Chapter 3 NEW WORK

~ RUBY INGRID ~

Sara and I arrived the last minute. It’s already noon and we need to part ways since she was late for work. She just gave me the direction towards the HR department so I can quickly start my work, though I forgot about everything she told me so I just went to the front desk and asked where to go.

“Uhm, excuse me, Miss.“ I took the woman’s attention who was currently busy with her computer. “May I ask which way is it to the HR department?“ I don’t really know where to go and that was the first thing that came out from me.

She didn’t take her eyes off the screen and the other attendants were also busy with some clients. I’m not sure if she heard me clearly but she pointed to the elevator on the right corner of the building so I quickly took off.

I was even reluctant since most people were going to the left side, almost all of them were looking at me weirdly as I waited for the elevator door to open.

“Oh my gosh, she’s riding that elevator?“

“Who is she?“

“She doesn’t look related to Mr. Acheron, right?“

I can hear their muffles and whispers but I was too nervous to understand any of their words. As soon as the elevator door opened, I stepped in and their gasps were the only sound I heard before the door closed and silence filled in.

There is only one button in here and it says, “top floor?“ I pressed it with full curiosity and almost fumbled when it started moving. “Eighteenth floor.“ I read the numbers as the lights stopped, saying that I’m already on the top floor.

Once it opened, I was faced with a very huge and cozy room. It looks like a vintage penthouse in a bungalow style. The colors are more of brown, gold and black. The couches and tables were designed from the old Victorian era. All of it screams antiques and money.

I casually entered and wandered all over the place. I can’t help but let loose of the smile I’ve been keeping. I would like to stay in here, antiques are my most favorite things in the world. Everything as long as it’s an old design, it never fails to make me happy.

I stopped in front of a portrait, it was a picture of four little boys. One has his brows furrowed, the other one a small smile, and the two look like twins. My eyes squinted at one of the twins, he looks more mature and gentle compared to the other one, he looks more... mysterious.

“Lucky you, you just caught my attention.“ I jokingly murmured and was about to look at the other portrait when I heard someone clearing their throat from my back.

I instantly straightened my back and stood up properly. I cleared my throat and was supposed to greet him first but he already stopped me.

“Who are you and what are you doing here?“ His loud voice lingered through the whole room. “Look at me.“ He ordered but I remained my back at him. I was biting my lower lip the whole time, nervous of what might happen after this. “Look at me, thief, or you want me to call a security.“

My eyes widen and I abruptly turn to face him. “A thief!? Hah! No matter how poor I am, I will never, ever, steal something from anyone!“ I lash out and was already expecting his angry shouts but I was stunned to see him looking at me intently.

His eyes made me quiet for a while, it looks familiar but at the same time, isn’t. It was brown and cold but I could see someone from it.

A long silence invades us both. His eyes are staring at me hard as I give back the stares to him with a total confusion.

“Uhmm...“ I tried to break the muted atmosphere but my eyes dropped down to his luscious lip. “Uhmm...“ My throat went dry and followed the movement of his perfectly sculpted jaw. “Ahhh—“

“Do you want to say something?“ He speculated so my astonished gaze turned into a glare. “Don’t look at me like that, Miss. May I remind you that you’re the one who trespass my property—“

“But I am not trying to steal something! It was an accident, okay!?“ My eyes moistened with tears but I didn’t show it to him. I regain my composure and act toughly even though my heart has been erratically beating.

Who wouldn’t? I just got accused of stealing and I don’t even know how I’ll be able to get out of this accident. I’m sure as hell he can send me to prison with a snap of a finger. He has money... And I have all the dust.

“Tell me what you’re doing here.“ He walked towards the swivel chair in front of a wide and old table. It was lined with gold and more antique figurines. “Take a seat.“ He pointed at the chair in front of his desk so I instantly followed him.

I pouted my lips but still stifling a smile. The angel figurines on his desk were so cute and adorable, I wanted to touch them, only if he would allow me and wouldn’t accuse me of stealing.

