2 weeks later.
Pheonix Lou got frustrated because she hadn't got a job after resigning from Claude Corporation. A week before, she came for some interviews but she wasn't hired.
'Why is it so hard to find a job nowadays???!' She whinned desperately.
Disguised herself as a man, wearing business attire, she was sitting on a bench. Taking a deep breath, she calmed herself down.
Once again, she anxiously checked her e-mail on her phone. She got her pray answered, another interview was waiting for her in 2 hours. Her lips curled up excitedly, she gained her spirit in an instant.
A while later, her feet got her to an Interior Design Firm, 101 Studio, a rising company in Z City. It wasn't a tall luxurious building compared to Claude Corporation, but the artistic vibe could be felt. This was the building, where her interview taking place.
Her past experiences in doing many kind of jobs allowed Pheonix Lou applied for a wide range of different job titles. Although her competence needed to be developed, at least she understood one or two things.
Her interview lasted in 30 minutes, she had done her best. She was really fond on the job and had a good impression on the boss. Her hope was high.
Mrs. Florence Hall was a middle aged lady who looked younger than her actual age in her trendy outfit, yet looked very kind, was the owner of the firm.
Pheonix Lou was anxiously waiting for the company decision. She saw Mrs. Hall discussed about her to her people.
'You are hired. Welcome to 101 Studio!' Mrs. Hall congratulated her with a smile. 'You can start tomorrow.'
She's hired!! She was very happy, but she maintained her composure.
In her professional tone, Pheonix Lou replied, 'I will not let you down, please take care of me.'
She bowed deeply.
Following the interview, Pheonix Lou was shown around by Miss Kylie Jones, the manager of the company.
'Mr. Lou...' Miss Jones called Pheonix formally.
Pheonix Lou swiftly said politely, 'Everyone can call me by my name, Miss Jones.'
'Ok, then, Lou.' Miss Jones agreed to her request. 'You were the head of secretary of Claude Corporation, right? Starting from zero in different field may be challenging, I hope you can cope up well.'
'I will try my best.'
'Speaking of which, your name was the same as Chairman Claude's girlfriend. Looking at the picture, she has some resemblence with you. Is she related to you, maybe your sister?'
Miss Jones had sharp eyes, Pheonix Lou was stupefied by her good analysis, but she quickly acted like usual.
She calmly denied, 'Really? I would feel honoured to be said accordingly. Many people look alike and have the same name. It was a coincidence. How come a CEO's girlfriend be related to me?'
'I see... I guess you are right.' Miss Jones smiled.
When there was an opportunity, Miss Jones would introduce her to her colleagues. Her looks made her female colleagues mesmerized. They reminded her of Elizabeth.
At the same time inside the CEO office of Claude Corporation, Luke Tyson reported what he got to the CEO.
'Miss Lou will start working in 101 Studio tomorrow as an assistant designer. Her superior also found her similarities with her pictures in the media. Fortunately, Miss Lou could give a great explanation.'
Desmond Claude listened to Luke Tyson attentively.
Luke Tyson continued, 'Miss Lou's colleagues consist of 8 male and 10 female. Regarding Miss Lou's wounded arm, the scar still remains but it will eventually disappear in 3 months by using the ointment, which prescribed by the doctor.'
'Alright, report to me if there's anything.' Desmond Claude briefly said.
'I will. Um... CEO Claude, you have meeting with CEO Anderson in an hour.'
'Prepare the car now.'
'Understood.' Luke Tyson left the office.
Desmond Claude and Pheonix Lou hadn't seen each other for the whole 2 weeks. Desmond was quite busy recently, while Pheonix Lou persistently was looking for a job.
Pheonix Lou agreed to be his temporary girlfriend in exchange for her resignation and freedom. For certain, without his request, she would live her free life, not bothering to stick around him.
Nonetheless, Desmond Claude presumed the other way around. 'That girl, doesn't she have feelings for me? She earnestly got close to me, yet now, she's ignoring me...' he grumpily grumbled in an unaccountable basis.
Later on, in a two story prestigious french restaurant, Desmond Claude was accompanied by his assistant to discuss a project with The Anderson. They were seating by the window.
His aloof and dominant aura always lingered in his presence. Wearing a dark coloured designer made business suit, Desmond Claude displayed his affluent and strong personality. If one watched carefully, a luxurious watch circled around his left wrist. His well defined face and manly tall figured could make any women drooled without him stripped his outfit. Anyone could tell he was from a prominent family by looking at his aristocratic gestures.
CEO Anderson sat next to his beloved daughter, Ariana, who graduated from a well known university in overseas. This was the first time, he brought his daughter.
Ariana Anderson was a typical daughter from a wealthy family, her clothes, shoes, parfume fragrance, and purse were all labeled by a high end international brand. She was about 25 years old, calm and well educated. Her face was elegantly pretty with professionally styled long hair, hung loosely on her shoulders, paired with her slim and tall figure.
Seeing how handsome and attractive the young CEO of Claude Corporation, Ariana Anderson's heart beated rapidly. Despite the media announced that the man already had a girlfriend, she determined to steal his heart the moment she met him. Still, Ariana Anderson kept her intention hidden behind her professional gestures.
