4 DIFFERENCES ASIDE

I knock, not caring about the consequences.

"Come in."

A calm, deep voice resonates from inside. I open the door without hesitation and step in.

"You!? Just get out. Your stupid face is the last thing I want to see right now," he snaps, his voice laced with annoyance and anger.

"Is that so? Well, you shouldn't have hired me if you didn't want to see my face around here," I reply confidently, though inside, I'm dying.

"Don't be so smug. You have no idea what's waiting for you. You don't seriously think I hired you for good reasons, do you?" he says, narrowing his eyes at me.

"Of course not. I'm not stupid. Now, that aside, I really need your help. Everyone downstairs is too busy, and this is urgent. You can't say no, considering it's your fault I had to start working immediately I passed my interview."

"You didn't pass anything. Are you forgetting that you weren't even interviewed? And don't talk to me like I'm your peer. Get out of my office! I'm busier than anyone else in this company. Besides, I don't know anything about the work your department does."

"Oh, c'mon. Look, I need to transfer these documents to various departments. I don't have the details, nor do I know where they're located. Can we please set aside our differences for a moment and help each other out? Just this once?"

He glares at me, his face still full of irritation. I can feel the heat of his anger, but I don't care.

"Give me your email. I'll send you the links to the departments," he finally mutters.

"I can't do this alone. Besides, searching, saving, and connecting all this information on my computer will take forever. Why don't we use your laptop? You probably already have everything saved—"

"Stop! You're giving me a headache. You sound like a damn peacock. I'm not doing anything with you. If you don't want the links, get out!"

"Seriously dude? Peacock? I'm not even shouting. How am I making noise—"

"I'm sorry, what did you just call me?" he asks, his voice dripping with warning.

Oh, no. My stupid mouth! How could you betray me like this?

"I'm so sorry, sir! I didn't mean to call you that. Please forgive me," I say, my face full of fake guilt.

He says nothing, just glares at me with an expression that screams done. With an annoyed sigh, he grabs his laptop, unlocks it, finds the department details, and hands it over. I decide to stay quiet—one more word, and I might not survive the day.

I walk toward the couch on his left, but just as I'm about to sit—

"Don't you dare put your frame on that couch!" he barks, not even looking up.

How am I supposed to work with a laptop in my hands while standing? Frustrated, I move to sit on the floor.

"Not there either!"

"But it's a bare floor!"

"Don't talk back at me!"

Freaking control freak! I curse silently.

"Then… is it okay if I take your laptop? I promise to return it as soon as I'm done—ten minutes, tops."

He doesn't respond, which I take as a yes. I grab the laptop and leave.

Back at my desk, I quickly log in, organize the documents, and send everything to the relevant departments.

As I work, I notice that people are starting to relax—most of them seem to be finishing their tasks.

Some glance at me in surprise, clearly noticing me for the first time, even the guy who ignored me. They start asking endless questions, calling me "adorable newbie." Ugh. It sucks.

I decide to return the laptop, but before I can, the same lady approaches me again. I'm already starting to dislike her.

"Julian, right?" she asks with a smile that feels fake.

"Yes."

"I'm Lily Henderson, head of your department. Welcome to the company, and more specifically, to the team. You've done a great job so far, but there's still more to do. Since you and Paige are handling most of the information, you'll be meeting the clients at Greystar Hotel. Show them everything, ensure they're happy with the plans, and then head to the venue to oversee arrangements according to the list. Don't worry about transportation; a chauffeur will take you everywhere. The clients are probably waiting, so get going!"

What? Is this how the rest of my working life is going to be? I haven't even eaten anything today—aside from that juice that nearly broke my nose!

○●

"Rough first day, huh?" Paige says beside me in the car, her tone sympathetic. "Don't worry—it's not always like this. We just messed up a lot today, so things are more rushed than usual. Oh, and… I'm sorry I yelled at you earlier."

"No problem. I get it. At least you helped me get started," I reply, smiling back.

As we head to the hotel, Paige tells me all about the company—how she got hired, the office dynamics, and, of course, the CEO.

According to her, he's a hot, rich, strict, and cold guy that every woman in the company is obsessed with. Including her.

I don't understand girls sometimes__

If I were a girl, I'd go for someone funny and playful. Why waste time on a stuffy, overbearing person like him? I don't get it.

Apparently, no one's ever seen him with a girlfriend or even a close friend.

••••

Before I know it, we're done meeting the couple, confirming the plans. Thankfully, everything is to their liking.

Next, we head to the venue—a stunning beach—to explain the arrangements to the team responsible for setting up.

By the time we're done, the sun is setting. I'm beyond exhausted. I'll have to be back here early tomorrow to oversee everything, and I don't think I've ever been this tired—or hungry—in my entire life.

On the drive back to the office, I finally check my phone. I haven't touched it since leaving the hospital this morning.

Twenty-one missed calls.

I dial the first number on the log.

"Dad?"

"Where the heck are you? Why haven't you been answering your phone? Do you have any idea how worried everyone is? You can't do anything right! You're always causing trouble. We went to the hospital, and they said you'd left. Where are you now? Send me your location—I'm coming to get you."

Before I can respond, he hangs up. I sigh and send him the address.

When we arrive at the office, I see my parents and sister waiting for me. Ignoring them, I head inside to grab my things.

The CEO already left , so I'll just take his laptop with me.

I'll have to face him tomorrow, and I'm sure he'll murder me for taking it.

As I walk out, I receive an email: Be at the beach by 6 a.m.

I toss my phone into my bag. I don't want to see another email, call, or message tonight.

Outside__Mom, Dad, and Cara hug me, congratulating me on finally landing a job. I don't have the energy to respond.

All I want is food and sleep.

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