Everything in the large suite screamed luxury from the sofa to the curtain, down to the smallest cup. It was as if everything was made for a royal member who must have paid a fortune to have them gotten for his own special use.
As if he was reading my mind, he bragged loudly as he walked towards the sofa. “This is the only suite on the topmost floor and it was built for me only.”
I sneered. “Must be nice to be rich”, rolling my eyes as I stood afar.
He came back from the bedside with two glasses and a wine which he placed on the table before beckoning me.
“Are you going to stay there all night?”
What does he mean by all night? I am only here to accept the offer, so why is he bringing out wines and glasses?
“All night?” I summoned the courage to ask, clasping my fingers in front of my short gown.
“You were planning to inform me that you would accept the offer and then rush out?”
I almost nodded at his words but quickly realized that would not be the best option, it would be better not to provoke him the wrong way before he assigned the job to me. The main reason I took the job was money, but I also thought about how he wouldn’t be around the office so I would have no issues with him.
His palm waved a “Come closer” in the air and I dragged my feet closer, my chest beating loudly against its ribcage.
A tiny smile appeared on his full lips as I approached him and that made me shudder for a reason. “Where went your ego? You were so confident earlier” he jeered and I almost lost my stepping.
“Well…” I tried talking but he cut me short.
“How about some drinks as we talk?” he proposed.
My mind sent the signal that it was not a good idea, but that was not the time to listen because my mind wouldn’t be the one to feed me after all.
With a thick voice, I responded “Sure! A glass wouldn’t kill me after all” my shoulders high in the sky once again.
I should have known that the small smile that danced on his lips was a signal that I was about to enter his trap. He didn’t utter a word and poured me a glass which I downed halfway thanks to the stupid nervousness that overwhelmed me.
“You said you are up for the offer?” he finally broke the silence and I looked up to his face.
Fuck! He was hot as hell. I didn’t check well earlier, he was smoking hot and handsome. His face was sculptured! I never knew Stanley was such a hot guy when we dated back then. I only dated him in the first place because he was the richest guy and I wanted the flex even though I was not after his money, but I got to fall for his beauty. I am sure I would have fallen for everything about him now if only he hadn’t done what he did back then.
If I should put that into consideration, I shouldn’t be sitting here in the same room with him talking about working for his company, but since life is a motherfucker who doesn’t put senses into how it operates sometimes, I was forced to be in a position where I would be begging for my life in the hands of my enemy.
“Yes, I got here before the day was over, so I guess the offer was still valid at my arrival time” I almost argued, my voice sounding like a plea.
Silence followed, he didn’t react but only took his wine and stared at me for a while before standing up to face the huge window behind him. It was then I realized that the city could be seen from that angle, the lights coming from all the corners made a marvelous sight. I couldn’t help but gasp at its beauty.
“When I am here, I feel like I can see the entire world. The feeling of standing on top of the world passes through my body and I make sure to enjoy every teensy weensy bit of it, because why not? I worked my ass up here. I realized that even though I was born with the spoon already, nothing was still free, I had to prove it”, he suddenly started and I paid rapt attention.
I had joined him at the magnificent view because I couldn’t let the mesmerizing night view slip off without enjoying it to the max.
He suddenly turned to face me and I also looked at him to see why he was staring at me, only for him to start approaching me. I staggered back as he closed in on me till my legs hit something hard which made me fall on the bed unexpectedly.
I was still struggling for balance when he leant over me. Shock ran through my body as every sinful thought of the world flushed into my brain. What was he getting at? Am I getting rap*d in exchange for a job right now?
“What… what are.. I mean why are you.. what are you doing?” I kept stuttering. I hated myself at that point.
I couldn’t even speak properly, so how sure am I that I will be able to fight for my life? I was still trying to think when his hot breath roamed around my neck, it was hot! My body twitched as it continued, every inch was making my body hotter, I was melting away.
His voice suddenly went bass as he said “Pearl, do you know what I want in exchange?”
My head shook on its own. I mean, how was I supposed to think straight in that situation?
A scoff escaped his slightly parted mouth as he traced my eyebrows with his slender but long finger, making a tingling sensation sizzle through my weak self.
“Come on, you walked in on your own to a room occupied by a guy who is also your ex and are you still pretending?” he brought his mouth closer to my ear and my heartbeat rose up in multiple folds.
