< TWO DAYS LATER ~ GLOBAL AD COMPANY >
Frederick was going through a document when the door open revealing Lucas, his best friend and business partner.
"Yo dude! Good to see you in your office" Lucas said as he took the seat in front of his friend.
"Aren't I always in?" Frederick replied, his focus on the document.
"You weren't in for the whole of yesterday, did the date go well?" Lucas asked that got Frederick gaze on him.
"What? Didn't it go well" Lucas asked on seeing the expression on Frederick face.
"It didn't right? Well, Sarah Morgan is some one who has her own mind, she won't be bullied into marrying you though that's what your grandma and her father wants" Lucas answered his question for himself.
"You are wrong. The date went well" Frederick said and that got Lucas more curious.
Lucas has known Frederick his whole life and he knows that women is the last thing on Frederick's mind.
Frederick has dated in the past and up until recently, he was dating Yvonne Craig until he caught her in bed with her lover.
And she's one of the reason he chose to go on a blind date his grandmother prepared for him.
He thought Frederick would return with a lot of complain but seems like Sarah caught his attention, Lucas thought as he listened to Frederick story.
"So you are saying she ran out on you not once but twice?" Lucas asked and Frederick nodded.
"Why?"
"I didn't get the chance to ask her that but I feel that she isn't interested " Frederick answered.
"While you are interested. Tell me some thing, have you fallen for Sarah?" Lucas asked quirking his brow up in amusement.
"I don't do love. That's my life slogan and also, why would I fall in love with her when I just met her three days ago?" Frederick asked.
" There's some thing called love at first sight. Seeing her exquisite beauty could have got your heart beating for her"
"It didn't and her beauty is plain and ordinary and also warm" Frederick added the last part with a smile on his face.
"Plain? That's odd since everyone says Sarah Morgan beauty is unchallengeable. How come you think of her as plain?" Lucas muttered starring at his friend.
"That aside, are you planning on seeing her again?" Lucas asked.
"I don't"
"Why?"
"She's not interested" Frederick replied.
"Did you ask her?"
"Why ask when I know the answer she will give. I'd rather not and besides the date is some thing my grand mother prepared in the hope of me getting married and am not ready for that" Frederick replied.
"Then how do you plan on getting Yvonne off your back?" Lucas asked which got Frederick thinking.
After finding out of Yvonne's betrayal, he cut off his ties with her which was a month ago but the witch is back claiming she loves him and want to be a part of his life again.
Frederick insults and threats to get her away from him didn't work and no matter what he did, she keeps looking for him and that's why he let his grandmother bully him into attending the date.
"I will think of some thing" Frederick said shrugging.
"While you keep thinking then your phone storage will keep getting filled up with her nude picture. She still sends you her nude picture right?" Lucas asked while Frederick nodded.
"No matter how I change my phone and number, she succeeds in getting it" Frederick said airily.
"Then we need to think of some thing. Why don't you use Sarah as a shield?" Lucas suggested.
"A shield?"
"Yvonne is only clinging onto you because you have no girl by your side. Once she sees you with some one else, she's sure to give up" Lucas explained.
"So you are saying that I should use Sarah to get Yvonne off my back?" Frederick asked while Lucas nodded.
"It's not a bad idea but am not doing it"
"Why?" Lucas asked looking a bit annoyed.
"Yvonne is bound to give up some day and I don't want to use Sarah in that manner"
"So this is all for Sarah, are you sure you are not in love with her? " Lucas asked having that naughty smile on him again.
"Am not! I just feel drawn to her personality. For the first time in a long time, I enjoyed my outing and that's all thanks to her" Frederick said recalling their date.
"Fine then. We won't use Sarah and to hell with Yvonne, She will give up on you some day but you can't discard your grandma. She's been hinting about marriage" Lucas reminded him.
"I know but she will have to wait some years more cause am not getting married now"
"Okay then. But you intend to see Sarah again right?"
"No, I don't. She's not interested and I don't chase after a girl, it's not my style" Frederick replied.
"Okay then. I leave it in fate hands, if you two see each other again then it's meant to be, keep that In mind" Lucas said getting out of his seat.
"And before I forget. There are some new workers coming in today, two at the planning team, two in the account team and two new chef " Lucas informed him.
"Handle it yourself" Frederick replied.
"But you always meet the new employees no matter how busy you are. It's a company tradition, don't let's ruin it" Lucas countered and that got Frederick agreeing.
"And also there is the Wilmer case, you really won't settle?" Lucas ask reminding of one of his worker who stole the company funds.
"I won't and you shouldn't ask me that again. You know I hate lies and thieves, if some one steals from me it's only right that he goes to jail and Wilmer will be spending the rest of his life in jail, keep that in mind " Frederick said before going back to work and shrugging slightly, Lucas left his office.
*****
< CAFETERIA~ KITCHEN >
"Are they the new chef" A middle age lady ask as she joined them in the kitchen.
