22 Judith

An array of businesslike personnel welcomes my vision, some with wide smiles plastered on their faces, some with a look of disdain, and some with questionable expressions. They stand alongside the luxuriously carpeted floor, creating a red-carpet effect. All of them dressed in expensive business wear, with dozens of them wearing Louis Vuitton red bottom heels. The female employees looked like they came straight out of a magazine cover, while the men's looked like they could be modeling for the high-end brands they wore.

Feeling anxious and out of place, I stared down at my own attire. A sad blue high waisted pencil skirt, blazer, and an overused white shirt to accompany it. My budget heels, which were bought from a 50% off deal downtown made a thunderous "click-clack" sound the more I wanted to feel invisible. My sensibly low heel now started to feel ridiculously high and pointy as my legs started shaking, almost visibly.

Feeling all the expensive gaze boring into me, I mustered up the courage to look behind, only to be greeted with an empty entrance door.

Seeing my discomfort, a cute petite lady came forward.

"Can I help you?"

"It's my first day today...I."

"I'm Amelia, you can come stand with me."

"No, I need to meet…"

She pulled me along with her and didn't let me finish my sentence, I didn't refuse and instead stood next to her in line. After all, I was curious myself about what this was all about.

"Um, Amelia? Are we waiting for someone?"

"Yes, you see we're waiting for Prince Elijah's new personal assistant. I bet she's going to be so beautiful, everyone is talking about her arrival."

"I'm the new.."

"Be quiet! She'll be here any minute!"

A bit stern-looking lady next to us hissed.

In my conflicted state, I debated whether I should go up and speak out or wait for nothing to happen. Wouldn't purposefully making everyone wait for the arrival of someone that was already here be a bad first-day impression.

I unwillingly dragged myself towards the center, what followed next were angry grunts and annoyed sighs as everyone faced me.

"I'm sorry for the wait, everyone."

I straightened up my clothes and stood up a bit taller.

"I am Hayley Sertori, the new personal assistant of Prince Elijah. It's nice to meet you all."

I smiled as I spoke.

Just as expected, I was met with another silence filled room.

They were giving me looks that read expressions full of mockery and disbelief, that is until the entrance door once again opened and a giggle so soft burst our awkward silence.

It came from a woman who looked to be around my age, she was pale with soft brown wavy strands hanging on the sides of her forehead. Her white shirt neatly tucked underneath her black pencil skirt and her bold red lips as deep as the cherry plum flashing an unworldly smile.

"We're very happy to have you, Miss Hayley."

She offered me her hand along with a big rose bouquet. I took it instantly off her, still mesmerized with her beauty.

"Good Morning, Ma'am"

Everyone quickly bowed and as if by cue, they handed me the welcome bouquets and gifts.

"Thank you…"

I responded and looked towards the beauty.

"I'm Judith, Prince Elijah's former personal assistant. He has assigned me to look after you, till you get used to your work environment."

"Everyone else, get back to work. Prince Elijah will be arriving at a later time today."

With her clear instruction, everyone quickly shuffled back to their work posts. Each murmuring complains about not seeing their highly anticipated Prince Charming yet again.

"Follow me. I'll show you to your office."

Just as she finished her sentence, she strutted forward, leaving me far behind.

I half ran, half walked behind her as she continued showing me around each department.

Finance, marketing, editing, creators, designers, and so on. This ran for more than two hours, I was introduced with the leaders and key members of each leading group. I was hoping to run into Amelia again but almost half a day went by without being able to catch a single glimpse of her. Well, this is the biggest building running a multi-billion dollar business, with over a thousand employees, what did I expect? What's more unreal is the fact I am an employee of this corporation and for the first time, I seem to somehow be at the top of the chart.

I leave my thoughts behind and face Judith.

"What's next on the list, Ma'am?"

"That's all for today, I'll take you up to Prince Elijah now. He will have more to discuss with you"

She says with an unconvincing smile. It almost seemed forced but I could tell she noticed me staring and quickly hid it away.

"Sure! Lead the way." I smiled back and began following behind her fastened pace.

-

It would be lying if I say I am completely calm, I was not. In fact, the closer we got the more my heart sped up and my cheeks burned but at the same time, butterflies seemed to flutter inside me. I was overcome with mixed emotions, how was our interactions going to be. Has he forgotten our encounter of the past few days, did it mean anything at all or am I just overthinking? Maybe this was the case, at least I hope it is because the last thing I need right now is an unwanted feeling popping here and there. I need to be strong and move forward. Never can I repeat my past mistakes, this was my new beginning to a better future.

-

The elevator door slowly slid open, revealing the marvelous wide corridor filled with all the royal wonders.

"Miss Hayley."

"Yes?"

"Remember, He is the crown prince. Before we speak, we must curtsy, wait for him to speak, and then we can proceed."

"I understand, Ma'am."

"Good. Let's carry on then."

Judith seemed so sophisticated for such a young age, she looks no older than mid 20's but her temperament was that of a much older woman. However, I kept these thoughts to myself and focused on following behind.

Soon, that moment arrived. Judith knocked on the door and we both quietly waited outside. Robert then welcomed us in, with a curtsey directed towards Judith and then to me. I curtsied back, while she ignored him and headed straight towards Prince Elijah.

"It's nice to see you again, Miss Hayley."

"Likewise, Mr. Robert."

He gave me a nod of acknowledgment as I followed behind him.

Once the handsome face of Prince Elijah entered my vision, I gave him a curtsy and waited for him as instructed.

"You can drop the formalities, Miss Hayley. After all, from today onwards we will be working together every day." He spoke with his carefree smile and stood up to offer me a chair in front of his desk.

"Elijah!"

Judith exclaimed in surprise, with almost a glare directed to him, mostly me.

I looked towards her in surprise, at the way she addressed him. Now that I think about it, they may be a secret couple, hidden from the public eye. After all, these two were two of the most beautiful people I encountered. As if noticing my gaze running from Prince Elijah to her, she spoke up in frustration.

"I may look young but I'm well over 30, young girl."

"Ah...That's not what I...."

"Of course not, I'm his Auntie."