and the two of them walked to the director's table.

"Let's get to business proper Director Klatt. May I seat?"

"Of course! Please have a seat. Do you want some coffee?"

Celeste pressed the intercom. 

"Leila, please get us two black coffee with low calorie sweetener, no milk."

"Got it, Ms. CK." Leila's hoarse voice sounded through the intercom.

After a few minutes, Leila rang the doorbell in Celeste's office and entered with two cups of coffee with two cheesecakes on the sides. 

Leila placed the tray at the coffee table beside the window. 

"Is there anything I can help you with Ms. CK?"

"This is good. Thank you. You may leave now." 

Celeste dismissed Leila immediately.

Leila turned her back to leave, but she glanced at the handsome-looking guy sitting elegantly at the office chair. She immediately hide her blushing face and left.

"My secretary seems to crush over you Dr. Aster." Celeste mockingly said as she pressed a button to lock the office's glass door. 

"We can talk business over coffee Dr. Aster." as she gestured to the coffee table beside the window. 

Clive quietly followed Celeste to the coffee table. 

Clive pulled the chair for Celeste as she sits graciously and he sat on the opposite side.

"I see that you can still remember the coffee I like, Ms. CK?" Clive smiled as he sips through the cup of coffee. 

"Really, now Dr. Aster? You are calling me Ms. CK? A while ago you are calling me Celeste then Director Klatt and now Ms. CK?" Celeste agitatedly answered. 

The look on her face changed from being sweet to being formal.

She took a bite of the cake and sip through the cup of coffee. 

"I also love the bitter taste of coffee, Dr. Aster. So don't assume. Now let us go back to business."

Celeste gave Clive a professional and sinister look.

"It is an honor to have you with us Dr. Aster. As a doctor with multiple specializations, I will assign you as head of the Emergency Department and a consultant as well of the Surgery Department for Neurology and Cardiac Subspecialties."

"Would it be appropriate to assign me as head of a department even if I am only a newbie? Other doctors might be jealous."

"They won't. With your qualifications, I know they wouldn't mind. Besides, if not for you, the patient at the emergency room earlier could have died. A board meeting will be held the day after tomorrow and you will be introduced as well. During that meeting, if someone objects your position, the board will definitely discuss the course of action."

"Do you have any other questions Dr. Aster?"

"Well, I accept the position for now, but I have to inform you that I will be flying to and from Country S from time to time because I am also a consultant in Liberty Hospital in Country S."

"I wonder why the great Dr. Aster, suddenly appear here at a City Hospital? I was informed by the City Health Office that they will fly in a new consultant for the City Hospital. But I didn't expect it to be you."

"Before you left, 5 years ago, you told me that you are not coming back anymore." Celeste asked while raising her perfectly lined eyebrow.

"Decisions made in the past may be wiped and replaced. That's why I am back. Do you not want to see me again, Celeste?"

Celeste was shocked by Clive's question but did not reveal it in her face. 

"Dr. Aster, let me remind you that I am your boss now. You are going to report directly to me regarding your department's concern, so let us be professionals. And, one more thing, don't call me Celeste in front of other employees. Call me Director Klatt or Ms. CK."

"As you wish, Celeste."

"I told you not to call me Celeste!"

"But, there are no other employees here. Just you and me!" Clive answered with a teasing smile. 

"Practice makes perfect Dr. Aster. You'll start tomorrow, then."

"I'm sorry Director Klatt. I'll be going now."

"Dr. Aster, please wait for me at the emergency department. I will introduce you first before you head home."

Celeste pressed again the intercom.

"Leila, please accompany Dr. Aster to the Emergency Department now. I'll follow soon."

The glass door opened and Leila escorted Dr. Aster to the Emergency Department. 

Celeste looked from behind, savouring the man walking farther away from her. 

'He changed a lot.' She sighed. 

She then fixed herself, put on some sweet perfume and wore her silk gray suit.