I rushed back to my office, unsettled by the events that had unfolded. Following the MD's orders, I started compiling the staff details, paying extra attention to Edmond's file. My hands trembled slightly as I worked, my thoughts clouded with questions and disbelief.
Midway through, I recalled I had asked Edmond to wait at the beer parlor across the company. I instinctively reached for my phone to call him, only to realize his phone was still in my pocket. The sound of the ringtone jolted me; I was carrying his lifeline and had left him stranded.
I dropped the phones on the desk, walked to the restroom, and splashed water on my face, hoping to regain composure. But peace eluded me. Even as I sat back at my system, trying to focus, my mind swirled with uncertainty.
I called Victor, hoping he could lend some insight, but he was unavailable. Frustrated, I decided to call my wife and share the bizarre story.
Her response was indifferent.
"You always manage to entangle yourself in drama," she said flatly. "Just do what you're told and come home. Stop chasing shadows."
Before I could respond, she ended the call. Her dismissal stung, but perhaps she was right.
Suddenly, a voice behind me asked, "Are you done?"
Startled, I spun around and shouted, "Jesus!"
The MD stood there, arms folded. Her sharp eyes bore into mine, her presence unsettling.
"What's that for?" she asked, her tone a mixture of annoyance and curiosity.
"You startled me, ma'am. Sorry… I didn't realize you were standing there," I stammered. "That was my wife on the call."
Her face remained cold. "I didn't ask. Are you done with what I asked you to do?"
"Almost, ma'am. The files are being printed now."
Without waiting for her reply, I turned back to my desk, silently cursing myself for revealing personal information. How long had she been standing there? What had she overheard?
After five long hours, I completed the task. Grabbing the files, I headed to her office, a mix of dread and determination swirling inside me. If this was to be my last official duty before resigning, so be it.
I placed the documents on her desk.
"These are the details you requested, ma'am. This file contains Edmond's records," I said firmly, hoping my voice didn't betray my nerves.
"Good. You may go," she said without looking up.
"Excuse me, madam," I began hesitantly. "You didn't introduce yourself during the morning meeting. May I at least know your name?"
Her lips curved into a smile that revealed a perfect set of teeth and a striking gap between them—exactly like the one I had seen in Edmond's photos. My heart raced.
"You've been acting weird since you came here the first time, and even now. I can't believe you still have the nerves to ask of my name."
"I'm sorry, ma'am."
"No, it's ok. I like your boldness. Well, my name is Rukiyat Bo…"
"Ruki what?" I interrupted almost immediately.
"Rukiyat Bola. Any other question?"
"No, ma'am. Just one question."
She folded her arms, her gaze piercing, and looked at me in awe.
"Go on."
"Are… are… are you married?"
She smiled again and clapped her hands in bewilderment.
"Men! Men! Men! Why do you ask? You want to marry me?"
"No, no, no, no, madam. I don't want to marry you. I have a wife and a 4-year-old son. I just wanted to know your name. Just that. Don't be offended, please."
"It's ok. I was, but now I'm single, and I'm not searching. Thanks for your time. You may go now because, as a matter of fact, you're the only staff left on this premises besides the security men and my driver. It's already past 5 pm."
Her words struck me like thunder. It felt as if the entire building was pressing down on my head. My legs grew heavy, my body covered in goosebumps.
I wiped my eyes with the back of my hand, trying to ensure I wasn't hallucinating.
"Go home and rest, young man. You're really tired. See you tomorrow," she said with a dismissive wave.
As a man, I summoned the strength to lift my feet and walk out of her office, my head spinning with unanswered questions.
However, amidst the fear and confusion, I managed to gather two important facts: her name and her marital status.
Clutching these pieces of information tightly in my mind, I headed straight to meet Edmond at the beer parlor, bracing myself for whatever came next.