Trapped

Chapter 16

Chapter Sixteen:

First day at work is exciting.

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feel blessed 

with all 

you 

already have 

more blessings 

will follow.

― e. russell

»»—♡—««

I had never been a lucky person in my entire life.

That I am quite sure.

Everything that had ever happened in my life was purely based on hard work. A lot may disagree since I came from a well-known family. Especially my grandfather. His name is known and popular for a lot of people. So obviously, the pressure was raised at the roof. However, I did not let the pressure take control over me and my emotions. I wanted to prove to a lot of people that I am capable of doing things and achieving goals all on my own.

It was something that I wanted to be proud of.

Without the need of other people having my back, I wanted to be independent. Never had I ever fed off someone in order to get to where I am currently standing at. I had always kept in mind that in order for me to be successful, I need to grow and accept failures on my own.

I did.

In that way I can stay true to myself. To know where the aspect is. or field that I lack on, then enhance my skills further in order to improve in the field that I work best on. And thus, by doing so; I can grow into a better version of myself. Something that I can be proud of. As well as my family, even though they had always been proud and supportive of me.

Despite my shortcomings and the things I lack, they were always behind me to cheer for me. My mistakes and failures did not even stop them from supporting me. The support has only deepened whenever I have failures.

There were numerous times that I experienced failures. Of course, for a time it was a natural response of humans to feel sad about it. But after some time, that certain failure only drove me to become better. It had motivated me to never give up and keep chasing on my dreams.

I did.

No matter how many people had dragged me down, the more I was eager to stand back up and do better.

It was also what my mother taught of me. At a young age, she was aware that I was bullied and had barged into our school to talk to my classmates and their parents. Lecturing them about the wrongdoings that their children do. She would always stand up on my behalf. My mother showed me a perfect example of what a mother should be.

A protector and guidance for her youngest daughter.

She had always supported me in everything. Well, of course everyone in my family supported me right from the start.

And I had reminded myself numerous times that all of their support is all that I needed instead of pleasing other people that I know nothing about. Some stranger's opinion or negative criticism over me does not matter for me anymore.

For I know my capabilities.

»»—♡—««

[One year earlier]

“Ms. Chandria, we’re here.” 

Our driver, Albert, had informed me this for the second time already. The first time that he said it, I clearly heard him. However I pretended that I didn’t. Not even offering a single glance towards his direction as I kept my eyes lowered and focused on my trembling hands that were prompted on my lap. Purely because I was lost in my own trance of thoughts that I couldn’t even open the door or let alone move a single inch from where I was seated. Moreover, the trembling of my hands made it harder for me to control the emotions swirling inside of me.

After gathering much courage and controlling the shakiness of my hands; I raised my eyes to see him through the rear-view mirror and his face was plastered with much confusion as his eyebrows were knitted together. Probably wondering why I was acting like this. Aside from the confusion, worry had swarmed on his face as he awaited what my next action would be.

Staring at our family driver, Albert showed signs of ageing as the wrinkles on his face were standing out so it was really common sense to know that he is way older than I am. Albert has been our driver ever since I was young and up until now that I’m 22 years old, he was still of our service. And yet he still couldn’t figure me out most of the time. Surely, he already felt like a family to us but we were never really that close to begin with. Not like I was close with our butler, Mr. Garcia.

"Is everything alright, Ms. Chandria?" Albert questioned, quite frantic already as he was ready to maneuver the car and head off to a hospital or some sort that could help me in any way. His very body language and action had overwhelmed and melted my heart. Even though he still can not read me most times, he still always shows signs of compassion and care towards me. After all, I am at the age that I am qualified to pass as her daughter.

Albert has two sons, maybe the very reason why it is hard for him to read me since his home is full of men aside from his wife. So I could not really blame him if he is unaware of my condition.

I nodded at him then offered a slight smile. “Yes, Albert. Just a few minutes and then I’ll be off.” My voice was soft and as if I was out of breath. And he immediately realized why I still wasn’t getting out of the car. The moment that I showed signs of something like this, it was a cue for him to be cautiously aware. However, I had reminded him too many times that there is no need for him to panic since it will just trigger me more.

