It was just the way she had seen it on Television but the screen could always depreciate things. At times, there were things you just have to meet in reality in order to acknowledge and appreciate their values; wondrous sights like the GreenStar enterprise was supposed to be visited and adored in real life instead.
The company was similar to the type you would only see in dark billionaire movies. Maybe that concept was personal because it was her first time meeting such an enormous firm in real life. The skyscraper stood majestically over the rest of the buildings in the vicinity, with its glass walls reflecting the lights surrounding it, creating a magical sight.
The professional aura exuding the work environment was highly expected from a company that served as the world's biggest technology corporation. The grandeur of the place reminded her of a particular fact she always seemed to forget occasionally; how influential Jayden was.
Seeing Jayden personally almost on a daily basis created a natural, casual relationship between them that sometimes made her forget about his social status. Thence, visiting the company he was the heir to reminded her of how much influence he wielded, including how huge an honor it was to be working for him.
The limousine drove them to the building's entrance, where they were welcomed by a single file of staff members, each one of them keeping their head bent in a respectful bow, anticipating the first appearance of the president after fourteen months.
Maria had never seen anything like that. The way the employees were bowing and waiting in line made her think of a royal person being welcomed into a palace, not a company. However, the expressionless look on Jayden's made her assume it might be a usual occurrence around here.
The guards opened the doors when Jayden was ready to step out of the car and Maria swallowed deeply before following suit. Her heels clicked loudly the moment she got out, or maybe that was all in her head, but the silence around her was overwhelming enough to have such a thought.
Jayden passed some instructions to his personal assistant who quickly relayed them to some of the workers. "Let's go," the voice of her patient attracted back her attention wandering off in awe.
Maria nodded, not like she had another choice or knew her way around anyway. She followed his path when he started walking, including the large group of bodyguards and highly positioned executives, all of whom were wearing similar formal attires, and she couldn't help but feel like an outcast in her pair of blue jeans and a simple top.
A chubby-looking man approached them, and Jayden pausing his steps to hear him out made Maria wonder if the man was a high-ranking official.
The older man's face was wrapped with clear delight, stretching his hand for a handshake as he spoke, "Young master, it is so nice to meet you. Mr. Walters will be here shortly!" His tone was filled with respect, his smile full of admiration.
Maria watched the way Jayden's eyes slid down to the man's outstretched hand, delaying with some seconds as though he was thinking about the greatest calamity that could befall earth if he ever shook hands with the other man.
It seemed like his decision was made when he returned his gaze back to the man, clearly rejecting his option for physical touch. "Well, tell your boss that 'shortly' should happen quickly. I do not enjoy waiting." He said without any form of kindness, maintaining his expressionless gaze.
The man dropped his hand slowly, his smile not wavering despite the rejection, including Jayden's attitude as a whole. "Of course, sir. We apologize for the inconvenience." He assured with a quick bow.
Maria could only sigh mentally since she could relate exactly to how the man might be feeling after having to deal with Jayden's rudeness regularly.
Jayden resumed his steps, acknowledging the man with a small nod before continuing his way into the massive building.
The only person speaking among the group of officials that trailed behind Jayden was his personal assistant who was updating his boss on crucial information. None of the things they discussed was understandable to Maria, which didn't matter anyway because she wasn't there to listen to what was going on.
She remained silent beside him throughout the walk inside the building as Jayden visited many sections of the industry. Maria wouldn't deny the curious stares that were thrown at her in every department they visited, and the gossip sensation that arose the moment they left.
The tour, according to her perspective, took like forever, considering how many rooms and halls they went through. By the time they arrived at the end of the hallways, she was already exhausted from the constant sightseeing.
Soon after, Maria noticed the followers began to shrink in number as they retired to their departments until only two people were left behind; Jayden's assistant and herself.
Following the next elevator ride, Daniel didn't last for long either. A quick bow was what he gave before he went to carry out a task that Jayden was aware of himself.
'What now?' Maria thought to herself, wondering why they had all deserted their boss. It was also quite obvious there was something odd going on. No one was in sight. It felt as though that section of the company was extremely private, and employees or guests either had to be summoned or allowed access before entry.
"Let's go." Jayden's voice sounded from somewhere around her, and Maria turned to find him standing just beside her, making her realize she must have spaced out.
