Angel Orchid

Prologue

“You’re bleeding.” Oretta took out her white handkerchief embroidered with a black angel orchid and gently wrapped it around his bruised knuckles. Nathan was stunned and his reaction was rather slow.

“I’m sorry if I seem imposing, I would’ve asked first before acting.” She noticed his countenance.

“No, it’s fine. Thank you.” Nathan said. He leaned forward, his back ached from sitting too long on what the staff tagged ‘the loners rock’.

“Let me go get you some water.” Oretta left for the lunchroom. Nathan waited but she never returned neither did he see her anywhere else.

***

“I heard he’ll be the new Chief Executive Officer.” There were distant chatters amongst the staff at Light tower near the conference room.

“Or taking over ownership of the whole company.” Another said.

“Isn’t he like the prodigal son, rumours are he was given an early discharge from the Navy for assaulting a fellow officer almost to the point of death.” One explained.

“Better watch it, the young man is infamous for his brutal ethics. More of this idle gossip and you bunch will be his first example.” Annette, the Managing Director dismissed them.

***

” Sir, do you need anything else?” Annette inquired.

“The intern writer, I’ve noticed she’s been absent.” Nathan responded.

“Yes sir, she has a flexible schedule but she’s supposed be in today. Maybe she’s just running late, apologies on her behalf.” She explained.

“That’ll be all,” Annette left the office. He skimmed through some files on his desk and subsequently slipped into his pool of thoughts. Although absent minded, Nathan still noticed Oretta walked in.

“Good morning sir, please forgive my lateness. I was held up momentarily at school, it won’t happen again.” She pleaded.

“You.” Nathan couldn’t fathom the fact that she was in front of him. This girl whom he thought he wouldn’t see, the same one who’s aura gives him peace has appeared before him again.

Chapter One

“Me?” She said bewildered.

“And she doesn’t remember.” Nathan uttered under his breath. He reached into his left pocket and took out her handkerchief, “I tried my best to get it all out but the marks of my blood residue lingers.” He explained.

“Oh!” Oretta began to recollect, “I didn’t mean to act clueless, I have a terrible memory.” She paused, “I’m happy to see your hands are doing better and that’s yours now so you can keep it.”

“Thank you.”

“I met up with Annette by the hallway and she thought it best to report myself to the new boss. I’d also like to update you on the Solar proposal which I’m almost done with.”

“I’ll have a look at the proposal when you’re done, I’m already apprised with the state of affairs concerning the Solar deal.”

“Okay sir, is there anything I could do for you?”

“Actually, there is. I’d like you to clear your things from downstairs and move to the desk over there.” He pointed at the table adjacent from his.

“Sir??”

“I don’t think I stuttered. This office is a little to big for just me and I’ll need my writer close by so I expect to see you stationed here before today ends. That’ll be all for now miss…”

“Oretta, my name is Oretta sir.”

“Okay.” He smiled slightly.

. ***

“Barely a week in and you’ve managed to build quite the reputation for yourself. I hear they now call you ‘Soulless Nate’.” Joshua laughed.

“They have a knack for naming things, if only they could put in the same energy into their work.” Nathan said.

“That’s why you’re there to get their heads in check. So when are you going to see him?” Joshua asked.

“I don’t know.” Nathan responded, “I think the structure of this coffee shop is not bad, I’d like to bring someone here.” He deviated.

“You’re really out of sorts man, it’s clear to see. Is it the nightmares or your wounds still hurt?”

“It’ll take a while for any physical pain to cause me stress.” Nathan got up, “I’ve got to go, my lunch break’s almost over.”

“Of course, see you whenever you have time again for an old friend.