The discussion of the project went for a few hours. CEO Anderson was rich in experience and gave a lot of good things to be considered. One could also tell that Desmond Claude's excellent competence couldn't be neglected and his quick witted brain had always impressed the old CEO. Once in a while, Ariana Anderson shared her perceptive opinions. It wasn't challenging for them to achieve a covenant.
'I assigned my good daughter to be in charge for the project from now on, CEO Claude.' The old CEO informed politely. 'That's why, I bring her along today to meet you.'
'I understand, if necessary, the company will contact Miss Anderson in the future.' Desmond Claude replied.
Ariana Anderson realized the handsome CEO had another number, when she saw Luke Tyson showed the data, she sent, via the phone. She asked in friendly tone as her gaze fell on Desmond Claude's private phone on the table for a second, 'Mr. Claude, I am not as experience as my father, I may have some questions regarding the project. How about we exchange our phone number or chat ID?'
What kind of women's excuses to approach him that Desmond Claude didn't know? He had encountered tons of them.
Without any fuss, Desmond Claude refused in an indifferent tone.
He was a man who kept his privacy strictly, except for his family, close friends, and closest subjects, he wouldn't let anyone knew his private number. Whereas, his business number was often held by Luke Tyson when they were in the same place. Obviously, CEO Anderson and his daughter had known his business number. Therefore, if there were any questions regarding his works, they could contact that number.
Ariana Anderson was discontented by his refusal, but didn't dare to show it, she merely smiled in understanding.
Through the window, Desmond Claude saw a familiar person in common man outfit and seemed rather short for an average man, went into the cake shop in front of the french restaurant he was in.
It must have been Pheonix Lou!
101 Studio was located not far from here, the road was also the main route, she would take to return to her apartment.
Ariana Anderson, who furtively had been paying attention to Desmond Claude, was baffled by what his eyes pointed to. She didn't spot anyone or anything unusual outside.
Desmond Claude gave a signal to Luke Tyson. Just a simple gesture, like some form of telepathy, his assistant got the message immediately.
Luke Tyson left the restaurant, leaving the three of them who were almost done.
The girl in man's outfit had a great day today and wanted to celebrate her new job. She bought a cake on her way home.
Sadly, she had been always been alone, with no friends and family. Her disguise and work had been her cage to not engage in a deep relationship.
Pheonix Lou's shoulder was tapped by Luke Tyson just about time she paid the cake.
'Assistant Tyson!' Pheonix Lou sounded surprise by his presence.
They headed out the cake shop as soon as she received her beautifully wrapped cake.
'I believe Miss Lou has found a new job, congratulations!' Luke Tyson congratulated her.
'Ah, thank you!' Pheonix Lou said cheerfully. 'Why are you here, Assistant Tyson?'
Pheonix Lou was not aware, her voice could be heard by a certain someone, who just got into his car. Luke Tyson dialed his number and put it on speaker mode.
Ignoring Pheonix Lou question, Luke Tyson asked casually, 'You bought a nice cake. Are you going to celebrate it with some friends?'
Pheonix Lou softly replied, 'That's not possible. I will celebrate it by myself.'
Luke Tyson had never seen her with her friends or colleagues, she always kept her distance. He felt bad for her.
Listening to what she said, an idea popped in Desmond Claude's head. He texted Luke Tyson, instructed him, and organized the others efficiently.
Very smoothly, Luke Tyson then revealed to Pheonix Lou that the CEO was around and she followed Luke Tyson to meet Desmond Claude.
Inside the luxurious black car on the side of the road, Desmond Claude instructed his chauffeur to drive as soon as Pheonix Lou had closed the door. His expression was unreadable.
Reminded by the fact Pheonix Lou didn't contact him, his bad mood resurfaced a little.
'Pheonix Lou, are you neglecting our contract?' He talked to her after a few minutes of silence.
Pheonix Lou blinked her pheonix eyes innocently. 'No.'
Was he angry? Why? She was sure she didn't neglect the contract. She furrowed her eyebrows, thinking what she did wrong.
'You like me, but after I let you become my girlfriend, you didn't even contact me for the whole two weeks!' His eyes was like an ice.
When did she say she like him? His self absorbed self must have been acted up!
'Desmond Claude, I told you, I don't like you! I simply didn't receive any instructions to play the role these past 2 weeks!' Pheonix Lou was defensive. 'Do I have an obligation to check on you?'
The man face got darken.
'You have to pay up for doing an unsatisfactory role as my girlfriend!'
Was he finding her fault on purpose? Pheonix Lou almost vomitted blood.
'What? No way!'
Luke Tyson turned deaf ear, pretending not hearing anything. He didn't expect his boss was very silly in front of Pheonix Lou. Could it be...?
The car arrived at Jade Lake Villa.
Noticing the luxurious villa, Pheonix Lou turned her eyes to the man beside her, 'Why do you bring me here?'
'Why else? You were absent for the whole 2 weeks! Get inside and put off your lousy wig!'
It bugged Pheonix Lou that the silly CEO kept repeating the '2 weeks' words. He was so grumpy for an unknown reason. He even stated she was absent. Pheonix complaints inwardly, 'Does a girlfriend have to report for attendance?'
She stomped her feet hard on the ground as she felt Desmond became more and more unreasonable.
The maid had stood by when she reached the entrance door. 'Good evening, Miss Lou. Please follow me!'
Pheonix Lou pursed her rosy lips. Her intuition told her, there was something going on. Was there an important event she should attend? Why the maid had to lead her way?