THREE: A GLIMPSE OF OUR YOUNGER SELVES II

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[Shaira's POINT OF VIEW]


I glanced at him and replied, "Yes, sir?"

He showed no emotion as he replied, "Your assigned table will also be here inside my office. Therefore, your stuff must be here as well." Then he pointed out the direction of my newly assigned post, which is also his office.

Since that day, I have worked as his secretary and market analyst. I found it fun. Earning a lot of money sure is a fun thing.

Right now, we are having a meeting and proposal agreement with the other company. As Mr. Jhotam's secretary, I'm responsible for jotting down notes on every detail in the meeting, more importantly, the suggestions of each side.

I'm not praising him or what, but he's truly extraordinary in business. He managed to have a great deal between parties. I think he's only 30 or something years of age, yet he can run a huge business. He's such a nice catch.

"You have a nice and attentive secretary, Mr. Chua," Joseph says, one of the crucial figures in the adjourned meeting. "Can I have lunch with your beautiful secretary?" he added.

Upon hearing such an awkward invitation, my eyes suddenly almost bawl out from its socket. What's even more surprising is seeing my boss shift his mood. Sir Jhotam suddenly turned into someone—with a gloomy face.

"I'm sorry to disappoint you, but I don't sell my workers... especially my secretary," says Jhotam, looking serious as always.

Are you serious about asking me? Can't you read my boss's facial expression? Also, what's with that scary expression and scary voice of yours Mr. Jhotam?

"Just kidding," said Joseph. Then he extended his arm to initiate a shaking of hands as he added, "Anyway, the deal was great."

Mr. Jhotam accepted his partner's hand and slightly squeezed it as he replied, "I'm not kidding, but thanks for the deal."

"I see you value your workers, but I wished to have a nice chat with Ms. Opalla," Joseph replied.

Here goes my employer's scary gaze, and I don't get why his gloomy face resurfaced.

I cleared my throat and initiated to escort our client, so I asked, "Then shall I lead you to the lobby Mr.-"

Anyway, it's also my duty to properly guide the company's visitors to the lobby and parking lot if they want to.

"Shaira, you can go back to my office. I'll walk him to the lobby," says Jhotam, hiding me behind his back.

I simply nodded and headed back to his office, just like what he had told me. As soon as I returned to my post, I bit the tip of my pen while trying to figure out my boss' reaction.

I see. Maybe he is moody? Or bipolar?

Well, I shouldn't care what kind of person my boss is, so long he's harmless. Why would I bother myself trying to figure out his mood?

Since he is not yet here might as well relax for a while. Shortly after, I heard the incoming footsteps. I feel startled all of a sudden. I sit straight and start holding whatever my hands touch.

"Is it fine for you to work at a late hour today?" He asked out of the blue.

What if it's not fine with me? Are you going to dismiss me early?

I could have uttered those remarks if I hadn't taken care of my tongue.

"Yes, of course, sir," I replied without looking at him. I'm too focused on trying to look busy on my job. I didn't have the time to look at his still gloomy face.

"Good. Shaira, kindly brew me two cups of coffee."

"Understood, sir." I left my table and went to his kitchen rack.

Did I mention that my boss's office is a place for luxury? Who would have thought that he occupied the whole top floor and made an office with a home setup... amazing, right? Being rich is something!

The coffee is ready to serve. Thus, I handle it with care

as I left the kitchen rack.

I'm about to notify him that his coffee is on the way, but I keep myself invisible as much as possible. I don't want to distract him. It was the first time I saw him smiling. I wonder who's the person on the other line. He often smiles inside the office; more precisely, he rarely leaves his office.

I just stood nearby, leaning my head on the partition, stealing glances at him.

I heard him saying, "I'll be there. I miss you too. It's been forever since I last saw you."

Maybe he is talking to his girlfriend? So, basically, Jhotam and Trixie are nothing but mere employees and employers.

"She's already here. I'll call ya later."

I jolted a little as I realized that he must have noticed my presence already. Perhaps he thinks that I'm eavesdropping.

"Here's your coffee, sir." I placed the 2 cups of coffee on his table. Why drink 2 cups of coffee at this time? What a workaholic person, how can he rely on coffee to stay productive?

"You should drink coffee too because we're going to work till night."

It took me seconds to realize it. I honestly didn't see that coming.

Should I refuse my boss's offer? I think I badly need it to stay awake while I'm doing my job.

I kept all the papers aside to avoid losing or spilling coffee.

"Thank you, Sir," I said while getting the other cup of coffee. Then, place it on top of my coffee table. I sipped on it more than thrice, then I stopped, mainly because I caught my boss looking at me with his intense brown eyes.

What?! Is there something wrong with my face? It was not the first time I caught him looking at me as if he wanted to say something.

He had been acting like that for months already. It gives me goosebumps. What if he's contemplating my work performance? I'm pretty sure I wasn't a lousy employer. So, if it's not related to that, then what?

"Sir?"I asked. Maybe he needs some assistance? Or another cup of coffee, perhaps?

"Kindly remind me later. I have a sunset meeting with a new client."

I checked his schedule, but there's no sunset meeting written in my planner. Maybe he's not meeting a client? Then who might it be?

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