"Yes. This is Tiffany" Peter one of the two chef introduced.
"How old are you?" The middle age lady asked.
"Twenty six " Tiffany replied.
"Any working experience?" She asked again.
"Have got none since I recently finished my culinary course but I...."
"What is the company thinking when they accepted her?" The middle age lady said cutting Tiffany off abruptly.
"Don't you like her, Vivi?" Peter asked talking to the middle age woman.
"The reason I applied for another chef is to get some one with experience but they brought her" Vivi said In annoyance.
"The company didn't just pick her, she passed the interview and that's why she made it top. So stop berating her" Sophia, the third amongst the chef said in defence of Tiffany.
"Am not berating her, I only need some one with experience and...."
"I don't have enough working experience but what I cook always get people asking for more, you can try me out" Tiffany said cutting Vivi off.
"So you are saying you are a good cook?" Vivi asked and Tiffany nodded.
"I might not have the working experience you need but am a very good cook" Tiffany returned disliking Vivi rude behaviour.
"Then let's see how good you are, prepare some thing for us to eat" Sophia said.
"I never agreed to that" Vivi countered.
"Just let her do it. Once you taste her food, then make your decision" Peter said to Vivi who had no choice but to give in.
They left the kitchen to Tiffany who quickly cook up some thing hoping it drives Vivi insane with how talented she is.
She had arrive at Global advertising agency with her father and Philip and judging by the good things Philip told her about the cooking staff, she had thought things would be smooth sailing but then this Vivi choose to be rude.
She thought as she serve the chicken soup she cooked.
Tiffany watch at the three chef take a spoonful of the chicken soup and on seeing the look on their face, she knew she scored a point.
"This Yummy!" Sophia said as she eats another spoonful.
"Have tasted a lot of chicken soup but this is the best have tasted so far, No offence Vivi " Peter said to Vivi who ignored him.
"Aren't you going to say some thing" Sophia said to Vivi who put down her spoon before starring at Tiffany.
"Give her the uniform and let's prepare to cook the afternoon supper, it will be lunch time soon" Vivi said before leaving the kitchen.
"She didn't say a thing about my food" Tiffany said.
"She didn't have to cause she knows that you are good. She telling us to give you the uniform means that you did well and you are a part of our team" Peter explained which got Tiffany smiling.
"Vivi doesn't know how to express herself properly, you will get use to it on time. Now let's get you change" Sophia said as she led Tiffany to the female rest room.
A while later, Tiffany walk out from one of the stall dressed in a chef uniform.
"You look lovely " Sophia compliment.
"Thanks " she replied just as her phone began to ring.
"I will leave you to answer your call but don't be too long. Peter just called to tell me that the big boss is coming to the kitchen to say hello"
"Big boss?"
"The owner of the company " Sophia explained.
"But why would he come to say hello?" Tiffany asked.
"That's how he does. It's one of the company tradition that he welcomes the employee himself, come out when you are done" Sophia said as she left the rest room.
As soon as she finish making her call, Tiffany head back to the Cafeteria kitchen.
She felt a pain at the back of her foot, pulling off her shoe she saw the blister there and let out a sigh.
She should have just stick to her flat shoe, she thought as she slowly made her way back to the kitchen.
She got there to see Peter, Vivi and Sophia talking to a man who had his back turned to her.
He chose that moment to turn around giving Tiffany a view of his face and seeing who it was, Tiffany got out of the room in a rush.
This can't be! Why is Frederick In her place of work? She thought holding onto her chest.
She was still thinking when a thought occur to her. Her father and Philip always refered to him as Rick, Rick being the shorten of Frederick.
Why didn't she think about it? Why didn't she make research about him and most importantly why didn't she try to know more about the president of her new work place.
If she had done all that then she would have save herself from being caught.
"See you around sir!" On hearing Peter fare well.
Tiffany took to her heels but due to the blister she's got, she couldn't run well and to make matter worse, her heels chose that moment to leave her feet.
Deciding to go back for it, she hop towards it.
She was about picking it when some one else picked up the heels.
"Thank....." She stopped mid way when she saw who picked the heels up.
"Sarah " Frederick called starring at with surprise.
He knew they were bound to meet again but he never thought that their meeting will be at his company.
"How come you are here?" He asked still holding onto her shoe.
"I....well....I..." She kept stuttering while thinking of an excuse.
At that moment, she saw Sophia walk out of the kitchen, instinctively she pulled his hand and ran with him till they were out of sight.
It's one thing for him to be her boss and another for him to find out her real identity.
If Sophia had seen them, she would have called her by her real name in front of the man who thinks her to be Sarah Morgan.
"Why did you run off?" Frederick asked surprised by her action.
"I saw my co- worker" she said referring to Sophia.
"Your co- worker? Mind explaining that?" He demanded.
"Well I am....am one of your employee" she confessed.
"Why? You are a model and you don't need to....."
