C2 Chapter 1

Aliza lives with her uncle and aunt since last twelve years. She lost her parents in a road accident when she was just six. Since then her paternal uncle had been taking care of her. Her aunt despises her since the beginning and refused to take the responsibility of her but since Aliza's mother was an orphan and had no other relation from her father's side she was helplessly left to the custody of her uncle.

Aliza's aunt known to be a witch by her mentality took the optimum advantage of her impotent situation and used her as a house maid, cook and all purpose house cleaner. But Aliza was a hard worker since the beginning. After completing her house work she used to sit for study till late in the night and obtained the best grades in school.

Five years back her uncle Nelson retired from work as a head supervisor from Messers Schroeder's & Co. Since then Aliza's problems increased manifold. The savings Nelson could make hardly sufficed to feed the four stomachs at home. Her's and her cousin brother's education were out of choice. As a result Aliza was forced to take over employment immediately after her school.

*****

Flashback.

It was nine in the morning and like everyday Aliza took the newspaper daily and started circling the jobs that were suitable for her qualification. "Aliza, did you prepare the lunch box for your brother?" Her aunt yelled from the living hall painting her nails. Every day Aliza got up at five, prepared breakfast and lunch for all four of them and went prepared for the interviews after searching the daily. This routine had been continuing since a month leaving more despair to Aliza for each day passing.

"Do not lose hope so soon Ali." Her uncle patted her shoulder. With the breeze coming from the window the paper holding vacancies notification flew out of her hand and Aliza's vision accidentally fell on the top of the business column. It was a photo of a young and handsome entrepreneur. Aliza was instantly attracted by the charming Apollo and looked through the column to learn more. On the headlines words were pasted with clear blank ink in bold - The youngest and the most successful business man of the country swipes another record.

Below was the photo was of the Adonis shaking hands with the president of US. Wow. Aliza was intrigued and read through the report. Charles Rodriguez, the CEO of Richmond Industries sweeps away the previous record of country's richest magnate with a turnover of more than 500 millions a month. Aliza's jaw dropped to the floor reading the business column. Can anyone be that rich in the world? Probably he is richer than the president of US. She thought implausible.

She was too engrossed with the Apollo and his achievements that Aliza did not take notice of Andrew who went behind her fascinated to see what his sister was reading. "Hey sis" he asked surprised pointing to the young business man on the newspaper. "He came to our school just three days ago and gave a brilliant speech on self motivation at the assembly. That young man is very rich." Andrew remarked with his eyes wide and hands spread to explain the enormous wealth of the tycoon. "He donated a huge sum to our library and science lab and our principal was corps perdu to describe his achievements and generosity."

The day and the next followed by many such days Aliza went around the streets of California searching for jobs. With the meagre education that she obtained no firm was ready to adopt her in a white collar job and the few that wanted to hire, paid very less that was insufficient even for a day's meal. With the days passing Aliza felt more distressed.

Her uncle was jobless and at the age of sixty five nobody was ready to appoint him. The blow-ups of her aunt were increasing day by day. Aliza desperately needed an employment. Ten days later as she was once again looking through the daily, her eyes caught sight of Trident Pharma.

The company was new but its turnover was magnificent. It was hiring personal assistant cum secretary to the CEO. Aliza was below qualified for the job. They wanted post graduates or least a graduate with minimum ten years of experience. Aliza was qualified for neither of them but she wanted to try her luck for the last time.

If Aliza fails in the interview which is most probably destined she will take over the job of a waitress in a local restaurant. She had given them the interview two days ago and they were happy to give her the job. Though the shift was very long from morning six to night eight, at least they were to pay her a reasonable salary to secure a seat for her in the university and to help her brother continue his education.

The next day morning, Aliza searched through her closet to find a decent dress to wear. But even after an hour of search she couldn't find one. Was she forced to empty her scholarship money that she reserved for registration fee of her university to a dress which may or may not secure her a job? Finally as though God wanted give her a boon her eyes landed on the bottom most drawer of her cupboard.

On the top was a simple cream colored top her uncle presented her on her birthday just before his retirement. Aliza carefully secured the decent garment for emergency purposes. She was a petite woman which was a blessing in disguise for her. Else a top bought five years ago wouldn't fit her today. She matched the top with black colored pants. Her brother stole his mother's shoes and gave it to her to compliment with the apparel. Aliza thanked him, put on minimal make-up using a black eyeliner, mascara and nude lipstick to make herself presentable. "You look gorgeous sis." Andrew complimented Aliza."

She ruffled his hairs and told him. "Andrew the chances for me to grab this job are less than five percent but I want to give it a try least to secure your school fees. Wish me all the best." After taking the best wishes of her brother Aliza started off to her most improbable job search. Taking the cab ten minutes later she was in front of the most sophisticated high rise building. On the top of the superstructure proudly stood the letters 'The Richmond Industries'

Aliza had applied for Trident Pharma but the cab driver was more than sure that he had dropped her at the exact address mentioned. Apprehensive, Aliza took cautious steps towards the reception and mentioned about her details to the receptionist. To her utter surprise and relief she was in the right location. Pressing the 17th floor she waited for the lift to reach her twiddling with her thumbs while clutching the file to her chest.

The office felt extremely rich and costly. It oozed power and rule. Employees dressed in cosmopolitan suits and business wear scurried left and right in a hurry. Aliza felt like an underprivileged person to enter the high rise office. On the ceiling was a huge crystal chandelier hanging. To one side were oak wood sofas. On the center table were many business magazines. The air conditioning was divine that could instantly make her fall asleep.

The other end of the enormous lounge was a huge fridge which had a stock of delicious cakes and pastries. Just beside was a bar. For a moment Aliza thought otherwise and wanted to run away. She wasn't fit even to step into the building leave about securing the job. But her gut churning instinct said she had to do this, if not for her it was for her brother. Andrew deserved a good education. She thought and the lift pinged followed by the opening of the door.

Looking ahead Aliza had a knock down of the world. The visitor's area was swarmed with more than hundred applicants. All of them represented rich families, polished and elegant. Aliza felt diffident and insecure at the costly place. Clutching her file to the chest she gave her name at the reception and occupied one of the seats cornering herself to the rear end of the room. She silently prayed the wall if only it could swallow her at the moment so that nobody could see her anymore.

No sooner she sat down a girl came out dressed in a mini skirt wiping her tears. The next name was called and not even ten minutes had passed the candidate came rushing out as if driven by a tsunami. Then the third and the fourth. The list went on as the names were being addressed. But none of them could stay in the room for more than five minutes. Aliza wondered with fear and surprise. Was the man inside a tyrant? "That man is a monster. He doesn't know to behave. It is better you leave this place without seeing him." The last one before Aliza yelled to her.

Aliza's feet were already trembling in fright. She had second thoughts to turn away from the interview but before she could run to the exit, her name was called. Alas she had no escape but to see the power sitting inside. "Come in" came a deep voice that sent shrills down her spine. With sweating hands Aliza walked inside the chilling room. He wasn't facing her but looking through the window. The immaculate black suit was perfectly tailored to suit the thick panes of his elegant shoulders. His hands were inside his pant pockets and his shining, gelled black hair was flawlessly trimmed just above his neck.

Aliza gulped heavy feeling cold shivers radiated by his dominating aura. "If you are here to show me your body, you can leave. I'm already running short of my time." He spoke not even sparing her a glance still gazing through the window. His voice held power, authority and most importantly a control that could make a person go pale in a matter of seconds. "Excuse me?" Aliza asked taken aback. She wasn't able to accept what she was hearing.

The man turned around and Aliza's breathe went struck in her throat.