Almost a smile

***

Bernadette (POV)

I stepped down from the cab I had boarded to my destination. I was sure this was the place Lys had directed me to. The signboard looked ancient, like it had stood there for decades. On it was inscribed: Dion Biotics, 24 Newton Boasting Road, off the highway — Dion Estate. A place of transformation, where lives are changed and where young minds are trained to transform.

Yeah... I wasn't buying what the signboard said, but I was definitely buying the massive building standing before me. The gates were huge, and the entire structure reminded me of the college where I completed my studies. That resemblance made me smile as I moved closer to the gate.

Before I could raise my hand to knock, the door opened — some new tech, I guessed. I walked in slowly, pacing myself as I scanned the vast compound. It was already enough that the whole estate was owned by this one company or whatever Dion Biotics was. I still didn't get the whole Dion hype.

From where I stood, I could glimpse inside one of the rooms. About three people, unidentifiable by gender, wore white coats, gloves, masks, and head coverings. I smiled again, knowing I was just steps away from living my dream. Sure, I had interviews ahead, but I had no doubt I would land the job. I could even be promoted on the spot. Why not? My latest discovery had turned around a whole company like Jay Chemicals. If the Dion Biotics people found out, it'd be a straight start.

I was still daydreaming about my big future when I saw him — the mafia don-looking guy. He was approaching but hadn't noticed me yet, being engrossed in a phone call.

 "I want all ten of them fired," he barked into the phone.

His voice made me shiver for a second, but I shrugged it off. Then I took in his appearance — Greek god level. I almost lost my balance when I saw his halfway-buttoned shirt revealing a bit of a muscular chest. His arms? Defined even under a long-sleeved shirt. Then his height, model-like. I'd seen tons of male models, but this guy's vibe? Unmatched. His sharp jawline, perfect nose, and those eyes...

"Hey..."

"I'm so sorry, sir. I wasn't paying attention," I stammered, staring into his eyes. They looked oddly familiar, like I'd seen them even before we first met.

 "You again?" He took two steps back.

"And this time you bump into me without even apologizing. Not an ounce of manners at all." He scanned me from head to toe with those maddeningly attractive eyes.

 "I'm... I'm sorry," I murmured, my head lowered.

 "Keep your apologies to yourself. You're not even worthy of my attention, let alone an apology."

What the heck?! I swallowed hard. I wanted to punch him. His face looked like two bags of bananas asking to be punched.

Not now, Bernie. There's a time for everything. I calmed myself, though I was boiling inside. He watched me like I was some kind of freak. Then his phone buzzed again while he continued glaring.

 "You're lucky. But you won't be next time," he hissed before walking off.

I let out a breath of relief. I could handle many kinds of people, but the rude and proud? They made something in me cook.

I walked into the building, asked around, got a few directions, took the lift to the secretary's office as instructed, and before long, I was seated in the waiting area.

Soon enough, a pleasant young lady attended to me, asking a few questions about my arrival—not yet interview questions though.

 "Thank you, ma'am. I'll get back to you shortly," she said as I handed her my file.

Shortly after, she returned, smiling wide, and handed my file back.

"We're really impressed with—"

And that was when Mr. Rude entered — just the wrong time, as if my day couldn't get any worse.

 "Good day, sir," the lady turned to him.

***

Lucien (POV)

"Good day, sir," the beautiful lady standing in front of me grinned. "The name is Stacey."

It was weird enough that she stood her ground, staring straight into my eyes and even stretching out her hand for a shake.

I immediately guessed she was new. Probably started work yesterday. My secretary likely forgot to tell his new assistant what to do and more importantly, what not to do.

This isn't a hotel. We do serious medical work here.

I could've kept thinking or even fired her on the spot, but then my eyes landed on someone else.

Her.

Yeah — the pest who had been preying on my peace ever since we accidentally crossed paths. She was sitting comfortably on one of the waiting chairs, like she belonged here.

"I want to speak with Jack right away," I said, ignoring Stacey's outstretched hand.

"You mean Mr. Jackson, sir?" She pursed her lips.

Ladies — even in the most urgent moment, they try to use their sweetness to manipulate time.

"Just tell him Lucien is here," I snapped.

I didn't have time to explain who I was or waste breath on an ignorant assistant. There was no need for that — she'd be fired right after I had a sensible talk with Jack.

"Oh... okay, sir." Stacey flinched at my tone, turned, and walked off quickly.

"You again," I sighed heavily, turning to the lady — my personal pest.

"So... you're here for a job?" I smirked, the kind of smirk that should've warned her.

"What? You think I'm not qualified?" she returned, smirking right back. "Or you think you're better than I am?"

There it was. The start of a lecture.

"What makes you confident you're getting to work here?" I asked, gesturing vaguely at the building. Maybe then she'd understand the weight of where she stood.

"And what makes you think I'd answer that?" she shot back.

"As long as I'm here, you're not getting this job." I smiled casually.

"Are you saying you're better than I am? Who do you actually think you are? To be sincere, I'm not moved by senseless speeches."

I stared at her. Oddly, I was starting to enjoy the noise she made eventhough her tone was calm and low.

"I'm better than you are. That's something I know. And I have a lot to show for it. I've not only worked towards perfection, I've attained it."

"Leave that for time to tell, sir. Your work towards perfection is nonetheless perfect for the grave." She turned her face from me.

Somehow, I hated hearing that. But it was my fault anyway.

I was just trying to be kind — striking up a conversation, which I hardly ever do.

"Just as time will tell in a few minutes," I said coldly. "Because I see you walking out of here feeling like a loser."

"The only thing I see is people like you begging to work with me." She laughed softly.

Her audacity was strong, but she seemed to take everything so lightly like we were just revising lines from a movie together.

She was cute, I could tell. But those glasses gave her a serious look, like she didn't know how to back down.

"I want to assure you that every proud Pharaoh will one day drown in a red sea," she said confidently, eyes locked onto mine — something only a few people dared to do.

It felt like the peak of it for me.

"And I'd advise you," I said, lowering my voice, "that while you're trying to be as meek as Moses by lecturing me on life… you don't miss entering your promised land."

Stacey returned with the same plastered smile. As she approached, the lady beside me stood up in what looked like anticipation.

"Mr. Lucien, you can come with me," Stacey said, gesturing.

"Huh… what about the—" the pest tried to speak.

"Oh! I'm so sorry, miss. I guess you'll have to come back tomorrow." Stacey's expression turned apologetic.

"Tomorrow? I thought you said… wait, are you dropping me because of this guy?" she asked in frustration.

"Ma'am, it's a long story I'd rather not cut short. Without further ado, I'd suggest you come back tomorrow," Stacey replied, then turned to go.

I followed her, feeling exactly like I'd predicted — victorious.

Miss Pest was going home.

I wasn't particularly happy walking behind Stacey since I already knew the way to my secretary's office, but that lady really had no idea.

Nothing could erase the feeling of triumph when I recalled the shock on her face.

I giggled without even realising it.

It had been so long since I smiled. Since I laughed. Since I even found a joke funny.

But after so many

years, I finally had a reason to laugh — no matter how absurd the victory.