Ninety seven

With a mixture of nerves and determination, I knock on the door, then cautiously step into Dominic's office. My heart is still racing from rushing to make it on time. Dominic looks at me with an unwelcoming gaze that sends a shiver down my spine. Despite the anxiety, I find some relief in knowing I'm not more than thirty minutes late - a small consolation in this nerve-wracking situation.

Summoning all my courage, I timidly greet him, "Good morning, Mr. Dominic."

His response is sharp, asking why I'm late, and his tone cuts through me like ice. Anxiously, I explain the vehicle issue that caused the delay, hoping for understanding.

Knowing Dominic's strict adherence to principles and rules, I brace myself as he begins lecturing me about the importance of putting more effort into my job, especially concerning punctuality. I feel my cheeks flush with embarrassment and quickly apologize, feeling the weight of his disapproval.

With a dismissive gesture, he orders me to make him his morning coffee. Feeling like I'm walking on thin ice, I hurry to comply, my mind racing with thoughts of how I can improve and avoid future confrontations.

In the small office kitchenette, I hurriedly prepare the coffee, praying it meets his expectations. I genuinely want to keep this job and not mess up.

Finally, I return to his office, holding the steaming cup of coffee cautiously, trying to hide my trembling hands. "Here's your coffee, Mr. Dominic," I say softly.

He takes a sip, and I hold my breath, awaiting his verdict. A flicker of something, not quite warmth but not as icy as before, passes over his face as he nods in approval. "Finally, something done right," he mutters.

Relieved that I managed to do something to his satisfaction, even if it's just a cup of coffee, I force a small smile. "Thank you, Mr. Dominic."

As I stand there, unsure of what to say after his remark, Mr. Dominic breaks the silence by asking if there's anything else I want to discuss. Despite feeling a bit uneasy, I gather my courage and reply, "Actually, yes. I was hoping to talk about the new project you mentioned earlier."

He leans back in his chair, eyeing me curiously. "Ah, the project with the collaboration from one of the biggest companies in the city? You've heard about it, haven't you?"

I nod, feeling a bit relieved that he seems willing to engage in conversation. "Yes, I've heard a few things about it here and there."

"Good," he says, reaching for a file on his desk. "I need someone to dive deeper into this project and gather as much information as possible. We're at a critical juncture, and I could use an outsider's perspective."

My heart races with excitement and a hint of anxiety. He hands me the file, and I take it carefully, already feeling the weight of the responsibility. "I'll do my best," I reply, trying to sound confident.

"This is an important project, Selene," he says, his tone serious. "Normally, I wouldn't entrust such a task to a rookie, but I'm stuck, and I believe in giving opportunities when they arise."

His words leave me conflicted. On one hand, I'm unsure whether he called me incompetent indirectly, but on the other hand, I'm grateful for the chance he's giving me. "Thank you, Mr. Dominic. I won't let you down," I assure him.

He nods, seeming satisfied with my response. "You better not. Take your time, go through the documents, and come up with your observations. I want your report on my desk by the end of the week."

I leave his office with the file in my hands, my mind racing with thoughts of how to approach the task.