She couldn't even ask where they were heading since he already began walking away, his hands tucked in both sides of his trousers, the way he always did when he was serious and focused. Maria followed behind him, and they walked down the stately hallway until they reached the only door on the floor.
Her blue eyes observed him as he got the door opened with the face recognition software. The large doors swung open once the visual password was accepted, and Jayden walked inside first, leaving the doors open for her entry.
Maria hesitated for several seconds, gulping deeply as she glanced at the magnificent room before her. At this point in time, she was not supposed to be surprised by the Stanleys' opulence. However, the sight still managed to make her knees weak, with her mouth opened involuntarily.
"Aren't you coming in?" Jayden sounded from inside, his voice the only thing she could hear, with his figure already disappearing from view.
Her dumbfounded state couldn't even offer any words back, only managing to take slow steps forward into the room. The breeze from the air condition gave her a cold welcome once she stepped inside, a small gasp escaping her lips at the same time.
Her eyes wandered over the spacious room that was lined with glass windows overlooking the city below. The ceiling was high, creating a grand space, while the white walls added a touch of classiness. There was exotic furniture placed strategically around the room, complementing the décor perfectly, with the center of attention being the desk standing largely in the middle of the area.
"Wow," the gasp escaped her mouth involuntarily, her word earning Jayden's attention.
He circled the dark-wooden table, aiming for the swivel chair that stood opposite it. His hand grasped the sides as he lowered himself against the leather seat, turning slightly so he can see her reaction clearly. "Welcome to my office, Miss Patterson," he voiced casually, his tone almost playful.
Maria stared at him from the distance. That information went without saying because she could already tell. However, she was trying to figure out why he hated coming to work. Because if she were him, she would come to work even on weekends. Who would leave such beauty to stay at home?
"Can I be your secretary?" The most illogical words fell from her lips, the gloriousness of the place messing with her mind already.
Jayden half-smiled, finding her statement amusing. The ringing of the telephone sounded, instantly tearing off his little smile. He lifted his hand, reaching for the receiver, his fingers resting lightly against the smooth surface. "Yes..." he murmured, his voice barely audible.
His phone conversation ended briefly, and then he rose from his seat. Maria watched him until he came to stand before her. "Have a seat. I will be back," he stated, his head bent and eyes staring down at her face.
Her lips twitched at his words, getting bothered about being left alone. "When will you be...back?" she questioned slowly, her eyes searching his face intently.
Jayden paused, tilting his head slightly. "I don't know, but I will try my best to end things as quickly as possible." He responded, in his most assuring tone.
She heaved deeply, yet silently. A gentle tap on her shoulder from him startled her slightly as he walked past her, heading towards the door. Her gaze shifted to follow after him, and her eyebrows rose when he abruptly stopped.
His brown eyes met with hers as he turned back to face her again. "By the way, there are some snacks in the refrigerator, and the bathroom is over there." He shared, pointing out the direction with a slight nod of his head.
She stared blankly at him, her mind reeling as he spoke. Snacks? She knew that was an act of hospitality but she couldn't help but imagine him saying, 'I will be gone for hours, so long that you might get starved to death (insert wicked laugh)'.
Maria decided to dismiss the thought away, shaking her head vigorously. "Thank you." Was all she managed to mutter, her voice sounding hollow despite her attempts to sound normal.
He nodded one more time before walking out of the room, and Maria caught a glimpse of his assistant waiting outside before the doors shut behind them. Her gaze lingered on the entrance for a few moments longer until she sighed heavily.
She moved around the large space aimlessly, taking in the details of the room as much as possible. Her eyes lit up when they found the refrigerator, a tiny grin curling her lips as she wondered what it contained. She walked quickly over, pushing aside the handle to open the fridge. Her breath hitched sharply, her gaze falling on the assortment of food items laid neatly inside. There were too many of them to be considered 'some', borrowing Jayden's choice of words.
Maria picked out a bottle of juice, taking a little gulp straight from the bottle as she headed towards the couch situated near the window. As she moved toward her destination, she spotted a large portrait hanging on the wall across from the couch, and the sight of it unanticipatedly froze her legs.
The drink in her hold fell from her already trembling hands. Her mouth hung open wordlessly as her eyes traced the outline of the familiar person in the picture frame until her knees dropped to the floor with fear.
***