Hidden Truth

Chapter five-Kylee and Aiden

Packing my bag with trembling hands and a scared heart, I made my way to the main door for my first day of work. After a long time I felt like I wasn't exposed while being out of my room, because Dylan was gone, he left this morning, for the next few months I didn't have to feel intimidated or exposed. Letting out a deep breath I hopped into the Car. My new workplace is more than thirty minutes away, with the traffic even more. Dylan was gone and I got a job, maybe this was a new chapter of my life, maybe I could heal. Once the driver parked, I walked into the company on trembling legs. I was flooded with many emotions, excitement, fear and confusion. How did Dominic get me this job? What if I fail at the meeting with Mr. Furacão? How should I recognize him? I don't even remember how he looks! I only met him for a second! I may not recognise Mr. Furacão but I recognise someone else, Mrs. Kim. What was dad's employee doing here? Closing the remaining distance I looked at her speaking confusedly, 'Mrs. Kim?' Her eyes widened in surprise with a smile ' Kylee! How are you? What are you doing here?!' Standing up, she approached me from her desk 'I think I should ask you that' I replied returning the smile, meanwhile she was happy to see me. 'Well, I am working here as an employee' Mrs. Kim explained with a proud 'Weren't you working..at our-I mean dad's company' Her mood darkened, she seemed troubled 'Actually, after Mr. Darren's death we expected you to take over but when you handed Mr. Walker the company..it was really unexpected. We were trying to adjust and to work under him but he was cruel, really cruel! He constantly overloaded us with work, disrespected us and even lowered our salaries! Can you imagine that?! I couldn't take it anymore, that's why I resigned' She said hesitating. 'Oh..' I managed to say, I was too speechless, I didn't know whether I should apologise for Dominic's behaviour or for breaking their expectations. 'I'm sorry' Concern etched on her face 'No dear' She placed a hand on my arm while continuing 'You shouldn't be sorry for anything, it's not your fault how life takes its turns. We're not upset–well at least, I am not upset with you. None of this was your fault, we can only imagine what you have been through.'All these years we worked together, we laughed, we enjoyed and partied and yet she is here pitying me because of my loss. Why does no one understand? Pitying is not comforting..! Pitying is much worse than ignoring the topic. But I don't blame her, she is only trying to comfort me, even if it doesn't feel like comfort. I nodded 'Now tell me, why are you here?'–'I got a job here' Her eyes widened again, she didn't change in all those months but sadly I did ' No you are not!' I couldn't return her excitement but her smile 'Yes, I am. I am working as a financial assistant again, this time for Royal Engines.'–'I am so happy for you! Oh Kylee, we get to spend time as co-workers again! I am so happy for you that you are working again.'–'Mrs Kim, can you please help me around? I have a meeting with Mr. Furacão'–'Of course I can.' After guiding me to his office which was on the thirteenth floor, I waited for Mr. Furacão, while I fidgeted. After hearing the door creak open I pushed myself up from the chair. My legs felt numb again, my heart pounding and my cheeks flushing red from embarrassment. That's Aiden Furacão. The man my father worked with and the person who helped at the party. How could I forget that!!! With both hands in his pocket he slowly approached me. 'Aiden Furacão, CEO of the Royal Engines.' He introduced himself while extending his hand for a shake, trying to control my trembling fingers. I took his hand and we shook it. We touched, for the second time. 'Kylee Darren, nice to meet you.' He noticed my uneasiness and my trembling hand, instead of letting go, he gently squeezed it and ran his thumb over my knuckles, caressing them. I felt an electric shock going through my body when he did that, yet somehow it didn't feel uncomfortable. After letting go of my hand he gestured for me to sit and made himself comfortable in front of me. His gaze revealed no emotions but professionalism. 'Shocked?' He smirked, noticing my embarrassment to see him as my boss. 'A bit.' I gave him a brief answer with a polite smile keeping my emotions under control. After learning back in his chair he said 'You didn't expect me, did you?'–'Definitely not' Should I apologise for walking away? Or should I thank him for helping me? No matter what I say, it will make the conversation more unpleasant, nevertheless I have decided to speak. 'I am sorry for my behaviour last time. I shouldn't have ran away, I-I didn't even thank you.' He frowned but the expression vanished as I noticed a warm emotion on his face. 'It's okay.' He took a moment before speaking again while leaning forward. 'I helped you, not because I wanted you to thank me. But because you were in trouble. Actually I am sorry for not following you.' My heart fluttered at the sound of his soft voice and caring words. On one hand is Dominic who blames me for my actions when I was being mistreated and on the other hand is my boss who not only doesn't show off, but also reassures me.'But I also apologise for not recognising you'–'It's okay' He said again. 'I also didn't recognise you, we met once and it was months ago, you even cut your hair.'He said, trying to reassure me again. 'Okay.' He clapped his hand. 'Let's get to the point.' Once he checked my files I was telling him about my experience as a financial assistant. The meeting was going well, I could handle everything but there was something a little bit missing. My confidence. 'You are very well suited for this job, I must say. But there are some things I want you to know' I nodded. 'I expect you to be available for our company, whether it is Sunday or not. As my assistant I am counting on you.' I nodded, again hearing all the things he was expecting from me. To be honest it was scaring me, I didn't work for a long time and now he is instantly counting on me! 'Last but not least, I have a question'–'Sure..'–'How long does it take you to get to work? And with what car? Bus? Or walk?' I furrowed my eyebrows. 'Why exactly are you asking that?' He sighed. 'Because like I said before, I want you to be available 24/7 and if you live far away or are taking the bus, I can't accept that.' It sounded more like an order, maybe it was even an order. 'It takes me thirty minutes without traffic and..I have a car, a driver'–'So you don't know how to drive?' He asked unsatisfied. 'I do, I have a driver's license' I explained. He nods, thinking. After a few seconds of silence he broke it. 'My last assistant wasn't punctual even after owning a car and driver, it was really unprofessional.'–'But not me' I defended. 'You may be punctured but I still can't risk that'–'Why are you making such a big deal of it?' I shouldn't have asked that, his cold brown eyes were piercing into me. 'It is a big deal Ms. Walker'–'Darren, Kylee Darren.' I corrected him which didn't make the situation easier for me.. Instead he looked annoyed. 'My company is my first priority Ms. Darren, I am not going to repeat my mistakes, I have made a huge loss, not only because of my decision but also because my workers were too useless'–'So.. what are you expecting from me then?' I hesitated. 'Let's make a deal. I have an apartment that is free, you could live there, it's only ten minutes away. And, I'll give you a car. The financial responsibilities will be borne by me and my company.' He said casually, while my eyes widened in shock. He would offer so much for a new employee just to be punctual? That's crazy. But I already knew my answer, being away from Dominic and having my own car, being independent: it's  something I want.

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