“You can.“

I raised a brow and gaze at him, surprised was written all over my face and couldn’t understand what he meant. “Huh?“ I agitatedly fidget my fingers, not knowing why am I so nervous now that I’m closely near with him.

“You can touch it.“ He clarified.

“Eh?“ Did I hear it right? The heck? Did he just read my mind!?

“I didn’t, it’s just too visible on your face.“ He said again, totally answering my question inside my mind.

I let out a loud breath and stared at him with my chin up. Huh, doesn’t mean that I’m not rich means I’ll let him slave me around with his money. “No thanks, I can buy those things soon.“ I rolled my eyes and eventually landed it on the figurine.

I really want to touch it and kiss it and put it in my pocket so I can run away with it. Kidding, but a little touch will do.

“Miss, I will ask you again. What are you here for?“ He rested his back at the swivels backrest and held his eyes at me, not wanting to lose me out of his sight.

“I am an applicant, sir. A friend of mine who worked here helped me to get into your company as a janitress, but don’t judge me okay? I’m poor and didn’t go to college but that doesn’t mean I’ll steal something from you.“ I became serious and formal while catching all his cold and emotionless glares.

It seems like no one wants to let go of this staring contest but I can’t do it anymore. His looks are intimidating, and his eyes are like piercing through my soul, judging my whole existence.

“You’re hired.“ He announced, making me avert my attention to him. “As my secretary. You’ll work as my secretary.“ He rectifies and it almost makes me wanna hug him, though not now. I don’t think he’s the type to hug someone out of too much joy. “Aren’t you going to say something, Miss...“

“Ruby. Ruby Ingrid, and no, I definitely want to say something! Ahh! Is this really true!? You don’t know how much I wanted to be a secretary and you just made one of my dreams come true! You’re literally my favorite person now, Annaliese is the second!“ I squealed and leaned over the table so I could squeeze his cheeks.

He’s so squishy squishy— okay, forget about that. He just glared at me and pushed my hands away from him, so I returned to my seat. Though it didn’t make my smile vanish so I was smiling at him from ear to ear.

“Does that mean I can finally wear my sexy clothes? And where would my office be?“ I excitedly asked.

The way his Adam’s apple moved didn’t escape my eyes, he averted his eyes to somewhere before clearing his throat from the lump.

An idea came popping inside my mind so I looked at his teasingly while wiggling my brows, “you’re excited to see me with sexy clothes, aren’t you?“ I poled his hand that was currently on the table so he took it away immediately. His pale cheeks turned to red and he was evidently flushed.

I knew it!

“No, you’re not allowed to wear sexy clothes. You have to be formal with your job, Miss Ingrid. And that includes to what you wear.“

Is joke a non-existent word for him? Or he’s just a killjoy and one of those people who don’t know the saying ’always be positive’. And being positive includes good jokes.

“Your jokes are not funny.“

I huff out a breath, I shouldn’t be surprised if he’ll always guess what I’m thinking, I think he has telekinesis.

“Telekinesis is the production of motion through objects, Ruby. Mind reading and telekinesis are far from related.“

“Tsk! Can you stop making me feel dumb? Okay, I’m sorry if I don’t know what is that fucking telekinesis. It’s not like I’ll die if I don’t know its real meaning.“

I stood up from my seat, my arms are crossed over my chest and I looked at him with a bored look. “Can you just tell me where the HR department is? I need to pass my requirements as one of your janitress.“ I emphasizes the last word so he doesn’t need to force himself with the offer.

His jaw clenched but his eyes remained stoic and emotionless. I patiently waited for his answer but he also stood up and walked towards my direction.

I have to pinch my palm to keep me steady and at ease but my own heartbeat was going against me. I needed to step backward but he continued to stride with his small steps, until I was trapped between his table behind me and him in front of me... Inches away from me.

“Okay then, wear those sexy dresses of yours but you’re not allowed to get out of my office.“