Vanessa clutched the soft leather of her handbag, her mind was a whirlwind of emotions. Days of nervous anticipation had finally formed into this moment; her first day at D’Peters.
The company building loomed before her, it was a gleaming skyscraper with the company name etched in a modern, polished font. D’Peters is a stark contrast to her previous workplace.
Despite the initial fear that had almost made her decline the offer, the feeling of hope ignited within her. Maybe this new beginning would be a favorable one if she could completely avoid Darryl.
With a deep breath, she pushed open the automatic glass doors and stepped into the opulent lobby. The receptionist, flawlessly dressed and styled, greeted her with a practiced smile.
After a brief exchange, Vanessa was directed to the top floor, a destination that sent a jolt of confusion through her. The top floor, as far as she knew, was reserved for the CEO and the company’s most senior executives. Why on earth was she being sent there?
She didn’t ask the receptionist further questions, she followed the instructions. She didn’t want to create a bad first impression on her first day at work. The elevator doors open, revealing an extravagant carpeted hallway. This company is not a joke when it comes to luxury.
Following the receptionist’s instructions, Vanessa found herself face-to-face with another flawlessly dressed woman, this one with a kind smile and a nametag that read ‘Phoebe’.
“Hi, I’m Vanessa, the newly employed. I was directed here from the first floor.” Vanessa explained to Phoebe.
“Nice meeting you Vanessa. I’ve been expecting your arrival.” a broad smile was etched on Phoebe’s face. “As the new secretary of the CEO, you should meet him in person. He will help you with important information.” Phoebe’s next words dropped a bombshell on Vanessa.
“Excuse me, Phoebe. I don’t understand what you were saying.” Confusion laced in Vanessa’s voice. “I was transferred here to be a consultant, not a secretary.” She explained.
“You are right, but the CEO secretary is on maternity leave and the role is vacant at the moment. Apparently, we need a secretary more than we need a consultant.” Phoebe was calm as she explained the current situation to Vanessa.
It turned out that Vanessa wouldn’t just be starting a new job, she would be the CEO’s secretary, a position previously held by someone on maternity leave.
The revelation left Vanessa speechless, a mixture of shock and disbelief battling for dominance. She had never imagined that she would be a secretary, not to talk about being Darryl’s secretary. That was the last thing she would accept.
Thinking about it, was this some elaborate prank? Or was this a mere coincidence? This is becoming too much for her to understand.
She stood there, momentarily stunned, the weight of the unexpected situation settling heavily on her shoulders. She was left with no choice than to talk to Darryl. He has some explaining to do.
“Can I meet the CEO now? She asked Phoebe, who was already focusing on the screen of the computer in front of her.
“The first office on the right.” Phoebe directed her. “Have a nice first day at work.” She went back to what she was doing on her computer as Vanessa walked to the CEO’s office.
She spotted the office easily, thanks to Phoebe’s direction. Knocking on the door was a luxury she could not afford. She opened the door and saw Darryl sitting on his chair comfortably.
Vanessa closed the door behind her before she questioned Darryl. “What the fuck are you doing, Darryl?” She was boiling in anger as she attacked him.
“Language, Miss Vanessa. This is a professional space, vulgar language is not allowed.” Darryl’s gaze was fixed on her face.
“I think you need that reminder more than I do, Darryl, because this whole thing you are doing is madness.” Vanessa was not having it anymore. She had bottled up her anger and now that she was alone with him, she flared up.
“This is not the way to greet your new employer. I will let it slide because it is your first day at work.” Darryl avoided her tantrum.
“You think I will agree to work here as your secretary? You are delusional if you thought so.” She scoffed, but it was mixed with anger.
“Like you have a choice. Rogers already gave me his word and there’s no going back now.” Darryl retorted.
She should have suspected Mr Rogers when he was pressuring her to take the opportunity. She never thought Mr Rogers would work with Darryl to achieve his childish aim.
Can she go back to her former employer? She thought. Can she cope as Darryl’s secretary? She was not sure about anything, but she knew she couldn’t quit her job because of Darryl’s games.
She stared at Darryl, he was wearing a grin on his face. He knew Vanessa didn’t have a choice other than to work with him. He had already put her in a tight spot, which had left her with no choice. Darryl was happy that the first part of his plan had been established.
“Fine. You have won this round. I will work here as your secretary.” She accepted the offer with a fake smile on her face.
No, Darryl was the one surprised by Vanessa. He didn’t believe she would give in easily. He didn’t know Vanessa had other plans for him too.
Vanessa found a new task, which was to get revenge on Darryl for frustrating her. If he wanted to play a game, she was willing to play his game and beat him at it. She promised herself Darryl wouldn’t go away without her punishing him.
“What should I start with? A tea or a coffee? Your meeting schedule or your lunch breaks? She asked him as sarcasm dripped from her voice as she spoke.
Here was the Vanessa he knew, Darryl thought as he listened to her rants. He smiled as he watched her demonstrate her questions. He knew he had made the right choice by choosing her as his new game. “The fun had just begun”, he told himself.