1

Hazel

The loud beats of music was blaring from every direction.  Thumping loudly with the beats. Men are drinking, strippers are dancing, others are doing nothing. Just sipping their drinks. The room was filled with people. My eyes scanned the surroundings immediately I set my foot inside. Even before I found my way inside, I felt my blood pumping. If I want I can equally turn back and leave. Yet, something was pulling me back. I needed to enjoy my day. I needed the drink, the dance to cool off my mind from everything. There's no going back.

I ventured my way inside, marching towards the counter and grabbed the empty stool. "Welcome Miss. What would you like to have? We have different drinks from-"

"I want a strong one" I cut him off before he could complete his statement.

"Okay Miss" The bartender ushered back, turning to get me the said drinks. I fished out my phone and began surfing through my social media account. A message popped in.

Where the hell are you!!

Something was irritating about the message. Where and what I do is not anybody's business. I support myself. No one does. Another message popped in almost immediately.

Pick up the damn call!

This time around, I switched off the phone, completely slipping it inside my bag. "You sound irritated," A voice said beside me.

Turning to the source of voice, I would be lying if I said my heart didn't escalate at the sight before me. He has that kind of look that will make you stare at him more than once. And his eyes, damn! His eyes are enchanting. And what made it worse is when his lips curved up into a smile.

Damn! He's so hot.

"Hello??" I was literally brought back to reality when he waved his palms in front of my eyes. I didn't miss the smirk that was replaced by his smile. God! He caught me checking him out.

"Yeah. It was just a minor issue" I profound grabbing the glass of drink the bartender kept by my side.

"Are you sure it's okay for you to drink that?" The guy said, his eyes going to the almost empty glass.

"I'm very sure. I just want to get drunk and forget about what is happening in my life" I hushed out. Not sure whether he heard me or not.

"Getting drunk won't solve the problem"

"How sure are you?"

"Because I experienced it. I know what it feels like" We stared at each other. For some reason, there's something about him that piqued my interest. Was it the way he speaks, or the fact that he's handsome and hot?

I gulped down the remaining drink in one go. In less than what could be labeled as one minutes, the drink started settling in. I felt my head getting heavy.

"By the way, I'm Hazel," I announced, placing my hand on the counter.

"What a beautiful and sexy name" A light chuckle erupts from me.

"I bet that word is unlikely to fit. How about you?" For some odd reason, I felt the need to get to know the stranger in front of me.

"You will probably not remember it tomorrow. And it's likely we'll not meet again"

"Why do you say so? I have a good memory" I said, pushing my lips forward. He shifted his stool close to mine. Leaning his face over. The mere inch that was left between us wasn't helping matters.

"Because I know you will not" He hoarse out his voice sending ripples down my skin. I don't know whether it was the drink kicking in or something else. Yet, I found myself leaning my face forward leaving a tiny space between us.

"I guess we're gonna enjoy the night. With no strings attached" With that, I closed the remaining gap between us. Connecting our lips together.

**

Just like every other day, especially Mondays, I was caught up in the early morning traffic. I'm the kind of person that takes my job very seriously. And I'm known for that. Which earned me an award of the year. I always make sure my work get completed before the deadline. And that earned me respect from my superiors. One of the goals I want to achieve within the year is to earn  a promotion which is what I'm  working for.

I glanced at my wrist watch in frustration. Surprisingly, today seems to be different from other days. From the time I woke up from bed in not my usual time, I knew my day was not going to be pleasant. I felt it at the pit of my stomach. And that was exactly what happened.

I hissed out in frustration. Seeing as the traffic isn't going anywhere and I'm getting late. I pulled the door open and made my way out. "Hey Miss-" Before the man could say more, I handed him two dollars. It was supposed to be three dollars, but he didn't take me to the destination. So, splitting the bill is fare. After all, I'll have to trek to the office. Horn blared from every direction. The traffic is getting out of hand. People have places to go. Parents need to take their kids to school and vice versa. I got startled by a horn that almost turned my ears deaf. I turned in anger. "Can't you lower your honk down" I uttered through gritted teeth.