Albert stayed silent inside the car with me. However, he did not keep his eyes off of me. Wary that something bad or unexpected might happen. There was no awkwardness lingering inside the car and the atmosphere almost felt comfortable. And I am already thankful for Albert by that.

Trying to calm myself down, I averted my gaze towards the watch that had coated my left wrist. On my watch, was the status of my heart rate per minute and it was only natural for me to see the number go off at 120. I clenched my other hand at what I saw then I steadied my breath for a second. Then I did a 2 minute breathing exercise in order to calm down myself. This has been my routine whenever panic attacks nor anxiety attacks decided to go barged into my life at the most wrongful times. 

When my watch beeped, I sucked in a deep breath then bid my farewell to our driver. Albert had a look of relief on his face as he said his goodbyes too.

"Take care, Ms. Chandria! You will do just great." Albert encouraged me as he left the drop off area then headed towards the mansion.

The moment that I got out of the car, and as my eyes landed towards the building; I was immediately fascinated by what I saw. I may look ignorant at this moment as some other people might be looking at me with confusion but I did not pay attention to any of them. Instead, I had continued admiring the place right before my very eyes.

This was not even the first time that I had ever been to this place. And yet, every time that I visit this place, my eyes glimmer in amusement. Maybe because I am just really a sucker for things like this. My heart was hammering inside my chest so loudly and pounding against my rib cage as if it wanted to escape.

Right before my very eyes was a really enormous LED screen on the left side of the entrance. At first glance it looks like a simple window but advertisements continued to flash on the massive window. And on the screen were the innovations, programming, software, and androids that are helpful for businesses and to all mankind. 

The very gems of this company. 

I traced the lace of the ID that was hung on my neck then sucked in a deep breath. After much reassuring myself, I began to stride towards the entrance with much more confidence than before. When I had immediately entered the place, I heard a voice coming from my left side. For a moment, I jolted in surprise but managed to calm myself down due to the shock.

“Welcome to Luciano Corporation, how can I help you?” 

I was expecting to see a woman but was even more startled when I saw an assistant robot beside me. I wasn’t even sure that she was an android not until I noticed a screen attached on her chest.

Well, this is just amazing!

“Hi―” I uttered, slightly still taken aback. Both by shock and by amusement. This is probably the first time that I had ever seen this android even though I had visited this place many times already. 

Is this some kind of new innovation? My grandfather never mentioned anything about this android model.

“Athena. I’m Athena, your virtual assistant. How am I of your service?” She informed me, then offered a smile. The whole facial expression even seemed natural as if I was talking to a real person.

Oh, so this is what taking it to the next level meant.

I examined the android with much fascination, I couldn’t even see the wires nor any traces of robotics other than the screen. This is the very reason why I wanted to be in this field. Innovations like this make me happy and it made me want to innovate and develop a lot of software in relation to artificial intelligence.

I showed her my ID, “I’m a new hire. It’s my first day. I was instructed to go to the orientation room.” The moment I said those words, there was a sudden green light rays that illuminated from her eyes straight to my face. It was as though her eyes were scanning the facial features of my face. I stood there in awe.

“Ah, yes Ms. Chandria Quinn. You’re already in our system.” She muttered as the green light from her eyes dissipated in my sight. 

What amazed me more was the point that usually light scanners tend to be harmful for the eyes of those who see it. However, Athena’s eye green light scanner didn’t even hurt my eyes in one bit. It also seemed invisible for a mean time but it was there. 

“5th floor, Room 510. When you enter the elevator, make sure to place your ID on the scanner or the elevator won’t move. In case of loss of ID, there is an option wherein you can use your facial recognition as a verification for the elevator to move.” Athena stated as I nodded in my place. “Good luck on your first day!” She added with a smile.

“Thank you, Athena.” I smiled back at her then strode towards the elevator.

I did what she had told me before and the elevator began to ascend.

All of my worries earlier had now left as my excitement grew larger at this point.

Surely, I'm going to love working here.