What did you say?" She asked, not sure if she heard him well.
"Oh, nothing. I just need to prepare for work, else that bastard would come for my head!" He sneered, putting on a tie over his shirt.
"Don't let anything ruin your day, okay? I'll see you later," Isabella kissed him goodbye.
He got to the office late, around noon. He didn't mind the whispering by the workers when he arrived, he moved in, heading to his office.
Rachael wanted to be on Archie's good side, so she hurriedly finished her work and took it to his office.
She was excited, hoping that he would appreciate how fast she finished the work.
She gave one last look at the finished work and smiled in satisfaction. To her, it was the best report she had ever written.
"Here is the report you asked me to submit today, sir," she handed the document to him.
He twirled a little on the swivel chair he sat on while reading the report.
"What is this? Do you think this is some kind of child's play? I asked you to make a report, and not some sort of…kid's story," he said, trashing the report to her.
"You need to work on that report again, and by tomorrow, I need to see a good report," he added, tapping on the computer screen.
"Y..yes, sir."
"Leave."
She scurried away, with tears in her eyes.
Mia was right. One needs a strong mind to withstand criticism from the CEO.
Could he not correct her politely? She felt a little hurt, and her self-confidence was starting to be replaced by self-doubt.
She threw the document on the table, and collapsed into the chair, feeling like giving up already.
"I see someone's tired already. I told you, right?" Mia's voice made her open her eyes.
She had just taken her share of the criticism and thought to check up on Rachael.
"Why is he always like that?" She complained, feeling frustrated already.
"You have to get used to it, Rachael. Don't let this bring in doubt in you. You look…I mean, I believe in you. You seem to know what you are doing, and you are dedicated to doing it, no matter what. Don't quit. You can do this," Mia advised, before stepping out.
It seemed like a renewed motivation was surging through her. She was determined to get through it, no matter how many times he badly criticized her work.
"Thank you, Mia."
"Sure, I'll see you around."
The day seemed to have run a million races, as it came to an end, and it was time for them to head home.
She had a hectic day, not minding that it was her first day at work. The sun had gone down, a perfect time to take a stroll.
She took the few things she needed, and headed back home, after saying goodbye to the people she met.
She was not in the mood for any pleasantries, or to get to know each other kind of things. She just wanted to close her eyes and rest.
As she strolled down the street, someone called her name. She wanted to pretend that she did not hear her name, but the person kept calling her, and she had no choice but to stop.
As she turned, she was shocked to know who was calling her.
It was Andrew.
When did he come to work? What did he want from her? She, however, stopped to listen to him.
Andrew had seen Rachael when she went to get the printed copy from Mia. He knew who she was, but he was not interested in her, nor did he want to do anything with her.
As he went back to his office, an idea struck him. He was the king of slyness, so it was easy to devise a plan.
He would, through her, get what he wanted from the company. He needed to be close to her to get the information he wanted.
"I didn't know you work here now," he began.
"Yes, I just started working here today. Good day, and how may I help you?" She said, heading straight to the point.
All she wanted at the moment was to let the cold water cascade down her body while relaxing and getting back to work.
"Are you not being too fast?" He smiled, but she did not reply.
"Alright, I called you here to ask you when your father is going to pay me back the money he owes me," he said and watched her expression, which suddenly changed.
This was what she was avoiding. She still had to save up to 900 dollars to pay him up, and also give 100 dollars to the other person.
She had only resumed work, and she had no money on her to start with.
"Uh..we…please, exercise some patience. I promise to pay you back your money. Once I am paid, I won't hesitate to give it to you. Forgive me, for the delay," she pleaded, forgetting all the frustration from work.
He smirked, "were you not just in a hurry a while ago?" He asked, and let out a cynical laughter.
"I need the money in two days, and you must provide it within this timeframe," he said, as though it were an easy thing to do.
"What? In two days? How…how is that possible? Please, give us some time. My mom just passed away, and all the money was spent in the hospital," she explained, hoping he would give her some more time.
"Only on one condition!" He pronounced, and she hurriedly asked.
"What is it? I will do it, just give us some time, please."
That was the mistake she made; accepting to do something she didn't even know what it was yet.
He smiled, satisfactorily. Now, she won't be able to back down on her words.
"Be my girlfriend."
"What?" She was surprised. Why would he ask her to be his girlfriend, when there was no chemistry between them?
Would she accept being in a relationship with him?
What would be her response?