Miss Trish's smile calmed my racing heartbeats as I entered my designated office. She hurried to meet me at the reception area as soon as the receptionist informed her of my arrival. Everyone I met smiled at me, may it be at the reception area, the lobby, or in the elevator. It looked like the company was giving high emphasis on exemplary customer service. And I appreciated it that way. At least, my first day of duty became less stressful and intimidating than I expected it to be.
"Miss Yen, please feel at home," said Trish as soon as I finally gave her my attention.
I couldn't help myself from looking around and getting awed at the elegance of my office as soon as I stepped inside. The well-polished and dark-brown wooden desk still glowed against the lights from the contemporary-designed ceiling. There was a laptop on the shelf at the desk's left side and a four-seater coffee table at the far corner by the window. Just across from the desk was a complete sofa set, and at the other side of the coffee table was a small kitchen bar.
"Of course, Miss Trish. I'm afraid I can't work anymore. This place is too conducive for sleeping, especially for pregnant women like me."
Miss Trish let out soft laughter, making her face glow. “Why not sleep during your break time? Look,” she said, walking towards the wall at about two arms-length behind the desk, “here’s your closet.”
My mouth dropped open as she slid the door that opened to the hidden, built-in closet. No one would ever suspect that a closet existed behind the wooden wall panel.
“You may place your things here like clothes, shoes, whatever.” She then slid another door, and before it opened thoroughly, she giggled. “Look, Mr. Kim has even prepared some sheets, towels, and pillows for you.”
My eyes widened as I peeped at the closet’s compartment. There were sheets and expandable pillows, indeed. Why would Kim do that?
“And where would I sleep?” I mumbled foolishly. What would Miss Trish think then that I was indeed talking about sleeping?
She then turned and pointed to the sofa set across from us. “That's a sofa bed.”
I nodded. “I don’t need a bed, Miss Trish. I could just take a nap on my desk if ever I have to.”
“But Mr. Kim is considerate, especially to pregnant employees. He insists that they sleep after lunch. And if anyone on duty doesn't feel well, he sends them to the clinic to rest. There are real beds there."
I remembered that Kim held teambuilding outings for the employees. He even organized marital counseling seminars for married employees. It only showed his empathy to the workers and that he didn’t think only of what he could get from them. I also heard that the workers here received higher salaries and greater benefits than the rest of the companies.
Most of all, he wasn’t the intimidating, domineering and dreaded type of a CEO. Other CEOs were unapproachable, roaring like angry lions whenever any of their subordinates commit mistakes. Yet, Kim seemed to be the opposite-he listened and investigated issues first.
“That’s so kind of him.” I truly admired him in my heart. Not just his overall physique, but his thoughtfulness to his employees as well.
“He's one in a million. He indeed can pull undies down just by looking at you,” Trish said, then burst out laughing.
“Silly!” I replied, rolling my eyes. Little did she know that her statement caused my heart to skip some beats.
I shouldn't feel this way, I know. But what could he be in the sexual aspect?
I waited until Trish reached for the doorknob and went out before I turned around and sat behind my desk. I picked up the laptop from the shelf and placed it on the table. Wow! Even this one spoke of his luxury.
Soon after, I got lost on the company’s financial whereabouts. If not for the ringing of my alarm clock, I wouldn’t know it’s lunchtime again.
“How’s your first half day, Yen?” I jolted from my seat when Kim’s voice floated into my ears, drawing my eyes in his direction.
A wide and welcoming smile greeted me.
“Kim,” I said, acknowledging his presence while I straightened my back.
“It’s lunchtime already," he said, walking towards me.
Before I could answer him, the phone in front of me rang.
“Miss Yen, you are requested to go to the president’s office.”
I looked up, and Kim’s smile already reached his ears.
"Yes, Miss Trish. Thank you." I didn't tell her that the president she talked about was already standing before me.
Shifting my gaze back at Kim, I suddenly couldn't think of even a few words to say. But he was quick in filling it out for me.
"What's for lunch?" he asked. I was still wondering whether or not I should ask him about last night.
"I'll go down to the cafeteria." There was one for the workers on the ground floor.
"No need. I ordered lunch for us. If you don't mind, I'll ask Trish to join us."
"Of course, I won't."
He excused himself and went out of the office. I was glad that Trish would be joining us. Her presence would dispel the awkwarkness. I didn't know why, but I suddenly felt like sitting on needles with him around.
A few minutes after, the door opened again and Trish came in with plastic bags in her hands. Kim was behind her, holding another plastic bag.
"Miss Yen, thanks for your coming. I can have free lunch again," she said, laughing and winking at me.
"Of course. This is a welcome lunch," Kim answered.
He went directly to the kitchen bar, placed his hand on the wall surface, and moved it in a sliding motion. To my surprise, it opened to another compartment. I stood up to look inside it.
Suddenly, Kim and mine's eyes met as he unconsciously looked in my direction. I stepped back awkwardly because I knew I looked like a curious child.
"Just a cupboard for your eating utensils."
I nodded, but my eyes widened when my eyes fell on the refrigerator, microwave, coffee maker, and other kitchen appliances in other compartments.
Is this still an office? It looks like I am in a condominium unit.
Trish suddenly laughed, and when I turned to look at her, I then knew why she laughed. She was watching my reactions.
"I told you a while ago, Miss Yen. Please feel at home."
She winked at me then proceeded to the coffee table. In less than ten minutes, we were already gathering around the coffee table and started eating. Even before I could take spoonfuls of food, Trish suddenly gritted her teeth and mumbled..
"How disrespectful! How can he wear clothes while on sex? Doesn't this guy know that having his shirt on is a sign of disrespect?"
I furrowed my brows as I looked at her. My eyes also fell on Kim's face and saw that he was frowning.