6. Time to leave this place

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Amber's P.O.V.:

"Amber, take this file and prepare a list of our clients who have sent complaints regarding our products. I need to prepare the final report to present in the meeting this Friday," Lucas instructed as he handed me a blue file.

"Of course, Lucas," I replied and began working on the file. All the departments in the company were working diligently to prepare their performance reports for the upcoming monthly meeting scheduled for Friday. Lucas had emphasized the CEO's strict nature and aversion to errors.

After about half an hour, I returned to Lucas's office, where he was engrossed in his laptop.

"Lucas, here's the list you requested," I informed him, handing over the document.

"Thank you, Amber," he replied without diverting his attention from his laptop screen. His professionalism was evident in his dedication to his work, which had led to his promotion to department head at a young age.

I had wanted to inquire about the name of our CEO, but since he appeared to be occupied, I decided not to interrupt him and exited his office.

It was already our lunch break, so Adelaide and I decided to head to the cafeteria for lunch.While we were enjoying our meal, I received a call from Lucas, requesting my immediate assistance. I hastily finished my lunch and proceeded to his office.

"Lucas, did you need something?" I inquired upon entering his office.

"Yes, Amber, I'm swamped with work right now. Please take this file to our CEO. He's requested it urgently," he explained, handing me a green file.

"Me? I mean, how can I deliver this file to the CEO? Didn't you mention that he doesn't meet with employees except during the monthly meeting?" I asked, puzzled.

"Yes, but it's really urgent, and he asked me to take the file to him. Since I am really caught up right now, we can make an exception. Now go before he gives me a second call. And his second call means 'you've been fired,'" Lucas explained, rolling his eyes.

I chuckled and accepted the file from him.

"Oh, by the way, take the private elevator. His office is on the 39th floor," Lucas added.I nodded and headed toward the private elevator. As Lucas had mentioned, this elevator was reserved for the CEO and select employees authorized to visit this floor. I pressed the button for the 39th floor and waited as the elevator ascended.

When I arrived on the 39th floor, I stepped out and immediately noticed the stark difference in decor compared to the lower floors. This floor had an elegant and sleek design, with predominantly black, white, and gray tones.

Approaching the receptionist, who appeared to be the only person on this floor, I introduced myself briefly.

"Good afternoon, I'm Amber Milburn from the PR department. I am Mr. Lucas Anderson's assistant," I said.

The receptionist greeted me politely and inquired, "How may I help you?"

"Mr. Anderson sent these files for Mr. ..." Wait, what was our CEO's name?

The receptionist looked at me, puzzled, and then offered a suggestion, "For Mr. Collins?"

How could I forget his first name but remember his surname? I inwardly chastised myself for the lapse and managed an awkward smile.

"Yes, for Mr. Collins," I replied.

"Okay, give the file to me. I will pass it on to him. He's currently out on urgent business, but I'll make sure he receives it upon his return," he assured me.

"Great, thank you," I said, handing over the file.

Just as I was about to leave, I realized that I didn't even know our CEO's full name. I turned back to the receptionist and asked, "By the way, I'm new here, and I have no idea about our CEO. Could you tell me his full name?"

"Of course. His name is..." Just as the receptionist began to reply, the elevator doors opened, and we both turned to see a man stepping out.

"Chris?" I involuntarily uttered his name.

My heart raced as I saw him striding toward me, his eyes locked onto mine. Those eyes—how could I forget them? They had haunted me for the past three years. I couldn't control my breath, and my skin prickled with goosebumps as he approached. As he drew nearer, my heart pounded faster, and I placed my hand on my chest to try to calm it, but it was futile. The closer he came, the more my heart raced.

Finally, after three long years, we were face to face.

I thought he would stop when he reached me, but to my surprise, he walked right past me, completely ignoring my presence.

Huh? was he really here, or was I hallucinating?

I glanced back to find that he had disappeared.

Turning to the receptionist, I asked in disbelief, "Did I imagine that, or did someone just walk right past me a moment ago?"

"Who? Mr. Chris Collins?" The receptionist confirmed his name, and my heart skipped a beat.Chris Collins.

"Why is he here?" I blurted out, dumbfounded.

"Why wouldn't he be here? He's the CEO of this company. Who else would you expect to be here if not him?" the receptionist replied, amused.

CEO.

Chris is the CEO of this company?

