Elevator saga

BRENDA'S POV

“Alright?! Don't ever call my line again. I'm done with you”. He said as I gazed at him baffled. What a pathetic liar.

“Was she coming for you again?”. Maria let out, giving me a horrified gaze.

“Just take your dog away. I don't want to see any of you around my compound, else I'll call the cops on you two”. I blurted out rudely, before walking inside.

“Did she just call me a dog?”. I heard Micheal said in the background. I almost started laughing, but I couldn't even laugh. He is with Maria now. I miss him, deeply. But I can't be with such a confused, pathetic liar.

Again, my eyes got filled with tears. Is this what heartbreak feels like? It doesn't even look like I'll eventually get over him.

With a deep breath, I went to feed my hungry stomach, which has refused to stop rumbling. But even before I got to the kitchen, I got a text from Stefan, it was a plan of his work.

“I haven't even given him a response yet. He is so confident”. I let out smiling, scanning every word from the message.

“Oh, shut up” I scolded as my stomach rumbled again.

The day was eventually fast spent, tomorrow came right after like I just blinked my eyes without a proper rest. I dressed not so classy, just a normal everyday dress. I drove down to wealth club. I actually thought I was early, coming to work by eight o'clock, but it was quite the opposite. The hall was already filled up with people. I went over to the receptionist who directed me to Stefan's office.

Stepping into the office, it felt like a different version of the world. It was looking so good that I couldn't help but stand stunned at the beauty of his office. At the right corner of his office is a portrait, a portrait from Leonardo da Vinci!

Wow! This office is luxury.

“Hey, you came”. Stefan who has been on his system since I stepped in, finally said as he raised his head up.

“Good morning Sir”. I mumbled with a slight bow.

“Good morning Brenda”. He flashed a smile. “Please do have a sit”. He continued, pointing his hands towards the direction of his sit.

I sat quietly while observing him. He placed a call across to his secretary and in no time, a thick, short, slim aged lady walked into the office with a file.

“Brenda, this is my secretary Ruth, the one whom you will be replacing. She will show you around and guide you over a few things. Okay?”. Stefan said as my eyes and that of the lady met. We smiled at each other, before she asked me to follow her.

When we where through, I officially took over. Not in my weirdest dream did I envision myself working in such a big company.

#Day one working in wealth club# —it was super perfect, I didn't have much to do, my boss asked me to leave early since I didn't have much to do. I actually expected a call or a text from Stefan, but he didn't send any, just some rubbish flowers and an ugly letter from Micheal, asking me to come back.

But honestly, I have come to realise Micheal is with no shame. I'm not Jealous of Maria anymore. She can have him. I don't give a damn about their decieve relationship anymore.

“Such a swine”. I said disgusted, picking up the flowers and the letter, I dumped them straight into my trash can and angrily went straight to shower. I dozed off, slept until my alarm work me up the next day. Confused as I gazed at the wall clock.

“7:00am?!”. I screamed.

“How in Mary's name did I sleep this long?” I kept ranting, while running round the room and picking up the necessary things for work. I didn't even have enough time to get my face fixed, nor my shoes, I held it on my hands while rushing to the bus stop.

Lucky me, the next bus just arrived and as soon as I got to the office, it was already 8:00am. I kept panting and walking with speed, almost everyone at the office turned to look at me with irritation. But I didn't give a damn about it, I wasn't going to lose my job for anything thing—not even some disgusting look from people. I ran into the Elevator, hoping to dress up and arrange myself in there.

But I wasn't aware the universe still had another surprise for me, aside letting me sleep for hours. Just while I was trying to put on my shoes, someone stepped into the elevator.

“Good morning Miss”. The family voice echoed, only for me to look up and find Stefan staring right into my eyes, with his hands fixed into his pocket. I was so embarrassed that I quickly wore my shoes, not minding how it was looking on my foot.

And my hair? Very much messy. But I managed to flash a smile, while tucking some strands backwards.

“Good morning boss”. I greeted shyly, but he only smiled at me. I tried to avoid his gaze as much as I could, but I couldn't help but notice how he never stopped smiling, until the elevator eventually stopped.

“Lady's first”. He said, gently guilding me out of the elevator as soon as it stopped.

“Thank you Sir”. I muttered with a bow.

“Do I have any appointments today?” he asked casually.

“No Sir” I let out, before getting to my desk.

But soon, I noticed something odd.

The stares. The whispers. The judgment.

I rushed to the restroom to fix my hair and probably adjust my dressing—but it only made things worse.

The noise grew louder.

“She just started yesterday and she’s already his secretary?”

“He never hires young women for that role. What’s going on?”

“She’s probably a gold digger.”

Their words crashed into me like waves. And they wanted me to hear them. That was the point.

“Hey. Who are you?”

A tall, sharp-tongued woman swaggered up. Her tone was full of venom. I ignored her. That only infuriated her more.

“A lot of us worked damn hard for the role you just waltzed into,” she sneered. “Keep it. But if you dare get close to Stefan, we’ll make life here a living hell.”

“What’s going on here?” Stefan’s voice cut through like a blade.

“Umm—I was just briefing her on—”

“Back to work, Mirabella.” Then, looking at me, “You. My office.” he said sharply.

I followed instantly. My sharp shoes clicking hard against the marbled floor.

“I reviewed your CV. You studied business administration?” he asked, pulling out some documents.

“Yes, Sir. I—”

“That’s enough.” He silenced with a glance.

“My company is collapsing,” he said, voice sharp. Our eyes clashed again.

“I need a plan. A strategy. Something. Here—top clients and their numbers.” he said, handing a list to me.

I looked at the list, my heart started racing.

“You have something to say?” he asked.

I nodded slightly, trying not to gaze directly into his balls.

“These are private numbers, Sir. I can’t call them using my personal line.” I drew in a breath, then stepped closer.

“If the company is in crisis, it should be handled internally. Protect the legacy. Fix what’s broken from the inside, before others get wind of it.”

He watched me with an unreadable smile. Perhaps a satisfying one.

“This company made a billion a month. Now? Just a million. How do you expect it to rise?” he pressed.

My hands were slick with sweat. Never been this tensed before. But I managed to find my voice after a deep breath.

“Invest,” I blurted.

“With what?” His voice rose. “We have no resources.” his eyes shun with confusion.

“Then we cut. Slash what’s not needed. Reinforce the essentials. It’ll save money—and redirect focus.” I let out with a deep breath. Just then he starts to clap.

“Good idea,” he said, smiling. I exhaled, proud.

“But truth is... we’re not lacking anything. I just wanted to test your mind.” He rose.

“Come. I’ll introduce you to my partners.” he said, leading me out of the office.

We entered the elevator. Just the two of us.

Then— there was blackout.

The elevator jolted. Stopped.

My heart hammered.

“You okay?” he asked, flicking on his phone light.

“No. I’m claustrophobic.” My voice shook.

I clung to the railing, too terrified to move.

“How long will this take?” I choked out.

“Just a moment. The technician’s on it,” he said, but even though he sounded unsure.

“What if we get stuck? Forever?” I mumbled frightened.

“We won’t.” he said synpathically, reaching out for me and gently pulling me to his chest.

“I’m sorry.” He whispered, before his phone light blinked... then died.

I became more frightened. I reached for something. Anything, just need to ease my tensed heart.

Eventually, I gripped something soft. Held it tight—like it was the only thing tethering me to earth.

“Awch!”. He let out pained, before the light got retored. I almost yelled out, seeing what I've been holding on to.