FORBIDDEN TO FALL IN LOVE

21. Introductions

Valeda handed over a red map to Daniel who had just finished lunch. Daniel gulped down the water hurriedly and received the map in Valeda's hands.

"I'm sorry, I can't linger" said Valeda, who was distraught at forcing her guests to eat quickly.

"I know you're a busy man" replied Daniel. He opened the map carefully.

"Read slowly" Valeda stood up from her seat, "i'm at my desk."

Daniel nodded to answer Valeda. He was again busy researching the contract that Valeda offered.

Seconds by seconds passed. Valeda and Daniel were together in silence. They are both busy with themselves. Valeda asked nothing and let Daniel read his contract carefully. After thirty minutes had passed, Daniel finally grabbed the ballpoint pen that was on the table, then signed the contract.

"I agree, Miss," Daniel said, closing the red map in his hand. "This contract is very profitable for me. But, I just need to pretend to be Miss's boyfriend?" daniel did not believe.

"Just like you think money is hard, I think relationships are hard. We can complement each other" replied Valeda. "Well, when it's done. Let's talk about the division you're going into to work here."

"That's overkill, Miss."

Valeda shook firmly. "Picture it as a bonus. I told you, I need you to be around me."

Daniel pulled his hair back. "Do you know my background?" ask Daniel to make sure. To be honest, he was happy if he could get a job in a place as good as this. However, he clearly knew the consequences he had to face.

Valeda lifted a map from his desk. "I have your data since you were in junior high school. Apparently you're an accomplished kid. Too bad there's no way for you."

Daniel gulped with great difficulty. "You get my data that easy?" ask Daniel.

Valeda nodded lightly. "It's easy for me." Valeda put the map back on the table. "So, I like the way you manage your finances. You're a genius at counting. Get on the finance team under Celine's supervision."

"What's? Finance team?" Daniel doesn't believe how casually Valeda says it. "Miss believe me? We haven't known each other for long, but Miss entrusted me with such an important job?"

"There were only four people on that team" Valeda said. "People with weakness in my hands. If they're corrupt, I'll take them out mercilessly."

"Well, you're just as creepy as your mom."

Valeda just smiled hearing that. He doesn't care if it's an insinuation, because it's the way it is.

"By the way, in the contract it says that you have to pretend until I find the man I love. Do you mind?" Valeda was curious, as Daniel easily signed their contract. At least, finding someone Valeda likes is not easy and certainly takes a long time.

"It's okay. I don't plan on liking anyone anytime soon. My sisters' lives are more important" Daniel replied casually.

Valeda nodded in understanding. "Good then. Because this is gonna last a long time."

"I've decided that. Nothing has changed" cut Valeda. "After you teach the gardener I sent you in three days, then come to work."

Daniel thought for a moment. "According to the profile I read on the internet, Miss company is the tightest company in selecting employees. If I enter this easily, won't it tarnish Miss's name?"

"That was part of the romance drama I made. You just follow what I want" replied Valeda lightly. "There's another question?" Valeda asked, just in case something Daniel didn't understand.

"I think I understand enough" Daniel nodded confidently. It's not hard for him to pretend to love Valeda.

Valeda got up from his seat. "Now, come with me" he ordered.

"Where?" ask Daniel.

"I have to introduce my company to you. It's not good to bother you half-and-half" said Valeda while grinning.

Daniel immediately followed behind Valeda as Valeda walked past him. Valeda looked back before opening the door. "Yes, I know. As soon as Miss opens this door, we should be like lovers drunk with love" whispered Daniel.

Valeda smiles happy to have a partner as smart as Daniel. She feels her way will be easy to get away from all the blind dates Mrs Emely arranged for her. Daniel doesn't seem interested in her. Valeda was confident that Daniel would work professionally.

"I beg your attention" Valeda said as he stood before the general manager's staff on his floor. Lilia, Nanda, and Michael instantly turned their eyes from the computer before them towards Valeda. Celine, who already knew what was coming, prayed in her heart for their plan to work. Valeda's three general managers exchanged questioning views.

"Include me, this is Daniel. In the next three days, he would join Celine's team in finance. I hope you can help him" said Valeda.

"Ehem," Celine cleared her throat as her three friends gawked at what Valeda had said. "Daniel, meet the general manager here. Lilia, holding functional HR. Michael, holds marketing and operational functionalities. Then Nanda, holding functional administration," Celine introduced her colleague.

Daniel bowed and circulated his gaze at the new people in front of him. "Include me, I'm Daniel. Please help as long as I'm here later" he said.

"And, can I make you some coffee?" Valeda looked at Daniel.

Daniel, who saw Valeda's expression soften, picked up the signal as their contract began today. "Don't go" Daniel tucked Valeda's long hair behind his ears. "We don't have much time. I want both of us to take a longer walk in your office."

A low boisterous voice rang out buzzing filled the room. Looks like Lilia, Michael, and Nanda have been consumed by Valeda. Those who first saw Valeda were spoiled for men, which is great news. Without any effort, the news of Daniel being able to melt Valeda's heart would spread quickly in his office.

Daniel follows Valeda into the elevator to give her a short tour that afternoon. "I love how quick you respond. Keep it up" whispered Valeda.

Valeda spent the rest of his working day at the time making an uproar in his own office. He was somewhat surprised by Daniel's skill in the show. Daniel wasn't nervous at all when he got acquainted with the people in Valeda's office. His friendly and soothing smile was able to attract the attention of many people.

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