Next day,
For the first time, I came to work early and attended the meeting from the beginning.
Every once in a while, all the departments in this company have a meeting with the CEO.
At first, I never attended these meetings because it was always the department head and one staff member representing us—and I was never that one staff member. But ever since I became Mrs. Henderson's favorite, I've been the chosen one.
"I can see we're doing very well so far. We've even surpassed expectations; everything is under control." He pauses for a moment and then continues, "For that reason, I was thinking that after this busy season, maybe in the New Year, we could organize a trip. Ms. Cooper, add that to the list."
Wow. He's really generous enough to pay for a trip? Paige once told me they occasionally organize trips, especially during the New Year, but I never believed her until now.
"Yes, sir," Trina says, smiling broadly. Trina Cooper is his secretary, we were hired the same day that's why the CEO was in the interview room that day.
And to be honest, I don't like her—not that I have a concrete reason to dislike her. I just don't.
When I look around, I notice everyone's face is lit up—except mine. That trip must really be exciting, given how thrilled they look, as if it's their first time going.
Anyway, I can't believe how blatantly this guy is ignoring me. It's like we don't know each other at all, like we don't have any history.
I speak or make a suggestion, and he doesn't even look at me. He just nods, pretending to be busy on that laptop of his.
And when he does decide to glance at me, it's as if I'm a stranger. I won't lie—it stings a little.
"Keep up the great work. Meeting adjourned. Have a good day, everyone."
There's a chorus of "You too, sir," "Good day, sir," and "Same to you, sir," from everyone except me.
He leaves his laptop on the table and walks out, and Trina picks it up, following closely behind him.
I sit in the boardroom for a moment, debating what to do with this Hellhound. Suddenly, without thinking—as usual—I run after him.
I quicken my pace to match his.
"You have a lot to explain!" I say, struggling to keep up with him because he seems to have increased his walking speed the moment he noticed I was beside him.
"Get back to work, Mr. Wilson. You should know by now that I'm not here for your foolishness. This time, I'm not playing around like you always assume I am! When I say go, I mean GO. Disrespect me again, and I'll fire you without a second thought!"
For once, he sounds serious. It's like he genuinely dislikes me and would fire me in a heartbeat.
But I don't back down.
"Are you a chameleon or something? The last time we were together, everything was fine. But now you're acting like this? You'd stopped pushing me away, and then you missed work from Monday to Thursday. Now it's Friday, and we're back to square one—day one! Sending me away again?" My disappointment is palpable.
"Once again, go back to work. And for the last time, don't come to me unless it's a work-related issue. Don't step into my office for any other reason. If there's a pressing matter, let it go through my secretary. That's what everyone else in this company does."
He enters his office and locks the door, effectively shutting me out.
"Wait! I have a work-related issue. Come on, open the door! You know I won't leave unless you do."
"Should I ask security to escort you away?"
"That's embarrassing!" I protest.
"Then help yourself."
"Fine, Mr. CEO. You know what? I'm really done with you!" I yell in frustration, though I know he doesn't care.
I walk back to the elevator and return to my desk.
"Paige, have you ever felt like quitting since you started working here?" I ask her the moment I slump into my chair.
"No, not at all. This is the best place I've ever worked. They treat us well, the pay is great, and the CEO is extremely hot. Why would I ever want to quit?"
"I see. Well, I want to quit."
"Your stubbornness is why you feel this way, Juls. You make things harder for yourself."
"Ugh! Everyone keeps saying that to me. Forget it."
I lay my head on my desk, even though I know I have a mountain of work to do.
Paige pulls me upright. "You don't want to make your life here harder than it already is, do you?" She places the papers from my desk into my hands. "Fighting!" she says, raising her fist in encouragement, then smiles and returns to her work.
I see Trina walk in and head straight to Mrs. Henderson. She whispers something to her and leaves.
Mrs. Henderson, "What did you say to him?" I lift my head and find Mrs. Henderson standing behind me.
"Say to who?" I ask, confused.
"Mr. Smith. Whatever you said must've worked!"
"I have no idea what you're talking about." Now I'm even more puzzled.
"Well, guess what? He's letting you go back to what you love most. He sent his secretary to tell me, 'Let him do whatever he wants.'" She's smiling.
"Shut up… He actually said that?" I can't believe my ears. After all, he does listen to me.
"Yes, sunshine. Now you can meet people like you enjoy. But just so you know, if you don't impress me, I'll revoke that privilege myself."
"You know me—I never fail to impress."
"Good. Take these and start with them." She hands me some documents, and I pounce on them like a hungry tiger.
Before I bury myself in work, I take out my phone and send him a message:
~Thank you so much, Mr. Smith, for believing in me again and trusting I can do effective work out there.
But from now on, he won't see me around him , ever. The only way I can find peace here is by avoiding him.