Mr C, E & O

Chapter 2

"Wakey wakey!" A chirpy voice sounded in Emerald's ear. She groaned and swatted at an extremely cheerful Livvy who was vigorously shaking her shoulder.

"It's too early to be awake..." Emerald groaned.

"Well, you don't want to be late for work." Livvy reminded her as she threw opened the blinds, letting the rays of sunlight stream into the room. Emerald checked the time on her phone which read 7:30 am. It was way too early to be awake. She glanced at Livvy who was sifting through her closet to find an appropriate outfit for her first day, and then made a bee-line for the bathroom.

"Your clothes are so chic!" Exclaimed Livvy from inside the closet. Emerald grunted a thanks in response and focused on making herself look presentable, brushing her hair until all knots were out and applying the slightest bit of makeup. She always had preferred the natural look. Stepping out of the bathroom feeling fresh and awake, she examined the outfit Livvy had prepared for her. A simple, light grey cotton pencil skirt matched with a navy blue and white striped button up collared shirt. A pair of cheetah print heels and a large grey tote bag that could fit her favourite Canon camera completed the outfit.

"Effortless, but stylish. Pretty as well, might I add." Livvy complimented, smiling cheekily.

Emerald rolled her eyes but gave her friend a gracious smile. "I'm prepared for anything now in this outfit." she joked, "I'm just not looking to attract any guys."

"We'll see about that."

Emerald waved goodbye and headed down the stairs, arranging for an Uber to take her to Coleman Enterprises. Grabbing a latte from Starbucks and a muffin from the bakery next door, she hopped into her Uber and settled into the comfy leather seats. Wondering what the job would be like and what her boss would be like, she nervously sipped her latte and nibbled on her muffin.

"We're here, ma'am."

"Thank you very much." Emerald said as she payed the driver and slid out of the Uber. Coleman Enterprises loomed in front of her, a tower of immaculately spotless glass and gleaming silver metal walls. Intimidating was one way to put it. Heaving a breath, she mustered all the courage that she had, threw her paper bag and coffee into the bin sitting next to her and strode into the building.

The receptionist was rude to say the least, and she didn't acknowledge Emerald's presence at all as she awkwardly stood there. Emerald cleared her throat and the lady finally glanced up, a bored expression resting on her heavily powdered face.

"Hi, I'm Emerald Chan. I'm the new event photographer."

"Oh yes," the woman drawled, "Mr C did tell me about that."

"Mr C?"

"Mr Coleman." the receptionist stated like it was the most obvious thing in the world, "He insists on using initials only for himself. The only other thing he goes by is CEO Coleman." She added. The receptionist handed Emerald a nametag that she had to wear around her neck at all times, and she quickly scanned the glossy card. Her name 'Miss E.Chan' was printed on the front in bold letters, with the words Event Photographer below and the company logo on the bottom. The receptionist who then introduced herself as Katrina, gave Emerald a sheet with the company rules and regulations and pointed to the elevator that was adjacent to her desk.

"Head to floor 17, Mr C's floor. He insists on being right in the middle of his company." Emerald nodded and turned to leave before Katrina called out again. "Miss Chan! Don't forget this, but never call anyone else by only their last initial apart from Mr C. Again, he reserves it for himself only." Emerald thought this was rather odd but nodded again. Stepping into the elevator, she noticed a young man with untamed brown curls texting furiously on his phone. He looked up at her, before he smiled and exited the lift. She was about to call after him, he looked awfully familiar, but he disappeared around the corner before Emerald could say anything. The clock was about to hit nine and she couldn't waste any time. A sharp ding! jolted Emerald out of her anxious thoughts and with her head held high she stepped out of the elevator. The 17th floor only had one massive room which had a single glass table placed at the back with a man tapping intensely at a transparent touch screen computer. As she advanced closer she noticed his striking features that seemed so cold yet familiar. He had dark brown hair that was heavily gelled back and the slightest stubble on his sharp jaw. A dark grey suit with a navy checked cashmere scarf completed the look of 'accomplished CEO'.