It's been three whole weeks since Phasuk was assigned to be Surithae's exclusive secretary. In this short period, she felt her workload had lessened, unlike in her previous role. Not like any ordinary intern, Surithae will just go to the office only a handful of times. In short, she just comes over on the days when she has no class or appointments.
And Phasuk felt a demotion from her intensive secretarial duties to a quiet office chaperone. Unlike when she was still in the secretarial department, she now gets to work with other secretaries, handling menial tasks, creating feasible schedules, and coordinating with department managers. Phasuk was just here following Surithae's actions.
Usually, whenever Surithae is in the company, Phasuk would just sit on her desk outside Surithae's glass-partitioned office. She could clearly see Surithae sitting on her plush swivel chair, a small mound of files on her desk, and the office printer running in the corner. Officially, she was an intern assigned to work directly with the chief of staff's team; unofficially, everyone present knew that she was more than just an intern.
It feels like the office gained a valuable piece that works and functions independently. Even other department heads were still uncertain how to treat this intern; no one dared to offend, as they knew this cold, distant, and quiet intern was untouchable.
Though Surithae has an unusual status at the company, she herself did not behave as if seeking special privilege. She never issued unreasonable demands. She simply works at her own pace and within her radius. Despite her silent existence, an unspoken pressure could be felt by everyone whenever she was in the same room.
As a personal secretary, Phasuk has never felt redundant this whole time. Whenever she tries to do her work – helping create schedules and such - she always ends up one step behind because Surithae had already done everything. In short, there's nothing left for her to do. It left her feeling baffled and scared that she might end up losing her job just sitting behind her desk quietly watching the office bustling without her participation.
One afternoon in one of the cubicles inside the floor's powder room, Phasuk heard a series of footsteps accompanied by whispering voices. She recognized one of the leading voices. It was a colleague from another department who was dubbed Niramai's gossipmonger. Knowing the group would probably stay for quite a time, she decided not to show herself first as she didn't want to be under their public scrutiny.
But lo and behold, before she could steady herself inside, she heard her own name being called out from the group.
"That Woratanakul is so lucky," said a very familiar voice.
"I know, right? How come she was given the opportunity to work with Miss Simueang? She's been in the company for less than three years, but she landed such a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity," uttered another with clear envy.
"Working with Miss Simueang, even if just mopping the floor she walked on, would guarantee anyone a stable position in the company."
"We all know how the CEO puts great effort and importance on the uncrowned princess of Niramai Holdings. Even the CEO of Prasertkul places a huge regard and protection on Miss Simueang. She was always known to have both CEOs in each side of her hands."
"Well, from what I've heard, Miss Simueang grew up under the protection of the two. She was always the princess of the high society."
"Phasuk must be laughing in her sleep, getting hold of such a big fat thigh. Hahaha, I really envy her. Working here is just like babysitting an important figure," replied another with laughter.
"Yeah, right, that princess just comes and goes without any regard. That cold face of hers could charm all male employees in the company. That pretty face might consider this company as one of her playgrounds or better yet, another high-end relaxation center," chimed another.
"I really envy those who are born in wealth. I could just show them my hard exterior, and people would go down licking my toes," said a sneering voice.
Phasuk could hardly keep it to herself. She doesn't mind that the group was talking behind her back; however, she hates it when people speak ill of or tell untruths about another person. The way the group talks about Surithae feels like they've known her long enough to quickly impose their judgment.
Without waiting for another second, Phasuk let herself out of the cubicle and made her presence known. As her reflection appeared in the huge mirror, gasps could be heard in the room. The women retouching their own makeup stood frozen on their heels. The foundation could hardly cover the paleness of their faces as if they had seen a ghost in the presence of Phasuk.
Phasuk did not utter a single syllable. She walked towards the sink in her perfectly calculated steps. As she comes near, the group swiftly scrambles their way to the side. No words can be heard, only the sounds of water splashing to the marbled sink – Phasuk was washing her hands.
Amidst the silence of the group, she finally said a piece of what's on her mind.
"It's very unprofessional of you to talk behind the people who feed you. Well, I don't mind being the subject of your office gossip, but I should remind you to be careful – the walls have eyes and ears. You're all lucky I was the one inside, not Miss Simueang or even the CEO." Phasuk said while fixing her hair.
