"Do you think you can survive in here?"
His dark brown eyes pierced into mine, lingering up and down. My jaw clenched, gulping and being tempted to run away as soon as possible. I hold onto the small canvas that I accidentally stole earlier.
So, he's the CEO, huh?
I inhaled sharply, somehow relieving the tension in my system. Jason was standing beside me, his eyes dart to the side, glancing at me and this CEO prick. The way his fingers clasp tightly on the folder he held, and the sweat falling slowly on his forehead.
Why is life so frickin' unfair?
And why is this, 'Cole, CEO', staring at me with those eyes that belittles every inch of me?
Is it because he saw me sweeping the street in front of his building?
Is that not a decent job for corporate people? Haa, pathetic.
Despite my fuming thoughts, I placed the small canvas in my arm pit and extended a hand with a wide grin, "Good morning, Sir…uh…Cole. Nice to meet you." My voice barely cracked with the mix of annoyance and nervousness. My throat bobbed up and down, waiting for his response.
His eyes shifted to my hand. I gulped…will….he not accept my handshake?
The silence was deafening, my arm still awkwardly offering in front of him.
Does he not have any manners?
I spoke to break the deafening tension, "My name is Jay Storrie, and I am twenty-five years old. I have worked in companies like yours for mostly…." I looked up to the ceiling as I thought of a believable lie. "For about 5 years now, since I graduated from Harvard." My eyes grinned formally after spouting out a lie.
Harvard, my ass.
His eyes remained infuriatingly strict while looking into mine, as if that lie didn't approve of him. "What companies?" Cole asked.
"U-uh…Sierra, and Vogue.." Those brands slipped out of my lips and I gulped.
Fuck, please don't contact those companies. Don't ask them for me.
He crossed his arms and leaned on his chair, eyes inspected me head to toe once again. None of the bodyguards, nor Jason, who's standing beside me, dared to move nor speak. My own breathing was heavy as the room was very quiet. "Uhm….once again, good morning to you, Mr. Cole, and to all of you."
"It's afternoon."
His thick accent echoed in the room, making my breathing ragged than before. My hand was shaking in front, waiting for him to reach and shake it at least. One of his eyebrows twitched as he leaned back on his chair, never breaking eye contact.
"My apologies. But it indeed feels morning in this formal and corporate place." I uttered and took in the office once again.
Shit, what am I saying? It's dark and barely has any color.
But even so, my lips curved into the brightest smile I could ever coax a person with.
I'll never be scared of people like you. Just because you have money? Puh-lease.
I returned my gaze to Cole and found his eyes never leaving mine; that blank and cold expression didn't change.
It's that same look he gave at the elevator. And it makes my blood frickin boil!
He didn't say a word, just looking me in the eye while my hand was still sticking out in the air.
I'm never gonna be afraid of people who judges every fiber of a person's being just because they don't have the financial capabilities like yours.
The silence broke when he let out a long sigh and shook his head slightly. "This one's hopeless." He whispered but enough for it to echo around the room. My fists clench.
You've insulted me enough with how you're looking at me, and now you're spouting bullshit?
Cole stood up and walked in front of his glassy desk. Every clack of his leather shoes echoed against the marble floor. He leaned back on the table, hands sliding in his pockets. I gulped and watched his every move, but he just paused in front of me.
I inhaled sharply, feeling my blood boil as my hand was still reaching for a polite shake.
"You think you can survive in El Glamour?" I double-blinked at his question, my hand stiffened, and slowly dropped to my side.
"What?" I said absent-mindedly.
"You heard me."
My mouth parted, gaping at the fact that this man in front of me is nearly impossible. My eyes went down his black polished suit instead, avoiding his stare. I noticed a brooch pinned on the side of his chest. It was a white diamond glimmering due to the chandelier on the ceiling.
As if it's waving and showing me how different my situation is from the life he has.
Or…the life I could have if I worked here.
I blinked, and my heart quickened.
"Jay, are you eating well?" I could hear Mama's voice in the back of my head. The sight of her wearing that humble duster dress as she always refused to buy something new for herself. Those tired and worried eyes that I see only on my phone often, ever since I left home.
My grip tightened on the canvas I was holding onto.
I gulped as the jewel sparkled once more, hinting at the pure white shards that reflected whenever Cole slightly moved.
Suddenly, I remember how those heels clacked and how they echoed elegantly as her head spun towards me. Eyes sparkled like those pearls around her neck. And the room slowed down as if she were the only person.
And at that moment, I forgot that I was working as a street sweeper who dreamed of being an artist.
What if I saw that woman in this building again?
"Mama is worried about you," Mama's voice echoed once again. It was shaky, as if tears were about to fall from her eyes. I took a deep breath, as well as the courage that was almost nonexistent all along—
What if I can finally support my family when I get the job?
I gulped with a deep breath, swallowing all the annoyance and pride I had left. My back straightened as I looked into Cole's eyes. "Yes. I can, Sir. I can survive El Glamour."
