Chereads / See you next summer / Chapter 15 - chapter 15: preparing for the Big Boss

Chapter 15 - chapter 15: preparing for the Big Boss

  I nodded, trying to sound confident. 'Yes, Mrs. Miya, everything is ready. The reports are printed, the conference room is set up, and the presentation is loaded on my laptop.' Mrs. Miya eyed me skeptically, her gaze lingering on me for a moment before she turned to inspect the conference room. I watched her, my heart racing with anticipation. Was I really ready for this? I took a deep breath, trying to calm my nerves. Just then, the receptionist poked her head in to announce the arrival of Mr. Johnson. My stomach did a flip as Mrs. Miya turned to me, a stern expression on her face. 'Remember, Emily, this is a big deal. Don't mess it up.

The sudden commotion made me jump, and I quickly took my seat, trying to compose myself. Mr. Johnson was already seated at the head of the table, his eyes scanning the room as if taking in every detail. Mrs. Miya stood at the front, a poised smile on her face. 'Welcome, everyone,' she began, her voice confident and clear. 'Today, we have the pleasure of discussing our quarterly reports with Mr. Johnson.' She nodded to me, and I launched into my presentation, trying to focus on the numbers and charts in front of me. But I couldn't shake the feeling that Mr. Johnson's piercing gaze was boring into me, searching for any weakness

His piercing gaze made me feel like he could see right through me. I tried to hold his gaze, but my eyes darted away, searching the room for an escape. Mrs. Miya's eyes narrowed, her expression warning me to stay focused. But I couldn't shake the feeling that I'd seen Mr. Johnson before. Where was it? The way he smiled, the crinkle around his eyes... it was all so familiar. I racked my brain, trying to place him. But every time I thought I had it, the memory slipped away. Mr. Johnson's voice brought me back to the present. 'Emily, can you explain this discrepancy in the report?' he asked, his tone firm but curious. I nodded, trying to compose myself, but my mind was still racing. Who was this man, and why did I feel like I knew him?"

"I nodded, still trying to process the revelation 'Of course, Mr. Johnson,' I replied, trying to sound professional despite my inner turmoil. Mrs. Miya's eyes narrowed, her expression suspicious. 'Is there something specific you'd like to discuss, Mr. Johnson?' she asked, her tone dripping with skepticism. Mr. Johnson smiled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. 'Just a personal matter, Mrs. Miya. Nothing to concern yourself with.' He turned back to me, his gaze intense. 'I'll see you later, Emily. In my office.' I nodded again, feeling a sense of trepidation wash over me. What did he want to talk about?

  I quickly composed myself, not wanting to give Mrs. Miya the satisfaction of knowing she'd caught me off guard. 'Sorry, Mrs. Miya,' I said, trying to sound contrite. 'I was just thinking about something else.' She raised an eyebrow, clearly not believing me. 'Save it for someone who cares, Emily,' she said, her voice dripping with disdain. 'You'd do well to focus on your work instead of daydreaming about...whatever it is you were thinking about.' I felt a surge of annoyance, but bit back a retort. No sense in giving her more ammunition. I made my way to Mr. Johnson's office, my heart racing with anticipation. What did he want to talk about? And why was I feeling so nervous? "I felt my face heat up with embarrassment as I realized I'd been caught staring. 'No, Mr. Johnson, no problem at all,' I stammered, trying to play it cool. But he just chuckled and leaned back in his chair, his eyes crinkling at the corners. 'Please, call me Jackson,' he said, his voice low and smooth. 'We're not in a meeting, Emily. And I think we've known each other long enough to dispense with the formalities, don't you?' I nodded, still feeling a bit flustered. 'Of course, Jackson,' I replied, trying to sound calm. He smiled again, his eyes glinting with amusement. 'So, Emily, what was so fascinating about me that you couldn't seem to look away?' I felt my embarrassment spike again, but tried to laugh it off. 'Just admiring your... um, leadership skills, Jackson,' I said, trying to sound convincing.

I sighed inwardly, feeling a surge of frustration at Mrs. Miya's words. But I nodded, trying to appear agreeable. 'Yes, Mrs. Miya, I'll get it done as soon as possible.' But my mind was still racing with thoughts of Jackson. Why did I feel like I knew him? And what was the connection between us? I tried to push the thoughts aside and focus on the file, but my brain refused to cooperate. As I worked, my mind kept wandering back to Jackson's piercing eyes and charming smile. I felt like I was going crazy! Finally, after what felt like an eternity, I finished the file. But just as I was about to submit it, Jackson appeared at my desk again. 'Emily, can I talk to you for a minute?' he asked, his voice low and urgent. I nodded, my heart racing with anticipation. What did he want to say to me now?

