"Mina!"
"It's Mila."
"Whatever!" Carlos waved his hand dismissively; he didn't care what the correct pronunciation of the new girl's name was. He had clearly warned her to stay away from the director's face, and she had crawled right into it. The young man turned and slammed his fist on the door.
"I clearly said don't, and you- what is wrong with you!" Carlos cursed under his breath, then pointed fingers at Mila. "You're one of them, right? Those sly foxes in girls' clothing trying to seduce someone from the Montclair family."
Mila opened her trembling lips. "Huh?"
"First it was Peach Montclair, and now it's Zyran... ha!" Carlos scoffed. "Don't you think you're too young and innocent-looking to be acting sly?"
Mila stared at the man in confusion. She wished she knew what exactly he was talking about, but it flew right over her head. She just wanted to work, make money, and return to Ken- not cause trouble for people with her clumsy nature, but it didn't seem to be working.
"I've seen girls like you bring down empires like this one—"
"I won't lose my job, right?" Mila asked, focusing on the only question that was relevant and bothering her at the moment.
Carlos exhaled, rubbing his temples tiredly. "I'm not paid extra for this," he muttered to himself. "I'm talking to a wall right now, I guess. Everything I say, and all you think about is losing your job."
Mila nodded. That was obvious, wasn't it? Isn't that what everyone thinks about after causing trouble on their first day at work?
"Look, girl, there are countless punishments worse than losing a job. And the first? Getting involved with a Montclair, and worse yet, Zyran! The Zyran!"
Mila was tired. She was tired of hearing Montclair already, but she couldn't say it out loud, so she nodded.
"I hope you know what you're doing, really. I have to get back to work. Just sit today out in the lobby. I'll let you know if you're needed," Carlos said with a defeated sigh. Without waiting for her reply, he exited the room, banging the door noisily.
Mila rubbed her chest again, feeling the burning sensation increase. She wasn't in a tight space, but she felt trapped. It was her first day, and she was already going against people she shouldn't.
'Is this yours?'
'You're one confusing girl, aren't you?'
Mila blinked at the voices resounding in her head. It was weird, but they really sounded similar. The voice of the man she had met earlier in the hallway and the voice of the man she had slept with that day...
It couldn't be, right? Mila bit her lower lip worriedly, then slapped herself.
"In your wildest dream would you sleep with someone that big," she muttered, rubbing her chest again.
Mila looked around the room. She didn't know where she was. Carlos had just dragged her into the nearest room blindly, and now he had left her to find the lobby alone in this big company.
"It's always bad luck on a Monday," Mila sighed. She walked to the door and peeked. The crowd she saw made her gulp and hide back inside the room. Her last job had been more fitting; as a hotel steward, she didn't get to meet anyone except a few co-workers. All she did was clean the rooms and leave before anyone checked in. But now, witnessing a large population in one building, Mila already felt locked in.
She turned back and sat under the very long table. Pulling her knees up to her chest, she rested her head.
"I miss home... I miss everything," Mila whispered, her eyes closing slowly until she drifted off to sleep.
The surveillance camera in the room where Mila was sleeping blinked red as the controller watched the girl from his office.
. . .
"Zyran, it's been days already. We need another party!" Lucas chimed, pacing back and forth in the room. "Rosie, tell him!"
Rosita raised her coffee cup to her lips and sighed. "Are you a party rat?! I'm too tired. Last night, my agency had an award show, and I spent the whole night drinking."
Lucas sneered. He turned to look at Roman, who was casually scrolling through his phone. "Doctor! Say something. Too much work and no play makes Jack a dull boy."
Roman raised his face from the phone and nodded. "I'm glad you're not Jack," he deadpanned.
"Haha... not funny," Lucas rolled his eyes, then turned to look at Zyran, who had his eyes glued to his monitor. "Zy! Please, please... soon, weeks will become months and years without any party."
When he didn't receive any reply, he frowned. "Don't tell me you're watching something erotic and pretending to be serious- let me see!" He stretched his neck to see what Zyran was watching and saw the full screen with surveillance of all workers.
Lucas sighed. "I pity your workers... now they have to work like dogs, knowing you watch them at all times." He shook his head and stepped back. "You say you won't take over your grandfather's company, yet you have a keen interest in all activities."
Zyran moved his mouse, zooming in on a particular camera, then clicked.
"Are you trying to get back at your aunt... or is it your father—"
"Lucas!" Rosita spat her coffee, her eyes widening when her brother mentioned Zyran's father.
Lucas covered his mouth. "Aw man, I'm sorry... I forgot... I'm really sorry."
Roman put down his phone and turned to look at Zyran. He had a calm expression; he wasn't angry. No, as a matter of fact, he calmly took out a cigarette case and lit a stick up while his eyes remained on the monitor.
"I shouldn't have. I mean—" Lucas continued to apologize, ruffling his dreadlocks.
Rosita bit her lip. "Zy, please forgive my brother. He tends to cross the line most times."
There was still silence and no response from Zyran. He just dragged and puffed smoke casually.
"Zyran?" Roman called his name calmly.
Zyran finally raised his eyes. "Yes?" he answered. Seeing that everyone in the room was staring at him, he nodded. "Sure, let's have the party... this weekend."
"Er..." Lucas was lost but happy. Zyran didn't get mad at him for mentioning his father and also agreed to have a party. "Sure!" He clapped his hands happily.
Zyran nodded. "You all can leave now... I need to work," he waved his hand.
"Don't forget your words. This weekend. We party, party," Lucas pointed at him with two fingers as he excitedly left the office.
Rosita stood up and picked her bag. "Something is off," she tapped her fingers on her blue clutch before leaving.
Roman stood up and stared at Zyran. He was wondering what he was watching with so much interest.
"Aren't you leaving?" Zyran asked without raising his eyes.
Roman nodded. "I am," he replied and left.
All alone in the office, Zyran zoomed in on the camera where the girl had curled herself up and was peacefully sleeping under the table.
"Someone wants to work like a cat," he mused, clearly amused by the girl.