“I want you” he declared, and I froze.
****
The huge skyscraper in front of me got me asking myself if I was dreaming or not. Never in my life did I ever think of working in such a standard company, but there I was in my powdered blue shirt and black pants, ready to resume work.
Guilt washed over me as I took the first step into the building, it felt as if I was where I didn’t belong. I had to pause for a while to look at the busy atmosphere, people were running around to get one or two things done.
“Everyone is trying to prove their worth, I guess I have to prove mine too” I muttered, closed my eyes and took a deep breath before walking to the reception where I would be directed to my destination.
One of the HR employees took me to the right place and immediately called the attention of the other employees in order to introduce me.
“So everyone, welcome the chief editor for team one” she announced, and I wasn’t expecting the reaction I got.
Everyone glanced at me for a second and resumed their work without uttering a word, not even a damn clap. What the hell is going on?
“Your table is over there, everything you need will be delivered to you by the end of the day. I wish you a wonderful stay at our company”, the HR employee said to me, and left me on my own.
“Wonderful, stay on my feet. Who welcomes their chief editor this way?” I mumbled, strutting to my seat.
It was safe to call the space a dumpsite. Whoever used the seat previously must have been a glorified pig, because what the hell was the heap of dirt doing on the desk? Nevertheless, I didn’t hesitate to clean everything out and arrange my items before taking my seat.
I was still trying to get the hang of things when someone suddenly barged in and everyone stood on their feet with immediate attention. The confusion made me stand a little later than others as I wondered what caused the sudden uniform standing.
It was the presence of Stanley.
Before I could even blink, one of the employees sitting directly opposite to my table who had been fixated on her screen and making some annoying noise from her bubble gum rushed to welcome him with a broad smile, almost smearing her excess lipstick.
“Sir, I thought your vacation started today” she stated, her hands neatly positioned in front of her skirt.
“What an eye service” I rolled my eyes.
His hands slid into his pockets as he smiled and shifted his gaze to me. “I changed my mind” he answered, and walked towards a room at the end of the room before suddenly stopping.
“Ah! Miss Petals, see me in my office right away” he commanded, his lips curling into a smirk.
I sighed “What is it this time around?” before running along with immediate effect.
I was puzzled as to why he wanted to see me in his office at first so I stood there pinching my fingers against each other until a tap sound coming from a pen jerked me back to reality. I looked up to see the bubble gum lady staring at me.“Are you not going to see him?” she threw at me and I realized that I was standing there instead of going to his officeMy right hand found its way to my hair to scratch my itchy scalp, “I’ll go now” I smiled at her but she only returned the gesture with a frown which I didn’t read much meaning into.On getting to his office, my jaw almost dropped. It was a paradise, every view was magnificent. I could see everything going on outside and even beyond the premises of the company.“Wow” I found myself exclaim as I marched in to his table where he leant on the table with his back turned to me.I stood in front of his table for close to three minutes, contemplating if I should announce my presence or not and he also didn’t budge or say anything, only hi
Whoever the person that went out of the door was, I knew not but the chance of the person hearing the conversation between I and Stanley was high. It wouldn’t do me any good to have this kind of rumor spread in the office so I prayed a little prayer that the person would never hear of what we discussed. He left me at the office to deal with my work that he instructed to be on his table by seven in the morning the next day. “How can my first day in office be this hectic? Is this how I will continue?” I murmured to myself, sitting in front of my computer to start my work. The loud ticking of the clock made me realize how silent the whole building had become. I was the only one in the office as I worked away, accompanied with the clicking sounds of the keyboard. Finally, I got my work done some minutes to five in the morning and printed them out, submitted it and went to the employee’s break room to have some rest before everyone troops in only to sleep off totally. The sun was alread
STANLEY’S POV Even though I and Petals had our story, I didn’t just hire her because I felt bad for her or wanted to bully her. I have been following all her steps up for years and knew almost everything about her even though she was not aware of all that. I saw all her articles online, watched her news and saw everything she was doing so I knew she was talented no doubt and wanted to bring her on board. Immediately I heard that she was fired from her former job through a friend, I made a move to recruit her and planned it well. On getting to the hotel that very night of the reunion, I was tired as hell but I jumped at the opportunity that she was present after receiving a tip from one of the people present at the reunion. “I will be attending the reunion downstairs, prepare my clothes and everything I would need to look good. I also want to get my hair done so send someone over” I instructed and in minutes, I was dressed up for the party. Thankfully, my plan worked out and she a
