CHAPTER EIGHT

I couldn't help but marvel at the stranger I had just conversed with, as he was not the sweet and ever-loving Alex I was used to. I quickly sent him the file he had requested, but a reply was nowhere in sight. The minutes ticked by, each second feeling like an eternity as I waited for some kind of feedback.

At last, an email notification appeared, signaling a message from Alex

My heart pounded as I opened it, hoping for some positive response or at least constructive criticism. However, what I read left me stunned.

"Rejected. Not up to standards. Revise and resend."

That was it. No specific feedback, no explanation of what was lacking or needed improvement. I felt disheartened and annoyed by his rejection. I couldn't wrap my head around why he was making things so complicated. I went over the document I had sent examining each word and image carefully. I couldn't spot any errors.

I was set on getting to the bottom of this so I crafted a reply asking for an explanation.

"Mr. Hernandez, your feedback has left me a bit puzzled. Could you offer insight into what exactly requires revision? I want to ensure I understand your vision clearly so I can address any issues. I'm happy to make the necessary changes, but would appreciate more guidance from you."

I hit send, my fingers crossed that he would take the time to give me more constructive criticism. This project was important to the company. I wasn't willing to abandon it. If there were any issues, I wanted to understand them so I could address them.

All I could do at this point was wait for a reply. To my surprise, his response was even more shocking.

"Get me a cup of coffee now!" he demanded.

I stared at the screen, taken aback but I found my way to the coffee shop where I met Mia. Her eyes widened as she saw me enter.

“Hey, Mia,” I said as I placed my order

“This is the first time I’ve seen you here and I thought you were busy.” Mia looked at me with a puzzled expression

“Yeah, Ale…Mr. Hernandez asked me to get him coffee,” I explained

“You’re not his secretary so why should you? I’m pretty sure there’s a coffee machine in his secretary’s station.

“I don’t even know but it’s not like I can question the boss,” I replied

Mia's eyes furrowed and she eyed me suspiciously

“I don’t get this and I have this uneasy feeling. What are you up to?” She asked her voice tinged with accusation

I sighed meeting her gaze evenly. “I’m up to nothing. I wish more than you to not be in this position.”

Mia scoffed, shaking her head. “Oh, stop pretending.” Before she could say anything else, my order was ready and I was called to the counter. I grabbed the coffee and headed to Alex’s office.

“This is the coffee,” I said, placing the cup on his desk as I stepped into the room.

Alex fixed me with a stern gaze. “So you couldn’t knock? It’s your haven and I’m just a guest, right?

I winced at his words. “I am sorry but I knocked and didn’t get a response so I thought it would be best to just come in. I explained hoping to defuse the situation

Alex shook his head in disapproval. “ You always think you know what’s best every damn time,” he muttered taking a sip of the coffee but before the liquid could touch his lips, he spat it out, a look of disguise on his face. “What in heaven’s name is this? he demanded glaring at me.

I swallowed hard, steeling myself for his reaction. “It’s your regular and you didn’t specify what I should get so I decided to get that,” I replied my voice barely above a whisper

“Why do you think you know my preferences so well? I’ve made it clear we’re not close. Next time, ask and be sure,” he retorted

“It won’t repeat itself,” I replied

Alex scoffed, setting the cup down with a thud. “I can’t have this.” He fixed me with a piercing stare.

“The queue was a lot and you haven’t even told me what was wrong with the file I sent earlier,” I whispered.

His eyes narrowed and he leaned forward in his chair. “What did you just say?” He asked his tone low and dangerous

“I was just on about how I need to get you another cup but it would be great if you could tell me your preference to save me from making trips,” I lied.

He exhaled audibly, pinching the bridge of his nose. “Unbelievable. I can’t believe I have to walk you through every single thing.” He glared at me, his eyes cold. “Black, no sugar, and make it quick. I don’t have all day.”

I swallowed hard nodding curtly. “Right away.” I turned and hurried back to the coffee shop my mind racing. “I can’t believe I have made a monster out of an angel. It is all my fault and I deserve whatever he throws at me,” I whispered to myself

As I returned with a fresh cup of coffee, I carefully placed it down on his desk making sure not a single drop spilled. “Here you are, Mr. Hernandez. Black, no sugar just as you requested.”

He took a sip, his expression unreadable then leaned back in his chair, fixing me with a piercing gaze. “Now, about that file. I want you to go back and rework the entire thing. It’s subpar and I won’t accept anything less than perfection. You have 48hours so you shouldn’t be quick to retire home. Understood?”

“I have gone through the file a million and one times and I can’t find anything wrong with it,” I stated firmly, frustration evident in my voice.

“So you think I’m bluffing about it’s not being up to standard.” Alex countered

“ I didn’t say that,” I replied my voice laced with confusion. “I’m simply asking for more detailed feedback so I can address any issues with the file.”

Alex's gaze remained fixed on me, his eyes narrowed as he spoke in a clipped tone. “47 hours, 59 minutes, and 40 seconds,” he announced staring at his wrist

“I don’t understand,” I admitted. “ what happens in 47 hours, 59 minutes and 40 seconds.”

Alex rolled back in his chair, a humorless smile playing on his lips. “You don’t even have that much time left anyway that’s how long you have to deliver a project that’s up to my standards. “ He paused, his gaze boring into mine. Or else consider yourself jobless.