"You could get sanctioned, or worse, fired," she added.
The group just stood there, horrified, when they heard the word 'fired'. It's not an exaggeration that they would rather lose their limbs than get fired from the company. They've always known that getting into the company is a hundred times harder than leaving it, and they would never risk their chance.
This is the first time they've instantly felt regret after gossiping within the office premises. As Phasuk said, they were lucky that it was not Miss Simueang nor the CEO who was listening inside the cubicle. They know Phasuk would just pardon them and mind her own business. They are not sure what Miss Simueang or the CEO would do if they were in that situation – the worst imaginable thing could happen.
"And please, don't envy me, I hardly contributed to Miss Simueang. I'm always looking for ways I can help her. In fact, I envy all of you; you still have the time to gossip despite the appropriateness of the place." Phasuk expressionlessly said.
The earlier paleness on the face was quickly replaced by redness. The group of office gossipmongers was ashamed to be reprimanded by one of their subjects, let alone by their office junior.
After saying her piece, Phasuk left the powder room. She doesn't want to stay inside with those envious, power-hungry colleagues. At that moment, she wished she could just stay with Miss Simueang all office hours. She would gladly choose to be met with Surithae's cold and distant self than be with those two-faced women.
Unfortunately, Phasuk was left to her own devices as Surithae was not in the company. It's been three days since she saw the young woman. From her previous knowledge, Surithae must be at the university.
'They are all wrong.'
Surithae is no high and mighty princess. What princess would juggle between school and internship when she could just play dress-ups and enjoy the best quality of life? She was not going to the company to showcase her prowess and preciousness. There's more to Surithae than the cold exterior she projects.
And people are wrong for not looking thoroughly.
When the clock struck exactly 5:00 pm, Phasuk was ready to go home. The day just passed in a blur, with her just sitting at her desk; oftentimes she would wander to Surithae's desk, cleaning and arranging the things there. In short, her job description really shifted from a hectic workload to just working on Surithae's pace.
The moment she stood up, Phasuk heard the chief of staff's call from a distance.
She swiftly landed her gaze on the approaching male secretary.
"Ms. Woratanakul, good thing you're still here," the secretary said while heaving short breaths.
Phasuk could hear an urgency in that matter. She's wondering what the chief of staff wants from her that required him to personally reach her at her station.
"The CEO wants your presence in her office right now," he added.
Phasuk stilled on her spot. She couldn't think of something she could have done that would warrant her being in the CEO's office. She immediately thought of the earlier incident; she couldn't think of any other reasons.
"You're not in a hurry to go home, right?" he asked Phasuk.
"No, I am not," she replied.
"Good, come with me." He said while leading the way towards the CEO's office.
Once inside the elevator, Phasuk couldn't help but initiate a conversation. She wants to know the reason she's being called; a simple hint would, of course, calm her in this sudden situation.
"Ahm, sir, may I know the reason I'm being called for?" she asked clearly, on edge.
The chief of staff glanced at her for a good second before he looked straight ahead again.
"No need to fret over this small matter, Ms. Woratanakul. The CEO just wants to ask some questions regarding Miss Simueang."
Instead of feeling calm after hearing those words, Phasuk instantly felt nervous. Before her thoughts could stray any further, they arrived at their destination.
DING
Phasuk alighted from the elevator following the chief of staff. Scanning her gaze on the long, brightly lit corridor, she could feel the opulence and glamor that could be seen in plain sight. From the huge paintings adorning the white walls, Phasuk could never estimate the value of all the pieces.
'I could never earn that total value for a lifetime,' she sighed.
THUD THUD THUD
Three purposeful knocks on that solid Narra door.
"Come in."
Phasuk heard a commanding voice from inside the office. The chief of staff guided her inside, not forgetting to close the door behind.
"Miss Thanachai, I've brought Ms. Woratanakul here just as you have requested. If there is nothing, I would like to bid myself goodbye and leave you two here," said a monotone voice far from what Phasuk had heard earlier.
"Thank you for today, Narin." The CEO said without raising her head from the mountain of files.
Narin, the CEO's chief of staff, heard the cue. He gave Phasuk a slight nod before stepping out of the office.
Left with no other choice, Phasuk just stood near the entryway waiting for the moment the CEO would finally acknowledge her presence.
'I hope it's going to be okay.'