The next morning I stood outside his office taking a deep breath, readying myself before walking in.
He is already at the desk, barely looking up as I entered.
"You're late. I expected you here five minutes ago."
"It's 7am on the dot" I replied astonished
" in my company, you're either early or late.... Learn." He bit back
I clenched my jaw remaining silent, refusing to let him rattle me.
"You'll shadow my current assistant for the first half of the day, then you'll take over." He added casually.
"Take over! Today!" I gasped
" Yes."
" I thought I'll need training." I whisper yelled.
"You'll learn faster under pressure." He replied.
" I want all this sorted and cross references by the end of the day.... No mistakes...."
My eyes trailed over the heap of files on his table waiting for me.
"All of this by the end of the day? Thats impossible."
" I don't tolerate excuses." He added calmly.
Swallowing my retort I pick up the files staggering at the weight while excusing myself.
.....
"Sweetheart it's time for a break." The voice gentle comforting timbre only older women seemed to possess.
I looked up startled. It was the older woman I met earlier, his senior assistant. She smiled kindly at the towering files still sitting open on my desk.
"You've been at it for hours, come on dear....you deserve at least ten mins to breathe."she continued
"Thank you... honestly….. I didn't even realize how long it had been." I whispered with gratitude.
"There's a lovely cafeteria just across the street you'll like it.... Try the spinach quiche, it's divine!." She added enthusiastically.
"I will. Thanks again."
...….
After checking Axel's office and confirming it was empty I didn't wait another second.
Grabbing my phone and bag I slipped out like a prisoner on parole.
The bell above the cafe door jingled lightly as I stepped inside, warm, softly lit, the scent of roasted coffees and soft pastries filling the air.
I'd joined the short cue when
"Liana?" A pretty soft but very familiar voice sounded behind me.
I turned and froze.
"Jada?" My voice came out breathless
Jada was my best friend in high school. She went to study in London and we lost touch.
She was standing by one of the tables holding a sandwich half way into her mouth, eyes wide with disbelief.
"Oh My God!" She laughed, practically sprinting towards me.
We collided in a hug that stole the breath from my chest.
"You're.... Oh my God you're here..... you're really here!" She squealed pulling back, eyes scanning my face with joy.
"You're so pretty! What are you doing here?" She asked curiously.
"I just started today. I'm Mr knights P.A."
"What? You mean Axel Knight? CEO Axel Knight? She gasps
"Girl lets sit! We have a lot of catching up to do." She said pulling me back to her table in a seat beside hers.
"What about you? You work here too?" I asked curiously.
She beamed with a proud little smirk.
"Director of Global Accounts, just got promoted last month."
"That's huge! I'm so proud of you."
"Thanks hun, turns out six years in London wasn't a total waste." She continued
"Came back last year, slipped right into the work scene. And this place? I live for the power suits and overpriced coffee."
"God I've missed you so much babes." I beamed happily. She reached out squeezing my hands.
"I missed you too. I tried tracking you down but your number kept bouncing and I tried reaching your home but nothing." She added sadly.
" I changed phones and things got messy." I whispered back
"Messy….. how?" She asked back
How am I supposed to tell her I'm not just working for Axel Knight but also married to him in a soulless arrangement. Instead I gave a shrug
"Life happened but I'm fine now. I'm just glad you're here. Been thinking of how I'll survive working here as a newbie...you know I will at making friends, will probably just say something dumb." I whispered.
"That's not true honey, you're the kindest, sweetest, bestest, friend I've ever had. You really set the bar higher for me and I became too picky." She grinned hard
" I'm so happy for you. I mean you're working directly under Axel Knight...."
"He's not exactly an angel."
"Girl even the devil would blush looking at that man."
We both laughed then I excused myself to the counter to place my food order.
...…..
After eating and catching up a bit we exchanged contacts.
"Don't disappear on me again." I smiled
"Wouldn't dream of it" she smiled back.
...…..
I made my way into the building, the warmth of my reunion with Jada still clinging to me.
I almost forgot for a second, the cold, dark cloud.
I was two steps to my desk when the phone on it rang sharply.
I already knew who it was.
I stood outside his door, staring at the sleek handle like it might bite. My fingers itched to knock as he's already aware I'm here.
Still I inhaled, then knocked softly, twice.
"Come in...….." his hard voice echoed.
I stepped in trying not to fidget under his unreadable gaze. His eyes locked onto mine immediately.
"Where have you been?"