Mysterious CEO

Chapter 3 - First day surprise

Rose's POV

I didn't feel offended by Fiona's words, instead I felt protected. It is the first time someone is standing for me. A smile blossomed on my lips seeing Ryan's and Martin's faces. They both stood as if they were going to cut down Fiona. Michael came and eased the situation and said to Fiona.

"Ms. Raphael, I warn you against such behaviour. Dumont enterprise values the dignity of each of their employees and won't tolerate any such behaviour that hurts another person. So beware of your words. It will be counted in your selection process." 

"But Mr. Grant, I was just curious about her background. I think you should do a background check on her. Who knows if has some criminal records." Fiona said, making an innocent face.

"That's enough you bitch." Martin rushed towards her and I acted fast. Before he could hit her, I pulled him back and blocked his way.

"Martin, thank you so much for standing for me but I am capable of dealing with such blunders. Just ignore her and give her a deaf ear." I said with a smile.

After that Michael showed us our desks. I got one in between Ryan and Martin. Fiona would have buried me under 6 feet, if looks could kill. She got a desk at the far end which she exchanged with a red haired guy through a little bit of flirting. Are these boys really idiots to not see the real colour of these bimbos or are they acting to be one just to get some entertainment, I wondered. We didn't have much work to do as it's our first day. Michael gave us a talk on how the department works. He then gave all of us an assignment to prepare a marketing strategy for a new product that's going to be launched soon by the Dumont enterprise. 

Dumont enterprise is a vast business empire which has businesses all over the world. Dumont enterprises dominate the market of dairy products as well as farm products. They are also in the textile and fashion industry. Recently they have also entered the construction business. I knew all about this because I did some research as soon as I received a call from here. Dumont enterprise is starting a new designer house which is entirely under Megan Dumont. All the businesses of the Dumont enterprises are managed by a board of directors which include all the members of the Dumont family. The building we are in right now is the headquarters of the Dumont enterprises. The marketing department here is responsible for promoting every single business of the enterprise. The accounts department manages all the accounts of the enterprise. Likewise there are other departments too. 

At the lunch break we were guided towards the canteen. I thought of skipping lunch but now that I am already here, it will be really embarrassing if I went back without having anything. Moreover Fiona will get another chance to make fun of me. I thought of having a sandwich that won't cost me much. But before I could order an announcement came. 

"The meal of the day for all the trainees is free for today. You can have whatever you like." 

My heart jumped up in joy. I could now have a decent meal after so many days. I followed Martin and Ryan to the food counter. I made a mental note to take only a few items so that I won't be embarrassed of being covetous towards food. I just turned to follow Ryan with my plate when Fiona blocked my way.

"Oh look at her. She is taking advantage to fill her empty stomach. Why don't you just go and beg to fill your filthy mouth? We won't atleast have to see your dirty face each day." Her words hurt me but I am not the one who allows others to spat at me. I looked at her and she was just having a small portion of salad on her plate.

"See who's mocking at me. Poor thing, can't eat anything decent or else this skeleton will be filled with flesh. I feel sorry for you. You have to struggle this hard to keep these guys trailing behind you. I wonder if these guys are really blind to trail behind you. That lady is far better than you." I said pointing at a middle aged lady who was cleaning a table. The people in the canteen who heard me couldn't stop laughing. At last Fiona had to run from there. I went to the table where Ryan and Martin were sitting. 

"So, are you ready to be friends with me?" Ryan asked as soon as I sat. I smiled and nodded.

"I don't have any friends and I don't know how friends behave. So, please pardon me if I ever hurt you in future." I said.

"Why didn't you ever have any friends?" Martin asked.

"It's a long and sad story for others but for me it's my life and I am happy with it. I don't like people sympathizing with me. 

I love my life and I am happy being alone." I said, trying my best to convince them that I am really happy. I was never happy being alone and I always wanted to find my parents.

"That's not the answer to my question." Martin said.

"I will tell you when I really feel like we are friends. I never disclose my past with anyone. For now just know that I don't have a surname because I don't remember it. I do have a family and I was separated from them by fate. I am sure they too will be in search of me." I said, not disclosing much about myself. 

"That's fine Rose. You at least agreed to be friends with us, that's enough. We can get to know each other in the coming days." Ryan said standing up from his seat. His plate is already empty. Martin followed him without waiting for me. I quickly finished my food and went behind them. I couldn't find any of them and so I walked back to our office. On my way, I met Michael and he said,

"Come to my cabin." He walked to his cabin and I stood there looking around. Did anyone see us? Why is he calling me to his cabin?" I slowly knocked at his door and at once he gave me permission.

"Rose, have a seat." He said pointing at the chair in his office. I took a seat and looked at Michael.

"How do you know Mr. Abraham Dumont?" He asked. 

"Well I didn't know that he is Mr. Abraham Dumont. I met him accidentally on the day of the interview. That day I was returning back sadly for not being able to attend the interview as I lost the call letter. He was kind enough to wait for me and return the call letter. But I told him that it was late and I didnt need the envelope anymore. After that I saw him here in the morning and that's when I understood that he is Mr. Dumont. 

"Oh, so you don't know him personally?" Michael asked again and I agreed.

"He wanted me to give you this envelope. He wants you to open this only when you are out of this building. I mean when you go back in the evening." He said, giving me an envelope. 

I took it and walked to my seat. To my luck, there was no one and so I quickly kept the envelope in my bag. I felt really anxious about the envelope. What could be inside it? When it was time for us to leave, Michael came and reminded us about our assignment. He gave us a week to submit the assignment. I left my seat with Martin and Ryan and walked out of the building. We parted ways outside the building. I was so eager to know about the envelope that I hired a cab. It would cost me all my savings to reach my apartment in the cab. So I gave the address of Mrs. Collins' restaurant which was just a five minute drive from here. After paying the driver, I walked straight into Mrs. Collins office. She was so happy to see me. We were chatting when a waitress came to inform us that some important customers had arrived who wanted to meet her. She excused me and went to attend to the customers.

I took the chance to open the envelope. Inside was another envelope and a letter which read,

"Hello Rose, I know you are shocked to know that I am a Dumont. I wanted to personally tell you that you got this job solely based on your grades and not because of me. I know you are capable of handling the work that will be given to you. 

I am keeping some cash with this letter and please don't feel offended. I know you are filled with self respect and I don't want to hurt you. I just wanted to make you presentable for the office. Get some decent clothes with the money. Don't feel bad because I am lending you this money. You can pay me back, when you have.

Wishes

Abraham Dumont"

I went through the letter again. Just in one meeting he understood my situation. He didn't even make me feel embarrassed. He lended this money. I opened the envelope and it had ten hundred dollar bills. More than enough for everything I wanted to buy and still there will be balance so that I can afford a decent living. But how am I going to pay him back. I don't know how much I am going to get paid for my job.