Disclaimer: The characters being used are the property of Misashi Kishimoto. The plot is inspired by My Story by Quagonmay. Thank you for all your support.
*
The soft click of the door provided her with shield, a safe space away from the piercing , judgmental eyes of the employees. She crossed her arms over her chest and gently rubbed her shoulder as Sesshomaru motioned for her to sit in a black, leather chair positioned across from his desk. She graciously accepted his hand as she lowered herself to the seat. He seated himself across from her, every inch of him regal and handsome as his icy glance fixated on her. She inhaled before answering the question that hung silently between them.
His office wasn't quite how she had pictured it. It was a small, corner office with simple decoration. Despite the simplicity, the furniture appeared to be customized. The most lavish feature was the large window with ,what appeared to be, remote controlled vertical blinds. The view of the city left little to be desired. The skyscrapers and high rises gleamed as the city was bathed in the golden glow of the sun.
She swallowed nervously."I accept the offer, " she answered breathlessly.
"I'll have my assistant process your paperwork and your employee contract is here,"he said handing her a manilla file folder.
"Thank you so much," she said.
"No problem, Ms.Hyuuga," I do have an upcoming social event, which would require you to be properly attired."
"The Annual Business Gala?"
"Yes, it's customary that my personal assistant attend the event with me. However,I understand if you choose not to attend, given your current condition, "he explained.
"It's all right, I have gone many times with my father in the past."
"I'll have Kagura contact you tomorrow. She will help you select appropriate attire."
Hinata swallowed nervously as she recalled the risque evening gowns many of the women wore. It was an almost literal flesh parade with an array of beautiful women displaying their assets as they dangled from the arms of powerful men like expensive jewelry. In vivid detail, she could recall a woman whose dress was about to burst at the seams. It was skin tight with two slits that were dangerously close to being obscene. She shivered at the memory.
"Don't worry yourself Ms.Hyuuga, Kagura is a conservative lady. You don't have to dress as provocatively as the other ladies if you don't want to."
"Thank you again,"she said lowering her gaze.
"Would you like to start today or tomorrow?" he asked.
"I can start today, actually," she answered with a glimmer of excitement.
"You can start after you review your employee contract and sign a few things.
*
Hinata ran her fingers across her swollen belly as she lazily flipped through channels. With a sigh, she decided to watch the news.
She rolled her eyes in annoyance as the anchor announced the celebrity gossip section. She was about to turn the channel when pictures of herself and Sesshomaru appeared on the screen in nearly blinding HD. She grabbed the remote and furiously pummeled the volume button.
Grab your mugs ladies and gentlemen, we have some piping hot tea for you. The former Hyuuga Heiress was seen exiting a small coffee shop with the handsome Sesshomaru Tashio, who has been dubbed 'the Ice Prince '. Ordinarily, this wouldn't make headlines, but given the Heiress's recently devastating breakup with Sasuke Uchiha; this development has us raising our eyebrows. Are we witnessing a whirlwind romance or is our sweet little heiress not as innocent as she seems?
Hinata pinched the bridge of her nose, a fruitless attempt to stop the onslaught of fresh tears. She pressed the power button and began to sob in the dimly lit livingroom of an apartment she could now barely afford. She wobbled to her room. She slid under the warm, wool blankets and cried herself to sleep.
*
The next day rolled out like a red carpet. The Hyuuga moaned in frustration as her alarm clock wailed, 6:30 had come too early for her taste. She crawled out of bed, fatigue flowing through her limbs as she drug herself to the bathroom. Her morning ritual began with a warm, steamy shower and lavender scented body wash. After that, an immediate rub down with oil, lotion, and a vanilla scented; body cream. Then, she sprayed some mousse on her hair and styled it into a messy bun.
Hinata wobbled to her room and hastily selected an appropriate outfit for the day. A plain; white button down, dark grey slacks, a matching blazer, and pair of navy blue flats with a diamond accent surrounded by two golden fixtures. She grabbed her keys, a bento box, and a black briefcase before hurriedly wobbling out her door. A sudden, bright flash caught her off guard as she was locking her door. She suddenly found herself,a single island surrounded in a sea of paparazzi.
She pulled her briefcase and blazer around herself, a meager attempt to save herself from the bombardment she was currently suffering. She slowly waded through the ocean of flashes and exited clamor of gossip. She had neared the end of the hallway , when a pair of strong arms suddenly surrounded her. Hinata was led to a small elevator and shoved inside.
