Chapter 4: The Idiotic CEO

Wanting to die on the spot due to embarrassment, I was solid as a rock and didn’t even make a single movement as he continued to smile at me. I couldn’t help but sigh tiredly at my stupid self for recklessly giving out my opinion. Clenching my teeth, I immediately lowered my head in apology. My soul ready to leave my body and float to where I could never be seen again by anybody who wishes to make fun of my mistakes.

Nothing is more embarrassing than to lose your job because you just called your employer an idiot. Not to mention, the employer who gave you a chance to prove to everybody that you’re more capable than what they said.

“I’m very sorry—”

“Well, it indeed is a stupid decision, considering that you don’t have any experience needed for the position.” He rested his chin on his propped hand. “Still, I don’t think that would hinder you in doing your best. Everyone has to start somewhere, yes? What do you say?”

“But, why me?” I gestured to myself, really confused at his proposition. “I’m not sure if you have been listening to them keenly, but I’ve been branded as an employee who got a job that I couldn’t qualify for in the first place. And it’s true, I could be replaced with better—”

“Yet you didn’t let their words affect you.” He softly interrupted. “Plus, a person will never improve unless he or she learns. I’m sure, after training you well, you’ll be able to fulfill the role I’m offering you as my private secretary.”

P-private secretary?!

“A-are you sure about that?” I raised an eyebrow in uncertainty. Clearly, the man has lost his wits. This is not something that usually happens and when it does, it usually has a consequence. “Not to be rude, but what’s the catch?”

Not to mention, he will definitely fire me right away if I screw up big time—no, probably if I just make a mistake once.

“Nothing,” he chuckled and didn’t let the waitress serving our meal bother him. “Is it like this? Whenever someone offers a good deal, the other party thinks there’s a catch to it. Can’t I just do a good deed?”

Silent, my gaze wandered to the meal served in front of me. Still hot, the fettuccine looked absolutely heavenly with its sauce, the aroma mouthwatering. However, the delicious dish wasn’t enough to make me ignore the matter at hand.

It isn’t because I didn’t like the job—as a matter of fact, I like it. But the problem is, I don’t deserve nor qualify for it. I can’t even get my life together without much planning and deliberation. How much more if I had to keep this man’s schedule right on track!

But he said he will train you himself!

The voice inside my head fervently whispered, to which I shook my head. To hear this voice again made me angry at myself for slacking on my daily meditation.

No, I can’t get used to kindness. If I do, I might crash harder in life—

Don’t you find it at least odd?

Looking up, I met Cedric’s eyes again. The piercing blue eyes made me swallow down another string of protests. He was just exuding with confidence as if he would never get rejected. Just by sitting there, he was fighting and proving that he could win this. Win and bring me over to his side.

Don’t you find this man…familiar?

“Stop…”

“Hmm?” Cedric raised an eyebrow. “Did you say something, Miss—”

“You don’t have to go this far, Mr. Dixon.” Standing up, I didn’t meet his eyes. Legs ready to carry me out of this suffocating situation. “I’ll stand by with what I said, others are more deserving than I am. Good day.” Not wasting another second, I rushed out of the restaurant.

Even if I want what he is offering, I can’t attain it by simple means. I have to work hard for it and…just being near that man is making me feel strange.

I have to avoid meeting him again.

If I have to quit, so be it.

“How are you feeling, Miss McKenzie?”

At the doctor’s inquiry, I responded with a small smile. “I’m all right. My head no longer aches at night and I’ve been following that diet you told me about. So far, I’ve been feeling great.”

Eightieth. This is the eightieth visit to the doctor after being discharged. As far as I know, he is Dr. Freeman, someone close to my parents.

“Can you recall any memories now? Before the accident?”

Shaking my head, I chuckled. “Sadly, I haven’t. All I could remember is my childhood, my high school years, and a few of my college years as well. Beyond that is a muddle. I remember my parents, their jobs, my nanny, and everything close to my family. But around the time of the accident and before it, I can’t seem to. It’s like…”

It’s like something is preventing me from remembering the past.

“It’s like what, Miss McKenzie?”

I shook my head, dismissing it. “Never mind. It’s a silly thought, that’s all.”

“Is there anything else I can do for you? You can always come to me for advice, especially when it comes to your health and memory loss. Your parents wouldn’t want to leave you all alone in your case.”

“My parents…would they want me to remember?”

He smiled. “Of course. Mr. and Mrs. McKenzie would want you, their only daughter, to be happy. But if you can’t remember, why don’t you think of it as a chance?”

Looking up at him, I raised an eyebrow in curiosity. “A chance? For what?”

“A new life.” He muttered, clasping his hands together on top of his desk. “It must be tiring, trying to recall past events and meeting the people you have met before. Why not make new memories with them?”

I couldn’t help but laugh. “Actually, I haven’t met anyone who knows me other than my relatives. But if that time comes, I’ll do my best to reconnect with them, that's for sure.”

Dr. Freeman nodded. “That’s good to hear.” His gaze wandered to his clock and seeing that our session was up, he escorted me to the door. “Just don’t push yourself, Miss McKenzie. Sometimes, things are the way they are for a reason. Have a good day.”

Leaving the room, I exhaled aloud and started to head for the exit. It was when my phone started to ring that I fished for it inside my bag, a familiar voice reached my ears. Looking up, I swore seeing Mr. Cedric Dixon heading for the same door where Dr. Freeman was.

Why is he here? A checkup?