1 Nolem PLC

"So, are you ready for this or not?" Chester asked impatiently, rolling his chair closer to the table while leaning forward. His straight, expressionless face and green eyeballs, glared at Philomena.

He looked carefully at the girl he fell in love with several years ago. The very girl that wrecked him emotionally and otherwise. He searched his heart to see if he still felt something for her, but he didn't have to search for long, because it was right there.

"I don't have all the time in the world, Mena. You should know this by now." He added, showing off his lack of patience with words and expressions.

Philo uncrossed her legs and leaned forward, drawing her seat closer as well.

"I haven't been told of my job description yet, I don't even know what is expected of me." She replied, keeping a sweet face that was struggling to say that she was neither scared nor intimidated by Chester's threatening features.

"On what exactly." He asked. "You don't know what is expected of you as a personal assistant? Oh come on, you don't mean that I should spell it out for you, one after the other?"

"That's not what I mean sir." Philo replied. "I'm just asking about the company policies, what are the things expected of me as a personal assistant, you said the position will be temporary, pending when the company get someone befitting for the job. So, how long am I likely to work as a personal assistant? Also, we haven't discussed my salary." Philo replied.

He gave her another look, seeing that she still have her sass and the ability to act calm and calculated at all times. The fact that his father brought up the idea of hiring Philo as his assistant was still something he found so hard to take in. Who would have thought that the old Williams would openly accept the very girl that put his son in a very dark place years ago.

Not having the intention to sound polite for any reason, yet keeping in mind that he was rather desperately in need of someone, who could fill up the role of his personal assistant as soon as possible, and he knew Philomena was more than qualified and capable for the job.

Having someone with her level of expertise was something he needed in his company. Someone that knows how to handle pressing issues, and make useful suggestions and contributions when their is need of one. He needed Philomena more than she needed him, but the later had no idea.

Since it was almost case of urgency, he knew better not to go through the long road. She need a job badly, and he needs an assistant as well. So it will be a win-win for both parties.

Shifting whatever anger he was still feeling aside, he cleared his throat and turned to her.

"Here." He said, handing her a little file that contained every single detail she was asking for.

Philo stared at him for a while, before picking up the file. She was about asking if she could go through it's contents at home, and report back to the office the next day, when Chester said the next words that knocked the idea out of her head.

"Go through the contents quickly. A minute or two should be enough to highlight the very important clauses there." He said, giving her no room for arguments.

She wanted to argue, but she changed her mind. Recalling that she was in dire need of the job and has already made a promise to Chester's father. A promise that she needed to see through.

She glanced through the contents of the file and the first interesting clause she picked up was related to her salary. It was more than she anticipated. This got her wondering, if that was the usual amount assistants get paid at Nolem PLC.

Her job description didn't seem too tasking either; Schedule his meetings, ensure that the cleaners tidy his office, arrange his files and keep them in handy, managing his social life which include his social media accounts, typing and sorting of documents, being his representative whenever he is unable to attend a particular function.

Her job was literally to keep Chester's life at the office in check.

It sounded so simple, but Philomena knew that it was far from simple, especially with the history between them.

"All ready." She announced, crossing her legs again.

Steve and Mr. Williams had already filled her up on all that she needed to know about this present Chester, seated before her. He was no longer the love-struck, timid looking man she once knew. He was now a more focused, career driven and rigid looking man, whose mean appearance seem unsettling. She wondered what happened to the ever cheerful Chester.

A mere look at his face was enough to cause a cold chill. She wouldn't have known how to communicate with him effectively, if not for the familiarity they once shared.

"Great." He said. "Your letter of appointment is the last document in the file. Sign, and drop it off with the HR on your way downstairs. I expect to see you at work tomorrow, yes?

"Yes, thank you." Philo said, extremely grateful. "Can I hold back on signing the appointment letter? I would love to carefully go through the documents in the file. Can I submit the letter tomorrow?

"And resume tomorrow as well?" Chester asked.

"Yes," Paige replied. "I'll resume tomorrow as well. Thank you so much, Sir."

"Oh, you don't need to thank me, I heard about your mother, I'm so sorry for your loss." He said and allowed his facial expression to show his soberness for a moment.

"Yeah," Philo murmured. "Thank you."

"Is there anything I can do to help? Anything that you might need help with?"

She shook her head in response. He was expecting her to do just that. He knew she would never accept help, especially when it's been handed to her like it was nothing. So he wasn't surprised. In a flash, his facial expression returned back to factory setting.

"On that note, it's a goodbye from me, Miss Newman." He said, standing up and extending his hand for a handshake.

"Goodbye, Mr. Archer, I'll be on my way now." She replied, shaking his soft hand. Stood up carefully, got a nod from Chester that told her they were done, and she left.

Outside Nolem PLC, she contemplated dropping by to see Steve, whose office was just a few blocks away, But was just too exhausted. So, she decided against it. A few seconds later, she flagged a taxi and made her way home.