Despised at First Sight

My mind was was a complete state of confusion when the cab I arranged to pick me up disappointed me. The driver called just 30 minutes before the pickup time to inform me that he had to rush his wife to the hospital because she was in labour. God, I indeed sympathized with him but also was angered with the fact that he could have called earlier. Either way, I just hid my disappointment and told him that it was fine but I cried internally. I stepped out of the shower and dressed at high speed to save time to get a cab on a busy Monday morning. I knew about the traffic situation too so my head was spinning with thoughts of how I could make it to this interview which meant the world to me. I worked over the years from start-up to multinational companies, yet I never had the chance of being promoted beyond Senior Officer, no matter how hard I worked. I am very ambitious and have worked throughout my college days either as a part-time typist or secretary so I gathered so much experience.

"Are you saying, that I have to prostitute alongside my job?" I asked, forcing sarcasm into my words because I had lost my respect for him. "Yes Maya, that's exactly what I mean. If you can do that, then this job is yours," he said shamelessly. I couldn't believe my ears. What he was asking me to do was something others would do with great pleasure so why couldn't he get anyone else? Does it mean the world has grown more decent? I have heard about people ladies going to the extent of sleeping with people in authority to get the job of their dreams. "Thanks for the offer but I think you are talking to the wrong person. Have a good day sir, I said as I picked my handbag and headed to the door." "Are you sure about this Miss Jacobs? That you will let this opportunity go?" He asked again, but this time in a softer tone. "Trust me/Sir, if this was the last job on earth, then I'd rather be a beggar," I finally said harshly, as I stormed out of his office. I

"It's nothing much, Maya. Since you are supposed to resign with two weeks notice per our company policy, we asked that you finalize your presentation within three days and submit it to Mr. Snowman's Executive Assistant. That way, he will arrange for you to have your presentation with other investers," he ended thoughtfully. The way he said it, made me feel sorry for him. But why should I even feel sorry for him? If the rumours were correct, then it means he mixed business with pleasure and now he has to face the consquence. If he had not been blinded by lust and given my deserved position to someone else, I wouldn't have even thought of applying for a new job. But in a way, I'm glad he did because I eventually got something better. How can you have a manager who cannot put together a simple report to present before your investers? Anyway, I still have an obligation to do whatever is related to my work within two weeks so I don't think I have the right to object. "Ofc

"Maya, can I talk to you alone for a moment?" Tom asked suddenly.... I choked on my drink as I asked "Me?" "Unless there is someone else called Maya"....he replied teasingly. I wonder how he clicks with Mark because they are totally opposite in character. He is very good looking like a cover page model but very smart, gentle and kind. He is a younger version of Sir Max and at the juncture, he made me miss Sir Max so much. "Ofcourse, why not," I said getting up from my chair. Right then, he pulled my chair backwards and held my hand.  "This way," he said." Leading me away from the table. Tracy was just staring at me like she had a thousand and one questions for me and for Kira, I couldn't understand her expression. Whether it was pain or disappointment.  So he led me to his table and luckily for me, Mr. Snowman was in a chat with our CEO so he was not seated with them at the moment. I sat there, feeling uncomfortable eventhough the t

"I think he loves you," Tracy smiled. "What" No. I think he just feels pity for me. Or maybe he feels guilty for what happened yesterday because he was the one who invited me to sit with them...I said defensively.    Tracy's POV Listening to Maya only confirmed my suspicions. Tom is no ordinary guy and guys like that do not just show attention to people if they don't have interest. The way he led her yesterday to their table and how he greatly defended her made everyone astonished including me. But my problem is Maya. She is so naive. Ever since I have known her, she has never talked about any man than Jude and Sir Max who were big brothers or should I say guardians. Her life has been centered around education and work. She doesn't even have a social life and she has never had a boyfriend. I hope she doesn't break Tom's heart.  When Tom called last night that he could not reach her, he sounded so desperate. It was as if