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I’m now frowning inside the elevator because I’m with Jerk inside the elevator. Of all the places and times we can meet again, why now and why near my home?!? I noticed that he pressed the P button and obviously, now he knows that I live on the 29th floor.

I just looked at my reflection on the elevator door and thought of things that I would do when I get home. So far, I only thought of eating ice cream and marathon a k-drama series. And, to take a bath because the weather is very humid.

Jerk cleared his throat and reminded me that we are in a confined space. My frown got deeper. I can’t control myself anymore.

“What? Are you not done from a while ago? Go ahead and tell me before I leave the elevator. Go ahead so you won’t blame me for not letting you say whatever you want to say.”

He looked shocked at what I said, waited for a moment before speaking.

“I’m sorry, Miss Nicole. I shouldn’t have done that.”

I faced him with a raised eyebrow. Is he joking with me or what?

He suddenly faced me and laughed. Loudly. Like, really laughed.

“You think I’d say that? Me? You’re kidding me, Miss Nicole. I am not that kind. So, just say thanks that I didn’t hire you because maybe you will only last for one day under my jurisdiction.”

The elevator bell rang, signaling that we’ve arrived on the 29th floor. The floor where Andz and I live. I held the door to prevent it from closing. I smiled at him.

“You know what, Mr. Lieg? I will thank God because you did not become my boss. You are an egotistical, annoying, and judgemental person. People with those traits show that they were not taught by their parents properly. I thank God I’m nothing like you.”

And with that, I left the elevator and walked towards my unit. While I was looking for my keycard, someone grabbed my arm, causing me to drop everything on the floor.

“You have no right to say those words to me. You don’t know what I have been through. Besides, today is the first day we met, so, you don’t know me that well.”

I just stared at his back while he’s retreating to the elevator. I never expect that he’d say that. I didn’t know that he is capable of having feelings and emotions. I thought that he didn’t have any because he says painful words like they are nothing.

My reverie was cut short by my ringtone. Ma’am Rosalind is calling.

“Hello, ma’am?”

“Hi, Nicole. Sir Lieg just informed me that he will be expecting you at your desk tomorrow, 9 am sharp.”

“Ma’am? He was just with me a few minutes ago and I--”

“He did not mention anything like that, but he did mention that He changed his mind. Take it, Nicole. If you linger, he may not accept you again.”

That made me sigh. The opportunity will go to waste if I don't take it. Also, I have loans to pay for. “Yes, ma’am. I’ll be there tomorrow, at 9 am sharp.”

“Good. Stop by my office first before reporting to Sir Lieg. See you tomorrow, Nicole.”

I went inside and immediately sat on the nearest sofa. I sighed loudly and closed my eyes.

What will happen tomorrow? That Sir Lieg might just get back at me. Nako, it’s too hard to think about it. There are many things that can happen tomorrow.

“Oh, Niks, you’re here already. But isn’t it too early? So how was it?”

I looked back and saw Andz clearing up groceries. Good thing I said yes to Ma’am Rosalind. I need to pay for my share of the place. It’s unfair for Andz if I let her pay for everything, even if her family is rich.

“Well, I got it. I start tomorrow.”

“That’s good, Niks! Just think of it as a fresh start so you wouldn’t have a hard time.”

I guess Andz is right. That should just be my mentality. So that I wouldn’t overthink things, like what would happen tomorrow. I’ll just sleep and eat on it so I’ll have the energy for tomorrow.

The next day

I smiled and greeted every person I met. The security guards, the janitress, the receptionist who has thick make-up, and the receptionist at the Marketing and Advertising Department.

“Hi, good morning. I’m Nicole Beatrice Sirenchi. May I be shown to my place?” I asked the receptionist.

“Oh, good morning Ms. Sirencho. Sir Lieg said to go to his office before I show you around and meet everyone in the office.”

“Nako, just call me Nicole. Where’s his office then?”

“On the left, with the double glass doors. Sir Lieg’s secretary is also there. Warning, Nicole: his secretary is so sassy. She acts like he’s the girlfriend. Be ready, okay?”

“What?! Um, okay then. Thanks for the warning. Oh, before I forget, what's your name?”

“I’m Aryssa Torres. But call me Ysa. Nice to meet you!” She smiled at me.

“Same to you, Ysa! I’ll go ahead, okay?” I waved at her before going.

I went to the office and caught the secretary kissing a photo. She fixed herself and cleared her throat when she saw me coming.

“Who are you and what is your purpose?” With matching raised eye-brows and resting bitch face.

I don't want her bad vibes to get to me because I need the strength when I face Jerk later. “Hi. I’m Nicole Beatrice Sirencho, new hire. I was told by the receptionist that Sir Lieg wants to see me before I start.”

She looked at me one more time before pressing on the intercom. “Sir, Nicole Beatrice Sirencho.”

“Send her in.”

The secretary held out a flirtatious and artsy hand, waving me to go inside. The glass doors have a design so it wouldn’t be easy to see what or who is inside. I took a deep breath before going in.

“Good morning. Take a seat.” He greeted me despite facing his computer. It’s very shocking to me, he’s the one who greeted me first. Maybe he has a headache or something. Hahaha

“Good morning, sir.”