Chapter 9

That night at Vintage, Nick met with his buddies and they celebrated Nick's success. "Mr.Asher you really gave a surprise to everyone today"

"Yeah, now everyone knows why Nick is able to succeed in his career."

While his friends were showering praises, he maintained an indifferent look as if those words were not about him. He was in deep thought as to who sabotaged from the backgroud. The company in question is a fairly new establishment atleast in the country. So someone is backing them up from behind the curtains. 

Who is it....it is important to understand who the culprit is.

Next day, as Nick entered the office, his assistant ran up to him to give him the details of the new project that they have won. He handed all the related documents to him and waited there as if he was troubled with something.

Nick saw the hesitation on Ryan's face "What happened? You can spit out whatever is bothering you. I'm sure you wouldn't have made a mistake which could make me fire you/"

Hearing Nick's words, Ryan jolted back and said hurriedly, "Sir, actually, I got a call this morning from your Grandmother, Old Mrs. Asher. She mentioned that she would be holding a banquet for your birthday coming in this month. She asked me to keep your schedule clear for the day, so that you would attend the party. Actually, madam told me to not reveal this to you. But like you know, I can't hold back any information when I'm before you."

Nick raised his eyebrow and gave a look like he was see through the person before him. Ryan felt extermely uncomfortable being scrutinized like that but he knows when to keep silent. "Ryan, I think you would make a worst spy ever. You can't even keep such a small thing as secret. Is it just me or would you blurt out before everyone else also?"

"Sir, I've been working with you for years. I'm sure you are a better judge of characters."

"I will take my leave then" With that Ryan ran out of the office.

Days pass very fast when people are busy. And soon it was the day of Nick's birthday. Everyone at Asher group knows better to not wish or do anything flashy on this day. No one knows the reason. But everybody is vary of Nick on the day and a slight mistake could result them with a huge punishment on this day. So all the employees tried to stay as far away from Nick as possible. That includes Ryan too.

As soon as Nick entered his office and sat in his desk, he heard a knock on the door. This is his daily routine as Mira brings in his coffee and breakfast at this time and she gives him a gist of his day's plan. So needless to look at the person, Nick continued working as the person came into his office. 

"Good morning Mr.Asher, Happy birthday" With that she placed a small chocolate cake in front of Nick along with his coffee. This made Nick look up at her with a frown. Although everyone at the company knows that Nick's birthday is a taboo, Mira wasn't aware of it. And when Ryan saw Mira with the cake outside, he tried stopping her but before he could, she already entered the lion's den with a cake on a forbidden day. He just stood outside to pray for Mira to come out alive.

Inside the office, the atmosphere was very tense. It felt like the air also stopped moving because of the seriousness on Nick's face. One thing, he already hated the fact that his grandmother is throwing a party for his birthday. It's his grandmother, who brought him up. So he couldn't directly go against her. But now, someone else dared show up before him with a cake. 

All the pent up anger that he had because of that party, he finally got a place to vent it. He slowly got up from his desk and approached Mira. "Did you buy this cake yourself?"

"No, Mr.Asher. I baked it. It just so happens..." while Mira wanted to say something, she lost her ability to talk suddenly looking at Nick's expression." Good for you!"

With that he took the cake into his hand and threw it out on the ground. Then he picked up the coffee mug and poured the contents on the floor. Not satisfied with his act, he threw the cup at Mira's feet and the a few broken pieces got struck to her skin. Tears were rolling down her face not knowing what mistake she made.

"You are my secretary. Your job is to do what you are told. What are you planning with that cake, huh?" He lifted her head with a finger under her chin, making her look into his eyes.

"Are you a school kid, why are you crying shamelessly here. You should be ashamed of yourself for thinking to seduce me with a cake. May be if you wanted to seduce, you should have stripped down. But then again, with your average looks, I doubt any man would look at you, let alone me." 

He threw her face to the side harshly and said in a strict tone, "Clean up this mess yourself. You should be the last one to leave the office today. If there is atleast one person before you left, you will be fired."

He left the room, and strode out to the conference meeting with his executives.

"What have I done, i just wished him a happy birthday. What is so wrong about it? I just made him cake as it is his special day, and there is even a party tonight. Why should he be so pissed of about it. If he didn't want to eat the cake, he could have simply thrown it and left. That guy's mouth is too harsh."

"Who wants to seduce him, even if he is the last man on earth I don't give a damn about him. He is my boss, I just wanted to be nice. But he is accusing me of seducing him. That arrogant, self-centered, narcissistic prick."

Mira wiped her tears and cursed him more inside her head. She couldn't possibly do it out loud, if someone hears her she would be done for. Then she quickly cleaned up the office room. By the end of it, she had a few cuts on her hands and small bruises on her legs. She quickly took out the medical kit and wanted to clean her wounds. But suddenly a notification popped up on her phone, reminding her that it was time for the executive meeting. She took a deep breath and put the kit away and quickly walked to the conference room. She got back to her position and started taking down the notes for the meeting. Once the meeting was over, Ryan walked up to her and patted her shoulder and looked at her with pity."Ms.Mira, you might not know this. But nobody ever mentions his birthday to Mr.Asher. It is better to stay away from him today. Something happened many years back on this day. And since then he would always be in a bad mood on his birthday and whoever brings up the topic will be subject to his wrath. I saw you bringing cake to boss in the morning and tried to warn you. But you were already inside his room by the time I reached to you. Be careful next time. And make sure no mistakes are made in the next couple of days."

"As your collegue, I want to help you. So if you have anything that needs you to look for boss, let me know. I would go in your stead. It is better for both boss and you. Otherwise he might lose his temper again when he sees you."

"Thank you Mr.Richard, I didn't know what happened to him. I think it is better I don't go into his office anytime soon until he asks for me. Thank you again"

"You can go and treat your wounds now. I'll take care here."

"Thanks again, Mr.Richard. You are such a saviour."