"I got sick of it. Modelling isn't some thing I love doing " she lied hoping God forgive her for her sins.
"And so you quit your job and decided to work in my company?" He added while she gave a nod.
"I haven't really give up on modelling, I just want to do some thing I love and...." She stop when a lady approach them.
"Mr Davies, it's time for your next appointment" the lady said.
"Cancel it" Frederick said, his gaze still on Tiffany.
"But sir, this meeting is an important one. The merger of the...."
"Okay! I will be with you , give me some minute" he said to the lady who made a slight bow before leaving.
Kneeling in front of her, he took hold of her leg and wore the heels for her.
When that was done, he stood up right starring down at her.
"This conversation isn't over. As soon as I get back, I will call for you. So make sure you are here " he warned and with one last look sent her way, he left her standing there.
Tiffany took in deep breaths trying to calm her thumping heart.
How on earth did she sink deep into this mess, she thought as she made her way back to the kitchen.
"You missed the president, he just left" Sophia told her as soon as she walk in.
"Really? I didn't realise" she lied fixing a fake smile on his face.
"Though you've not met him, you must have read about him right?" Sophia asked.
"Yes, have read about him" Tiffany lied.
"Then you must have seen how handsome he is, he is a dream man right?" Sophia asked and Tiffany could only nod in reply.
"He is a dream man due to his looks but he has a very harsh character" Peter said as he joined them in the kitchen.
"Harsh character?"
"Just recently, a man who work in the account team was caught for stealing the company funds and Frederick sued him, ignoring the pleas of his family " Peter said replying to Tiffany question.
"Common, Wilmer stole and it's only right that he gets punished" Sophia said in defence of Frederick.
"Wilmer deserves to pay for his crimes but Frederick should be more forgiving. Wilmer is old and currently sick but Frederick doesn't give a damn. He's unforgiving and cruel and when people lie to him, he makes them pay for the deceit. I really wouldn't want to be in that person shoes" Peter said before leaving the kitchen.
It's a good thing she kept on with her deceit. If she had told him the truth then she will be kissing her job bye bye and Philip along with her father won't be spared.
To prevent anyone from getting into trouble, it's best that keeps on with her act.
She will be Sarah Morgan until the truth comes out itself, she thought as they went to prepare lunch.
*****
A while later Tiffany made her way to Frederick office.
It's been three hours since he left and on his return, he called for her which got her colleague wondering why the president called for her.
She made up a lie about wanting to be introduced to him since she missed the introduction earlier and they believed her.
"You may go in" His secretary said as soon as she got to the sixth floor.
"Thank you" Tiffany replied.
She went in after knocking and she saw him sitting on his desk, waiting for her to show up.
"Judging by your outfit, you must be working as a chef " he said assessing her dressing.
"Er, yes. Being a chef is some thing have always love doing " she replied.
"Then you must be fourth chef who resumed work today?"
"Yes, I am and ...."
"You don't have to tell me more, am okay with the ones you told me. It's your life, if you choose to be a chef and also a model, it's your choice and I won't pry" he said which got her feeling a bit relieved.
"Come over here" he said suddenly.
"Why?" She asked still standing at the same spot.
Instead of replying like he's meant to, he got off the table and walk the few distance that separated them.
Wrapping his arms around her waist, he lifted her up and carried her to desk.
While she sat on his desk, he stood in front of her and very close at that.
"I don't...."
"Stay still" he ordered which got her doing as he said.
He stared at her for a long time and taking hold of her leg, he pulled off her heels.
"What are you...."
"You've got a blister, this will help relieve the pain " he said putting an ointment on the bruise before putting the band aid over it.
For a while she was touch by his thoughtfulness, she didn't think that he notice the bruise earlier.
"All done" he said letting go of her leg.
"Thank you" she said wanting to get off the desk but he put his hands on the desk, blocking her escape.
"I won't ask you why you ran away from me twice but am gonna make this clear to you that I don't intend to let you run away again. If you run then I will come after you" he vowed which got her swallowing her saliva like it's her last drop of water.
"Have dinner with me tonight" he said when she said nothing.
"I ...."
"Don't you dare refuse or am going to kiss you again" he said which got her putting her hand over her mouth and that got him laughing.
"So that's a yes" he concluded and as soon as he move away, she got off the desk.
"My secretary will call once it's time to leave" he said as she hurriedly left his office.
Frederick went back to his pending work, he was about calling his secretary when his phone buzz.
"Sir, Sarah Morgan is here to see you" his secretary informed and Immediately Frederick gave his secretary the order to let her come in.
"Does she want to say some thing" he thought as he stood up to welcome her back.
But the girl who walk in is completely different from the one who left his office a while ago.
"Hello, Fred. Good to finally meet you" the lady said pulling off her sun glasses.
"Who are you?" Frederick asked.
"That's a funny question but I don't mind answering. Am Sarah Morgan, the girl you were meant to have a date with three days ago" Sarah said introducing herself.....