7 FÜNF

It has been three years since then, and I am finally working in the House of Commons like I wanted to. I am the speaker's secretary at the moment. Like before, I got through it all with the help of my brain. I do not have enough strength to push myself into a better position. Nonetheless, I am earning enough money to purchase items that I could not purchase previously.

I make enough money to support a middle-class family. I started by making a cup of Café Americano. I just diluted a shot of espresso with hot water. Even though breakfast is the most important meal of the day, I am not too fond of it. I am now residing in a private community that is only a 15-minute drive from my place of employment.

It is in a gated community with secure entrance gates. It is simple, with two bedrooms and easy access to major highways, shops, and restaurants. It has a pool with plenty of space for lounging. The house has black and white marble floors in the majority of the living areas, an updated kitchen, and an additional storage room. This open concept is found in a breakfast bar, including a beautiful living room and dining room, white cabinets, recessed lighting, and built-in appliances.

I also included a dressing area in the bathroom with a vanity with marble counters and enough room to get ready. It has a private balcony accessible from the bedrooms and a two-car parking space. A little pricey for a single-story house, but the interior also fits my job description.

I took a bath and then went to my dressing room, not a walk-in closet. I would not say I am wealthy, but I can afford designer items at their average price. I wore a white long-sleeved button-down shirt with a pencil skirt an inch above the knee, a patterned bow-tie, and a satchel bag. I tucked my top in and applied natural makeup. I grabbed my coffee and poured it into my coffee cup. I went to the garage, got into my car, and drove away.

My phone abruptly rang as I was driving to work. It was a request from the deputy speaker's secretary. "Good morning, Mei Chen from the House of Commons," I said. "Greetings! Miss Chen, the Speaker has requested your presence in this instance. The Speaker, Deputy Speaker, and both Assistant Deputy Speakers are already here with their secretaries," the secretary said on the other line.

"Why is everyone so early? The office opens at 8, it's only 7:45," I inquired. "There is an important matter in the manor. I don't have to explain it to you, so please hurry up." She hung up the phone. Really? It is still early. Is there an emergency? The speaker arrives almost at 9 a.m. Or a significant issue. Well, whatever it is, I need to get this over with as soon as possible. I drove quickly.

I arrived and handed over my keys to a valet, then went to the elevator, relieved that I was the only one there, and pressed the button for the top floor. I made my way to the speaker's office.

Dante Ross, the honorable speaker, was already seated in the center chair. The Deputy Speaker, Preston Pearce, was sitting on the left couch. The Assistant Deputy Speakers, Martha Atkinson and Karina Martin were seated on the right couch.

I am so screwed up! All these honorable people arrived unexpectedly where I chill rode all these times. "Greetings, your honors! Please accept my apologies for arriving at such an inconvenient time." I bowed my head and moved next to the speaker. "Since everyone is here, let us all begin the conference," Martha Atkinson said, looking at me.

I bowed my head subtly. Even if I wear the most expensive clothes, they will never appreciate a low-born. I will never fit in because I was never on their level, to begin with. That is why I am so grateful to Honorable Ross for accepting my application.

"As I mentioned earlier, the Noble Lord's Inauguration is approaching, and our presence there is very much needed. We need every member of the House Of Commons to be there. We need to take measures to do our part." Honorable Speaker Dante Ross explained I am a shambles. What type of secretary am I? "We are just the Lower House of the Parliament of Ylury. We need drastic moves to make everything clear and not make a scene or a mess out of the Inauguration.

"From what I understand, the House of Lords has already prepared a venue for the Inauguration, which will be held on the Yemanora this Thursday. The Lord Speaker, Senior Deputy Speaker, Leader Of The House, and The Shadow Leader Of The House, instigated the preparations." I continued, "And?

The House of Lords will be equally dissatisfied. This is something I must do! The distinguished speaker looked at me as if he expected me to say something. "They chose a Grand Gala theme with centerpieces, grand lighting, red carpets, and beautiful décor to offer a sophisticated atmosphere. They want an old and new combined fashion, which they stated allows them to have a variety of decorating options. " I explained. "The colors are silver and gold. Formal attire is needed, a list of guests is present also the security is at its maximum."

Honorable Ross smiled reassuringly at me. "Do we need anything else in that case?" Karina Martin inquired. "Your honors, your presence is exactly what the Inauguration requires, and a new set of tux or gown will be appreciated."

I smiled and bowed. Honorable Ross and I returned to the office a few hours later, and he mentioned, "You forgot something earlier." I gave him a critical look. "Will there be no office until Thursday?" I asked, nodding. Oh, I almost forgot about that one. That is to say; I smiled in my head.

He presented me with a card. "Do me a favor and get yourself a gown; I need an outstanding secretary, even if you're a Low-Born; status doesn't matter, just do your job and do as you're told."

I know I cannot say no to him. Honorable Ross's family is friendly. This is because his family was once low-born, but they were only raised into the Hierarchy and Nobility by using their brains, handwork, and perseverance. I accepted his card and thanked him politely. He forced me to return to my office and work on my papers.