"You're safe now, " a familiar voice said.
Hinata finally lowered her arms to look at her savior. Spiked;dark hair, obsidian eyes, and messy suit filled her vision. Sasuke. Tears pricked the back of her eyes, she so desperately wanted to cry, to break down and pound his chest with her pale fists. Hinata embraced herself against the ragged threads of self control fighting for dominance. She fixed her glance on the floor as her heart beat frantically against ribcage.
"You've gotten fat, " he commented nonchalantly.
Salvation came suddenly as the parking lot came into view. The doors opened and she quickly darted out of them. She power walked, almost jogged, to her black Honda CRV. Hinata flung the door open, threw her stuff inside, and slammed the door closed before her passenger side door opened. Sasuke climbed inside, he straightened his jacket once he was securely seated inside the seat. He looked around with his perfectly shaped nose wrinkled in disgust.
"You always did have shitty taste in cars,"he commented.
"You could always get in your car," Hinata said almost as if her smart aleck sister had possessed her momentarily.
"This will have to do for now, you and I have important matters to discuss,"he said dismissively.
"I'm late for work, we can discuss this later," she whined.
Sasuke wrote an address on a piece of paper and placed it in the cupholder. He opened the door,but paused.
"Meet me there Saturday, don't be late," he said dryly before closing the door.
Hinata shakily released the breath she had been holding in. She started her car and made her way to work.
*
"Ms. Hyugga, I understand that you may have some difficult issues to face, but you have to be on time. My family hasn't established its fortune by hiring tardy assistants," he scolded calmly.
"I apologize, this will not happen again,"she promised.
"Go to the bathroom and get yourself together, I need you to be ready to work in the next 15 minutes," he ordered.
Solemnly, Hinata hobbled to the bathroom. Once she was safely tucked away in one of the stalls, tears rolled down her cheeks. She sobbed bitterly as other employees entered and left the bathroom. After a while, she leaned against the stall with exhaustion washing over her like tidal waves. She wiped her tears with toilet paper and hobbled over to a sink.
Hinata cleaned her face and began reapplying her make up. Primer, powder,foundation, concealer, contour, highlight, eyeliner, mascara, lip balm, and setting spray were all applied in record time as she rushed to return. She glanced at her phone, miraculously there were five minutes to spare. Sighing deeply, she returned to Mr. Tashio's office. She seated herself at the smaller desk that sat in the corner opposite her boss's.
Momentarily he entered, his silver- gray hair clasp behind him in a loose ponytail that landed above his waist. He glanced down at his watch and looked over at her. He was careful not to display the annoyance laced in his voice.
"How wonderful of you to return on time, Ms. Hyuuga. I hope you came prepared to work," he said.
"Of course, Mr. Taisho,"she answered.
"Good, because that 15 minute break was for lunch for today,"he began," I expect great things from all my employees and you are no exception. Regardless of your current status, I expect you to come prepared to work."
"Yes Sir, I understand,"she replied.
"We're going to be here for a while tonight, if you get uncomfortable or need anything don't hesitate to inform me," he instructed as he removed his navy blue blazer.
Hinata felt heat rise to her pale cheeks as she took notice of his muscular form. His shoulders were broad and well defined, they tapered down to defined biceps. Sesshomaru's chiseled form narrowed at the waist and tapered down to a pair of equally muscular thighs. His body looked like someone had drawn or sculpted it.
"Ms. Hyugga, you look a little flushed, are you all right?" he asked.
"Um yes sir. I almost forgot to mention I had the-
He quickly moved to answer the phone, raising a hand to silence her. He sat on the edge of his desk speaking in his usual deep, flat tone. Hinata watched him awkwardly as he glanced over his shoulder at her. He motioned for her to come over. Sesshomaru covers the shiny, black receiver with his hand.
"Ms. Hyuuga, what size do you typically wear?"
"I'm usually between a six and eight."
"Which size are you closer to?"
"I'm closer to a six."
"Thank you. "
He spoke into the receiver for a few more minutes before dismissing the call. He rolled his sleeves up to his elbow and glanced at her expectantly. Wordlessly, he reached into his desk drawer and pulled out an almost comically tall stack of miscellaneous papers and files. He placed it on her desk.
"I need you to match the papers and the files. The names on the file and paper should match perfectly. I need the files sorted by last name and placed in alphabetical order."
"Yes sir, "she replied sighing.