Arranged marriage : Married to an unknown man

Ariana

I had no idea why I had been feeling weird. I felt jittery, I felt like butterflies were flying in my stomach and it was giving me an unusual sensation. My legs were shaking and my mind was not calm. It was not just another day for me, It’s a new opportunity, a new beginning. From today onwards I’d be working for my husband as his P. A. I didn’t know how I’d manage to work as his P. A. when I had a problem with socializing with people. And being a PA means I had to speak to many people related to work. But I have to do it. It’s now or never.

I was standing in the closet, in my bathrobe trying to figure what to wear. I didn’t have many clothes and I couldn’t wear jeans, t-shirt as I had been wearing them all my life at work. They were small jobs and clothes didn’t matter there, but I couldn’t wear them at his workplace. He owned a big company. I couldn’t afford to make fool of myself by wearing jeans and a t-shirt. I should have gone shopping for clothes a day before. I have some savings from my last job.

I only had one or two outfits that look professional. I choose white pants, a classic white shirt, and a navy blue cardigan. It was fall season, making the weather slightly chilly. I wore the outfit and looked at myself in the mirror. I hope this outfit looks professional.

I had a problem with wearing skirts or any other piece of cloth which would show my skin, especially my stomach, lower back, and thighs, I was not comfortable. I wanted to wear them but I couldn’t because I couldn’t let anyone see my past, the insecurities that I had been hiding underneath the clothes.

I stared at my reflection in the mirror and blinked back my tears which were threatening to fall. I shook my head vigorously…this is not the time to recall the past.

I wore ballet flats, my height is good, 5’8″, so, I didn’t have to worry about looking short. Heels would do nothing but give me sore feet. I put my hair in a bun and wore my only silver wristwatch. I didn’t put on any makeup, just nude lipstick, thin eyeliner, and applied moisturizer…I was not into makeup. I took my precious laptop bag and slung it over my shoulder.

Yeah, this laptop was precious to me. When I was in college, I won a competition, and college management gave me this laptop. But the one who handed it over to me said the laptop is from someone special. I didn’t know who that someone special was but I was thankful to that person as the laptop had helped me in my studies a lot since I couldn’t afford to buy it myself. I didn’t let a single scratch come to the laptop.

I ate my breakfast which Mrs. Molly prepared for me; she told me that Xavier had already left because he had some work to do before going to the office. I left for work at seven fifty because I had to take the bus to reach the building and it would take twenty minutes by bus to reach the building. I didn’t want to be late on my first day.

The bus dropped me at the bus stop near the building. The building was 5 minutes walk away from the bus stop.

When I reached outside of the building, I stood there frozen looking towards the sky-high glass building. It’s magnificent, truly amazing and at the top, there’s written XDS AUTOTECH in bold letters.

I made my way inside the building, greeting good morning to the guards. When I got inside, I was spellbound by the inside beauty of the building. His workplace was truly a fine piece of architecture.

Looking around, I reached the reception desk and tried to get the attention of the lady sitting across the massive desk whose face was covered with heavy makeup. She’s wearing a very tight shirt which was showing her deep cleavage. How could she wear such a tight dress at the workplace and how was she even breathing in such a tight dress? I glanced at her name tag placed on the desk… Katherine.. that’s her name.

“Excuse me,” I tried to gain her attention. She looked up and raised her eyebrows.

“Yes?” She asked in a clipped tone.

“Could you please tell me the way to Xa-um… Mr. Knight’s office?” I asked politely.

“Do you have any appointment?” She asked rudely.

“No. Actually, I am appointed as Mr. Knight’s Personal assistant and it’s my first day today.”

“I am not informed about this.” She commented. I immediately passed her the letter Xavier gave me to show the employees in case of any inconvenience.

She read the letter with furrowed eyebrows and then looked up, she looked surprised. She started checking me from head to toe. I felt conscious about my look. Is my outfit not looking professional?

“Take that elevator to your left. His office is on the last floor that is 60th floor, there you will find a lady named Mrs. Rosa Miller at the floor reception desk, she will lead you to the CEO’s office.” She passed me the letter and started doing her work.

I thanked her and entered the elevator. I reached the top floor; then to the reception desk, a lady in her mid-thirties was sitting behind the desk. She smiled looking at me.

“Good morning. How may I help you?” She asked politely with a smile. She seems to be a nice lady.Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive © material.

I greeted her good morning and handed over the letter to her.

“Oh, Ms. Ariana Jones. I was informed about your arrival. Well, nice to meet you. Let’s take you to your destination.” She smiled and stood up from the chair.

“Come with me.”

I walked beside her, she stopped in front of the door on which CEO- Xavier Knight was written.

“Well, Miss Jones, this is your destination. Knock on the door and wait for his command to enter. Have a nice day.” Saying that she left me standing in front of the large door.

I inhaled and exhaled three times then I knocked on the door. With the faint sound of come in, I twisted the doorknob to open the door and stepped inside.

There he was, sitting on his chair behind his desk looking all authoritative, dominant, and supreme. And most importantly, he was staring at me making my heart pick up the speed.

“On time…hmm.. impressive.” He said, not taking his eyes off me.

“Good morning,” I said and bowed slightly. My father had taught me to bow out of respect whenever I greet anyone. He was Asian and bowing when you greet someone means respect in many Asian countries and most importantly you are saved from shaking your hand with a stranger.

“Sit.” He said, pointing at one of the chairs placed opposite his desk.

No greeting back??… rude!!

I sat on the chair and kept my laptop bag on my lap and started fidgeting my fingers, my legs were shaking.

“Now, let’s talk about your work.” He leaned a little forward and placed his elbows on the table; still, his eyes were on me.

“First thing first, you will address me as ‘sir’ or ‘Mr. Knight’ and no one, means no one should get to know about this marriage thing. Is that clear?” He said authoritatively.

I know that! He doesn’t need to remind me again and again. I know he thinks that I am not worthy of being his wife. And it hurts me a lot.

“Yes,” I replied timidly.

“Now, as my P. A. you will handle the business calls, set the meetings, appointments, proofread the documents, and will handle the e-mails. You will accompany me in all business meetings inside and outside the building or country if needed. And you will make coffee for me whenever I ask for it. Is that clear?”

Woah… that’s a lot of work. That means a lot of socializing.

“Yes, sir.”

“Here are some files” He pointed towards the pile of files on his desk “That’s your work for the day. In some files, you have to proofread the content and some files contain the documents you have to email. Take these files and start working in your office which is beside mine. It’s already prepared for you. And remember, don’t make mistakes and complete your work on time.” He said the last part commandingly. I nodded my head.

“You may leave.” He ordered.

I didn’t listen to him. I was just gaping at the files and then looked at him, whose eyes were now on the computer screen. I again looked towards the files.. these are so many files, how will I lift them?

I was eyeing the pile of files when his voice interrupted me “Any problem?”

I looked at him and found him staring at me with raised eyebrows.

“N.. No.”

“Then…do I have to personally bring you to your office?” He said annoyingly.

“No.” I immediately stood up and hanged my laptop bag on my shoulder then picked up the files. Oh god, those were so heavy. I turned and took cautious and slow steps towards the door making sure not to fell on the floor with files.

Carefully, I stepped out of his office.. phew.. finally I did it without falling.

I started walking towards my office balancing the files in my hands; after taking a few steps I bumped into someone and all the files fell on the floor.

“Woah…easy there girl”