Chapter 4 - The CEO

"What's up with your grumpy expression?"

"Natasha is definitely putting my patience to the test."

"Natasha? Are you referring to the blonde girl who's acting like a queen but looks like a servant?" His description made us both laugh. Gosh! Carlota hates seeming like a loser in front of someone. "What's with her? Just because I'm on a different block than you doesn't mean someone can already bully you, huh?" he says again. He lavished me with attention as if we were not the same age.

I sat back on the couch and crossed my arms. I'm still offended every time I remember how she referred to me as a whore. "You won't believe it. She called me names, especially 'whore,' and told me that I have a sugar daddy. I know I'm broke, but I'm not that desperate to have money for me to do such an act. I'm not pushing my ass up every day and making my hand move all around just for her to call me dependable with other people's wealth." I keep babbling like a child until I notice Carlota walk into the kitchen and then return with a knife that he's placing into his bag.

"Bitch, go up there."

What?

"Hey, what are you up to?"

"What more could we do? We'll kill that desperate Queen and show her you have a buddy here who—"

I stopped him. "Oh, Carlota, not now. I'm serious here, and I'm still upset."

"I'm fucking serious, too," he said, stepping back from the chair and copying my posture. "Kidding aside, I can't murder someone, but Natasha never touches you because she knows you're better than her. Hmm, I'm curious what pushes her." That's exactly what I'm thinking. We keep passing each other every time we cross paths, and I can't recall saying anything weird about her.

"She said a specific name and linked me to that person, and I can't recall it." I was still irritated when I saw him scrutinizing me. My eyes widen as I realize what he's doing. "For the love of God, Carlota, I don't have one."

He laughed like there's no tomorrow while clutching his stomach. "You're hilarious. For the time being, disregard what happened and simply ignore that weirdo as you always do. Don't worry, inform me if this happens again, and I'll handle her." I'm really lucky to have him. I can't beg God for more people to be with me, since Carlota is giving me with unending support. Mama and Mischa can't love me, but I found comfort in someone who isn't connected to me.

"By the way, I'm not sure I'll be working at the bread store for long," I decided to shift the subject to lighten our mood. "I'm trying to get another work, but I'm not sure whether this card is legit."

I handed him the calling card provided to me by the elderly woman at the mall. I'm hesitant to arrive unexpectedly in their company when no one expected me to. It's embarrassing to think that I was duped by an old lady and that I readily bit the bait, since I'm needy for money. Nonetheless, I can't help but hope that she simply forgot to notify her secretary about me and that I'm still welcome to apply despite my lack of qualifications. Being a secretary is a difficult job, but I guess I can do it.

"VULGARI?" I jumped off from my seat as Carlota yelled. "Oh my goodness, where did you get this card? You shouldn't have wasted time; why didn't you apply as soon as this was given to you? Urgh! I can't believe you, Chrizanta Martin." Is he really that upset? He just addressed me by my whole name.

"I know it's a large company, but I'm not sure if it's true, and that the lady provided me is truly a CEO. I tried to call them and trust my luck, even if I still don't have a degree, but I was greeted with hesitation; it's humiliating."

He pulled me up as if he hadn't heard my explanation. "Stop the drama. Go inside my room and get a perfect outfit for tomorrow. You need to be presentable, Chriz." I didn't have an option but to let him do the job for me.

The next day, I can feel sweat dripping from my forehead as well as my hand getting colds. Carlota let me use his white dress, even though he doesn't usually wear dresses, but he enjoys buying fashionable clothes. I paired it with white flat sandals and minimal makeup. Another thing that makes me anxious are the looks of people within the company. I'm not sure if they think I seem like I'm from a christening. They're all staring at me from head to toe, and all I can do is look for the receptionist area on my own. I noticed a girl in her uniform typing on her laptop from time to time, so I pretended to cough to grab her attention. I called her after the third cough and she still didn't raise her head.

"Excuse me, Miss," I say as I take a glance at her nameplate, "Miss Mendoza, may I ask where the CEO's office is?"

Okay? I don't like the way she looks at me. Her eyes are filled with distaste, the same expression Natasha gave me when she accused me of having a sugar daddy. Her lips were still closed, and I was becoming increasingly embarrassed about it, because the majority of those passing by on our path were staring at me nonchalantly. I should have invited Carlota to come with me.

I obviously fake a cough for the nth time to catch her attention. "Ahm, Miss?" I ask, and thankfully she looks me in the eye.

"If you're one of those girls, I can't tell you."

"Excuse me?" She's getting weird.

The receptionist sighed heavily and looked at me boredly. "Okay, may I ask if you have an appointment?"

"N-nothing," my cheeks heated, "but the CEO personally handed me this card, and she told me that if I needed a job, I could come here, and she'd warmly welcome me."

Her eyes almost pop out of their sockets, and she suddenly cracks a broad smile while straightening her uniform. Something is very wrong here. "Just use the elevator on the right side and go to the 15th floor, madam. You'll see his office straight away since there's a line of applicants." I almost missed parts of her statements because she speaks fast. And 'his'? Unless I've been duped, the person who handed me this is a lady. I just thanked her and then followed her instructions.

The 15th floor,that's what she said, and I had chills as soon as my feet touched the floor. I can't back out now; even if I was tricked, I'm still glad to know that they are looking for a secretarial position. I'm carrying all the necessary documents, and I'm going to try my luck—or so I thought. When I saw the remaining applicants' faces, my confidence level dropped. They are all dressed formally, and no one will believe that they are seeking for the position of secretary. They might all be actresses or models. Maybe that's why folks on the first level are staring at me strangely, since I seem old in what I'm wearing.

"Dad is really supportive of what I want. I can't wait to meet the CEO," someone remarked behind me.

"Yup, same here. I actually want them to double-check that I'll be the one hired, so I'm sorry in advance."

They are obviously affluent, and I'm not sure why they need to pursue this lower-level position when they can have everything they want. I simply ignore that notion and prepare myself since the girls have been called and I'll be the next in line, which is the last. But after waiting and seeing all the applicants go, I'm still sitting in the chair, waiting for them to call my name. I'm feeling worried since I'm not sure how this works.

When I was about to knock and ask, the door opened, and my eyes widen in disbelief as I stared at the very familiar person who is a God not only at night but also in broad daylight.

No way, this isn't true.

I can see his lips moving, but I can't hear what he's saying. My thoughts went completely blank. Every movement of his lips reminds me of its movement on that sinful night.

Deep eyes. Luscious lips. Chiseled jawline. Callous hands. Oh my goodness, the way he licked his lips made me we—

"Hey, I don't have all the time in the world, Miss. Are you still interested in the position?" After what he said, all of my fantasies blew up in my head. He looks serious and annoyed, yet there is no recognition in his eyes.

"D-don't you remember me?" I questioned absentmindedly.

"That's it. I'm not going to put up with this attitude, especially when you're already being stupid in front of the CEO."

What? Is it a relief that he doesn't remember me, or do I have to be offended?