The Dream

The CEO

-Zain Danial-

I stand in front of the company building, looking up at the tower and how it seemed to be glaring at me in contrast to the first time I had step foot in it. 

I loosened the tie around my neck ever so slightly, I didn't want to seem as if I was nervous on my first day, I wasn't, but I was unprepared. It didn't help that embarrassment started creeping up my neck when the memory of my last time here started to resurface as it had done countlessly in the past week. After how the interview went, I was sure I had fucked any chances of getting a job here. 

---

A week ago, I stood at this exact spot but with a lot more confidence. The building that gleamed in front of me made me whistle, impressed with its polished design. The whole image of it seemed to scream, 'Opportunity!' right at me, making me grin in excitement. 

I stepped in and walked towards the front desk, resisting the urge to let my eyes wander at the beauty that surrounded me. It seemed that the interior was just as, if not more, beautiful but I knew how important it was that I make a good impression, of confidence and dedication. 

"Welcome, Sir, to Royalty headquarters. How may I assist you today?" I was greeted by a female worker at the desk, smiling a perfect smile at me -as expected. However, what I noticed was that unlike a lot of places I had gone to, this smile was not a fake one. She genuinely shined as if enjoying her role. 

I took a glance at the other workers, the guards at the door, those walking around with their tea or coffee, the others at the desk. I had thought that maybe this 'shine' was present because she was new but the more I took in, it seemed like the whole place was dazzling. 

There were multiple rumours spread about this company. 'Royalty Energy Drink'. The fastest-growing energy drink brand of the modern era, more so, the fastest-growing brand, now also going into multiple different markets. But that's not all people were interested in. It was the presentation, the quality because anyone could stick a title as royal as this one on a product, but this company has been able to prove it again and again, in the product, the people, in a way that seems almost...divine. 

"I'm Zain Danial, I have an interview with the CEO today at 12pm." I took out my papers and handed them to her.  

"For the role of a personal assistant?" 

"Yes."

I didn't miss the corner of her mouth raising once she heard that. She was amused but I couldn't think of why. Regardless, her manner was very professional, she in no way meant to insult me. 

I'd expect that here though. The application process was a mentally draining one. The application, the online examination, the phone interview, the face-to-face assessment and now finally, my chance at scoring with the CEO. After all this, I expect nothing but for him to be a huge control freak. A control freak that I have signed up to work for who wants nothing but the best. 

"Thank you. Our CEO will see you shortly." She then finalised after signing me into the computer, handing me my documents back and giving me some instructions about where to go. "Oh and-" I looked back down at her, waiting for what she was going to say with a questioned look of my own. "Good luck!" I shot her a grin but decided not to reply as I walked towards the lifts. 

I didn't need luck. I was a man who's been able to get through everything I've been faced with in life. Exams were always easy, aced every single one for a huge portion of my life. Getting girls wasn't really a problem of mine either. My reputation was a great one. My power and abilities shone. But at some point, you get bored of all that. Get bored of everything fake and easy. That's why I came here and I'll succeed once again but hopefully, this will prove some sort of challenge. 

I rode up the lift until I got to the top floor which the lady had instructed me to do. When I stepped out though, the air seemed off. It was quiet here. The other floors were beaming with people, talk, chatter, but here, it was silent and no one around.

Looking down at my watch, I notice that it was exactly 12pm. 

"Mr Danial?" I looked to see another man walking towards me, possibly another interviewee with how similar we looked and how out of place we felt, you could see it in his face. 

"Yeah?" I answered.

"I was told to let you know, the CEO will see you when you're ready. Just go through the corridor and you'll see the door." I nodded back to him, noticing his low voice. The interview must not have gone well. I'd feel sorry for the guy but I saw him as nothing but a competitor and this was a game he inevitably lost. 

When he left I walked forward. I wasn't going to let something like that demotivate me. Whatever this guy was going to ask, I'm ready for, whatever qualification he wanted, I had. I was confident. 

The door was open slightly when I got to it. I knew it was the one because it had the company's crest, gold plated, on it. An elegant yet dangerous bird, an eagle maybe, with its wings spread and a crown present, holding a shield that held the signature of the CEO. It was, like everything else here, beautiful. 

I knocked on the door and walked in. "Hello?" 

This room was probably the most impressive thing I had seen in here so far. From the modern palace theme to the wall of pure glass that sat behind the office desk that looks down on the city below, the feeling of strength and status roamed around the room and crawled up my spine, making hairs stand on my arms. 

However, the chair at the desk was empty. 

I looked around the room a little more to see a woman by the side, looking as if preparing tea. The CEO must have just stepped out which would explain why the door was open. "Come in," she said.

I sighed in relief a little. Being in the room before he is makes me feel as if I have some sort of leverage. 

"Can you make me a glass as well? I have an interview with the CEO and I'd love to have something to relax me." I told her as I made myself comfortable in the chair in front of the desk waiting for me. 

She didn't reply but with her back still faced away from me, I could see that she turned her head slightly in my direction, smiled and nodding before pouring me a glass as well. 

It wasn't long before she was done and started walking back with two cups in her hands. She put one in front of me and the other in front of where the CEO will be sitting. 

Since it was just us here and he still hadn't arrived, I decided to ease the tension in the room, I wanted to be comfortable and since she was here I assumed we'd be working closely if I were to get this job. 

"Do you know the CEO well? I heard he was pretty hidden, even in his own company headquarters." I started going to pick up my cup but something about her drew my eyes in her every direction. The way she elegantly walked toward the CEO's chair, the chuckle that I could have sworn I heard coming from her throat that seemed so nimble yet as if had the strength to speak thousands of words. 

"I guess you could say that," She started. Her voice so soothing, like the highest quality of silk. "I mean..." 

I watched as she put a hand on the chair, still standing but now fully turned to me. The sun shining behind her, through the glass wall, almost making it hard for me to look at her for too long. The way she stared down at me. As if an art piece I am forbidden to touch. 

"I am the CEO."