My Sweet Punishment by Amelia Brooks (books like harry potter txt) 📖

     “Your pass,” said a rather young man in a security guard’s uniform.

     “It’s my first day here, and I haven’t been given one yet.” I hastened to reassure the man. But he just looked me up and down. And I continued, “Call Mr. Collins. He’s definitely waiting for me.”

      The guard retreated to a room marked “Security”, apparently to make a call and check. And coming out a few minutes later, he said that I need to go to the 23rd floor. Wow, pretty high.

      As I walked down the spacious hall to the elevator, I caught a glimpse of people hurrying to work. Both women and men are dressed very stylishly. You can take them right now on the cover of some fashion magazine. I’m glad we bought me a new suit yesterday. It would have been a shame to show up in that old one.

      The sound of the elevator announced that I was already on the 23rd floor. Quickly. And for some reason, my knees are starting to shake again. Easy, Mia. Deep breaths. In out, in out.

      I stepped into a spacious office decorated in light beige tones. Nothing superfluous, but quite stylish and modern. I asked the first employee I met how I could get to the boss’s office.

      And now I am standing in front of the door marked “CEO”, shifting my weight from one foot to the other, and don’t dare come into. But just as I braced myself and reached out to knock, the door opened and a young woman in a business suit came out of the office. By the way, she hasn’t apologized for almost leaving me with a bruise. The woman didn’t even look in my direction and went on about her business.

      The door remained open, and I noticed that it was only a waiting room. I entered the room where a beautiful brown-haired woman with a bun on her head was sitting at a table. I noticed also that she has very eye-catching makeup, almost like Olivia’s.

      “Good morning.” I greeted the girl and she finally turned her attention to me. But she didn’t greet me back. And I continued. “I’m here to see Mr. Collins.”

      “What’s your business with him?” The girl gave me a lazy, searching look.

       “I’m his new assistant.”

       “You? Really?” I didn’t like the mocking expression on her face.

       “Yes, I am. Believe it or not.” The girl started pissing me off.

      She just grunted at my comment and suggested me to wait in the hallway since Mr. Collins isn’t in the office yet.

       I had been sitting in the hallway for about an hour when the door of the waiting room opened, and the secretary showed up. She said I have to go to the conference room immediately. Mr. Collins is waiting for me there.

       And what was my surprise when, opening the cherished door, I came across men in suits, sitting at a big long table. Looking around the room, I didn’t notice the boss there. Strange, the secretary said he is already here. Maybe he will be later. I sat down on a chair near the exit and waited.

      The door opened, and I thought Mr. Collins would come in. But no, it was the secretary again. After examining the audience and me, sitting peacefully in the corner. The girl suddenly grinned maliciously.

    “Dear gentlemen. Unfortunately, Mr. Collins is a little late, and he asked for an apology. But he said his assistant would start the meeting.” The girl said loudly and after pointed at me.

      What the…?!