On a tree branch sat a bird, chirping melodiously with its eyes scanning the surroundings. Gradually, it all faded from black to white until Mira's eyes opened.
She turned her head towards the open window and saw a grey-coloured bird chirping peacefully. She could hear car honks and see the sun shining.
"God bless my day." She said and got out of bed.
She was quick and got out of the taxi she boarded to the office building. It felt different to her. For a moment she was cold. Her eyes shut tightly and she took deep breaths. Once she opened her eyes, it felt better and she proceeded to climb up the broad stairs.
"You are late." These were the first words she heard once she opened the door to her new boss' office.
His voice was manly and tough. He was dressed in a navy blue suit and stood with his hands buried in his pockets. He was in front of the large glass window which gave the most spectacular view of the city.
His back was turned to everything behind him. She knew she had to handle herself. He wasn't Mr Theo who gave her privileges.
In the room was Mrs Benny, the secretary. She looked overdressed, perhaps trying to make a positive first impression.
"I apologise, sir, traffic. It was on the news." She said.
In her heart, she already knew that there was no way they were meant to get along.
Mrs Benny turned towards Mira and spoke to her with her eyes.
"Sir, this is Miss Mirana Conrad and Mira, this is Mr Lucian Grant. The replacement for Mr Theo. God bless his soul." She said.
"You are most welcome sir," Mira said, raising her brows.
"I heard you are the one my uncle promoted and appointed to be my P.A. I would like to have you superseded but one must honour a dead man's wish," Lucian said, still staring out the window.
"Mr Theo found me highly recommended for the post, sir. So it's not about honouring his wish or having substitutes on the ground. I am the most proficient at what I do which is why I am standing here, Sir." She replied, rolling her eyes away.
Lucian smirked and turned towards them. Mrs Benny became uneasy watching Lucian walk towards Mira who remained unmoved.
He was a charmer. Tall, dark brown hair, blue eyes, a straight nose, pretty lips and a butt chin which was still visible despite the beards surrounding the area.
He got close to her. Too close perhaps as their noses were only an inch apart. His eyes were locked on hers and his hands were still in his trousers pockets.
"His judgement was based on what he knew, and I am not him. I understand confidence is key in this business but let this be a warning to know your place. Watch your mouth. Watch your moves. I am not, Mr Theo and the next time you are one minute late to work, it will be the last time. Is everything clear?" he asked her.
Her heartbeat raced. She found the tone with which he spoke his words was not palatable and could see Mrs Benny give signals from afar.
Lucian was still in her face awaiting her response.
"Understood, sir," she answered.
He turned away from her and walked back towards his desk.
Mrs Benny heaved a quiet sigh of relief with her eyes shut.
"So when do I get the incentives for being your P.A.? I believe a personal car is one of them to avoid us ever having this conversation again, Sir." Mira inquired, stopping his steps.
Lucian's blue eyes burned from her insolence but he knew she was right.
"It will be fixed," he said, holding back rage. "Leave." He added, referring to both of them.
"I swear I felt like snapping his neck," Mira said angrily as walking beside Mrs Benny in the long passageway.
Mrs Benny got in front and stood face-to-face with her.
"You should keep your emotions in check. He was right. He isn't Mr Theo. Mr Theo is dead. Be it Mr Lucian or someone else, they will never be Mr Theo but our boss. It's obvious he has an angry temper, but that shouldn't be your concern as long as you get paid. Just do your job and not repeat whatever you did there." She said and walked away.
Mira stood still for a bit. Undoubtedly Mrs Benny had uttered the reality but she merely felt irate by it. A deep breath she drew in before heading back to her office.
A space had been created for her which wasn't too far from Lucian's. She stepped in, exploring the office with her eyes. It was empty, the walls were painted in grey and white and a large window was just before her. Only not as big as the one in Lucian's office.
Just then, the door behind her was pushed open and some young men dressed in the same uniform came in with boxes. Having moved to drop the boxes in strategic locations, they began the set-up, and they seemed very thorough.
"Okay. I'd just go get my stuff." She said and then stepped out.
"For real? But he looks so charming.." Abby said,
Mira had stopped by her office and filled her in on her first encounter with the new boss.
"I have a feeling he just might be the reason I go to jail," Mira spoke in an upset tone.