PETALS’ POVI didn’t know why the gym instructor decided to be my curse mate but I was glad that at least, I would have someone who can badmouth that spoilt rich brat with me. I didn’t notice how late it was until I got home and decided to cook something since I didn’t eat all day. After having a great sleep all weekend and studying like crazy, I resumed work the following week with my head high. I decided to reintroduce myself and also get to know my team members because if I would be the team leader then I need the cooperation of my coworkers.I had gotten to the office before most of them and prepared everything I would be saying but as soon as I saw them coming in and giggling with Tina, I knew there would be a problem.“Good morning everyone, I am sorry for not being able to introduce myself properly. I am Team leader Petals Ruy. I look forward to working with you and also we will be having a team meeting in the next two hours so please prepare ahead” I announced and waited for
On getting to Irene’s house, every table was filled with different types of alcohol which I know would be consumed throughout the night. My friends were alcohol monsters so it was not new.“I almost thought you wouldn’t come anymore” Irene pouted when I showed up at her door with my small bagsI only smiled weakly in return, “I had something to attend to. I wouldn’t ditch a party that would make me feel relieved”With a nod and small hug, she ushered me in and noticed that I was limping a bit as I was walking.“Hey Petals, what’s wrong? Did you get hurt?” she gasped, rushing to my side.“I collided with an equipment at the gym. It’s nothing much so it will go away soon” I answered with a chuckle, trying to put her at easeEven though I insisted that I was fine, she still called over Braden, her younger brother to have it checked for me before she could ease her mind.“Thank you” I muttered before Monica joined us.She had been stuck in the traffic for quite a while and the way she rus
STANLEY’S POVI arrived late at the usual joint and thought the welcome party would have started but I met Tina, Amanda and Bea alone having fun. I first thought Petals went out briefly but when I didn’t see her in the next few minutes, I was forced to ask for her.“Did she not come?” I asked, looking around the restaurant“I did gave her the address, I don’t know why she’s not here” Tina lied blatantly and Bea was forced to react to her shamelessness“Try calling her then, she might not be able to find her way” I suggested but the three of them only exchanged glancesI sighed.“Don’t tell me none of you have her contact” I continued and they all slowly shook their head to my surpriseI slowly fished out my phone to dial her number but she didn’t pick up no matter how hard I tried so I was forced to get up and leave their midst.“I’ll check her up at the office. You can have your fun, I will pay at the counter” I declared and ran out of the restaurant to look for her.***As soon as S
What they mentioned about the former team leader kept lingering on my mind all day even though I was so busy with the articles to be submitted for the rest of the week. I resumed work after lunch before Stanley suddenly walked into the office. “We will be going for the Greens Island tomorrow for news coverage. There’s something exciting going on and we have to be the first to publish it. It would be awesome if we can get an exclusive interview with the director on site” he announced and Tina clapped “We will be stepping out after all this while. I am so happy I could cry right now” she giggled and Amanda followed suit with a low “I am so happy too. I can't wait to run around in freedom” My eyes rolled at their words because it's not like they were ever so busy they couldnt live the life they wanted. I was surprised that Stanley's company doesn't make their employees work their lives out all in the name of trying to get and scoop all the exclusive news out there. My former workplace
By the time I woke up the following morning, I was hot as coal. I wondered why the room was so hot when I opened my eyes but I discovered that I was the one emitting the heat.“Sh!t” I mumbled as I felt my hot forehead.I should have known that it would result to this after standing under the heavy rain for more than thirty minutes.I tried standing up from the bed but all my hands and legs were extremely weak. My head was also splitting into two, thanks to the explosive headache going on in it. I struggled to pick up my phone to call someone’s attention but I remembered that I had none of their numbers and I would rather die than call Stanley.“Let’s just hope I don’t die” I said to myself before giving up.I stared at the roof for several minutes before losing the battle to sleep. The next time I woke up, I saw a blurry figure in front of me and wondered whoever the person was.My eyes were closing and opening slowly as I struggled to keep them wide open but at the sound of the fami