Cole's brows twitched slightly. He nodded slightly, then reached his hand out open, "Resume."
I froze.
Shit.
My hands clasp the small canvas tightly, feeling its plastic cover slowly tearing as my nails pierced through it.
I totally forgot about a resume when applying. Fuck, today was only supposed to be an escape route when I stole the canvas.
Jay, you're such a dumbass!
Cole's brows furrowed, and my mouth parted, looking for words to defend myself—
"What? Don't tell me you're applying, but didn't bring a resume?" his eyes glared at me sharply, and I couldn't help but gulp, giving him a wide smile to mask my nerves.
"You know, Cole–Sir Cole. I was…just so excited to apply and to finally be in your company. I can submit my resume in our follow-up meeting." I politely replied, teeth clenching.
A follow-up meeting? Why a follow-up when you're not even qualified in the first place?!
Cole crossed his arms, his polished black suit slightly crumpling, "Mr. Store…was it?" My brows twitch at his question. "Ah, Storrie, Sir. My name is Jay Storrie." I clarified.
He continued, "You know, El Glamour needs attentive, cooperative, and most of all, competitive employees." His hands brushed against his hair. "How can we hire you if you can't even bring requirements as simple as a resume?" I slowly lowered my gaze as I heard those words.
"You may go." Cole uttered and turned his back. My eyes widened, and I suddenly dropped to my knees. The canvas I stole earlier slipped from my grip.
'Tud
"Fuck–I mean, sorry…uh, please!" My hands shake against the marble floor. I looked up at him, "I really need the job," feeling my chest heavy, thumping more than before. "Sir Cole, I have a family to support…I really want to be in El Glamour. I promise I'll do my best if I get the job. I'm very adaptable so please–"
"Your situation isn't different from any other candidates. I've heard that line a hundred times. Get up on your knees and go, or else I'll have my guards to put you out," he coldly uttered, not even facing me. I felt tears blurring my vision.
As if it's blurring my ambition too.
Muscular arms dressed in tailored coats swung on both of my sides, but I shoved them away strongly as I could. I forced to stand up and grabbed Cole from his collar, forcing him to face me.
Cole squirmed, "What the–guards! Utterly unprofessional, Storrie–"
"You're just like the other corporate hypocrites! Just because you have it all doesn't mean you have the right to ridicule and put labels to a person!" I panted heavily as loud sobs escaped from me, "But even so, so be it! I can be your anything, just hire me! Cleaner, assistant, maid…escort!"
I froze. My hands trembled on his collar.
Cole's serious aura cracked into a wide-eyed, almost horrified expression while staring at me–
'Twack!
My face dropped to the floor. A heavy hand on my nape, forcing me to look down. I can taste blood on my tongue. Strong arms dragged me by the collar, but this time I didn't even dare to fight back.
"The audacity to talk like the CEO! Won't get you anywhere!" one of the men spouted.
My body went limp as I dropped on the ground. The coat that I bought with have of my week's salary just swept against every dirt and residue on the cold floor as Cole's figure slowly grew distant from me.
He pulled and adjusted his collar as the door slammed shut in front of me. Footsteps were heard and getting closer.
"What the…he's the applicant from before, right?"
"Why is he getting dragged by guards?"
"He probably did something…"
Murmurs from people gathered around as the muscular men dragged me down to the lobby's floor. The glass door shuts behind me.
I found myself sitting on concrete instead of a shiny, polished floor.
What the heck did I just say?
^-^
Third Person's POV
It's been an hour and Cole hasn't moved an inch in his wooden chair.
"Didn't you say old master is going to die soon?" A man with a brushed mustache spoke across the long table. Glasses of champaigne clanked, echoing across the spacious mannor of the Williams Family.
"Oh, I am well and healthy. You don't have to worry about inheriting the company too early." An old man in a wheel chair smirked. "Don't be delusional, Erik, my son." Chuckles were heard as he replied with utter sarcasm. "Well, the land disputes have been pretty well, father."
The gems hanging on the chandelier glowed from the candles in each corner of the room. It was a spacious dining room with an elegant demeanor: carved wooden arches, portraits of fruits on the wall, especially the meal served in front—filet mignon and rib-eye steak served with dressings on the silver platter.
"Grandson, how's our company doing? My great successful boy!" The old man drived his wheel chair near to Cole and wrapped his arms, hugging tightly.
Cole replied shortly with a polite smile but didn't dare to hug back, "Business is great."
His grandpa pulled away slightly from the hug and looked at his face, "What makes it great? I wanna hear more." The old man said with a smile.
"There are new investors this month, Mr. Williams." Cole uttered politely and his grandpa pulled him closer again.
"Don't fail me." He said with weight and patted his shoulder.
The old man gave him a smile and drove his chair to the end of the long table. Suddenly, Cole felt every eye in the room was looking at him.
His gaze slowly lowered to the filet mignon served on his plate, inhaling slowly. Cole reached to the thin champagne glass beside him and took a sip.
