I gasped when I saw the familiar face standing in front of us. The stranger I had met earlier was actually the CEO?
He noticed me standing and smiled. I wished he would forget about me, but honestly, who would? I had just disrespected the CEO a while ago. I secretly bit my lip. Was this the end of my career here? Just because I didn't shake the CEO's hand?
The CEO asked us to sit, and the meeting started. At first, I felt uncomfortable because he kept looking in my direction or maybe that was just me? But his gaze made me want to escape the room.
The meeting went well. Inputs were shared and more tasks were assigned to our department. It lasted for two hours, but I could say it was productive. The CEO personally met with us to get to know the people in our department who were receiving orders from different countries. He also told us that compensation would increase, which everyone cheered about.
"The CEO was so handsome," Mira exclaimed, giggling like she had a teenage crush.
I didn't respond, bothered by how I had treated him earlier. If I had known he was the CEO, I would never have acted that way. For a moment, I was biased and judgmental.
"You were so quiet," Mira noticed, snapping me back to the present.
"Huh?"
"Are you okay? Are you sick?" she asked, placing her hand on my forehead to check if I had a fever.
"I'm okay. I'm just hungry," I said, trying to avoid her questioning gaze.
"You didn't eat breakfast?" she asked.
I nodded. "I also didn't prepare lunch."
"That's unusual of you," she said, then laughed. We had already arrived at our desks when Mira took something from her bag.
"Here. Eat this to calm your hungry tummy," she offered, handing me a Snickers bar—her favorite chocolate.
I didn't hesitate to accept it because I was really hungry. The moment I took it, I opened it and took a huge bite.
"You really look hungry," she said, laughing again.
"Thank you," I said with my mouth full of chocolate.
Lunch time finally arrived, and I had been waiting for it because I was starving and craving rice.
"Do you want to eat out?" Mira asked, referring to the restaurant near the company. She knew I didn't like eating in the cafeteria because there were too many people.
"Yes," I answered without hesitation. Usually, when Mira invited me to eat out, I would automatically refuse because I wasn't used to it. When my grandma was still alive, she always prepared my snacks and lunch and made sure I had breakfast. But since she passed away, I haven't been able to take care of myself the same way she did.
We went out and headed to the restaurant. Luckily, there were only a few customers, which meant we could eat immediately. I ordered two servings of rice, two pieces of garlic fried chicken, and sautéed mixed vegetables. I was so hungry that I ended up ordering a lot. We only waited about ten minutes before our food arrived. I started eating the moment it was served.
Mira chuckled as she watched me, but I ignored her and continued eating.
"I'm so excited to treat you on your birthday," she said, eating her food like a demure lady, opposite to how I was eating.
I nodded. I couldn't speak because my mouth was full. She couldn't help but get amused by how I ate.
We stayed in the restaurant for 30 minutes. We immediately went back to the building and headed straight to the comfort room to brush our teeth and retouch.
I was satisfied with my meal and felt I had enough energy to work. After brushing and retouching, we went back to our desks. Mira was busy chatting with someone on her phone while I closed my eyes for a moment because I was sleepy. I still had 30 minutes to nap. Mira didn't bother me anymore. Even without explanation, she knew I lacked sleep.
My power nap helped a lot in improving my mood. When the clock struck 1 p.m., I started reading the emails I hadn't finished earlier. Mira was busy with her work too, and we didn't talk again until work was over.
Mira yawned and stretched her arms as she tidied up her table.
"I want to drink coffee," she said.
I didn't respond. Mira knew coffee wasn't my thing. I wasn't a fan of milk tea either. I preferred drinking healthy drinks, like my favorite smoothies.
"Where are you heading now?" she asked.
"Home," I answered shortly.
She nodded and said goodbye, telling me she wanted to drink coffee and would go alone.
I continued tidying my table and my bag. When I was satisfied, I decided to leave the department. I went to the elevator and waited for it to open. This time, I was calmly waiting.
*Ting*
As the elevator opened, I froze—not because I was surprised, but because of who was inside.
The stranger I had met before, who turned out to be the CEO of the company I worked for. I wanted to run far away from him, but before I could, he spoke.
"Are you avoiding me?" he asked, which startled me.
I clenched my fists secretly, feeling nervous and uncomfortable. At that moment, I regretted not going to the coffee shop with Mira—I could've avoided this awkward situation.
"Get inside," he commanded, and I entered like a frightened puppy waiting for its master's instruction.
He pressed the button in the elevator, ready to start the conversation—but before he could say a word, I made the first move.
"I'm sorry," I said, bowing my head. I didn't even dare to look at his expression.
"You don't have to bow your head as if we were living in ancient times," he said, then laughed.
I looked at him and was amused at the way he laughed. He was even more handsome, and his white teeth were perfectly visible. I tried to shake my head as thoughts kept piling up. It was my fault, and I should accept the consequence.
"I'm sorry again," I said sincerely, hoping he could sense my remorse.
"Apology accepted," he responded. Just like that? He wasn't going to ask why I had treated him like he wasn't even my boss?
He laughed again, this time louder. "You're looking at me as if you want me to ask more questions," he said.
I shook my head, emphasizing that I didn't want any more questions.
*ting*
The elevator opened, and we both stepped out.
"It was nice meeting you. I hope we can have a conversation again next time," he said.
There will be no next time, I told myself, but of course I didn't say it aloud. I responded with a small smile.
"Seraphina, right?" I thought he would end the conversation there, but he didn't.
I was surprised and wondered how he knew my name—but then I remembered, he was my boss. He knew everything.
"Yes, sir," I replied.
He extended his hand towards me, asking for a handshake. "May I?" he asked, still smiling. Why did he want to shake my hand? I placed my left hand behind my back and offered my right hand. On my left hand was the black ring my grandma had given me.
