Amanda got through her first day commuting to work without her car, and all was well. She didn't arrive late despite using the public bus. Amanda just needed to take into account the early departure time of the bus every morning.The woman sat behind her cubicle as she occasionally looked at the door of the CEO's room. She kept wondering why Mr. Wendell and the men were in the CEO's room for more than an hour. If they were having an important meeting, why not just stay in the boardroom?"I seem to be overthinking," Amanda muttered.She was surprised and quickly got up when the door to the CEO's room opened, and Mr. Wendell and the men came out.Mr. Wendell stopped to say something that made Amanda gulp when she heard it."I don't care, Eddie. Sign the transfer documents as soon as possible because if you don't, I can't guarantee that your family will be okay. Didn't I give in to you for too long, huh!"CEO Eddie was still inside, so Amanda could not see him. Mr. Wendell left, and CEO
Zayn was an hour early to Amanda's workplace as per Oriaga's request. He sat on a couch in the lobby and caught the attention of a few people who didn't recognize him. Zayn's appearance was a bit conspicuous, with the black hat on his head.When the receptionist asked, Zayn explained that he had come to pick up Amanda, so they were not suspicious of the young man.Amanda had just gotten out of the elevator with Louisa and a few other colleagues, and she didn't take it seriously that Oriaga would send someone to pick her up. When suddenly, Zayn got up and called her name. Amanda was confused."Do you know her, Amanda?" asked Louisa.The woman paused momentarily, but luckily, she quickly remembered something. "Yes, you can go home now. Be careful on the road, Louisa.""Alright, see you tomorrow." They parted ways in the lobby.Amanda quickly approached Zayn, who had gotten up from the sofa."Who are you? Why did you mention my name?"Zayn had time to smile. "Mr. Oriaga asked me to pick
Amanda quickly swatted Oriaga's hand away, successfully averting her gaze."Don't touch me."Oriaga's expression began to change. He ignored Amanda's request but acted even more annoyed when he grabbed Amanda's right arm and forced her backward until her back hit the door behind her."Oriaga—""Why can't I touch you, but other people can, huh?""Stop choking me, Oriaga!""Everyone can touch you, huh! You're playing with that old man Eddie, right!"Amanda gasped, her courage getting the better of her and allowing her to push Oriaga with all her might to the floor. Amanda was furious when she heard such a vicious accusation."What are you saying, huh? Can you repeat yourself, you bastard? What's in your head that you keep thinking bad thoughts and making fun of me endlessly? I'm still human, Oriaga!"At first, Oriaga was surprised that Amanda was acting out of line, but the man smiled after hearing her curse.Oriaga moved on, putting his hands in his pants pockets as he smiled, even til
It's past eleven, but Amanda is still awake, cross-legged on a chair in front of a table with a mini-shelf with several thick books, a glass of hot chocolate with only a little left after taking multiple sips, and an open laptop. The laptop screen displayed the profile of someone who had recently managed to disrupt Amanda's life.The room lights had been left off, the nightlight by the bed was on, and the light from the laptop screen was enough for Amanda to see everything. She didn't realize that the bedroom door wasn't closed yet.The woman hovered down, and she read silently through each post until she stopped at the achievement section.Amanda snorted. She had just realized that her old friend had become a successful man as businessman of the fashion and jewelry brand 'Gregorious' over the past few years."I just realized he is no longer the Oriaga Niel I recognized. He's still the same, and he's just become more mature, handsome, and annoying." Amanda gulped down the rest of the
Anxiety set in as Amanda walked through the office courtyard, her fear of losing her job lingering like a parasite on a host plant. Jeff's story the other day couldn't be put away quickly.Amanda wanted to be positive, but it didn't seem easy.She had become quieter than ever, often daydreaming when Louisa spoke to her or sitting in her cubicle.The wired phone connected to the CEO's office rang, and Amanda answered it immediately."Yes, sir. Do you need anything?""Please come to my office, Amanda.""Yes, sir."Amanda took a deep breath after hanging up the phone. She looked at the CEO's room door, then moved to follow her boss's orders.Amanda briefly knocked on the door, then entered after opening it herself. She smiled warmly to greet CEO Eddie.The man's expression was still like yesterday, listless. He took off his glasses and opened his drawer."Please sit down, Amanda. I have something important to talk to you about.""Yes, sir." Amanda sat on the chair across from CEO Eddie,
"Sir, you must attend an evening charity event today with the owners of 'Keihl and Diamond' at Hotel X at eight." Joana checked the iPad in her hand once more."Did you prepare a suit?" Oriaga was busy flipping through every page of the new jewelry magazine he'd gotten this morning, and he always got the latest issue every month because of his subscription."I have, sir. It will be here soon.""That's good. I'm still looking at the pictures here.""Are you interested in anything?" Joana stood beside Oriaga while he sat on the sofa in his study."Yes. I'm feeling a little really into the 'Diamond Hope.' It's wonderful, but the price is quite shocking.""I remember 'Diamond Hope' being one of the most expensive diamonds in the world, right?"Oriaga nodded. "Very true, Joana." He closed the magazine and placed it on the table. "I'd like an americano before I go to that charity event.""Of course, sir. I'll make them for you." Joana walked out of there.Oriaga leaned his back and head aga
Towards midnight, Amanda's cell phone rang. Coincidentally, the woman had not yet fallen asleep because she was busy thinking about her fate after losing her job. She found Jeff's name on the screen."Hello, Jeff.""Amanda.""Yes?""I was in front of your house.""Huh?" She went to the window and pulled back the curtains to see the situation outside.Sure enough, Jeff was across the street, the man sitting on the hood of his car."What are you doing there, Jeff? Didn't you look at the time on your phone?""I know, but... I don't know how I'm confused. Can we talk?""I'm going out." Amanda ended the call, left the room, and ensured her mother was asleep. She didn't want Pamela to know that Jeff was nearby.She opened the door to Pamela's unlocked room. Fortunately, her mother was already lying soundly in her bed. Amanda could breathe a sigh of relief.She rushed out of the house to Jeff on the other side of the street."What's wrong, Jeff? You're worrying me now."Jeff smiled at Amanda
"Amanda, why don't you get up even though the alarm on your cell phone keeps ringing?" Pamela reprimanded her daughter for being disturbed by the alarm that had gone off five times while Amanda was still lying comfortably on her bed. "Come on, get up. Or you'll miss work today, hm?""Mom. Today I—" Amanda's lips closed at just the right moment, quickly realizing that she had not yet admitted to the problem.As the young woman pulled back the covers and sat up, she found Pamela pulling back the curtains before opening the window to her daughter's room."Are you going to miss work?" Pamela repeated the question.Amanda shook her head. "No, Mom. I'm going to take a shower now.""That's good. I made toast with pineapple jam spread for you." She walked out of her daughter's room.Amanda swallowed. She saw again her mother's feelings so warm, further tormenting Amanda and making it difficult for the woman to be honest. She could only grumble and mumble."How could I hurt her little heart wh