Chapter 30 – REJECTION

Mannie’s POV

The moment I got home from that party, I threw myself into the bathroom and then on the bed.

My head hit the pillow, but it didn’t bring the comfort I needed. My body was tired, but my mind wouldn’t let me rest. My chest felt heavy, like I had been running uphill for years and still had miles to go.

The ceiling fan above spun slowly.

The air was warm. I closed my eyes, hoping sleep would come, but all I could think about was Dominic.

My mind wasn’t helping matters as his appearance came into view, his cold eyes, his sharp voice. His scent that always hit my nostrils and make my brain tingle when he closes upon me.

My dirty mind didn’t stop there as I visualized my wet dress that glued to my skin bringing out all my curves and staring at him shyly.

Like a warning, my children faces appeared, quickly cutting off whatever rubbish thought I was having.

I couldn’t help but wonder if he had seen them?

What if he looked just a little harder and noticed what I feared most—that they looked like him? Especially Nate. Nate’s eyes were so much like Dominic’s. So sharp.

I sat up slowly and rubbed my eyes. I couldn’t live like this. Always running, always hiding, always feeling like I was barely holding everything together.

“I can’t keep doing this,” I whispered, "Not like this."

The job I had now? It barely paid enough to keep up with food, school supplies, and rent. And with eight kids, there was not so much savings.

My phone buzzed beside me. I picked it up and checked the company portal. I had been doing that often lately, trying to see if there were any higher positions that could pay more. Then I saw it again—an opening for a cross-level transfer.

I had looked at it before but didn’t have the courage to apply. But now? I had to try.

Cross-level meant I could move to a higher-paying role, even in another branch. The job came with housing, transportation, and allowances. It would mean a fresh start—something I desperately needed. More money. A better house. Maybe even a driver. I could stop worrying about bus fares and late pickups from school.

With shaking hands, I filled the application form.

I stared at the screen before pressing send.

“I’m not asking for much,” I said to myself. “Just a better life.”

I hit submit.

The next few days passed in silence. I went to work, did my job and smiled when I had to.

But deep inside, I was anxious.

Then finally—an email.

"Your application has been reviewed and approved internally. Awaiting final decision from the president’s office."

My chest filled with hope.

But the next morning, I got another message.

"Application rejected. Final decision made by President’s office."

My stomach dropped.

What?

I rushed to my supervisor.

"Sir," I asked gently. "Do you know why my cross-level application was rejected? I thought it was approved already."

He looked surprised. Then guilty.

"Honestly, Mannie," he said, scratching his neck. "We all approved it. You earned it. But... the President made the final call. He refused it."

I stood there, stunned.

"Did he say why?"

He shook his head. "Only that it wasn't the right time."

I nodded slowly and walked away. My feet felt heavy.

Whispers followed me down the hallway.

"She tried to transfer."

"Maybe she’s planning to run."

"The president refused because he’s too attached."

“Do you think they’re together?”

Some giggled. Others just looked curious and jealous.

My face burned and I walked faster.

That week, Dominic had became worse.

He called me to his office more often. His tone was firm, but his eyes… his eyes always roved on my body staring at me like I was some prey.

One afternoon, I brought in a file he had asked for. He didn’t look up at first.

"Leave it on the table," he said.

I turned to go, but his voice stopped me.

"Mannie."

I turned. "Yes, sir?"

He stood and walked around the desk, coming closer.

"Why are you running?"

I blinked. "I don’t understand."

"The cross-level request. Were you planning to leave?"

I stared at him. His face looked calm, but his jaw was tight. His hands curled slightly at his sides.

"I wasn’t running," I said slowly. "I was trying to grow."

He stepped closer. Too close. Our faces were but a few centimeters apart

"You didn’t think to talk to me?"

"Why would I?" I asked, backing up slightly. "You’ve never exactly made me feel comfortable."

He said nothing, but his eyes darkened.

Then his hand reached out.

I flinched, but he gently tucked my stray hair behind my ear.

He didn’t let his hands drop but placed it on the wall beside him, completely enclosing me within.

He suddenly leaned too close and our lips almost touched as my brain blanked out seeing his face so close to mine.

We almost kissed.

Almost!

But then—

Knock. Knock.

The door opened and David stepped in.

"Tsk… Sorry to interrupt you love birds, but Dom, you have work."

Dominic blinked, like he was waking up from a dream.

He turned away.

"Go," he said to me.

I didn’t wait.

I rushed out, my heart racing.

Later that day, after the panic in my chest settled, I knew I had to talk to him again. But this time with calm.

I couldn’t keep being afraid.

I needed this transfer.

Maybe if I showed him how serious I was, he’d reconsider.

I walked toward his office.

But just as I reached the lounge near the hallway, I heard laughter.

David’s voice.

"You look beautiful today, probably you could put me under a spell like Mannie did to Dominic, don’t you think?" He said with that flirty voice that could make ladies swoon.

The secretary giggled.

"I’d probably not even last and be tossed away before i could even utilize the connection."

“I can help you move up the position now, just one night.”

My stomach turned.

So this is how they saw me? And is this how the company operated?

As a game?

As a toy?

I stepped back, I didn’t react.

I did not care of how they thought of me, but it only further strengthened my decision of pursuing the cross level position.