It took two weeks for Ember to finish her requirements of documents and a pre-employment medical examination.
In the third week, she had already signed the probationary employment contract and received her uniform for four days. The company allows business casual attire on Fridays.
There is still a week before she starts working, which is exactly September 1st.
By this time, they had been together for exactly a month.
Ember woke up that day feeling excited.
"It's been a month since we've been together..." Clover's voice tailed off.
They were having breakfast, which Clover prepared.
"Yeah..." Ember replied and stared into nothingness as if reminiscing about something.
"And uhmm, aren't you... delayed?"
"Don't worry about that. I am irregular... something to do with delayed or sometimes short ovulation or something. I never got the chance to go back to my OB for years."
She drank her milk and said, "Don't you worry. I don't feel different. So I must not be pregnant. I will buy pills on my next period, okay?"
"I'm not worried. We will be given what is meant for us. I will take care of you, whatever happens."
The two went to their respective buildings.
When Clover just sat down, his phone rang.
"Yes, Grandma?"
"That girl, what are you two doing playing house?" Grandma asked with an obvious tone of questioning, and to be honest, a bit of disappointment.
"Grandma, she has her own thoughts. Right now, we are enjoying what we have. She's a special girl and I wanna catch her properly without pressure or coercion."
"Okay... when are you going to introduce her to me? This weekend. Visit me this weekend and don't forget to bring it! I wanna see. "
Clover chuckled, "Okay, Grandma. I will bring her over to meet you. I love you."
The conversation ended on a good note. To be honest, Grandma has an open mind. But her thoughts solely revolve around her grandson, who is in his thirties, good-looking, has a stable job, and has a very good character.
"Why hasn't he married anyone yet? Why is he now entangled with a woman, lives with that woman, takes care of that woman, obviously cares for that woman... and yet, they were not married?"
Grandma looked up at the ceiling.
"Oh well, God has his plans..."
Meanwhile, Ember was set for the whole day. The training schedule is pretty extensive but well-structured. One thing she noticed was that her team had three more analysts, and they looked to her as if she were a savior.
During a 10-minute break, she asked Lolly, a chubby and pretty woman in her late twenties, "Not to be narcissistic, but why do I feel like you were all glad that I'm here?"
"Well, because you're the third hire for this position, which was vacant for almost a year. The first two only lasted for like, three or four months, which left us four with additional workload. Especially during month ends and reporting weeks." She was jokingly teary-eyed.
Another analyst, Joven, added, "Yeah, so please stay. We are good people. We will help you adjust." Joven, an obviously proud Pride member, made a gesture of pleading.
The other member, Rap, who is more reserved, smiled and said, "Yes. Please help us make Team 2 finance group, great again."
"Stop it, you three. I'm glad to be with this lovely team. Also, based on the training earlier, I think I will enjoy this job. The system and processes are easy to navigate. Why should I leave?"
Her first day ended very fulfilling. She was about to pick Clover up from work and hurried out of the building.
Clover saw Ember's text message. He started organizing things on his desk as well as other open worksheets and documents on his computer.
A knock sounded, and an immediate opening of the door was heard.
Clover looked up and saw her ex-girlfriend's accusing glare.
Meadow Reeds.
Clover stood up and greeted humbly, "Ms. Reeds. Welcome back. What can I do for you?"
They both stood for a minute. One looks relaxed and gentle. One being hostile and volatile.
"You're doing this to anger me?"
"I don't know what you mean, Ma'am."
Clover has always been gentle. But he is also very respectful to Meadows. This time, though, Meadows felt the opposite. She felt she was being insulted instead.
"Don't pretend to be oblivious. You were never the flexing type. Posting your girlfriend here and there? You think I will go back to you?"
"Huh?..." Clover put his knuckle on his chin, appearing to be confused and thinking.
"Madam, I don't know why this has anything to do with you now. But to answer your question. My girlfriend is as enthusiastic as me for our new relationship. We don't see anything wrong with sharing our happiness online or offline. Besides, that one you said, 'Go back to me'... I clearly remember you saying, What we had is negligible, and I should not think about it seriously."
The telephone rang suddenly and interrupted their conversation.
"Yes, I'll be there in a while. Let her stay in the lobby."
"Your famewhore girl?"
Clover took a deep breath and exhaled heavily. He looked at the very beautiful, sophisticated, and confident woman in front of him.
"Please, Madam, I would really appreciate it if you don't speak ill of my girlfriend. You came barging in here; I assume you have work-related concerns. But I don't see you fit to have any opinion on my personal affairs. I don't understand why you were mad."
He was respectfully replying to her, but he was also busy cleaning up his table.
"You did those things to induce a reaction from me!"
"I honestly didn't. But if it did, I don't think your reaction is any of my business, too."
"You-!"
Meadow's cell phone rang and cut her off.
She exhaled, "Yes, Dad?"
"You just got back, and you went straight to the company? I sent the driver to pick you up. If you are not tired from the flight, have an early dinner with me." Her dad commanded.
She ended the call after agreeing. She gave Clover an angry look before leaving his office.
When the elevator opened, she saw a young and beautiful office woman sitting obediently on the couch. Looking expectantly as the elevator door opens.
When Ember saw it wasn't Clover, she lowered her eyes and fixed her dress.
Meadow felt angrier and powerful. She beelined towards Ember.
The other elevator dinged, and this time, Clover emerged.
Seeing the impending danger, Clover's long strides hurried to walk past Meadow.
Ember saw him immediately. She stood up, and a loving smile beamed towards him.
Clover took her office bag and let her hug him for a few seconds. He then held her hand and was about to walk together to exit the building.
Ember was totally unaware that a woman approached them with a bad face. When she saw Meadow, she stopped and was intimidated. She awkwardly greeted, "Hello, Ma'am".
"Mr. Goldtwist, it's refreshing to see you go home early. Seems like being in a relationship is good for you."
Ember feels conflicted. This woman's expression excludes animosity, yet her words were fine.
Clover faced her and said, "Hello, ma'am. This is my girlfriend, Ember Willowbells. Ember, meet our very capable and powerful boss and COO, Meadow Reeds."
They shook hands civilly. Ember shows admiration and humility.
Before they can exchange any other pleasantries or whatnot, Clover interjected, "Madam, it seems your driver just arrived in the front."
"I'll go ahead then, nice meeting you." Meadow left with all the confidence she could muster.
The two went on a romantic dinner to celebrate their first month. Then they spent the night in Clover's bedroom, a safe space for vulnerability while doing naughty things.