Kendrick's POV
I leaned back in the seat, watching the city blur past the car window. We were speeding toward the place where I was about to start my new role.
I was exhausted. I'd only landed in the capital last night after an eight-hour flight, and my father was already insisting I start first thing this morning.
I closed my eyes.
How long had it been?Four years? Five?
It felt like a lifetime since I'd last set foot in this city.
Everything looked the same, yet different. There were more buildings, and the streets seemed more crowded than I remembered. The traffic, however, was just as bad as ever.
"How much further?" I asked David, my driver.
He glanced at his watch. "Normally about 20 minutes, sir. But with this traffic, maybe an hour. I think there's an accident up ahead."
I raised an eyebrow. How could he possibly know that when all I could see was a sea of stationary cars? But my tiredness was stronger than my curiosity.
"Fine. Wake me when we get there," I replied, before drifting off to sleep.
---
"Sir... Sir..."
"Mr. Archiles, we've arrived."
David's voice slowly pulled me from my sleep. I blinked a few times, then rubbed my throbbing forehead—a direct result of not getting enough rest.
"Alright," I said. David moved to open my door.
"Wait, David." He stopped and looked at me. "Could you get me my usual coffee and breakfast? The one you used to buy."
David nodded, a slight smile on his face. "Of course, sir."
I straightened my suit, making sure I looked presentable before facing anyone. David opened the door, and I stepped out.
The sound of applause hit me as soon as my feet touched the ground. I looked toward the noise. Two men were smiling broadly, but to me, it looked forced and a little fake.
"Mr. Archiles, welcome. I'm Marcus, the finance manager, and this is Robert. He'll be your assistant," said the portly man, gesturing to the younger man beside him, who looked to be in his early twenties.
I gave a slow nod. "So, where's my office?" I asked, getting straight to the point.
My main plan was to pick up where I left off and get some more sleep.
Marcus walked ahead to lead the way, while Robert followed behind me, carrying my bag.