Hundred
Selene's POV
She led me to a pair of elegant double doors, and I hesitated for a moment before she gently pushed them open, revealing a grand room filled with laughter and chatter.
My eyes widened in astonishment as I took in the scene before me. There were so many people, and the ambiance was electric. I didn't know there would be such a crowd or that the company had such a large number of people in the first place. But now that I am here, I can't possibly turn around and leave.
Before I could even do a thing anyway, Vivian spotted me almost immediately, her eyes lighting up with excitement as she hurriedly made her way through the crowd to reach me.
"Selene! You made it!" Vivian exclaimed, wrapping her arms around me in a tight embrace. "I'm so glad you're here."
"Hey, Vivian," I replied, returning the hug with a smile. "I didn't expect such a big gathering. This place is incredible!"
"Oh, I know, right?" Vivian beamed. "This is one of the best parties our company throws every year. I knew you'd love it."
I looked at her and shook my head. "I initially thought it was just a small gathering."
She laughed. "It's one of those things we rip the management with. Come on, let's join them."
She led me into the midst of people who have now turned their attention to me. They were looking at me and whispering to one another.
I felt a bit self-conscious under their curious gazes, but Vivian's reassuring presence by my side helped ease my nerves. As we approached the group, she gestured for me to take a seat, and I awkwardly sat down, not knowing exactly how to fit in yet.
As everyone continued their lively conversations, Vivian clapped her hands to gather their attention, signaling that she was about to introduce me. But just as she was about to speak, a guy from the crowd narrowed his eyes and directed his question at me.
"Are you the president's new secretary?" he asked with a hint of skepticism in his voice.
I didn't recognize him, but I nodded politely, not wanting to make a bad impression on my first day. "Yes, I am. Nice to meet you."
He smirked, giving me an approving look. "You look even prettier in person."
Before I could respond, Vivian intervened, laughing and smoothly cutting in, "Lawson, stop teasing her already. Let me properly introduce Selene to everyone." She paused, gesturing at me. "This is Selene, and she has joined the company for a few weeks now, though a lot of you might not recognize her as she works on the top floor too."
I knew that was my cue to say hi, so I tried to flash them a smile as I said, "Hello, my name is Selene. Nice to meet y'all."
I wasn't really outspoken, but what could I do? I had just started getting used to being addressed as equals with people. Usually, we didn't even get to talk in official matters at the pack.
Vivian laughed beside me as she patted my shoulder. "Don't mind her. She's just a little shy. But I must say. She's easy to get along with, and I hope we all treat one another well."
I looked at Vivian in surprise, not expecting that from her. It wasn't that we are that close but I was glad she had such a good impression of me.
"Welcome then, Selene," Lawson commented, and I looked his way as he flashed me a smile. "It's really nice to have you here."
I smiled in return. "Thank you."
There were a few more introductions afterward, male and female alike. I tried my best to remember all the names, but with so many new faces, it became a bit too much. I managed to recall a few names - Clinton, Noah, Charlotte, and Nancy - but the rest were a blur.
As the party continued, people started dancing upfront. Vivian urged me to join in on the fun, but being in the midst of such a crowd was already too much excitement for a day.
I found a comfortable spot to sit and observed everyone from afar. It was then that I noticed Amanda trying to get closer to Noah, and it seemed like she was intentionally seeking his attention. Meanwhile, Lawson appeared to be the life of the party, chatting and interacting with everyone, almost like he was flirting with them all.
Lost in my thoughts, I barely registered the sound of the chair beside me sinking, indicating someone had taken a seat. I paid them no attention, but they clearly thought otherwise as they asked, "Why are you not there with them? Dancing and all..."
It was a familiar voice, so. I turned my head to look at the person, and to my surprise, it was Alexander.