Elliot POVI sat limply on my rotating chair, spinning listlessly, sometimes stopping at intervals to stare at nothing. There was complete silence in the office except for the low, steady blowing noise of my air conditioner. After my encounter with Mrs. Sophie a few days ago, I had been troubled and couldn't think straight."Had I gone too far?" I thought to myself.But she pushed me. I really tried to be as diplomatic as possible, but that lady, that weird employee of mine, was just too obstinate for a woman."But had I really gone too far talking about her husband that way, right in her presence?" Another indicative thought came in."But it was she who had started it by talking down on Olivia and calling her a slut. Yes, I was only defending Olivia; I was only reciprocating her gesture." I argued inwardly."But then again, why had she reacted that way? Why did she cry when I made the statement I made?" Perhaps her husband was really a deadbeat, and I was only being a jerk, reminding
GENERAL POVIt was Friday, the eve of Benjamin Harrington's birthday. Harrington is the chairman and founder of Harrington's Group International and the father of Elliot, the CEO.The company premises wore a festive look inside and out as the board of directors declared Friday a "no work day." So that a mini-party could be held in the chairman's honor.The entryways were lined with pre-lit miniature lanterns and oversized decorations. Targeted areas in the offices had large photographs of Benjamin Harrington displayed on them. A cluster of colorful balloons with ribbons attached to them dangled upside down from the ceiling.The staff were not left out; they wore flashy corporate dresses that flaunted the colors on the company’s logo: blue and black. The men wore blue jackets and pants with black ties and shoes. While the women wore blue skirts and blouses on black shoes, All of them were smiling and moving gorgeously from one point of the building to another.***“Sir.” Gerald’s voice
GENERAL POVElliot stood in a corner of his parents' spacious living room. He was wearing a three-piece serge suit, clutching a glass of wine, and observing the activities of the day. The high ceilings are adorned with ornate balloons. The party was underway. The stewards, in all white dresses, bore golden trays and obsequious smiles. Expensive wine sparkled in tall glasses, and the twinkling silvery chandeliers’ light reflected the glitter of jewelry on many of the female guests' hands and necks. Classical music was playing soothingly from the corner, and some couples held themselves close, speaking in low tones and with hallowed expressions.Those present were either blood relatives, highly placed company stakeholders, or very close family friends. It was extremely exclusive.Amanda immediately stood out from the crowd, wearing a red dress. She had accompanied her parents to the party. She came up to Elliot to say hello, kissing him on the cheek. “How do you do?”"Great," Elliot sai
ELLIOT'S POVI arrived early to work the next Monday. I got out of the car and grabbed my phone as I went into the complex. My mind was so much busier than my feet. I realized this as I got to the doorway that led to my office. Standing transfixed in one spot, my thoughts went back to yesterday's party. Earlier in the morning, when I got out of the house, my phone chimed, alerting me to a message from my mom."I forgot to tell you, sweetie. About yesterday, it's a new day; remember to keep your head down. Ok, I love you."I clenched my fists, fighting the urge to slam my phone against the wall and howl at both Dad and herself, and in fact, at the whole world, to leave me the fuck alone. As much as I loved them, they were being too forceful about this marriage thing, and with the way things were going, it was either now or never, particularly now that Dad was involved. Dad, with his robotic sense of virtue and fierce morals, did not know how to go back on his words. “You’re grown; I kn
GENERAL POVAfter the kids were done with supper at the dining table on Monday night, they hurried back into their room simultaneously, leaving Sophie behind, who was still busy with her meal.They had to quickly debate and contemplate amongst themselves to know if it was the right time to unveil Owen's monitor, which they installed in Candidate 1's office on Friday. Yesterday night, when they last checked, it had not picked up any visual or audio signals. That wasn't strange. It was a Sunday night, so no one could have been at the office at that time. If they were going to see anything, it would be today, which was a work day, but they needed to wait for Sophie to fall asleep. While they were still talking, they heard Sophie’s voice echo from the sitting room."It's just half past seven; why are you guys in your room so early?"They kept quiet for a while, looking at themselves, each of them thinking of the best thing to say in response.“Bella darling,” Sophie called again. “The Rob
ELLIOT'S POVThe automated door leading to the marketing department slid open as I marched fiercely into the open office space. The various workers froze on the spot at their various points of duty. None of them bothered to greet me as usual, because they could sense from my vicious-looking countenance that I was in no mood for such. They were used to it, though, and right then, many of them could tell that an unlucky staff member was in trouble, and I could almost hear them silently praying to not be the victim.The only person who still dared to approach me was Olivia."Darling, you have come to flatter us again with your presence. What may you do for you, sir?”"Stand aside now.” I snapped.“But horn..”“I said stand aside this minute.” The tone of my voice rose higher and harsher.She fidgeted and stood aside, looking humbled.It was the first time I would speak to her in the presence of the staff in that manner, but I care less.“Where is Anderson?” I barked, even though I alread
GENERAL POV"I think he is kind of a cool guy. Too cool, unlike the cocky CEOs we see in the movies. I think I'm beginning to like him."Isabella wrote on their group chat on their way back from the company.Nathan responded with "Yup."While Owen said, "So true, I just hope he passes the test in the end."Joseph and Sophie were seated in front while the kids were perched at the back as usual, sitting hunched over their pads with all their attention focused on them. Elliot had granted her an early leave from work due to Nathan’s illness.***Back at the company's hallway after they met Elliot and Olivia, they had talked and got to know themselves a little more, until the intercom in the CEO's office had been rung by Sophie's call. The kids had been so surprised and pleased by the way Elliot cooperated with their lie and their up-and-down game plan.He had rushed back inside with Olivia to pick up the call, while the kids followed him in. Owen cleverly sighted and obtained the missing
Sophie's POVJoseph went back into the car to wait for us while Carter and I shared a hug. During the hug, I could feel Carter's arm tighten around me a bit, so I patted his shoulder to signal that it was enough. He immediately got the message and loosened his grip, breaking off the hug.I took some steps backward and straightened my dress. My eyes instantly caught the curious gaze of Owen and his siblings; they blushed at once and looked away. From their body language, they must have assumed that Carter and I had something together in the past, which wasn't exactly the case. Just like Lucas, Carter was also a former classmate. However, unlike Lucas, Carter had openly declared affection for me when we were teenagers. He had even asked me out before Adam. During our final term, he had offered to be my prom date, but I declined because of my father, who banned myself and Olivia from engaging in school parties. Father nicknamed Prom Night Lucifer's sex feast. However, Olivia would secre