6: Meet Mark

VI

PAST.

I stared at him again, he is so handsome.

"Stop drooling over that bastard" Paul said nonchalantly as he took a bite out of his sandwich, we were back at the cafeteria as everyone got quiet as the majestic creature walked in with his devilish crew. 

I wiped at the corner of my mouth while Paul shook his head, I always wondered why he hated Jude so much and whenever I asked, he brushes me off saying I was only blinded by love that's why I can't see what is right before me.

"Let's go love struck blind sister of mine, I always thought you are the oldest of the two of us but I guess not" he said dragging me out of the cafeteria when the popular group were seated at their usual table. I ignored him as I watched Jude before the door closed our eyes met.

PRESENT.

I can't believe I let my brother persuade me to work here, as an assistant and work from home as a writer. What kind of life did I agree to when I accepted my brother's make-over?

Oh no this Laozi is done for.

"Just walk into the building sis, I know I told my editor friend about you writing doesn't mean you would seat at home and not fulfill my plan, eh I meant our plan" Paul said as he pulled me out of his car and when I stood in front of him, he straightens my clothes as he pecked my cheeks saying I looked handsome and sharp before he left.

Betrayed! I suddenly realized ink is thicker than blood. My shoulder slumped a little.

Guess what is wrong with my dressing today.

Yes, I crossed dressed again, I don't know why I listen to my brother about this.

I walked into the building with false confidence and my head held high.

"Mr. Mark?!" I heard my fake name being called, why did my annoying brother pick this as my name again. Does he have a crazy obsession with a Mark out there or he is just having fun?

I looked at who had called my name and it was the receptionist, who was in her late forties, married with two kids and a grandchild. I knew all this because I usually visit my husband before the whole framing stuff happened, she was always so nice and motherly towards me.

I can't believe she still works here.

I walked slowly towards her as she smiled brightly at me, well I should expect that because she was always going to brighten a room. 

"Good day ma'am" I signed knowing she probably doesn't understand me, but I was shocked when she replied Signing to me in return. 

Oh, wow things have really changed this past five years, what did I miss exactly.

"Good day dear, your appointment has been shifted to an hour and a half from now" she signed.

I released the breath I didn’t know I was holding and gave a little nod in response. Well, I didn't expect that she would be able to sign back. Looking at my shocked face she said.

"My name is Mina Kai and I am the receptionist of this dumb place and don't worry I learnt signing because of my grandchild is mute and it seemed to have come in handy" she signed with a gentle smile and I nodded.

I didn't know her grandchild was mute.

Looking at her made me confused because she looked angry, frustrated and miserable. What was going on, I needed to know. Seeing my confusion, she looked around seeing that it was somewhat empty she motioned me closer as she signed.

"Be careful when in this company because many things are happening like a lot of things are happening since the CEO's innocent wife was arrested for a crime, we all knew she didn't commit" she signed while looking really angry. I looked at her shocked as she nodded, well at least someone still believed me 

Then she added "but everyone else decided to be blind to see how my little Purity was innocent" 

"Well hello wrinkle old lady that gossips more than she works " a high-pitched voice said shocking me as Mina just rolled her eyes at the person, I turned slowly to see a black-haired woman with an hourglass figure, wearing a stiletto as high as the table before me and she was beautiful. Ok so I exaggerated a little but it's high and pointy.

I mean seriously if you wanted to commit murder you just need use its pointy side and viola the victim bleeds to death.

"What do you want thirsty bitch" Mina said as the so-called thirsty bitch screeched in anger before walking towards elevator. I Watched the elevator finally close. 

What just happened? 

"That was Rosa, the boss secretary who keeps trying to seduce the boss even if he is married, do everything in your power to avoid her" she warned, I nodded before finally noticing my feet are starting to hurt. Just then the phone beside her rang.

"Ok sir, yes sir, I will send him up now sir" as she dropped her phone she smiled genuinely at me

"10th floor the last door down the hallway and good luck dear" she signed as I nodded and followed her instructions.

Well, what a nice meeting, I put on my game face as I adjusted my suit jacket and my hair Paul had cut short in the elevator good thing, I was Riding it alone.

 Soon enough I was in front of the office which I was happy for because I can't take the weird looks from anymore passerby, yes, I know I am new but seriously.

Can't they just look once then ignore why stare like I stole something from you.

The secretary desk was empty so I didn't know whether to knock or not, but let's just say think of the devil and she appeared. She came out of the CEO's office with her hair a little scattered and her lipstick almost everywhere as if she has been kissing someone and she was adjusting her skirt. 

I almost felt hurt till I remembered my ex-husband called the receptionist about five minutes ago, so what Mina said about her is true.

"Oh hello, are you Mark?" she said. I nodded as she faked a smile. 

"He will see you now" she spoke again. I nodded ignoring her glare as I knocked on the door. I heard a faint 'come in' from the other side as I proceeded to open the door.

His office still looked the same with our babies’ picture hanging on the wall, the only difference now is I was no longer in the picture and that hurts me badly. 

I guess he still hated me so much.

"Mr. Mark have your seat" his cold voice said sending chills down my back as I finally sat down, he was still looking at his computer screen as I sat there awkwardly. He suddenly stopped and raised his head to look at me before picking the file I suspected was mine and he opened it.

"It says here that you are twenty-seven, mute and have been working for the Bouchées cooperation for four years as an assistant and they recommended you saying you were the best in doing your job and you were a senior assistant" he said as I nodded. 

Of course, my brother would make dad do this. Yes, I was trained by my dad on being an assistant when I was an intern in his father's company and yes, my brother used dad's company name.

"I have a quick question as to why you left such a good company and to come here?" He asked as I began to sign.

"My name is Mark Pedy, yes I am 27 years of age. I left the company not because of anything bad but because I needed to gain more experience and your company is also good so it's a win-win situation"

Thank God I didn’t speak or else I wasn’t sure I won’t have stuttered and not look at him in the eyes.

"So, I am putting you on probation for a week and if I am impressed by your work then you are hired" he said still looking through my file. 

Well, that was easier than I thought.