FIVE- Innovation Team

ANNATORIA

The structure of the Thorne Innovations building has always been a hot topic, and I finally understand why. 

Pictures do no justice to the careful, artistic and structural touch applied to the building.

 It’s so appealing that I ended up spending about ten minutes staring at the beauty. I would have remained in that spot if someone had not hurriedly brushed their shoulder against mine. 

After I sneered at the fool who didn't bother to apologise, I hugged my file jacket to my chest, adjusted my skirt, held my head high and headed for the recruitment office where my employment would be confirmed. 

It's on days like these that I wonder how normal workers endure the first-day jitters.

 Working in a new environment is never easy. 

Well, for me, once I find my place, everything becomes fine. I face my job and carry out my spy duties without holding back. 

“Miss Smith? Annatoria Smith?” The woman I met at the entrance of the office ducked her head to glance through her hexagon-shaped glasses, which made her look older. 

I trotted closer, my right hand slightly raised. “That's me.” 

 “Don't sweat.” Her perky voice filled the room “Head upstairs. You are joining the Innovation team.”

“Huh…” I lowered my body so she wouldn't have to crane her neck. “That is not right.”

The woman blinked, and I noticed the roundness of her face. “Are you saying I am bad at my job?”

Oh, please. I don't have time to deal with this kind of person. But I have no choice, yeah?

 If I misstep at the very start, things might get rockier than expected.

 That must not happen. I want to continue being the top spy at W.O.O.T. 

“Of course not,” I replied with a grand smile. “The thing is…” I moved closer to her desk. “I applied to join the finance team. So…” A little chuckle followed. “Innovation team? That makes no sense.”

“Look.” She looked away to punch her keyboard. Like that, her attention was instantly halved. “Miss Smith.”

I get irritated when people are not fully focused. “Could you not-”

“I am not responsible for giving you a job. If you have a problem with your position, direct your concerns to HR.”

“But-”

“Why the heck are you even complaining? You get to be on that team.” She finally looked at me again, and her sharp eyes looked bitter. “If you are not interested in working directly with the CEO, forget about it and let better-qualified people take the spot.”

“Oh…” Working directly with the CEO? I cannot lose this opportunity. “Miss…” I laughed. “Really? The CEO?”

“What a fool,” she scoffed. “You are finally excited? Didn't you want to stay in your amazing finance team?”

I don't appreciate her tone, but I am willing to overlook it. Besides, strangling someone on my first day won't be the best look.

So, I plastered on my face a foolish smile that screamed ‘I am a big fool who doesn't realise you are insulting me’. 

“I was not in my right mind. I am such a silly fool. If not for you, how would I have known such great info?”

“Look at you.” She got up and reached for one of the brown boxes in the lovely, curved shelf behind her. “You are lucky I am in a good mood. You are very lucky.” She tossed the box like we were playing catch. “Everything you need is there, including your work laptop. Your office is on the twentieth floor.”

“Thank you, Miss.”

“Mrs Kim.”

“Right.” My smile remained bright. “Mrs Kim. Thank you.”

“Hmm.” Her eyes softened, and I saw a glimpse of her true beauty. 

“Is there something else?”

“Nothing,” she dismissively replied. “It's just…” Her gaze became snobbish as it focused on my hair. “Your afro looks nice.”

“Ahh,” I laughed with great pretence. “Thank you. I got tired of stretching it every time.”

She hissed. “I did not ask for the story of your life, Miss Smith. Kindly leave my office.”

My wonderfully fake smile remained as I walked out. 

Remind me to steer clear of that woman. If I don't, I might do worse than strangle her. 

“Good morning,” a stranger greeted.

“Good morning,” I replied, and my smile crashed.

 Smiling for insincere reasons is really fucking hard. I can feel my cheekbones threatening to fall off.

 It might be better if I adopt an identity that is not easy to approach. You know, mysterious and sassy. 

Earlier, I thought the character Annatoria Smith would be better played as a bubbly lady, but after that shitty showdown with Mrs Kim, that identity is now officially trashed. 

So, I decided. 

Annatoria Smith, a graduate trainee in the Innovation Team of Thorne Innovations, will be a mysterious and sassy lady. 

The Innovation team, though…

I stepped into the fine elevator that displayed an intelligent play between cool-toned colours, selected my destination and wondered why I was suddenly moved to that team.

If W.O.O.T. was responsible for the change, I would have been briefed. So I doubt they have a hand in it. 

Anyway, it doesn't matter. This is an opportunity that must be fully utilised. 

And as it is my usual thing, this new mission will end up a great success.

While waiting for my journey to end, I put my file inside the box and studied my identification card. It was made out of light brown wood. 

I believe my eyes will feast on a lot of aesthetic items in this place.  I am not complaining. Compared to blood and bullets, it is a better view.

The elevator tinged, and the doors slid open. I stepped out, and a chill embraced me. It shook me so much that my box fell to the ground, attracting the attention of everyone in the room. 

“Uh…” I struggled to comprehend why they made the room that chilly. I also could not figure out why I reacted wildly. As far as I know, I can endure terrible weather conditions to some extent. A measly air conditioning chill should not affect me. 

“Sorry about-” Wait, I am meant to be sassy, not endlessly apologetic. 

I straightened my back, pressed my lips and without another glance at the folks staring at me, I graciously lowered my knees and picked up the things that fell out. 

“Let me help you with that.” That deep voice was followed by the sight of masculine hands. “First days are usually filled with nerves.”

“I am not-” I looked up, and the boyish charm before me reminded me of my crush in high school.

The man smiled with ease and picked up my ID card.

 “Annatoria Smith? You are the recruit,” he pointed out. 

 His blonde hair worked well with the brownish hue of his eyes, which possessed a natural smile that made him approachable. I watched as he stretched his hand to me. His smile still intact, he gestured, asking me to accept his offer. I put my hand in his, and he gently lifted me. 

“I am Kaelen. The project manager.”

My eyes narrowed. “Kay…?”

“Kaelen…” He pointed at the card hanging off his neck. “The spelling is uncommon.”

“I see. Can I have my box back?”

“I will walk you to your desk.”

I shook my head. “There is no need.” I have to be wary of friendly people like this. “I don’t want to bother you.” He could be a potential danger to my mission.

“Annatoria, don’t be silly.” His teeth flashed so much as he talked, I was almost blinded. “Allow me. It is my duty to take care of every person in this team. So-”

“Hand the box to her, Kaelen.”

That voice came from behind. But that was not the surprising part. The moment my ears picked up that voice, something in me reacted.

 The mark… the one I have been trying to decipher since I came back from The Desert Mission, started to throb, as if it had a heart of its own. 

Then, my heart decided to join the train. It started to beat like… crazyyyy. 

What the heck? Why am I acting like this because of a man's voice? 

After glancing at Kaelen, who took a step back, I placed a hand on my chest to tame the strange feeling. Then, I turned. 

“Shit,” was all I could whisper while the rest of my body turned fiery. 

The eyes staring at me smiled, and my reaction to the man’s presence worsened.

This man. 

He is the…

Could he… Could he be?