Chapter Nine: Moon and Stars

Chapter nine

I stepped into the elevator that led to my office. It has been two days since I got married. It was still weird to think of Mason Kingston as my husband.

My husband.

A shiver traveled down my spine at the thought. That sounds ridiculous.

Mason Kingston was my husband. I was Mrs Kingston. I pressed my lips together, trying to ignore the strange flutter in my stomach.

No one had been waiting for me at home when Mason dropped me off that evening.

I only heard them when they were having dinner.

As always, no one bothered to send for me. I knew Mom was upset by the embarrassing way I reacted at the party.

Maybe I'd overreacted.

I should apologize.

Then I would tell them about my marriage to Mason Kingston. Yes, once they know about it everything would go back to normal. With that thought my mood instantly improved.

The elevator halted at my floor. I saw the employees gathered together discussing what I'm sure must be a hot new gossip, when they thought none of the superiors were around.

I didn't mind much, as long it didn't affect the work process.

Sometimes,I try to make my steps as quiet as possible to hear a little of the gossip. I pretty much go unnoticed so it wasn't that hard to catch what they are saying.

Last week, it was unfortunately about Georgia from accounting and how her husband left her for a woman ten years younger than her.

I wonder who the unfortunate person this week is going to be about.

As I got closer, I heard one of them say.

“Yes apparently she was having an affair with the manager from the Regal stone company”.

My steps faltered.

“ I never thought she was that type of person.”

This time it was Jenny, Julia's assistant.

“I wonder how her parents must feel. Miss Julia never gave them such issues”.

They all nodded in agreement.

“ Maybe that's why Mr Davidson is always screaming at her. She must be a dis—”

Her eyes landed on me. She froze.

“M-ma!”

She jumped so suddenly, spilling the coffee she had on her white blouse.

Serves her right.

she's always on my throat all the time. I wanted to complain to Julia about her, but I saw how well she worked with her.

I don't mind taking a few backhanded remarks if it meant Julia was happy.

I took a deep breath.

I'm amazing.

It's a test.

Everything would pass soon enough.

I repeated the words silently in my head . I always say these words whenever I am upset.

Life is never always going to be smooth for you. Sometimes, you just had to endure the bad moments until they passed.

The other employees rushed back to their work station, mumbling good morning as they passed me.

I might not be much of a big deal in this company, but I was still their boss. So they do owe me a tiny bit of respect.

I walked over to Jenny.

she turned her attention to the stain on her blouse, fussing over it. I knew she just did that to pretend she didn't see me or that she wasn't just talking trash about me just now.

I stopped in front of her.

Her spine straightened. Slowly she turned towards me.

She licked her lips, clearing her throat.

“ D-did you need something”.

She looked at me from above her nose.

No matter how strong or condescending she tried to sound, I could still hear her voice shake.

Good, she should be afraid. Who does she even think she is? I wanted to wipe that smug expression off her face.

Then an old memory resurfaced.

“Kill them with kindness”. Mom's voice sounded in my head.

I had just turned ten.

After months of begging, Mom finally agreed to let me have a huge birthday party.

I was always a shy kid and didn't have many friends. I'd sent out the invitations and was so happy when everyone came. But throughout the party, everyone focused on Julia. It was then I realized that they came so they could get close to Julia and not me.

I went to the garden crying, mom found it. She sat beside me and reached out to wipe my tears.

“ Iris, there are two people in this world— the moon and stars.” I looked at her confused.

“The moon's job is to shine and light up the sky at night, while the stars are there to assist.” She glanced towards Julia through the door that led to the room where the party was held. Julia threw her head to laugh at something another child said.

That's the same with people, some are born to shine like the moon, while some others are meant to stare in the background and help them shine.” Her eyes returned to me.

“In your case, Julia the moon born to shine while you're the star meant to stay in the background and aid her.” I looked at Julia again, she looked so beautiful, so confident. She was perfect.

“You can be a very perfect star by being kind.” She continued. “ People would love you more for it”. She patted my head.

Hearing those words from me, I was determined to be the best. That was why, instead of being angry that I was ignored on my own birthday,I had smiled and suggested Julia be the one to cut my cake.

The memory faded.

I looked at Jenny.

I forced a huge smile on my face.

“Hello Jenny, how are you doing this fine morning?”.

Nothing about this morning was fine. But I suppressed the negative thoughts and smiled even harder.

“I'm fine….”

Her eyes narrowed down in confusion.“How can I help you?” She continued in the same condescending tone as always.

Kindness. I repeated the word in my head silently.

“Nothing much just wanted to ask if Julia was in”. She shifted in her seat and turned towards her computer.

“No. Miss Julia travelled for an important meeting she won't be back till weekend”.

I could hear the adoration in her voice as she said Julia's name. But more importantly, why didn't Julia tell me? I had been looking for her. I hadn't seen her since the night Dad announced I was marrying Mason Kingston.

“Anything else?” Jenny asked sharply.

Bitch. I cursed her again in my head.

Widening my smile at her.

“ No. That would be all”. I turned and headed towards my office.

The smile fell from my face the instant I heard the click of the door locking.

I leaned against and released a long breath. Then I walked over to my desk. There was a lot of work piled up for me over the weekend. I also didn't do much due to how hectic it was.

I started sorting through the files. I noticed some of the files were supposed to be submitted to Ryan and not me.

I grabbed my phone to call his office, but my hand hovered over the numbers to dial. I don't think I'm ready to speak or to face him after breaking his heart like that. Not only that, I went and married another person just a day after we broke up. I'm such a horrible person.

I swallowed. I couldn't avoid him forever.

With shaky hands I called his office but instead of Ryan picking up, his assistant did instead.

“I'm looking for Mr Whitmore? I wanted to know why some documents meant for him were submitted to me instead?”

“I'm sorry Miss Davidson, Mr Whitmore traveled for a personal issue and won't be back till the weekend”.