THE CEO

I woke up early because it was really my natural waking time when I was at home. Plus it's my interview schedule today so I can get dressed early. I checked the time quickly and unfortunately, I was only thirty minutes late for my interview.
I scratched my eyes and pop-out my cheeks while sitting on the edge of the bed. Why can't I get that man and the one at the end of his text out of my mind? L.A? What's that? Los Angeles? Or initials of his name. Whatever. I need to fix myself before I ran out of time.
I opened my closet and frowned when my old clothes were gone. I didn’t notice it last night because I was so tired. I quickly called Arthur because I could already guess what that ‘gay’ did.
"Arthur!" I shouted from my room.
After a while, he ran into my room frowning.
“Oh my god, sis! That’s so disgusting!” she said angrily to me but I ignored her.
I just kept looking at her and she immediately understood what I was referring to.
“Sis, I’ve been up to something saint, like you know. I donated all of your clothes to Home for the Aged. You know, those old people there need clothes and your clothes fit them perfectly!” Excited at this explanation and even applauded.
I slapped my forehead and bit my lower lip. I looked again at my closet which was already full of new clothes.
“Didn’t I tell you not to mess with my clothes anymore? And who are these from?” I shouted at her.
“From sister Yerim. My sister Rafaella bought it for you. I was given it too,” she said with a smile so I just scratched my head.
I scolded her and she retaliated. I didn't do anything anymore so I sent her away from my room.
I just pulled out any clothes from my closet and took a quick shower. When I finished I only saw the dress I was wearing. It’s a white blouse with a very low neckline, pencil-cut skirt and I put a black coat on my blouse so it doesn’t look too vulgar. One of the reasons I wear big clothes is because I have a big chest. When I wear fitted clothes, it looks ugly, especially since my hips are big.
I quickly applied lotion and body spray.
I winced when I saw how I looked in the mirror. My face is very plain and my hair is still very wet so I blow dry first and then put on some make-up. When I finished, I quickly said goodbye to Arthur and mama and left.
When I arrived at Acuzar Empire, I was immediately sent to the CEO's office because he was supposed to interview me. When I got out of the elevator, people immediately looked at me. I can also feel their gaze on my every move so I am counted.
I approached a woman there to ask.
“Hi, I’m Astraea. I’m here for my initial inter— ”
"Oh, yes! Sir has been waiting for you for a while. You allegedly applied as his secretary?” she asked me and smiled softly. I just nodded.
On this floor, I know the CEO’s office is not alone. This also includes other high-graded employees so I unconsciously pinch the escaped strand of hair on the side of my ear.
I was also a little taken aback by the stare of the male employees at me. Others are also smiling at me. Only now have I been treated like this. It doesn't feel good.
Later, the woman called me again and asked me to come in with her. When we entered, the command immediately came to us. It turned its back on us and just stared at the glass wall of his office. The city is clearly visible there.
"Sir, the applicant is here—"
"Give me a damn coffee," he interrupted what the woman was going to say so I was stunned. His voice was hard as if angry.
The woman didn't answer and left so I was left inside. I didn’t know what to do because he was still keeping his back to my seat.
"G-good morning, Sir," I greeted him, stuttering like an idiot but he didn't answer.
The smell of his office caught my attention. It’s utterly familiar to me. Very manly smell but is not painful to the nose. I also pay attention to glass and fancy furniture.
I looked again at him who remained backward. It is tall and even with his back turned, it obviously has a look. His back was wide and it seemed stiff. His hair on the back seemed to be intentionally messy and his corporate attire added even more to his elegance.
I could feel the dryness in my throat but I still spoke with courage.
“U-uhm, Sir...” I uttered. I didn’t know what to say. I feel so intimidated!
"You're five minutes late, Miss Laxamana," he said. "It's just that you're late for the interview, what if you start working here?" he added so I felt irritated.
I didn't even notice his familiar voice.
“I’m sorry, sir. I’ll just leave,” I said to him, irritated, and emphasized the word‘ Sir ’.
Even if I needed a job, I wouldn’t want such a person to be the boss. He is so arrogant! It's only five minutes!
I was about to walk outside his office when he said something again.
"Did I command you to leave?" He sarcastically asked me.
I raised a brow at him. Still looking at the city in front of him. Not wanting to face me.
"What do you want me to do, Sir?" I asked.
“Seat,” he said. It sidestepped in my direction so I could see the tip of its nose.
I followed what he said. I sat across from his desk.
"Sir—"
“Stop talking. I’m not asking you any questions yet,” he interrupted me.
I could feel the hairs on my arm rise when I heard his voice clearly. It was the voice of that man who was important to me. Howsoever.
I was even more annoyed by what he said. I just want to apologize for being late! Does he think I'm talkative?
I was about to say something again when he finally faced me. Everything felt like a dream. It was as if everything was back when I saw his clear face, his half-moon-shaped eyes, and his smiles again.
I almost fell out of my seat when he stared at me. My lips are half open and I can feel the redness all over my face.
He arched his eyebrow and smirked at me.
“So, Astraea Lumiere Laxamana,” he said and tilted his head to me. "Nice name."
I couldn’t say a word to myself as if my brain had escaped me at those moments. Why him? Is he the CEO?
I swallowed several times, but I was even more surprised when he approached me and leveled in my face. He closed my jaw with his hand and smirked even more.
“Your jaw was dropping, darling. Keep it close or else...”
I blinked twice and bit my lower lip. He immediately looked away from me and sat on his swivel chair. I got up quickly and headed for the door, but before I could get out he said something again.
“Nice to see you again, Astraea. You’re hired,” he said, emphasizing my name.
I hurried out and grabbed my chest. I breathed violently because I had been holding my breath while I was inside.
"Are you okay?" the woman asked me earlier.
"Sir Levi said you need to come back tomorrow for a short briefing, then you can start," she added so I was even weak.
Levi... Acuzar. Yes. Casa de Acuzar and this Acuzar Empire. Why don't I remember that? So, his name’s Levi. Then, fuck you, Levi!
I quickly left that building and went straight to the publishing company where I still work. When I got there I went straight to Miss Rochelle to confirm something with her. Why is he there? Why is he the one in the company where I move?
“Yes, they are the business partner of the Sandovals. All Acuzar companies are investors of our company and other Sandoval businesses. Why suddenly asked about that?” she asked me that she was referring to Mr. Chairman — the president and CEO of this company.
I got caught in my head because of too much stress. “How was your interview? I heard, the CEO himself interviewed you?” she added so I was even more confused when I remembered what happened earlier.
"That's the CEO?" I asked her just to make sure.
I saw her nod while she was still thinking on her laptop.
“Yes, the young CEO of Acuzar Empire, Levi Emmanuel Acuzar. So, how was it? Are you hired?" she asked me with a smile so I just stared at it.
Why do I feel like she knows something about that ‘thing’? I told her everything that had happened at Tierra Fima but did not tell her to who I was referring.
"I'm hired but... is it possible—"
“Oh, no, Rae. I’m sorry. I know what you are trying to say. Unfortunately, Miss Lim has already signed your resignation letter and you’re free to go as long as you still finish the book you’re going to release because it has a contract,” she explained to me.
My jaw dropped again at what she said.
"How about my fifteen days, Miss Rochelle?"
She turned her gaze to me and closed her laptop.
“You don’t have to stay for fifteen days because Mr. Acuzar will get you started as soon as possible. He really needs a secretary, that's why he accepted you immediately,” she explained to me then smirked at me.
Oh, no. Why do I feel like that guy did all this?