Chapter 3 - He Is Distant

Carissa hesitated for a moment, then decided not to open up. "It's um, someone…" Carissa battled to find the right words to say.

Daisy, less observant about her hesitation, questioned, "I heard the CEO is quite strict. I don't know if it's really a rumor though. What's his name?"

"Joe Adams," Carissa lied, taking a sip of her hot chocolate to ease the rising tension.

"It's strange that his identity and name are kept from the public. It can't even be seen on Google. That company has become quite famous in just a few years, you know. It's kind of mysterious."

Carissa's eyes widened, and she let out a slight gasp. "Really?"

"Hmm. But, since he was kind enough to consider you for this job, I'm sure he's a nice one."

Carissa nodded. "Yes."

"And he's smoking hot too."

"Yeah." Carissa shook her head, causing Daisy to chortle. "What? No? You didn't expect me to have checked him out, did you?"

Daisy's excitement was palpable. "That's insane! But this mysterious CEO is known to be super dashing and influential, that I heard, and I'm looking forward to confirming soon through—" she winked at Carissa and grinned mischievously, "You."

"Hell no."

"Whatever. But let's talk about a plot twist. He ends up picking interest in you, and you just…"

"Stop it. You're saying nonsense."

"I'm not. It might happen, you know."

Carissa shook her head. Looking away, she thought of telling Daisy the truth sooner because she probably couldn't keep it from her for so long.

"You girls are always chit-chatting with every slight opportunity you get, great," Joyce said, making her way into the kitchen.

"I would leave you both alone first," Daisy announced, taking the tray with the cups of coffee and leaving.

Walking over to Carissa, Joyce placed a hand on her shoulder. "Congratulations, dear. You've done well. I'm sorry I doubted you."

Carissa tilted her head and smiled. "It's alright, Mom."

The door opened, and upon seeing her elder brother, Duncan enter, Carissa's expression changed.

"Hello, sister, congratulations." Duncan clapped as he walked to the end of the counter.

Carissa flicked a gaze at her mother. "You told him?"

"Um, he called a while ago and I told him."

"Damn," Carissa mouthed, walking over to the sink.

"Actually, I was nearby when I got to know and I decided to come and personally congratulate you."

"Thank you." She gave a smile that didn't reach her stomach before rolling her eyes. "So, what's next? You want to drop your 'need list'?"

"Kind of, sorry."

"Shit." She tossed the kitchen rag to the counter and folded her arms, feeling frustrated. She glanced at her mother, who gave her a 'what's-with-the-attitude' look that made her hiss slightly.

"Look, I just need some money to get a few things, Carissa."

"Gosh, you're so shameless, you know. You're asking me for money for the umpteenth time, and I'm certain as hell that you're just going to give a stupid promise and not pay back."

Duncan shrugged. "Come on. You know I prayed day and night tirelessly that you got this job. Give me some credit for your unusual success."

"Really? You're such a selfish man, and it's sickening. If you prayed, then it's only because you wanted to leech off me when I got my paycheck. Nothing else."

"So what? Stop acting like this. Talk to her, mother."

Joyce sighed, looking at both of them. "Carissa, he's still your brother, and you know family supports each other."

Carissa scoffed. "Family supports each other? He's never supported me in anything. He's always been a leech, taking advantage of every opportunity."

"Carissa, it's okay. If you don't want to give me the money, I understand." Duncan tried to sound pitiful.

Carissa glared at him. "Don't play the victim card, Duncan. It's old and tiring."

Joyce interjected, "Carissa, please, for the sake of family—"

"For the sake of family? What about my sake, Mom? What about the times he has taken advantage of me, lied to me, and let me down?"

Duncan interjected, "Carissa, I really need—"

"Enough! Just leave me alone, both of you," Carissa exclaimed.

 She attempted to storm off the kitchen but stopped as Duncan said, "If it wasn't for my wife and son, you know I wouldn't be asking you for money most times." She glanced at him and shut her eyes momentarily.

She knew quite well what he was up to. Emotional blackmail always got to her.

"Since we lost everything, I've been trying to stand properly but…it's not working."

"Well, if I, who's an undergraduate, can secure a job in a prestigious company like M.I., then I think…you who's a graduate can do better. I trust you," Carissa said, locking her gaze on him.

 He nodded without saying anything. It was expected. Whenever she tried to encourage him or push him to do something good for himself, he always found a way to slip off after irking her with his demands.

"When are you resuming?" Joyce asked, changing the topic.

"Tomorrow," Carissa simply replied. They appeared to be a bit surprised. She faced Duncan and asserted, "Don't ask me for anything till it's the end of the month when I can remit."

He nodded with a grumpy face. "Thank you."

Everything was exhausting and burdensome for her. She couldn't complain, so she stormed out of the kitchen. The echoes of frustration lingered in the air as she sought solace in her room, grappling with the conflicting emotions that family dynamics often brought.

 About to dwell in her sudden unhappiness, Angelina walked in.

"You shouldn't be here alone, Momma. I came to keep you company."

Staring at her sensitive daughter who walked up to her, Carissa laughed softly before embracing her. She always found solace and encouragement in holding her daughter.

"Thank you, Angelina. You always know how to make everything better."

"Momma, I saw the look on your face earlier. It's about Uncle Duncan, right?"

Carissa sighed, running her fingers through Angelina's hair. "Yes, sweetheart. It's just family matters, you know?"

"Well, Momma, you have a good job now. You can take care of us without depending on your part-time jobs anymore."

"I can't work part-time except if it's on the weekend and yes, I can take care of you especially now."

"I know. And I believe Uncle Duncan can get his life together if he tries, right?"

Carissa looked down at her daughter, amazed at the maturity and understanding she displayed. "You're right, Angelina. I need to focus on our future, and I believe Uncle Duncan can find his way too."

"Exactly, Momma. We are strong, and we can handle anything together. And tomorrow is your first day at the new job! It's like a new beginning for us."

Carissa smiled, feeling a renewed sense of determination. "You're absolutely right, Angelina. Let's embrace this new beginning together."

She pulled her daughter closer and placed a kiss on her forehead before embracing her. 

 The following morning, Carissa did her best to arrive at the company in one of her best outfits. She didn't have much nice corporate wear, and that's why she had thought she would use the weekend to do a little shopping before starting work. She hadn't expected to resume that day.

Nevertheless, she was happy.

"Good morning, sir," she greeted George when she saw him in the foyer.

"Oh, Miss Carissa Draven, right?"

She nodded.

"Er, you're quite early. Work starts at 8 am, and you're 20 minutes early. That's impressive."

"I think it's best to come earlier than a minute later," she responded.

"That's a great work ethic. It's applaudable. Well, first, you need to report your arrival to the CEO, Sir David. Okay?"

"Alright, Sir."

"He's at his office. Waiting."

"Oh." Carissa blinked and left. Taking the elevator to David's office floor, she couldn't get over the creeping uneasy feeling.

 Walking into the office after knocking severally and getting no response, Carissa looked around the huge office, which was empty.

David wasn't there, and she wondered aloud, "Where is he?" She took some steps and halted at the center of the office.

She thought of whether to leave and return later before something caught her attention.

 As she turned to face the bookshelf, she noticed a photo of David standing in the middle of two huge books. Right behind the photo, she could see something lying there. It was a necklace which she couldn't identify. Going closer to have a better look at it, she halted as a voice rumbled.

"What the heck are you doing?!"

She spun and froze upon seeing the person. It was David, and it happened that he had been in the adjoined bathroom without her realizing.

His sparky pair of hazel eyes were brimming with anger.

"How dare you try to touch what's not yours?!" He growled.