4- The Workaholic Man

I wish I could close my eyes and call all of it a nightmare but it wasn’t.

It was my horrendous reality, the life I accepted and going to bear until these six months are over but on the other hand, I do deserve it and then again, it wasn't as intense or was it?

Did I break him to the extent he is nothing but a piece of flesh desiring vengeance? 

A cold-hearted man willing to break all boundaries in order to etch misery in my soul? 

Is he truly going to break all ethics just to capture me in his domain?

Seems like he would.

After running away from his cabin, I rushed to mine.

Pressing my palm against my chest to regain my senses. My cabin was right in the corner from his on the executive floor.

My heart thumping uncontrollably, trying to neglect what just happened but my mind was unable to and I know one thing for sure.

He is not the man I used to know.

“Dammit, what should I do?” I muttered, pacing around while making an almost crying face, holding my waist until a voice interrupted my apprehension.

“Hey, um, you okay?” 

Looking up, I saw someone smiling playfully, standing out my cabin.

“Huh?” I blinked.

“Sorry to interrupt but you kinda look nervous. You’re the new girl, right? Is everything okay?” He asked. 

He was eye-catching, the kind of guy you want to flirt with, he had medium black hair and shining blue eyes, smiling gently at me.

“Uh, yeah, I am okay. I am Annalise White. Linda’s substitute. Nice to meet you.” I mumbled, clearing my throat to regain my senses and act normal.

“Nice name. I am Edmond Atlas. Director of finance. Don’t worry about Boss, he might look intimidating but he won’t bite. At least, that’s what I think and believe.” He chuckled, leaning against the doorframe on his shoulder.

‘Why does everyone here look so young? This man, who might be in late twenties, is the ‘director’ of finance? How talented this man must be?’

“I hope he doesn’t. And I hope I don’t mess up either.” I giggled, shaking my head. 

His calm aura was helping to alleviate my distress.

“You better don’t. He won’t stand mistakes. Extremely strict when it comes to work.” He shrugged, vexing me but I am at least confident that I won’t mess up my work.

Unless he provokes.

“Thanks for the warning. I will try my best to not upset him.” I smiled, sighing mentally in distress.

“Me too. Okay then, Good luck on your first day. I will see you around, Anna.” He smiled but it vanished mine, when he was about to leave, I called.

“Um, Don’t say Anna, I don’t like it, you can call me Elise.” I corrected him, I hate it when someone calls me Anna. 

“Sure, see you around, Elise.” He grinned, waving sweetly at me. 

“You too.” 

I waved back as he left after helping me to divert my mind from the stressful beginning of my day.

Thankfully, the rest of my day went nonchalant and I didn’t have to confront further dread from him at the time being.

He was utterly engrossed in his work as if nothing else existed anymore which I clearly didn’t expect from him. 

He always hated his Father’s work line and never wanted to be a part of it.

He wanted to condemn it to doom but look at him now, dedicating all his attention to this empire. 

Well, it’s easy to say you can neglect money but truly doing it isn’t.

“Give this to Edmond, he is on the 49th floor, get me a coffee on your way back and get the sales report from Sarah, you will find her on the fifteenth floor.” 

He ordered without looking up, it was hard to keep track of the commands he gave at one time but I endeavored to carry out all orders and not displease him.

“Yes, Sir.” I nodded, taking the file. 

He was working like a machine, not acknowledging the presence of things around him which made me bewildered. I guess he might have sorted things out with his Father.

As long as it keeps my work tranquilized and away from his predatory eyes, I am glad.

Taking the file, I did as told as the day went by with no more frights.

On my way back, Linda called to check up on me, which she definitely should. She might know by now that her Boss is not to be trusted.

“Hey, How are you? How was your first day? Did he say anything?” Her concerned tone came, worried about me.

I smiled faintly and replied, “I am fine, Nothing happened, he was drowned in work all the time. He barely had time to breathe, let alone to pay attention to me.” 

I explained my day to her, relieved deep down and praying that things remain this way so I won’t have to confront him.

“Thank God. Yeah, nothing else but work exists for him. I am glad you are fine.” She breathed out in serenity. The sense of assurance is clear in her tone.

“Yeah. I don’t think it could be that bad… I guess.” 

But, how wrong I was. My direction of life was going to swirl and I wasn’t aware of it. Mere moment of nothingness swayed me.

“Good. You can now work peacefully. If there’s anything you need to know, you can ask me, okay?” She said sweetly.

“Sure.” I hummed.

“Okay then, talk to you later.” And with this she cut the call after we both said ‘goodbye’. 

Sighing in relief, I went home where my delighted parents were dying to know about my first day.

“Elise, Welcome home! How was the first day? How big is his empire? What did you do?” Papa’s chirpy tone came, beaming in glee. 

“It was fine. I just did as told, arranged his appointments, meetings... Nothing exciting.” I replied as calmly as possible with a forced smile, closing the door behind me.

“How was his place? Your cabin? Is it big?” He asked, eyes shining in felicity and maintaining it, I returned the same energy.

“Of course. It was gigantic, it was on the executive floor, the highest one. You can see the whole streets of New York from here.” I told him excitedly, flashing a wide smile.

I never understood why but I never liked their attachment with him ever since high school, I don’t want them to praise him.

I don’t want them to adore a person who is literally targeting me for revenge.

“Amazing! Freshen up, I have cooked dinner for you, my dear.” 

He grinned, patting my back, praising me for doing good at work which kinda made me jovial.

“Sure.” 

I left for my room. I freshened up, had dinner filled with chattering. Mostly about my first day at work. I didn’t want to talk about it, not after what he did after I signed the contract.

I was terrified to face his wrath but I believe it won’t be fatal, right? 

After a worrisome day, I went to my room, falling on my bed, staring into the ceiling with perturbation overwhelming my ability to think as I mentally prepared myself for what is about to come.

‘What are you planning to do with me, Vincent?’