7 VII - A Vast World

Three years.

Three years had passed since then.

I graduated in college, got my degree and I am now a licensed accountant. But things don't work that easily. It took me eight months to finally get a job in an elite company. After millions of interview, I finally received a positive result 2 weeks ago, however, I still have to undergo through different training and seminars.

So, today, is my most awaited first day at work.

'Go for it, Denise!' I cheered myself.

But I guess I got in on the busiest time.

My first day as an Internal Auditor and yet it's the end of the month so a lot of financial reports are being examined, prepared and needed by the management.

"Denise, coffee break?" offered by my workmate in which I replied with a smile and told her I'll have mine later.

CVI Holdings is one of the top companies in the country. And being here gives you a different level of privilege and honor. The salary is high, too.

But that's not my current concern right now.

This busy environment didn't allow me to meet my officemates properly and the only people I knew yet are our Management Accountant and the nearest workmate to me.

"How old are you, Denise?" asked by her again.

I answered her question without paying her a glance as I am still busy with the task assigned to me.

Good for her that she's done already and some of our colleagues have gone home already. I checked to see the time on my computer and it's 6 pm already.

Not that I'm saying I don't like this, but I wasn't expecting this on my very first day.

"23"

When she didn't say anything, I glanced at her direction quickly and asked her something.

"By the way, what was your name again? I believe you haven't introduced yourself to me yet"

Quite unsure, still, I asked her.

And as I am doing the final review on the reports I completed for today, I heard her bark of laughter.

"I wasn't expecting that one. You looked like a shy girl because all you did the rest of the day was to smile, nod your head, answer yes or no and say thank you. I like you. By the way, I'm Cassy."

I quickly printed the reports and saved them on a flash drive provided by the company. While waiting for it to get finished, I turned my seat to face her and completely gave her my attention.

"I am a shy type of a person." I replied, chuckling because I like her too and I believe she's going to be a great friend of mine.

"Are you done, yet? Let's submit our reports together to Mrs. Smith." she offered, glancing at my desk which made me feel warm.

"You were waiting for me?!"

I exclaimed in gratitude though I didn't want my voice to get louder like that.

"I believe, I should."

I put the printed financial reporters in a safe folder to be checked and reviewed by Mrs. Smith, our Management Accountant, and fixed myself before submitting them in her office.

I was so nervous as we were facing our head. It's my first time at work and I can't afford to make a bad impression!

But she gave me a motherly smile and told us that she'll just inform us tomorrow if there were any mistake on our work.

And while we are walking back to our tables, Cassy threw a question at me again.

Not just a simple question, but an intriguing one.

"Have you met our Chief Financial Officer?"

I turned to her with my furrowed brows as she was giggling while saying that instead of trying to get me all scared.

"I heard he was out on a business trip? So, no, why?"

"Girl, he's got an Adonis-like features!"

"And? What about it?" I asked, unbothered by her expression, and started fixing my things as we got back on our respective desks. She's obviously fantasizing over our CFO.

Well, he must be good-looking. Not like I care. I'm here to build my career and not to hunt good looking guys.

"He's the cousin of the CEO. I heard he's only helping out as a CFO and training a new CFO to take over as he's also on the peak of success on his own company."

I looked at her with full of doubt and questions. A CEO of company working as a CFO on another company?

"Is that even possible?"

"Maybe?They're cousins. Alright. As I were saying, he's a total catch. He's the best fish on the sea!" she exaggerated which made me more confused as to why she's telling me all of these.

"Okay. But, still, there are a lot of fishes in the sea. You may think he is the greatest but maybe he isn't."

"Denise, why are you like that? Stop pretending to be uninterested. You'll see on our not-so-busy days, he's the only thing the girls talk about."

"But we are here for work. Come on, gossiping like that about your Department Head is kind of too much." I reasoned out.

Alright. I guess our CFO is that amazing. He's good looking, rich and skillful and all but so what?

How does he treat his subordinates? That's what I was hoping her to tell me.

"Cassy, fine, fine. I know that you like him but what you should be telling me now is if he's terrifying or approachable or what."

"He's a complete professional."

I frowned at her very broad answer but I guess that's better than hearing her say something negative about our Head.

"And he's still single. When we asked him on our night out last month, he's waiting for someone."

I just nodded my head while listening to her. Well, if he's waiting for someone then that must be a painful story no one would be willing to openly hear.

He needs to move on, I believe? If I were him, I wouldn't waste my time waiting for someone to come back. If we're meant to meet again, then that'd be lovely. If not, then so be it.

But I halted for a brief moment as I am about to get in the elevator with her when she said something that stirred precious memories from my past.

"He's an enchanting sight to see."

Oh, a sight to see, huh?

It's not like I haven't met our CFO yet. Of course, I had his name saved on my mind and he's got the same name from the person I met years ago.

Raven Clinton. Mr. Raven Clinton. Our CFO's name screams power and superiority. He must be really intimidating if I ever meet him.

Too bad, I never learned the complete name of the Raven I knew.

My Raven is undeniably a total masterpiece by the heavens.

But there's no way he and our CFO are the same person.

"Denise? Why? Get in already." Cassy remarked as I remained frozen in front of the elevator.

"Oh, right. I'm sorry."

"Are you tired? You suddenly look a bit off. Well, that's pretty understandable. Great job on your first day, Denise."

"Hm. Thank you, Cassy. The people here are great so it made it less difficult for me." I honestly replied.

But after that, my mind flew back to that person again.

It's almost four years already. I wonder how is he right now? I wouldn't be surprised if he has someone already. I have completely given up my feelings on him since that night.

So, right now, I'm working my best to just think of him as a precious memory I'm trying to keep on the deepest part of my soul. A memory that I can visit from time to time but not the one I would beg to come back.

I only wish him happiness. It was great meeting that stranger. But it's a vast world we're living in.

Meeting him immediately would be a complete miracle.

Or so I thought—

"Sir, good evening!"

The moment the elevator stopped and the doors opened on the first floor, Cassy gave that lively greeting which caused me to get all worried and nervous so I followed exactly what she just did.

"Good eve... ning, Sir?"

Uncertain with myself and with what my eyes are seeing, I still greeted this man in suit in front of us.

I feel like I have lost all the color in my face when I saw that face again.

Is it because I was suddenly thinking of him?

Oh my God!

What kind of sorcery was that?

I was completly out of myself, if not for Cassy dragging me out of the room, I wouldn't be able to handle that encounter.

"What happened? I told you, already. Be honest, he captivated your eyes, right? He's the pride of our Department, our CFO." Cassy bragged in front of me.

But all I could do was to say "I know." and look back on the elevator, only to see it closing. But before it completely close, our eyes interlocked for a quick moment, and as if we are on a slow motion, I clearly felt how cold his expression is.

I never thought we'd cross our paths again and what more, like this. Is this what people meant by saying the phrase "What a small world"?

Because I fully held on to the fact that the world outside that four corner room is vast, wide and seeing the end would take millions of chances.

I gripped my chest tightly, trying to calm my heart down. It's starting to hurt already. It's literally hammering my chest, as if wanting to get out of my ribs.

I still can't believe I'd be able to see him after that night again!