"My face looks hideous," I said as I tapped my fingers on the mirror while looking at the dark circle under my eyes and my loose eyelids that didn't get a wink of sleep last night.
"Why do I always look messy at important events?" My hair slid down my nape as I pulled out my hairpin from my bun to prepare for the day.
The brown top and black denim jeans were the only elegant wears I could find in my dress collections. I glanced at the time and made sure I had an extra hour to spare since I required a class about Ethan's schedule from Mr Sam.
________
A few people were roaming around on the 1st floor of the office as I went inside. Their movement and hushed voices echoed since it was so quiet while I made myself inside the elevator and pressed the button that led to the 14th floor.
A young man in a neat suit and tie with glasses caught my eye as soon as the door slid open.
"Good morning! Ms Hensley." He greeted me with a warm smile.
"Ah! Good morning. It's you from that day! So you're Mr Sam. Nice to meet you!" I brushed back my loose hair strands behind my ear as I walked alongside him.
"Yes, Ms Hensley. This way, please." He opened the door for me and treated me like a butler would treat a guest.
"Is this how every secretary gets treated?" I thought to myself.
I noted all of the explanations and memorized all the schedules & preferences of the CEO, so I didn't make a fault.
"Mr Sam almost behaved like his secretary. He looked more qualified than me. Mr Sam could've been the CEO's secretary. Why did he have to select me?" The thoughts encircled my mind as I stood prepared while staring at the ground, waiting for the CEO to arrive.
At sharp 7.58 Am, the Black Marcedes parked near the office and I saw one of his long legs in black pants with a pair of black oxford shoes setting foot on the ground as he leaned out his shoulder to get out of the car. CEO Marc has arrived.
"As a matter of fact, did he need to have a dramatic entrance?" Feeling irritated, I questioned myself as I saw him jamming his hands inside his pockets when his first gaze fell on me while stepping towards my direction.
"Good morning, sir!" My resting face tried to look as elegant as possible while nodding at him.
"Hm." He straight walked towards the elevator without greeting me back, which made my blood boil but I had to keep it in for the sake of money.
At sharp 8, he stepped inside his office and removed his long black coat.
"Sir, You have a meeting with the LLC at 10 AM about Retrospectives," I said while he handed me his coat.
"As for the-" He cut me off saying, "Cancel the meeting."
"Excuse me?"
"We're going shopping around 9 after I finish signing the files."
His side bangs touched his eyelids as he pulled the chair and glanced at me.
"Are you....in need of clothes, sir?" My nose and forehead scrunched up due to my confused mind.
"It's for you, Ms Irene." His long fingers rubbed his forehead, exposing the silver watch on his wrist.
"I don't think there's anything wrong with my dress."
"There isn't. But a secretary needs formal wear. I assume guests are coming at 12?"
"Yes, Sir! But what about the meeting? You can't just cancel a meeting for a silly reason." I objected as he focused on checking the files.
"Ms Irene," his eyes shifted on me in a short glare as he placed his hand on his tie to continue, "When you hold the power...Anything is possible."
I flinched hearing his dominating tone, knowing further ignorance was futile.
"I-I understand. Then I'll contact them to delay the meeting."
_______
S-sir! I think I'm ready." I walked out with a white top with bishop sleeves and a black skirt that revealed my legs. The woman in service also put my hair in a big bun and touched up my face with light makeup. Fidgeting, I peeked at Ethan to see him staring without a blink.
"Ahem! Bring her some tights. Her legs can't be exposed this way."
For a person who used to wear baggy or informal clothes, this was a bit embarrassing,
"Is this necessary, sir? I don't think I can move freely in them"
Stretching my skirt, I caressed my neck from awkwardness.
He moved closer to me and touched my bow while making eye contact, "I don't want others to see this beauty of your's and I don't want you to be misjudged either. The industry is a place of judgment. I don't want them to look down on you." He whispered as he fixed the bow for me.
"Pack all the dresses chosen previously. Let's go! " His coat fluttered by the wind as I followed him from behind thinking, "Did he just...indirectly call me beautiful?"
I squeezed my lips together to hold back my smile as my cheeks flushed red and I felt thankful to the woman who put makeup on my face.