****

"Why didn't you tell me that Laitier Corp. is Chris' company?" I asked, my voice laced with frustration, as I spoke to Elsa over the phone.

"I thought you already knew. Remember that day when I asked you if you know who's the CEO of this company you're joining and you said you knew? So I didn't mention his name since you seemed to know," she replied, sounding a bit defensive.

"Yes, I said that. But I thought that Mr. Smith was the CEO. I had no idea that the CEO was Chris," I explained, my frustration building.

I had previously confided in Elsa about everything that happened between Chris and me, including my inability to forget him. She had promised to keep it a secret.

"Relax, Amber! Calm down. He is just the CEO of your company. He's not a monster. He won't eat you," Elsa reasoned.

"You don't understand, Elsa. After finding out that he's the CEO of this company, I don't think I can work here anymore," I admitted, my anxiety apparent.

"Are you out of your mind, Amber? Do you realize how big Laitier Corp. is? Getting an internship there is a golden opportunity. Don't be stupid and don't even think of quitting this job, or I will fly there and kill you," she warned, her tone stern.

I chuckled at her threat. "But it will be really awkward working in this company," I protested.

"Dude, he will never come to your floor, you won't ever go to his floor, and, according to you, he rarely meets any of his lower-level employees. So why would you feel uncomfortable? It's like living on two separate planets in the same galaxy. I don't know if I made sense there or not, but I hope I did," she rambled.

"Finally, after such a long time, you've made some sense, Elsa. Thanks a lot!" I said, smiling.

"You're always welcome, darling! By the way, did your heart skip a beat when you saw him for the first time after such a long time?" she teased.

"Shut up, Elsa," I replied, rolling my eyes.

She laughed. "Okay, bye, now I've got to go. My dad is making me work like an ox. If you love me, please inform the child labor department about this," she joked dramatically."Shut up, Elsa, and bye!" I said, shaking my head with a smile.

We ended the call, and I contemplated Elsa's words. Perhaps she was right. I shouldn't worry too much. Our paths wouldn't cross often, if at all. And on the rare occasions when they did, I would act as if I didn't know him. After all, he did the same thing when we crossed paths earlier. It was evident he didn't want anyone to know about our college connection. I should play along. It's just for three months, and I can handle it. Yes, Amber, you can do this!

****

"Amber, did you get to see our CEO?" Adelaide asked, her voice filled with excitement.

"Yeah, I saw him today. His name is Chris Collins," I replied, trying my best to sound casual.

"Is he handsome? Lucas said he's really hot. Is he? Tell me already; I'm really excited to know how he looks," Adelaide gushed, practically shaking both my hands in anticipation.

"I didn't get much time with him, so I couldn't really get a good look at his face. But, yeah, he's good-looking," I said, trying to hide my true feelings. After all, it was common knowledge that the CEO was attractive.

"Is he? Oh my god... I envy you," Adelaide whined.

"Why?" I asked, genuinely puzzled.

"Because you got to meet him today, and you'll get to meet him this Friday in the meeting as well," she explained.

How did I forget about that? I will have to attend the meeting with Lucas as his assistant this Friday.

"Uh...about that. I think Lucas won't need me in the meeting and if he needs an assistant that day then you can go in my place if you want to." I said, shrugging my shoulder.

"Are you kidding me? You'll let me go in your place? You're the best, Amber." she squealed in excitement.

"okay. Now I got to go and bring the photocopies of this file. I will talk to you later." I said as I walked towards the photocopy machine which was on the 29th floor.

I started towards the elevator to go to the 29th floor.

I was lost in my thoughts, reminiscing about that night three years ago when I confessed my feelings to him. I had believed I had moved on, but one glimpse of him had stirred up all those old memories and emotions.

As I walked towards the elevator, still lost in my thoughts, I pushed the button and waited for the doors to open. Suddenly, as the elevator doors parted, I collided with something—or rather, someone. I looked up, and there he was, those intense blue eyes staring right into mine.

Chris? Why? I mean how?

I looked around and found myself inside the private elevator.

Shit! How can I be so much engrossed in my thoughts that I didn't even realize that I had entered the private elevator?

In my panic, I didn't want to get into any trouble, so without wasting any more time, I swiftly turned around, attempting to exit the elevator. But before I could make my escape, two strong arms wrapped around my waist, pulling me back into the confined space. I was pressed firmly against his unyielding chest, his grip around my waist vice-like.

