HR's Office.

Clarissa made her face as stern as she could, not giving Desdra the honor of seeing her worried. She really got the job offer so why was she afraid someone would walk in and tell her it had just been one big mistake!

"That's impossible." Desdra insisted. "I mean, I don't even think we're hiring any cleaners at the moment." The two other ladies behind her smiled, one hairstyled on a short Bob hair with the other on a dyed orange hair. 

For a while, Clarissa was busy wondering why the company would accept flashing orange hair color...

"...and it's not even possible. In fact," Desdra was still saying."I should hurry up and call the guards now to chase you out of here." She was still so taken aback that Clarissa would be there at Smithons dressed in such a lovely manner! If truly she had left her brother, how was she still looking so well fed and clean like that?

"Good morning, ladies." Said a voice from behind as he approached them. A cheering grin was bright on his face while he tried to take in the scenery. 

It took a lot for Clarissa not to run out of there from fear. The crowd was already making themselves comfortable! 'Keep calm, Rissa.' 

"What's going on?" Asked the guy in their midst coolly. Desdra rolled her eyes.

"Stay out of this, pretty boy." She said at once.

That was when Clarissa turned to take a glimpse of the face...he was indeed a pretty boy--more like handsome guy. His brown hair was neatly styled now with thick brows slightly arched. There seemed to be an aura of confidence surrounding him and Clarissa couldn't help but admire the way his deep blue suits hugged his body firmly. 

But she recognized him instantly and gasped. "Oh, you..."

He seemed to have recognized her as well because his cute smile had disappeared by now. "Well would you look at that?" 

"By the way, I am still so damn certain that this woman's presence is simply a mistake. What are you doing, Maria?" Desdra said to the flashy haired lady beside her. "Get the security!"

"You just won't stop now, Desdra, will you? I guess you're not as well learned as I'd thought you were?" The other lady's face tightened hard. "You should know that I wouldn't be here unless I have gotten some form of letter of employment." Clarissa stated. "So...why call the security if I have proof?"

Desdra gritted her teeth. "Still, I am certain that there's been some goddamn mistake here." She insisted. With her scorching warning to the assistant hiring manager, she had made herself clear not to hire Clarissa. Otherwise there shouldn't be any reason for her being here now!

The handsome dude leaned back, hands in his pockets and sighed. Clarissa was just realizing how tall he was. She nearly slapped herself for glaring foolishly at a man instead of focusing on her situation.

"Then, Linda?" He said, regarding the receptionist, "have you confirmed already? If she's a new staff, she would be asked to visit the HR department." 

The lady blinked. "Oh, of course. Let me just call and..." She worked her magic and was on a call soon. Nodding to herself a few times, she hung up. "Clarissa Hart, right?"

This brought a nod from Clarissa. 

"You're needed upstairs at the HR's office. Sorry for the delay." Linda said with a smile. 

"Why'd ya have to keep us waiting? Didn't you see a World War was about to happen just now?" The guy rolled his eyes. Clarissa pictured he would just be around the same age as her, yet she couldn't help but feel jealous at how brave and confident he acted. When would she ever be able to act strong and tall for herself? Especially standing up to Desdra.

"I'm sorry. I shouldn't say this but I just thought a fight was about to happen and I um, got carried away." Linda said, actually giggling like anything was funny!

"Wow. Daughter of Ares, take it easy there. Showing your weirdness to the new staff already?" The tall guy turned to face Clarissa. By this time, Desdra was muttering something to herself angrily as she stormed off, her minions following behind. "You want me to take you to the HR's office or you're good?"

Clarissa frowned. Was he still angry at her? Maybe she needed to apologize already. But still, did she do anything wrong to that extent?.

A slender man strode in, boasting of shoulders and abs he didn't have. He looked maybe fifty with the slight loss of muscle tone and thinning skin around his face. 

"Fear not, beautiful. For I am here to guide you. Let me take you to the HR's office. Come on," he said in a rich strong tone sounding almost commanding and Clarissa glared awkwardly for a while. 

*

*

The elevator door opened into a wide space with brilliant decorations, having people pacing around as the busy morning started. 

"So why did you agree to come with me?" The young man asked, head facing forward as he moved majestically.

Clarissa almost smiled even. The way he carried himself, one would think he was a King. Of many other kings!

"Well, you asked first. Didn't you?" Clarissa replied. 

He stopped, then turned to face her. His eyes were glistening, and they appeared clear and bold, reflecting light. They were beautiful too.

"What's the name?" He asked all of a sudden.

Clarissa looked away. Already, she wanted to dispose of this guy. She didn't need any distraction in her life right now. Just apologize, and leave. 

"Clarissa Hart? I'm pretty sure you must have heard from the receptionist lady?"

"I'm sure I didn't." He mumbled. 

"And you?" She said as she went on.

"Liam." He replied simply. Clarissa wondered why he was not acting goofy with her like he had done the first time they'd met.

"Like Liam Hemsworth?" She chuckled. Silence  followed. "What? You dunno who the guy is?"

"I think I have better things to do with my life than wondering who Liam Hensword is."

Clarissa grunted. "I am sorry." She gave up. "I was mean, but I usually am not. So I'm sorry, for the other day. Hmm?"

For someone who had been especially grumpy to her, his eyes beamed as a smile lit up his face. "Apologies accepted. Now go on, and um, welcome to Smithons." With a chuckle, he winked at her before turning to leave.

Clarissa had to pause to realize she was already standing by a big glass door leading to a wide office. Human resources office. 

Taking one last look at Liam, she smiled halfly to herself. Hopefully, she would never have to see that playboy in a long time.