The driver couldn't say anything. Not when I'm throwing daggers at him. He shifted his gaze to the other side. I wasted no more time and began my journey to the office. My handbag was tightly secured around my shoulder as I held the other one containing some of  the important documents with my other hand.

A smile made its way out of my lips seeing the company in view. I spared my wrist watch a glance. It took me fifteen minutes instead of seven minutes from where I left off.  It was a hell lot of trekking but it's worth it. I heaved in and out a deep breath before making my way towards the entrance. "Good morning Miss Dalen" The security man greeted me with much enthusiasm as usual.

"Morning Joe" I ushered back with an equal smile. The man has been with the company even before I came three years ago. I could remember when I walked in the company as a new employee, the man accepted me with open arms. And I couldn't forget how he had told me not to imprint his name with Sir. I should call him by his name. Joe. At first, I wasn't used to it as I feel it is a good harmony to regard your elders with respect.

I sauntered my way in, my heels making a click sound. "Morning Miss Dalen" I was being greeted by the employees. Nevertheless, getting glances from them. However, that didn't bother me. Instead, I held my head high. I fished out my Staff identification card. The machine made a beep sound indicating my verification.

I catch a glimpse of the elevator closing, making me rush in before It does. There were three people inside, with me four. They ushered a brief greeting. I tapped my foot continuously as I waited for the elevator to reach my floor. As I was in that position something caught my eyes as I stood behind the two girls. If not mistaken, I saw my picture. The two girls turned around and spared me a look. I was sure something was wrong. I quickly fished my phone out of my bag and scribbled through the internet. I was attacked by the headlines

The CEO of Lorenzo Industries got slapped by an employee.

Damon Lorenzo was swamped with a hot slap by an employee.

My eyes went wide as I played the video of me slapping my boss across the face. I couldn't believe what my eyes just saw. My face was all over the media. And to even make matters worse, They aren't saying anything about the reason for the slap. They are putting the blame on me. From the comments section, I could tell, they're all siding with him without knowing the full details. The reasons behind my smile. Immediately the elevator door opened, I stormed out. I was angry.

My heels were cracking on the floor as I advanced my way towards the office, burning with almost anger. I  was attacked by the stares from my co-workers. All eyes on me. At that moment, I could guess the news had reached them. Not when they're throwing accusation glares at me. When they knew the truth but kept mute. Because they were afraid. Afraid of speaking for themselves. Even with the familiar look, I didn't bother, I made my way to my cabin, my foot coming to a halt at the scene in front of me. "Who did this to my office?" I said trying as much as I can not to unleash in anger. No one uttered a word.

"Miss Dalen, your attention is needed at the meeting hall" Zoe, Mr. Lorenzo secretary said.

I pushed the door to the meeting room open . My eyes landed on the top members of the company. Damon's father, Mr. Wilson, the top shareholder of the company. Some other people and Damon himself. I didn't miss the smirk that gathered on his lips. The need to land my fist on his face again grew. Yet, matters need to be taken care of. "You call for me Mr. Lorenzo" I uttered as calmly as I could.

There was no joy on the man's face. That's for certain. I have already made up my mind.

"I guess you have seen the news already" he commenced.

"Yes Sir"  I sticked to short reply.

"And you know how important this company is to me. I don't allow any slight harm to come to my company"

"I do Sir"

"I know you're a hardworking woman and have brought so much change to the company since your arrival. That's why, I want to give you a second chance" I didn't say anything. I waited for the man to finish his talking "I can allow you to continue working in the company and might even promote you as the Accounting Director, but only if you cooperate with me"

"I don't get what you're trying to say Sir" I responded back in a total confusion.

This time around, Mr. Wilson was the one who spoke up. "What Mr. Lorenzo is trying to say is, you should apologize to the media for your actions an-" I  was quick in cutting him off. I knew nothing good would come out of the meeting.

"I'm sorry Sir, but I can't agree to your demands. I'm more willing to resign than to see the unjust happening" with that being said, I turned on my heels and walked out with pride. I'd rather give up on my position and the so-called promotion than to let him get away with his behavior. And I'd make sure I expose all his acts before I leave the company. For good.