We shook hands for about three seconds before I immediately pulled away. I wasn't used to it—it gave me chills and made me uncomfortable.
"Have a great day, Seraphina," he said, then bid me goodbye. I waved at my boss, who had just extended his hand to me.
****
Dominic's POV
After work, I went straight to Lucca's mansion. Damian and I had already contacted the people we knew who could help Lucca find what he was looking for. When I arrived at his dark and gloomy mansion, I entered without notice. Lucca was used to it and didn't mind at all. When I reached his room, Damian—still wearing his suit—was already sitting on the sofa. It looked like he had just come from work, while Lucca was simply in his boxers and a white shirt.
"You didn't go to your company?" I asked Lucca.
"What for? I'm going to die after a year," he said sarcastically.
I shook my head at his sarcasm. If anyone else heard him, they'd probably get offended. Luckily, Damian and I were already used to his behavior.
"Oh well, my day was good today, and I don't want it ruined by you," I fired back sarcastically—but to me, it was just a joke.
"Damian, I met this cute lady today," I said, glancing at Damian while ignoring the sulky Lucca.
He raised his eyebrow, waiting for me to continue.
"She's an employee in my company," I continued.
"Are you planning to flirt with an employee?" Damian asked.
"Maybe?" I said, smiling as I tried to remember our encounter this morning.
"You were once fooled by an employee you liked. And what happened? She used you for money," Damian reminded me of the past.
"Yeah, I remember. But I swear, this cute lady is different. She has this aura… like Lucca," I explained.
"You like a girl version of Lucca?" Damian asked, frowning.
"You know I like mystery—and that lady is a mystery to me," I said like a poet reciting a poem.
"Tsk."
"I'm serious, Damian."
"I know. I just hope you don't end up being treated badly again."
"I didn't. I actually let it happen even though I knew the reason she agreed to have a relationship with me."
"So, who's this lady that caught your eye?" Damian asked, raising his eyebrow.
"Seraphina," I answered.
"Like serpentine?" Damian asked.
"Yeah, sounds like it." I chuckled.
Our conversation continued with the lady as our topic. Lucca stayed quiet the whole time; he didn't bother joining us. When night came, Damian and I decided to leave Lucca's mansion. Tomorrow, we would meet with the people we trusted to look for a black ring, although they didn't know the reason why.
****
Seraphina's POV
Today—Wednesday—was my birthday. I was at home alone, sitting on the old sofa in the living room. Every year, I filed a birthday leave just to stay at home. Mira, who promised to treat me to an expensive meal, called early in the morning just to greet me.
Today, I had no plans to sulk in bed the whole day. I planned to go somewhere. Since Mira told me to meet her at exactly 4 p.m., I still had more than half the day to do the things I needed to do.
After taking a bath, I picked my outfit for the day. I chose a black shirt tucked into a pair of fitted denim jeans I had owned for six years. It was a gift from my grandma. I transferred the things I needed from my work bag into my tote/go-to bag.
After making sure I looked fine, I left the house. I didn't get any greetings from my neighbors; it was already 9 a.m., and perhaps they were busy.
I walked silently while putting my AirPods on to feel the music and the breezy but hot air. When I arrived at the bus stop, I immediately went inside the bus. There were people inside, but not every seat was taken. I still managed to get my favorite window seat. I traveled for thirty minutes before arriving at my destination. From the bus stop, I walked another ten minutes to reach the place I wanted to go.
Now I was standing in front of a small white building. I had been here before, but I didn't enter. I was afraid and hesitant back then, but today, I am fully ready to know my real illness, if I even have one.
De Montano's Clinic. A clinic for depressives who sought medication and healing. Yes, I was here to consult a psychiatrist. I had been planning to go here since my grandma died three years ago. But I was always hesitant and afraid that people might judge me for what I was feeling.
I decided to go today because I frequently dreamed about things I had not experienced. I had also started feeling like I was hallucinating, and I didn't want my work to be affected.
I sighed before entering the building. As I stepped inside, the assistant greeted me with a smile.
"Hi, ma'am. What can I do for you?" she asked.
"For a check-up," I answered.
"Okay, ma'am. Please sit for a while." She gave me a form to fill out. After completing the form, I waited on a metallic bench near the doctor's room.
I took my phone out and scrolled for a moment until the doctor's door opened.
I glanced at the man who came out—he was wearing all black, like a ninja. He even wore a black mask that covered half of his face.
Our eyes met for a second, but I immediately looked away when sudden pain hit my chest. What was happening to me?
The assistant called me and told me I was next. I nodded and entered the room.
"What is your name?" the doctor asked.
"Seraphina."
"And what made you come here, Seraphina?"
I told the doctor everything I had been experiencing. Ever since my grandma died, I had been depressed, chaotic, and constantly overwhelmed. All the negative emotions consumed me. I had no one to talk to, and I never opened up to anyone. Sometimes, I woke up in the middle of the night, panting and sweating, as if I had been in a real battle. The dreams were vague and unfamiliar. They repeated over and over, and that made me finally decide to seek help.
The doctor listened intently. Then he gave me several papers to answer. I read each sentence carefully before answering. It took me about twenty minutes to finish, and that was when I realized it was a test.
The doctor examined my answers. He went quiet for about ten minutes before speaking.
"You have depression," he finally said.
I had suspected it, but hearing it coming from a professional made my chest tighten.
"What should I do?" I asked.
"You'll need to come once a week for therapy." Then he explained what kind of therapy it would be.
I kept nodding while he gave instructions. He even prescribed a medicine that would help calm me down. The whole conversation lasted for about an hour before I finally exited the room.
As I walked outside, I couldn't help but stare into nothing. I wanted to cry, but I held it back. Not today—on the day I was born.