PRESENT
I hurried towards the front door as the rain poured on heavily. Brushing my dress with my hands, I walked towards the elevator. My secretary along with other colleagues greeted me on my way. It felt nice to be back to work.
" You have a meeting at two, ma'am. And Mrs. Ellie has called you in her office. " , said Dorothy, my secretary.
" Thank you, Dorothy. "
" Have a good day ma'am. "
" You too, hun. "
With that said, I walked towards my office. After keeping my bag and some files on the table I went to Ellie's office.
" Ma'am you asked for me? "
" Yes Ashley. Take a seat. "
As far as I remember, the sales have been pretty much high and risen rather recently. What can the news now be?
" Is everything okay? "
" Ashley you're one of our finest employees. You've proved yourself quite worthy. Now, coming to why I called you. I was thinking of allying our company. "
A long pause surrounded us.
" What? Why?"
" I knew you'd react like this. But hear me out. "
I leaned back in the chair getting comfortable.
" Our sales have been pretty high. It's true. But Ashley I want to make Panache a global brand. It's famous only in Michigan. I want it to be famous all over the world. I've already talked with the board of directors. They agreed to this. I'd like to know what you think as well, cause I want you to be the Personal Assistant of our new boss. "
" Me? Are you sure? "
" I've never been more. Like I said, you have done really good work and proved yourself. Congratulations on your promotion, Ashley Payne. ", she winked.
I was dumbfounded. All of this was too much to take in. First, the alliance and now the promotion. Man, I don't know why but I do not feel so good. But then again, this is what I wanted as well. To work at a respectable post of a top company.
" So Ashley, we have a meeting with the new members at two today. You in? "
I nodded slightly. But my gut feeling said something is wrong.
I've worked only 10 months. What did I do to prove myself in this short span?
I shook my head as if to clean the thoughts away and went to my office room to prepare the presentation .
***************
Time passed slowly and I had almost finished everything. I just needed my pen drive to load the contents from my computer. Dammit, where the hell did I keep it?
I heard a sound of door opening and saw Ellie peeking in.
" They're here. "
" What? But it's only 1:30 ! "
"Even I don't know why they are so early. But whatever, they are here now and we need to go. Come on. "
" Umm... I'll be there in a minute. "
She nodded and closed the door.
Shoot.
I broke down the office but still couldn't find the damn pen drive.
" Lets go ,computer . I guess you'll have to show them the slides. Pen drive isn't anywhere near. "
I hurried to the main hall. I was already running late.
I barged in, " I'm so very sorry. I'm la-"
My eyes widened at the sight before me.
Sitting on the chair with an evil smirk, Liam Anderson.
"Ashley, this is the company we are allying with, Andersons and Co. and this their owner, Mr. Liam Anderson. ", she said directing towards Liam.
" And Sir, this is Ashley, my right hand and one of our best employees. She's the one I had talked to you about about being your PA. "
Along with Liam there were many others whom I guessed to be the managers and directors.
" Hello Ashley. Pleased to meet you. ", he said in a deep voice with the smirk plastered on the face.
My fists curled up in balls and I was fighting every ounce to not grab him by collar and smack that smirk.
" Hello, Sir. "
His smirk turned into a full grown smile and he nodded a bit.
" So Ashley , let's start with the slides. " , Ellie nudged me to start and mouthed best of luck.
I started with the slides describing the stocks and stats. From liability to assets. The sales in the past year. Our designs and brand shops through out Michigan. Most of the men nodded but Liam was staring at me like a hungry beast. I stuttered quite a few times and tried to hide the effect he had on me.
" So that's pretty much what Panache is all about. " , I concluded.
Ellie's eyes were wide and she was smiling that reached her eyes. It felt like she didnt expect the meeting to go so good. The men were nodding their heads and talking in whispers.
" Ashley, wait outside while I talk with them. " , Ellie said.
I nodded, " Excuse me. "
I went outside and immediately plopped down on the chair. What the hell is happening with me? Why? No. Please God. No. I now have to be a PA of that jerk?! Someone I hate so much?! Why can't life just take a straight path?
I tried calling Miranda but then thought that probably she was hung over.
This is what he's game is, isn't it? He thinks this will make me resign. Well, news for you jerk, I love my job. I have worked my arse off for this job. I will not let anything come in between. Not Liam, not anybody.
I was called inside a moment later. My palms had become sweaty and I looked anywhere but him.
"Ashley, they loved it. They want to ally with our company within a month! How cool is that? Now I want you to take Mr. Anderson and guide him through our office building. "
"M- me? "
"Yes Ashley. You. ", she said with a smile. I weakly nodded and led the way.
The tension was unbearable. I could feel his eyes dig holes on my back and he walked too close. I fastened my pace and quickly went downstairs to the main office where everyone was working. I let out a sigh of relief as now I wasn't alone with him anymore .
"This is the main office where most of the employees work. ", my voice came out hoarse.
He just gave a slight nod and had an amused look on his face.
I showed him around but he never spoke a word. My blood was boiling as I wanted to say so so much to him.
It was finally time to show him his office room. I took a few deep breaths and opened the door.
" This was Ellie's dad's office room, who was the owner while alive, so I guess now it's you-"
I felt him grab my hands and push me to the wall.
" I never really got the chance to ask, but how did you like my surprise? "
That's it. I saw red.
" Alright look. If you think that these petty games that you're playing and planning will make me resign or look for another job, then you are wrong! I love my job and I have worked my ass off for this. I will not let anyone take it away from me. Be it you Liam Anderson, be it anybody else. "
" Hmm. That pretty mouth can talk big words I see? Accept it. You're still naive and weak, my sweet little Ashley. "
I was trying so hard not to slap him. I realized I had enough of this.
" You know what, I accept it. I accept your proposal. I accept your challenge. Two can play a game. You will soon realise what you messed with. If you think you can just barge into my life and mess it up, guess what? I can füćk yours too. "
He had moved away from me by this time. He looked like he was intently listening to me, one eyebrow raised, eyes narrowed and hands crossed over his chest.
I took this chance to get away from him as far as possible and walked towards the door.
" I'm hungry for revenge too. So you can wave your ego goodbye, Mr. Anderson, cause things are going to get really messy from now on and I don't want to see the crying look on your face as I hurt your ego. Meet you soon, husband".