DAMIAN VALE
“Heyyy!! Hey Damian, look at the freakingg grandeur!!! Woahhhh!!”
My colleague went in awe as we stepped in the Grand Palace where the largest business project investment to ever exist will take place. The place was truly magnificent with chandeliers and golden wallpapers, giving off a western vibe.
Waiters roamed around with their hands full of champagne glasses. Appetizers from all over the world lined the counters. I knew that foreign and multinational companies have raised their hands in this project as I came across blonde hair and foreign accents.
“Okay boys” Our director confronted us, “We should be the collaborating partners of this project by the end of the day. You all know better than to don’t disappoint me I am hoping.”
“Yes sir.” We nod in unison as he left us to enjoy his champagne with a sarcastic smile.
“Who’s going to get fired tonight if we don’t get it?” My colleague came floating down to the reality from his fantasy.
Being a manager for five years now, I have known the strenuous job of pleasing our director, Edward Beaumont, the man who was known for being the best in the field. None of the employees have ever been praised by him for their work. Somewhere or the other, he always found faults within us no matter how we give our best.
“Its fine, Luca” I put my hand around his back and smiled, “We will get it.”
He seemed to cheer up a bit at my words.
We roam around the place, witnessing the extravagant setting. Luca appeared to be a ten-year-old looking up at the ceiling, until he came to me after a few minutes, “Damian, did you notice those blondes and the redhead too? Are they checking you out?”
I followed his gaze to find a group of foreign women looking our way. I gave them a smile while bowing to them. After a while, I found them walking towards us. Luca frenzied in excitement, “Woah, Damian, somebody is looking hot in a tuxedo.”
“Stop it” I uttered in clenched teeth as they stood before us.
As they introduced themselves, we got to know that they belonged to different countries. While Luca seemed to be engrossed in a conversation with them, I could only think about the proposal.
Everyone present here must be feeling the stress of a massive power drive that’s about to happen. The CEO of Laurent industries, who is hosting this party, seemed to have hit a jackpot. This project deals with a One trillion dollars’ worth of blueprint named the ‘Smart City’.
Soon we will have a world where everything will be connected through wireless technology, and every information will be available with every question of the citizens answered. The Government will be held accountable for their investigations and procedures and no one will be kept in the dark.
Whoever made this project possible has massive guts. To take claim of this huge project all alone requires firm grit and intellectual communication. Not to mention how the career of the people in charge of this project will skyrocket. No wonder everyone wants to have this golden egg.
I took a glass of champagne from the waiter and asked Luca, “Hey, have you come across the CEO who is arranging the construction for this project?”
As soon I ask him, the announcer stepped in, “The CEO will be here in a minute”
“What? You really don’t know the CEO of the Laurent industries?? Are you kidding?” He looked at me like I am the biggest fool on earth.
“What’s the big deal?” I furrowed my eyebrows at him.
“What is NOT, the big deal?” He mocked me as we witnessed someone step down from the stairs.
She was in a black cocktail dress complementing her wavy brown hair fluttering through her sweetheart neckline. Black stilettos clacked as she came down, giving out an atmosphere of the main character. A beautiful white lavaliere trailed her slick perfect collarbones. Her long diamond earring shone like her eyes, like the night was hers to own.
She looked nothing short of divine that everyone paused to gaze at her in amazement. No wonder people call her the epitome of beauty and power. I tugged at Luca who was literally drooling while staring at her, “Hey, Luca. Heyyy! Luca???”
“Hmm??” He answered not knowing where else to look. I slapped his back to make him look at me.
“What is it??” He finally answered irritated.
“So, you know her?” I ask him again.
“You don’t know CEO Laurent? She was literally all over the country’s news for being the youngest CEO in history.”
Then it hits me. That name. SIENNE LAURENT.
Ice finds the blood in my veins. I feel my body go hot as her smile gets relocated in my brain. Preparing to leave, I turn towards the huge architectural doors only to find my director giving me death stares. I am so fucking cooked.
No wonder her face looked familiar.
A hard blur enters my vision as I watch her come down with a poised demeanour. My motor function freezes along with my frontal lobe for which I have to give to Luca who snapped me back to my senses, “Okay friend, it’s our turn now.”
“Just wait a se--“. Before I can complete, I was standing before her, my hands cold with an expression on my face I am unaware of.
I realised the terror on her face as she witnessed my haggard face before her dark brown eyes, unsure of what to do as the occurrence slowly seeped into her brain. Her shoulders tensed as she looked down for a moment.
And then looked around; deciding to maintain her composure, clenching her fists so tight like holding onto a death grip for life, unable to let out her overwhelming emotions.
Eternity felt shorter compared to the duration we stood there trying to find words. Finally, Luca saved our precious time.
“Hi, its Manager Luca” He drew out his hand for a handshake. “We are from-”
“Novaris Group.” She completed his sentence, taking his hand. “Pleasure to meet you Mr. Luca. I am glad you could come.” She said with a light smile.
“You are looking gorgeous tonight, Mademoiselle.” He goes on to flatter her, but she seemed unfazed.
“Thank you.”
“My colleague, this side Manager Damian Vale.” Luca addressed her, with his hand on my back.
She looked at me without a smile, “Pleasure to meet you sir”.
“The pleasure is mine.” I spoke in a low gentle voice.
“Enjoy the party.” She went away to meet other executives who are probably more important than us.
God knows how long I have been holding my breath for. When the clock stroked 12, she held out a glass of champagne from the top of the stairs, “To a Bright Future!” she claimed.
I emptied my glass in one shot. Bright future?
Sure, I am definitely getting fired tonight.