"You should take it easy. He isn't as sweet as our Old man was, so what? He isn't him. He is the new owner of this company and whether we like it or not, we must adjust or risk getting kicked out, he has made that part clear." Abby said from her chair.
"Yeah, Benny said the same. Easy coming from you two when I am the one who gets to spend every day relating as his P.A." Mira said,
"It's not that bad. You are only exaggerating as always." Abby said, rolling her eyes and walking over to Mira.
"I am not." Mira defended herself.
"Understand one thing, that's Theo's nephew and the only way we can repay him for all he did for us is to love his Nephew regardless," Abby said,
"I have no problem with that but trust me, some people don't want to be loved," Mira said and then exited the office before Abby could utter another word.
—
"You called," Mira said once she entered Lucian's office.
She could see him sitting comfortably in his chair wearing a stern look on his face.
"Twice," he said in a cold tone.
"I wasn't in the office when you did." She responded.
"Why?" he asked.
"The workers were in there and I had to go downstairs to get my stuff," she said.
"That's it? If I had people come over to work in your space, do you not think I have made provision for your STUFF to be transferred?" He inquired.
"I wasn't aware and I am used to attending to myself just fine which is why I got down." She said.
"Your job doesn't involve that anymore. Your job is to attend to me. When I need you and as quickly as possible which involves being around to pick up the damn calls when I put one across." He said.
"I apologise." She voiced reluctantly.
"Apologies are only excuses redefined." A way of persuasion which in this case I find very unnecessary. Never miss my calls again." He said.
"I won't." She replied.
"I see what you're doing but I will ignore it. Sit." He ordered her. Once she did, he pushed a file towards her.
"I had Benny do that. It's a summary of our competitors, their strengths and weaknesses. Your first task is to figure it out." He said.
"Pardon?" she asked while flipping through the pages.
"Their strengths and weaknesses." We have that in there, but what is missing is how to use it.
Competitors are necessary
In the world of business, I want to give every existing and upcoming competitor something to fear.
Q&Q seems to be only ten per cent below our value. Come up with ways to cut it down to five." He said while working on his computer.
"Okay. But that would require time," she said.
"I believe you know there are other projects at hand, time waits for no one. You have a week." He said.
"A week?"
"Yes, there is a reason why you came highly recommended," he said.
"Oh." She voiced.
Finally lifting his head to her, he raised his brows.
"That's all," he said.
"My office," she said.
"What about it?" she asked.
"The colour it's in, the setup, I don't like it." She said.
"Is this a joke?" He said.
"No. Even though I find your office decor boring and sad I understand and respect it. It is your thing but it's not mine. I would like to have it in my style since it's my space." She said.
"Wow. Theo must have made you think so highly of yourself. He gave you such a privilege in a company and then what made him think that you couldn't wish to take over the company someday?" He said.
"With all due respect sir, I can't have you talk about Theo like that." She said, trying to compose herself and filter her words.
"Because what? I speak the truth or you were his sugar baby because clearly, you don't seem to be offended by my insinuating you might have had a hand in his death " He said.
She had lost her cool and had her body lowered slightly as her fingertips were pinned to the table. Her rage-filled eyes were fixed on him.
"You are bitter. I get it and I don't know why but I will not change you. I am not your wife, mother or sister. I am your P.A., and I demand some respect or else you could bring in your substitute." She told him.
"Enough of this," a woman said, entering the office uninvited.
The atmosphere was overwhelmed by a fragrance with vanilla to it. The lady looked in her fifties but was well-sized. Walking elegantly in her stylish clothes, one could tell she was a fashion goddess.
Her head held up perfectly. Perhaps she was a model in her earlier days. She had the walk, the charisma and makeup was on point. Golden jewellery and her body hidden in a Burberry gown, her red shoes to match.
Softly she pulled back the vacant seat and dropped her bag on the table.
"You can leave now, Mira." She instructed.
Mira wondered who she was but with the command in her voice, it was obvious that she had to be a family member she didn't know. Lucian said nothing about the intrusion.
Mira walked away, leaving the file behind.
"Why are you here?" Lucian questioned.
"That is no way to welcome your mother," the woman replied with a smile, taking her seat afterwards.