Masked Facade

Chapter 1: The Puppy

Raelyn's POV

No, no, no, no, no! This can't be happening. Is this a dream?

I couldn't move. Heck, I couldn't even make my lips move to utter a word. Unable to believe the scenario I was in, I pinched my arm. And boy, did it sting!

When the words left his mouth, I felt the sudden urge to hug him and let him know how thankful I was, how this opportunity meant to me. But I held myself back when reality sank in. Keeping my face neutral, I gave him a polite smile.

"Well...?" Mark Pierce, my boss, asked me with an eyebrow raised.

"I..... I, uhh, ....." Words got clogged by my throat.

Clearing my throat, I said, "Thanks, Mr. Pierce. It means a lot to me and I am looking forward to it."

"Good to know, Ms. Harper. I think you would do great."

"I won't let you down, Mr. Pierce." I assured him with determination.

Running his hands through his salt and pepper hair, he flipped through the sheets. He glanced at me from across the desk and said, "Look, I was intrigued by your capacity to handle things and it wasn't like I didn't go through stuff to reach you this. You know how Maria can be intimidating when it comes to opportunities like this. I, anyhow, managed to get it through with because I believe in you. In simple words, don't screw up like you did last time. Are we clear here?"

The first emotion I encountered was guilt for turning my back on him then. Few months ago he offered me an assignment which I dodged off because of Maria. She threatened me to not accept it else I'd be fired. And I never spoke to Mark about it. But after all he went through for me to grasp this assignment was more than enough for me to stay put and stand for myself against Maria.

Maria was the CEO of Harrington and co. who rules over Mark. Both of them didn't get along pretty much, but she learnt to agree with him most of the times than arguing with him. The reason being that he brought fortune to this firm which those who were in his place before him failed to do.

But he isn't the one who likes to abide by someone else's rules. He got his own rules and never once anyone questioned him. He got his own twisted way of dealing with things.

I gave him a nod and said, "As I said earlier, Mr. Pierce, I won't let your hardwork down."

His eyes held so much authority while he scrutinized me, cocking his head. After few seconds, he lowered his gaze to the file resting in front of him and said, "If you say so. Now back to business. As I mentioned earlier, you have to interview a soccer player. The details regarding it will be delivered to your cabin shortly. Make sure to get it done before the deadline."

"Yes, sir." My tone was neutral.

With that he dismissed me and I controlled all my might to not jump up and down in front of him. Once inside my cabin, I couldn't hide my joy, when a triumph smile broke out of my lips.

I never expected to have my hands on this assignment. Working for merely an year wouldn't serve the purpose but I never gave people any reason to criticize me and my work. After all, that was the last thing I wanted in my life.

I just couldn't wait to get home and break this news to Katie. Layla's voice pulled me back to the earth and away from my day dreaming land. I was oblivious to my surrounding that I didn't see her coming into my cabin.

"What is it?" She asked worrying her lips. I couldn't help but smile for having such a good friend. She always looked after me and made sure I did what I desired.