With his free hand, he pressed some random buttons inside the elevator, causing the doors to close. Strangely, though, the elevator didn't move even after the doors sealed shut. I struggled to break free from his hold, but he only tightened his grip further, making escape seem impossible.

"Chris, what are you doing? And why isn't the elevator moving?" I asked, frantically.

He kept quiet.

"Chris...leave me, please. " I said in almost a begging tone.

He didn't speak anything but I could feel his breath on the back of my neck. He brought his face closer. His breathe was fanning my neck.

He nuzzled his head into the crook of my neck, his lips grazing my skin with a gentle, lingering kiss. My knees felt like jelly, and despite my attempts to resist, I couldn't help but instinctively tilt my head to give him better access, my body betraying my intentions.

Amber, what are you doing? Get away from him. Now!

I snapped back to reality, mustering all the strength I had left, and attempted to elbow him in the stomach. However, it was like trying to hit a brick wall; his solid physique didn't yield, and he continued to place those teasing, wet kisses along my neck, undeterred by my efforts.

"Chris, don't do this. Please, let me go." I whispered as I tried to restrain from moaning.

His kisses persisted, and as if to intensify the sensation, his hands began caressing my belly, creating gentle circles with his fingers.

Amber, stop him or he will do something for which you won't be able to forgive him ever.

I stomped on his foot with all the force I could muster. Finally, his grip on my waist loosened, and I seized the opportunity to break free. I sprinted toward the elevator's control panel and started pushing the buttons at random, desperately trying to get the doors to open.

"Why isn't the doors opening?" I asked as I round to face him who was looking at me furiously. If looks could kill, I would have been dead by now.

He came towards me and clutched at my upper arms tightly.

"Leave me, Chris. What are you doing? It's hurting." I asked, trying to free myself from him.

"What the hell are you doing in my company?" he asked in his dangerously deep husky voice. His eyes were red by now and looked really furiously.

He's a bipolar. Just a moment ago he was kissing me on my neck and now he clutched my arms so hard that it's hurting me to death.

"I work at your company, Chris. I am an intern here." I told him.

"Who the hell recruited you in my company?" he asked, with the same anger in his voice.

"I...I was referred by the placement committee of...of our university." I stuttered. His closeness was making me extremely nervous.

"I f#cking don't care who referred you to my company..."

" I.WANT.YOU.OUT.OF.MY.COMPANY! You are fired!" he said the stressing on each and every words.

"DO YOU UNDERSTAND?" he shouted.

"Y...yes!" I said almost immediately.

"Good!" he said as he punched god knows which button and suddenly the doors of the elevator opened. He then pushed me back slightly.

"Get out. NOW!" he shouted and without wasting another minute, I ran out of the elevator.

I was running without seeing anywhere thinking about whatever happened and whatever he said in the elevator when suddenly I bumped into somebody due to which I couldn't balance myself and I fell on the ground.

"Are you alright, my child?" I looked up to see an old lady along with a lady of around 45-50 standing and looking at me with concern. I wiped the tears which I didn't realize were falling down my cheeks.

They gave their hands and I accepted them gladly and stood up.

"I am so sorry, I wasn't looking where I was going and bumped into you both. I am really sorry." I apologized sincerely.

The older lady looked and smiled at me. She came forward and wiped my tears with her thumbs.

"Don't be sorry, my child. It's not your fault. You must be going through some inner turmoil which made you cry and run. I can understand." she said, politely as she smiled at me warmly.

"Yes. Mom is absolutely right. It's not your fault, honey. Instead, we should be sorry for making you fall." the other lady spoke.

They both were dressed elegantly in really expensive looking clothes. They seemed to be some influential people.

"No, please don't say that. I am really sorry. i should have been more careful. " I said immediately.

"It's okay. Let us not play the game of sorries." the older lady joked and we all ended up laughing.

"By the way, who are you? Do you work in this company?" the other lady asked.

"Actually,...I was working in this company. But I am no longer an employee here. Our CEO just fired me." I said, sadly.

"I must go and pack my things. It was nice meeting you too." I said, politely.

They looked at each other for a while and then at me. They then smiled at me warmly. I smiled back and walked from there.

I didn't think Chris would be so cruel to me. Is this because I confessed to him three years ago?

I went to my cubicle to collect all my stuffs. Time to leave this place.


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