Dark Secrets ✔️

Chapter 2

"Um, I worked at a university for two years and as you might know, university jobs are not easy, however, I was able to remain there for two years. I left the job recently," I stop there.

"Why?"

"Pardon?"

"Why did you leave the job?" He leaves my CV aside and types something on his computer.

"Well, I_"

"Was it too much work for you? Because if it was then it will be even harder here," He warns still looking at the screen. "It probably was since you were fired for sleeping during work hours." He looks at me. "It is in your report." He points at the computer to clear my confusion and I couldn't believe that Mr Cameron allowed that to be on my report. I had so much respect for that old man.

"Anyway, prior to that, where else did you work?"

"I did an apprenticeship for three years at a secondary school and that's where I got my certificate from," I answer.

"So that means you haven't had much experience with real secretary work yet. I don't think you will be able to handle the work we have for you here,"

"I am sure I will." I give a smile trying to hide my irritation.

"I don't think you know much about this company but we are not as lenient as the others. Work here is done on time and that's because the boss is strict and only hires competent and professional workers who have had more than five years of work experience." He explains which feels like a warning. It made me feel threatened and almost afraid now. I haven't met the boss and I don't think I want to meet him. But I need this job so bad.

"Just give me a chance and I will do my best to help prove you wrong."

"Don't do your best. Just do your job."

"I will,"

"Elsewhere, " He hands me my CV back. "I am sorry but your application has been neglected, meaning your interview was unsuccessful. In other words, you did not get the job." He says and I slowly nod my head trying to process the information.

"Thank you for the interview opportunity." I decide to leave it as it is when I remember my other job interview. Maybe my luck lies there In Shaa Allah.

As soon as I get up to leave, my phone starts to ring. I bring it to my ears as I answer, "Afrah Zayan where are you?!!" My brother literally shouts over the phone. I am sure the man could hear him.

"Um, a job interview. I will call you later." I immediately hung up before he could start his protective show. "I am sorry for that. Then...I will be on my way out," I give him a small smile before making my way to the door.

"What is your name?" He stops me at the door. I turn back to look at him. Did he just remember to ask my name now? "I asked what your name was?" He repeated himself.

"Afrah, Afrah Zayan,"  I look at him in confusion.

"Nice to meet you Afrah Zayan,"  He opens a smile all of a sudden, which creeps me out.

"What!?"

"Have a seat,"  He tells me and while still confused, I walk to the chair and sit in front of him. "I thought it over and you may actually be the one we're looking for,"

"What?!"

"In other words: You're hired." He speaks, leaving me even more confused.

"But you just_"

"Is there any problem?" He interrupts me.

"No! None at all. Thank you for the opportunity." I ignore the fact that this happened all of a sudden. "I will do my best, I mean, I will do my job!"  I correct myself and sigh of relief before looking back at him to see him smiling, which I found creepy once again.

"You can start tomorrow at 7 am." He lets me know and I widen my eyes.

7 am!!!?

"Here's your schedule for the time being until second instructions." He gives me a piece of paper containing my schedule for each day.

Prepare the boss's office as soon as I arrive!? What is this nonsense!? Is that even my job?

Answer any calls and schedule any meetings according to the boss' timetable.

Prepare coffee for the boss at 8 am. (which is the time he arrives) and update him of any meetings he has for the day.

Prepare coffee for the boss at 14:00 and update him of any meetings he has for the afternoon.

"Any questions?" Mr Freya asks.

"Um, what do you mean by preparing the boss's office?"

"Oh that. It is mostly tidy. All you have to do is make sure he has got all paperwork organised by date. Sometimes it would already be done. You just have to double-check." He tells me and I nod agreeing. Alright, that should be fine then, I guess.

"I will give you a piece of advice," He speaks and I pay attention to him. "Make sure the office is empty when the boss arrives. He hates to have people in his office. That's why only his secretary is allowed in there. But even then, it is getting the job done and leaving straight away. I am telling you this for your own good." He advises.

"Oh, thank you." I give a weak smile.

"The last secretary's diary is on the top drawer just have a look at the work she had due. You will be carrying on her work for her while doing new work." He says as if it was the easiest thing ever.

"Did she quit?" At least it sounded like it.

"No, she was fired."

"For what reason, if I may?" I ask in order to know what I should avoid doing.

"Spilled coffee."

Wait, just that?

"On the boss?"

"No, on the floor outside the boss' office," He explains and I scratch my head trying hard to find a problem with that but I couldn't. "That's why I was afraid for you, but since you say you can handle the job, let's hope that's the case." He smiles, gazing at me in a challenging manner. "Anyways, the interview is over. Tell Martina to cancel all interviews scheduled this week as we have found a secretary already."

"Martina?"

"The receptionist at the entrance. She escorted you up here." He reminds me and I nod. "Also, there's a prayer room at the rest floor, room number four."

"Alright, thank you," I get up. "I will see you tomorrow then."

"In Shaa Allah!" He adds with a smile and I nod before leaving.

Why did he suddenly start smiling at me? He seemed so arrogant at the beginning.

Anyways, who cares? I got the job, so Alhamdulillah.

I smile like crazy all the way back home and enter to see Aidah sitting on the living room sofa while Malik was sleeping on his bed next to her. I suppose my brother is at work.

"Assalamualeikum!" She greets as soon as she sees me.

"Waaleikumum Salam!" I smile joining her on the sofa.

"Somebody looks happy," She comments with a smile.

"I got the job!!" I scream and she screams along with me before we realize that the baby was sleeping right next to us.

"Mashaa Allah, so how was the interview?"

"At first it wasn't as good but then suddenly he qualified me as good for the job."

"Alhamdulilah, what matters is that you got the job. When are you starting?"

"Tomorrow at 7 am." I frown reminding myself.

I spoke to Aidah for about another hour or so before deciding to go have something to eat. I was so busy with this interview that I forgot I didn't have breakfast yet.

Anyway, tomorrow will be a long day. I need energy starting from today.