Arya finished preparing for another day at work, dressing in a dark green knee-length dress and white stiletto heels as usual. She adorned herself with a pair of earrings, slightly longer than usual, added a bracelet and a watch, applied light makeup, and left her hair loose. Once ready, she went to the children's room to pack their uniforms into a small bag, arranged their shoes and backpacks, then headed downstairs to the kitchen to prepare their lunchboxes before leaving home for her car.
She drove calmly, as it was still dark and traffic was light, arriving at her mother's house as daylight broke – her mother lived some distance away. As Arya got out of the car, she noticed the kitchen light on. Inside, she joined the three of them for breakfast, prepared by the eldest, and had her coffee with them. After the meal, she and the eldest readied the children for school. Once everyone was prepared, they bid farewell and started their daily routines.
"From today, grandma will pick you up," she smiled, guiding them to their classroom.
"Will you be busy, mom?" the boy asked.
"Yes, I start full-time today, and my lunch break is too short to come here and then take you to grandma's before returning to work," she kissed them goodbye and left for her job.
Upon arriving at the company, the receptionist handed her some mail for Kilam and conveyed some messages, since May hadn't arrived yet. Arya approached the elevator, and just as the doors were nearly closed, a hand intervened, holding them open to reveal Kilam in a perfectly fitted maroon suit, his hair neatly styled, and exuding a pleasant masculine scent.
"Good morning, Mr. Pagano," she greeted, a memory from the previous night's dream bringing a slight smile to her face.
"Good morning, Ms. Lewis," he replied with a subdued smile, just as another man stepped into the elevator.
"Good morning, beautiful! Kilam, my day just got better," the man jeered with a roguish grin, to which Arya simply nodded, her expression serious.
"Richard, have I not cautioned you about this terrible behavior towards the women at my company?" Kilam's voice firmly rebuked the man.
"Relax, man. I was just being friendly," Richard retorted, still smiling at Arya.
"This is a workplace; keep your friendliness to yourself," Kilam quipped. The elevator ride to the top floor passed in silence.
Exiting the lift, the receptionist greeted the men with a huge smile that disappeared upon spotting Arya, who she blatantly ignored. Kilam stopped mid-corridor and turned back to Arya, summoning her to return.
"Ms. Margo, explain why you failed to greet Ms. Arya? I believe I've been clear on demanding respect for your superiors. As my assistant, she often represents me in this company and is second only to me. So, why continue this poor behavior?" Kilam's tone was intimidating, leaving Margo pale and Arya, taken aback, speechless.
"I apologize, Mr. Pagano. It won't happen again," Margo stuttered.
"You're not apologizing to me, but to Ms. Arya," he corrected, turning to Arya.
"I'm sorry, Ms. Arya. I promise it won't happen again," Margo said, her words tinged with resentment.
"It's alright, don't worry. Have a good day! I'll be in my office," Arya replied, exiting before Kilam had the chance to dismiss her.
Alone in her office, she released a breath she hadn't realized she was holding, sat down, and leaned back. Booting up her laptop, she dived into work, undisturbed until a cup of coffee appeared before her. May, wearing a huge smile, was staring at her.
"When did you arrive?" Arya asked, surprised.
"I got here an hour ago, but got held up at reception because Margo was complaining about earlier," May answered solemnly.
"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to cause issues," Arya responded, ashamed.
"Don't apologize, dear. It was her mistake, and I've reprimanded her. You're her superior, she must respect you," May beamed.
"Now, back to work. Lunch is on the boss today, as my farewell," May said, taking a seat opposite Arya.
As lunchtime approached, Kilam escorted them and a group of employees to a fine restaurant near the office. The mood was somber as they witnessed May's farewell.
"Please, don't make me cry," May chuckled, her eyes brimming with tears.
"May, most of us joined Pagano Group when you were already part of it," a young man mentioned.
"Even when I took over the presidency, you had already been here for over thirty years," Kilam added, smiling faintly.
"I want to thank all of you for the kindness you've shown me over the years. Arya, look after my boy. He can be difficult at times, and it's tough to know when he's angry or in a good mood, but I know you're the best for him. And Kilam, take care of her; she's the best assistant I've ever had."
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