  Seriously, not this again,' I muttered under my breath as I trailed behind Jackson. He spun around, his eyes flashing with annoyance. 'What was that, Emily?' he demanded. I shrugged, trying to play it cool. 'Nothing, just thinking out loud.' But Jackson wasn't having it. 'No, you were thinking something, and I want to know what it was.' He crossed his arms, his expression unyielding. I sighed, feeling a familiar sense of frustration. 'Fine, I was just thinking that we already discussed this and I don't know why you're still harping on it.' Jackson raised an eyebrow. 'Oh, so now you're an expert on what I should and shouldn't be concerned about?' His tone was sarcastic, and I felt my temper flare.

"Do you often use that tone with your manager?" he asked, his voice firm but controlled.

I trudged back to my desk, feeling a sense of unfairness wash over me. Why was I always the one being lectured and belittled? I thought to myself. I worked just as hard as anyone else in the office. I sent the text to Mira and then dropped my phone onto my desk with a sigh. Jackson's voice echoed in my mind, 'Make sure you do your job.' Like I needed reminding. I rubbed my tired eyes and tried to focus on the task at hand, but my mind kept wandering. Why did Jackson always have to be so harsh? And why did I always have to be the target of his criticism?

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red with rage, and for a moment, I thought he might explode. But then, something unexpected happened..."

Johnson's grip on my arm tightened, and I winced in pain as he pulled me closer. But just as suddenly, he released me, his eyes darting towards the voice. I turned to see a tall, imposing figure standing in the doorway, his eyes fixed sternly on Johnson. 'Andrew, must you treat women like this?' he repeated, his voice firm but calm. Johnson took a step back, his expression faltering for a moment before he regained his composure. 'Mind your own business, Tony,' he sneered. But Tony didn't back down. 'I'm making it my business,' he said, his eyes never leaving Johnson's face. 'Let her go, and let's talk about this in my office.' I felt a surge of gratitude towards this stranger, Tony, who seemed to have appeared out of nowhere to save me from Johnson's wrath.

As I stood there, trying to process the sudden turn of events, my mind racing with memories of my high school days, I couldn't help but wonder... who was Tony? The name Johnson had been using, the name I had grown to dread, wasn't even his real name! I felt a mix of emotions: shock, confusion, and a hint of amusement. 'Andrew' I repeated, my voice barely above a whisper. Andrew eyes flicked towards me, a hint of a smile on his face. 'Yes, Andrew,' he confirmed. 'Though I'm not sure he deserves to be reminded of his past, considering how he's been treating me I shook my head, still trying to wrap my mind around this revelation. Andrew... Johnson... whatever his name is,' I said, 'he's still the same person who's been making my life miserable.'

  As I stood there, trying to make sense of the sudden turn of events, Andrew turned to me with a serious expression and asked, "Do I know you?" His tone was firm, but I could sense a hint of uncertainty behind his words.

Before I could respond, Tony stepped forward, a curious glint in his eye. He walked closer to Andrew, his movements fluid and confident. "Have you guys met before?" Tony asked, his voice low and smooth, like honey dripping from a spoon.

The air was thick with tension as Andrew and I locked eyes, the past and present colliding in a swirl of emotions. I could see the wheels turning in Andrew's mind, trying to place me, trying to remember. And then, like a dam breaking, recognition flooded his face, and he took a step back, his eyes wide with wonder.

As I rushed downstairs to the toilet, my heart racing with anxiety, I couldn't help but think, "Oh my goodness, it's the devil himself!" The one person who had made my life miserable in school, who had tormented me with his cruel words and actions, was now my boss! I felt like I was trapped in a nightmare, with no escape.

I locked myself in the stall, trying to catch my breath and process this surreal situation. How could fate be so cruel? I thought I had left all that behind, but here I was, face to face with the same person who had made my school days a living hell. And to make matters worse, he was now my superior, with the power to make my work life just as miserable as he had made my school life.

I slumped against the wall, feeling like I was going to pass out. How could I work for him? How could I even face him every day? I knew I had to get out of there, but for now, I was trapped.