I received an email that I was to start the next monday which is just three days away along with the information of the salary, which was very enticing.

“Whoa! You are so lucky, I received a mail two months after the interview, and I am sure none of the workers was given work immediately after the for interview”

“Thank you Anna” I said excitedly.

“So what do you think about Mr. Thompson, the CEO”

“I don't know, but I think I like him, he's handsome, stunning, tall….” I said blushing slightly

Anna burst out into laughter, “Don't even say that, you like who? Mr. Thompson? The CEO of Homeland company or another Thompson I am not aware of?”

“No, same man I went to do interview in his company”

“You must be joking, well jokes aside, you know you are not up to his standard, right?”

“That aside, I am just after there to work as an accountant in his company not to gawk at him”

“Better”

****

It was Monday, and I had reported to Homeland Company, dressed in my new clothes and heels, ready to start my new job as an accountant. My office was right across from the CEO's, and I could see the door to his office from my desk.

The other staff were welcoming and friendly, eager to make me feel at home. They introduced themselves and showed me the ropes, helping me settle into my new role.

The accountant was there with me to show me some things before he's been transferred to another branch.

“I don't know why she won't be around by today, she knows she's presenting and how today is very important” I could hear the cold voice of Mr. Thompson, the CEO.

“Why is she not here? This is the second time this will be happening, she should send a message across to you before now when she knows how today is really important”

I could hear the disappointment in his voice, “The conference meeting will be starting in less than an hour, she's the one to present the financial report there”

I took a deep breath, sensing an opportunity to prove myself. "I'll do it," I said, stepping out of my office and into the hallway where Mr. Thompson stood, his blue eyes fixed on mine.

He looked taken aback for a moment, clearly not expecting a solution to present itself so easily. "You'll do what?" he asked, his tone still sharp but his expression slightly more open.

"I'll present the financial report," I said confidently. "I know I'm new here, but I have extensive experience with financial analysis and management.

“See, what's your name…” The accountant paused, and continued, “See, this is not something you can do, at all. The secretary is in the best position to do this”

“Let's give her a trial. I'll send the summary of what you will present. I can't go there without anyone having to present the financial report”

I was unsure if I would do this, but I just want to try and see.

I was sent an email of the summary. I went through it well.

“Hope you are ready for this? You can't stammer twice, you have to be confident even if you don't know what you want to express, just be confident”

“Alright” I said, my heart pounding.

We went to the car, and I could feel the gaze on me as we moved, but I was trying to concentrate on the speech I was to deliver.

The drive was fast and before I could blink an eye, we are already there.

“Whoa!” I couldn't hide my expression after seeing the building of the conference.

We went in, and I saw important people in the lobby putting on expensive suits.

Mr. Thompson's seat was reserved and I sat down among the other people.

Some people delivered speeches, and I was called.

”I am Marianne James, I'll be stating the overview of our company's financial standing. Our revenue streams are strong, with steady growth projected for the next quarter”

Our expenses are under control, with cost-cutting measures being implemented to maximize profitability. We have also made strategic investments in new markets and technologies, which we believe will increase our competitiveness and drive long-term growth."

I took a breath, feeling more confident as I continued. "Overall, our financial outlook is positive. We have a solid foundation, and we are well-positioned to continue our success in the coming months. I am available to answer any questions, if there's”

“Okay, Miss. What are your projections for the next quarter”

"Certainly. Based on our current trends and market analysis, we expect to see a 10% increase in revenue from our existing products and services”

I ended the speech, and I waited with bated breath for a response. Finally, after a few moments of deliberation, the lead stakeholder nodded, his expression serious but approving.

I said and heaved a sigh of relief. They all join their hands to clap for me.

Some hours later, the meeting ended.

He was talking to the stakeholders, so I went to the car to wait for him

Thirty minutes later, he came to meet me and the driver moved.

“Thank you Marianne, I appreciate”

“You are welcome, anything to make the company grow more, I am ready for it”

“I wish to appreciate this”

“Really? I don't think that's necessary, it's part of my work”

“I want to take you out for dinner and I want you to be my secretary, my personal secretary”

I was flattered by the CEO's offer, but I was unsure of what to say, regarding the offer. I didn't want to appear ungrateful, but I also didn't want to seem too eager.

“I appreciate your offer Mr. Thompson. But I think they are other staff that are more qualified to be your secretary, not me”

“If there's anyone, definitely that's you. I wouldn't want you to reject my offer”

We got to the company, and time has gone

Anna was waiting for me so we could go home.

“So I heard you followed Mr. Thompson to the conference, I am sure you went there to disgrace yourself, that's the work of his secretary, not you” Anna said, on our way home.

“Well, not really, I did what I can do”

“Really? What would you say? Why are you trying so hard to be friend with him, he's not the type that accept such friendships”

“I know right, that's why I am worried when he says he wants to take me out for dinner and….”

“Do you just say dinner Marianne? Why are you trying so hard?”

Just then I got a notification on my phone. It was the CEO who sent the location where we would both be having dinner.

“What are you looking at?” Anna asked, snatching my phone out of my hands

Anna's eyes widened as she saw the notification on my phone. "What's this? A dinner date with the CEO? Marianne, what have you done?"

I winced, trying to come up with an explanation that didn't sound too suspicious. "I didn't do anything! He just offered to take me out for dinner to thank me for covering for his absent secretary.