Cole's face almost contorted to the taste, "I thought it was water." He let out a breath.
"You're already twenty-five and you're still flinching on alcohol?" Erik chuckled, covering a handkerchief on his lips.
Cole avoided their gaze and stared at his plate. "I don't even like champagne." he murmured.
"Oh don't be such a baby, son." His grandpa said with a smile and Cole stared at the slightly crisped meat on his plate.
It looks appetizing but somehow, it wasn't for him.
"Is the food not to your liking?" A woman beside him, with slight wrinkles on her face asked, her pearl earring catching the reflection of the candle on the long table.
"It's good, mother." Cole replied thriftly, grabbing the fork to pierce the tender meat on his plate and bringing it to his mouth.
"Oh, don't be so formal now. You're outside the company, son!" A man with a bald head exclaimed. "Also, tell us. How is the…"
"The investments?" Cole predicted.
"No the…what do you call this.."
"Ah! I know it's about the mall Cole owns, right?" Erik joined suddenly, all eyes went to him.
"Am I speaking to you, brother?" Cole's dad said with brows furrowed, "…is it called..arranged harmony?"
Cole's mom placed a hand on the bald man's arm, "Arranged matrimony." She corrected gently.
"Whatever. It's basically the same." He flicked away her hand, making her frown. "Ahem…so, how is the blind date with the Sierra Corp?" His dad placed both hands on the table, clearly invested.
Cole's fingers twitched on the cold fork. "What do you mean?"
Suddenly, the room fell silent.
"Well…you're not getting younger, son." His dad exclaimed and Cole gulped. "Your father is right. Especially for the company's health to continue you need to produce an–"
"Would you look at that, forcing your son to be married to someone he doesn't even know of."
"Quit disturbing the conversation, Erik! You just wanted to have the company to be yours because your company went bankrupt. Don't forget that you failed to be a good son!" Cole's dad panted heavily, fists clenched around the wooden chair.
The air went silent, heated what more. The spacious dining seemed to thicken as quietness engulfed the conversation.
"Alright." Erik smiled politely, raising the champagne glass. "Cheers to the new heir?" He said nonchalantly and sipped it in one go.
Cole's mom whispered near Cole's neck, "Son, I hope you become nothing like this man." Cole barely moved a muscle, staring at each member across the table, then stopping at Erik.
The old man sighed, "So, Cole. Have you met Clara? Her grandfather is my dear friend. Makes it easier to partner with their vessel business." Cole's brows twitch and turned to his grandpa.
"Yes, she's an acquaintance." he replied and the old man smiled victoriously.
"Good. I'll arrange ten dates for you both in the following weeks."
Cole stared at the filet on his silver plate, barely touched. His breath faltered slightly as his grip tightened on the fork.
^-^
'Click
'Thump
'Tap
Jason's hand never stopped clicking on the pen nervously. Many papers were stacked on Cole's glass table. He leaned on his desk and grabbed a folder, eyes raking over a proposal request of the Sierra group of companies.
Cole's brows slightly arched at Jason, "Stop that or you'll get fired for being too noisy, Jay."
"M-my name is Jason, Sir…" He gulped, looking down at the marble floor and avoiding the gazes from the men beside Cole's table. "Oh and yes…my apologies," Jason quickly kept the pen in his pocket and the room went silent except from the rustling papers on Cole's table.
KRAKOOOM!
The men quickly checked the window and the others checked every corner of the office. "Sir Williams, it's raining outside." One of them announced but Cole didn't move an inch, eyes still scanning the document in his hand.
"Uh….Sir Williams, the weather forecast says there's an incoming typhoon today and…for the following weeks." Jason said with hesitance, glancing up as he held on the folders of schedules handed to him as an intern secretary. "B-but it's alright if you wanted to…continue…"
Cole looked up and raised a hand, "Alright, dismissed." He closed the folder on his hand and placed it inside the drawer of his desk.
"T-thank you, Sir!" Jason ran out of the office as quickly as he can, closing the door carefully to not make a sound. Cole raised his wrist to check his watch as rain drops heavily outside the office.
4:00 pm. Still early.
He stood up from his desk and grabbed his leather coat, walking around the table. The men around him followed and the others went outside to prepare the car.
'Tud
Cole stopped when his feet touched a slightly hard object. He looked down and saw a small canvas still wrapped in a plastic wrapper and a price tag. "What's this?"
"It's a canvas, Sir." One of the men spoke.
"Obviously. I mean, who left it?" Cole lowered to his feet and grabbed the canvas, looking at it carefully. "The applicant with a shabby suit."
Cole raised an eyebrow and the guard spoke again, "Ah, I meant…the applicant named Jay. The one without a resume." He raised the canvas and inspected each side. There were two holes at the back of its plastic cover and that made Cole smirk.
"Ah." Cole nodded slightly and continued walking out the office, the canvas still in his hand.
Escort.