I've never seen Stephen in that state before. I was used to his cocky, annoying and funny side. His eyes were so red that tears need not be spilled to be discren the depth of hurt and pain he was feeling. I looked over his table and suddenly missed his presence. What was I saying? We didn't even spend a day together in that office.
It's been two weeks now and no one has seen any sign that suggests the existence of the boss. The management are really doing a great job overseeing the affairs of the company. Well, that was what they are being paid and we're employed for.
"Miss Elena, please go through this files and send a request to the company"
"Alright sir"
Work continued like that for months. Within time, I was already getting used to his absence. Guess I was just feeling pity for his predicament. I made two friends in the company, Ruby and crystal.
"Hey girlie, it's lunch time" Ruby screamed making me laugh. She's so lousy but I've gotten used to that.
"Hey workaholic, get your ass off that chair dummy" crystal told me calmly. She was not as lousy as Ruby but she doesn't go easy on words.
"Two insults in one sentence?" I laughed.
"You'd get another one lizard"
I laughed hard again.
"I'd be there in five" I resumed typing on my laptop.
"Nowwwwww!!!!!" The both of them yelled.
"Aye aye captains" I surrendered. I knew better than get on this two bad sides.
"How dare you waste my time!" Ruby spanked my butt when I was out of the office.
"Hey! Come back here I haven't spanked you" I ran from both of them laughing.
We got to the cafeteria and suddenly started eating. Ruby kept on blabbing and crystal was complimenting her statement by humming.
"Ruby, table manners" I mouthed
"Oh. I'm sorry" I feigned fright when she opened her pairs like she wanted me to crawl into her pupil.
"As I was saying….." Ruby continued while I savoured the food.
Suddenly, I noticed the atmosphere was quiet. It was so quiet that even Ruby had to stop talking because it seemed like she was the only one talking. Crystal and Ruby looked at me and I reciprocated the same confused expression. I continued not minding the reason for the abrupt silence.
"Elena look who we have here" Ruby said in a low scream. I looked at the door and saw Stephen. What a surprise! My feet was suddenly glued to the floor and I still don't understand why that was.
"Miss Elena" he called out and everybody had their pairs on me.
"Elena he's calling you" crystal grunted making me standing. Now, I was the centre of attention.
"Good day sir" I bowed feeling pathetic already. My worse days have begun counting. I couldn't deny that those times he was not around, I was less disturbed and more peaceful. If his loss was a reason for me to have peace, then maybe he should continue losing someone to death.
*How brutal!" I chastised myself asking God to forgive my wicked thoughts.
"Are you deaf?" He interrupted my session with God.
"Huh?" I tucked a strand of hair behind my ear.
"To the office" he walked away.
I quickly ran to grab my unfinished food while everybody gave me questioning looks. I was quick to make it into the elevator just before it closed.
"I'd give you a week off to rest. These days must have been really hectic" he simply said and walked out of the elevator. I suddenly missed his vibrant self. I opened the door to his office before walking in.
"Do you shut your doors that loud where you come from?" He shouted. I definitely would not take this against him as I have experienced what it means to lose not just a parent but two parent. I was so grumpy and agitated that period.
I gave him a reassuring smile and he looked at me confused.
"I'm sorry for your loss Sir" I told him.
"You know nothing about that" he shut me up.
"I lost both of my parents at an early age" I told him and continued my work on the computer.
"Miss Elena" he called out and kept mute.
I stood up and stood opposite him.
"Go on sir. I'm all ears" I encouraged him smiling. I wasn't expecting the next response.
"Let's get married" he announced.
"I know it all sounds desperate because it truly is. I need to get married to have full access to my late father's wealth or they will be transferred to my step brother. It's going to be a one year marriage contract. After that, we'd get a divorce and go our separate ways" he rapped more than he conversed.
"I'm sorry sir but I cannot fulfill that for you" I regretted asking him what the problem was.
"Or would you tell me that you do not have a woman in your life?" I asked making him reason with how senseless his talk was.
"I do have a woman, ain't gon lie. In fact, she's my fiancee. But she's not around now and I really need you to append your signature on this contract. She would definitely understand" he was truly desperate.
"I'm a woman and I wouldn't understand when my fiance has another woman let alone they are connected by a marriage contract" I explained going back to my seat.
"Fifty million dollars" I stopped right on my tracks.
Fifty what?
"This is my phone number. You can holla at me whenever you are ready to give me an answer I anticipate" he dropped his contact card and went out. He's even pompous when desperate.
"Fifty million what?" Sophie screamed over the phone.
"Fifty million dollars" I affirmed.
"Girl this is your catch" she screamed excitedly
"You know I cannot do that, right?" I asked.
"It's just for a year babe. Besides, that money would do more than put your life back in track"
As painful as that sounded, it was the truth.
"This is really a crossroad" I heaved.
"Think about it during your one week break" she advised.
"I'd do just that" I replied.
"My bestieeeee is getting married!!!" She screamed.
"You are crazy" I laughed.
"Fifty what again?" She asked.
"Fifty million freaky dollars" we chorused laughing hard.