“I don’t envy you right now,” Derby said as she saw me scavenging through several files on my desk
I looked up at her, a wry smile cut on my lips. “Me and you both”Derby leaned against the edge of my desk her brow furrowed in concern “Is there a way I can help?” I have noticed you always end up doing most of the work and yet you never receive any recognition for your effort.”I shrugged, trying to downplay the situation. “It’s all good, Derby. I’m sure they see how much of an asset I can be so they are trying to harness that.”Derby’s eyes narrowed slightly and I could tell she wasn’t buying my forced optimism. “So what got you so worked up now? I thought you had everything all under control,” she pressed“I thought I did but no matter what I present to him, it never gets approved. It’s just so frustrating.” I complained as I sat on my chair, and before I knew it, tears started gushing from my eyesDerby didn’t utter a word, she just placed a gentle hand on my shoulder and that was the trigger for my lamenting“I have dedicated my heart and soul to this project, worked late nights, and even missed out on moments with those who matter most to me. Yet what do I get in return? Rejection without explanation. There is always that mounting pressure to prove to everyone that I am just as good as anyone else here. Sometimes it gets too much to handle. I feel like I am always caught between a rock and a hard place with the onus of meeting unrealistic expectations and stuck on the vicious cycle of being overworked and without recognition.” I cried“I can only imagine how you feel, Sophie. But remember your worth shouldn’t be measured by external validation. You’re strong, capable, and resilient and I see you,” Derby said soothingly“Thanks for giving me a listening ear. I’ve been keeping it all inside, with nobody to pour my heart to. I’m glad you checked on me today because I almost lost my mind.” I said wiping my tears“I will always be here whenever you need an ear to vent to and a shoulder to cry on,” she said her voice filled with empathy“What would I have done without you?” I teased forcing a smileJust before Derby could say anything, Mia strode in, her face twisted in a sneer“Well, well, look who got the boss’s attention,” she said her voice dripping with sarcasm“Mia, I’m not in the mood for your drama.” I snappedAs if she had just noticed Derby, her face turned even more sour“What's going on here? Why are you in this godforsaken place and when did both of you become this close?” Mia asked all at once“Nothing that concerns you, Mia. I was just saying hi to a colleague and I don’t see how that’s a problem.” Derby replied her voice calm and composedMia scoffed crossing her arms over her chest“Funny how everybody is warming up to you,” she sneered“What exactly is that supposed to mean?” I managed to ask, my nerves on the edge“Oh, come on, Sophie. You can’t seriously be naïve, Mia sneered. “We both know the real reason you wouldn’t get this project right.”“And what reason would that be, Mia?“Mia's lips curled into a sardonic smile. "Please, don't play innocent with me. I see beneath all this. There's no way you can’t get a single thing right."I cleared my throat trying to maintain my calm. "Mia, I’m not sure what you believe is happening but-“"I’m well aware of the situation," Mia cut in sharply her tone filled with bitterness. "You're using this project to get close to him, and you're not even trying to hide it. That’s why you always give him something not up to standard“Mia” Derby called out her voice firm.”That's enough. I thought we were all making jokes about his looks the day he came in never thought you would take it this far to the extent of laying accusation.”I finally found my voice though it came out shaky. “All you said isn’t true, Mia. I have been working my ass out for this project and I have no personal agenda.“Mia rolled her eyes dramatically. “Oh, please. Don’t insult my intelligence. You can fool him or even Derby about being too good but I know the real you. I can sense the pretense from a mile away.”Derby stepped forward putting herself between Mia and me. “Mia, you have said enough. If you have any genuine concern about her work ethics then take it up to the proper channel. Until then let her breathe. This is insane.”Mia's squinted her eyes appearing as though she might keep the drama going. However, she eventually let out a frustrated huff and stormed off, muttering under her breath.I let out a breath sensing the tension in my shoulders somehow fading away. “Thank you, Derby.”Derby turned to me, her expression softening. “You’re welcome but you need to learn to stand up for yourself and you don’t owe anybody who isn’t your boss any explanation on how you carry out your duties here.”I nodded, and then I got a beep on my notification signaling a message from Alex“Make sure to be in my office by 8 am.” The message read“Noted,” I repliedThe day was finally here and I could barely keep it together. I tossed and turned all night, my night racing with a million different scenarios of how this meeting with Alex could go down. I couldn’t even stomach the thought of breakfast.When 8 am rolled around I slowly made my way to Alex’s office praying and hoping he would finally acknowledge my hard work and not tear me down,I lightly tapped on the door but didn’t get a response. I waited anxiously shifting my weight from one foot to the other, checking the clock repeatedly unsure if he would even show up It wasn’t until 8:35 that Alex finally came in, his expression unreadable“Good morning, Mr Hernandez.” I greeted, putting on the best brave face I could muster“Morning, Sophie,” he replied. Come in after five minutes“He must have known he’d be late.” I thought to myself, feeling annoyed. “Why would he tell me to be here at 8 am if he wasn’t even going to show up? To frustrate me, I guess.”At exactly 8:40 am I knocked on the door. “Come in,” he called outBefore I could even say anything he dropped the bombshell “I have decided to go with the proposal you sent via email.”I stared at him completely dumbfounded. “I-I don’t understand. But you said it wasn’t good enough. You made me work day and night on this and now you’re telling me you would go for the one I sent earlier?“I know what I said about the proposal and I’m very much aware of what I am saying to you right now.” He replied, his gaze unwaveringNo, you don't get it! You wasted my time, my energy, my effort - all for what? So you could just turn around and say this? I felt like screaming, but I couldn’t bring myself to speak. Considering he was my superior, I had to maintain my composure despite feeling frustrated“So this is useless?” I asked, lifting the file I was holdingBut Alex simply turned his back, leaving me standing there utterly frustrated and boiling with anger. “Say something damn it” I screamed in my head but I didn’t get any response. I turned to leave but just as I was about to reach for the door, he spoke up “The client can’t make it to the office today for the first review so we will be going to them. Be ready by 1 pm and meet me at the parking lot.”At exactly 1 pm, I made my way to the parking lot as instructed, my hands sweating with anticipation. I noticed a black sedan nearby, I figured it was Alex’s, but the tinted windows gave no clue of those inside.I was walking slowly to the car when Alex leaned over and rolled the window down. “Do you need help getting here? Get in, we don’t want to keep him waiting,” he said, this time his voice sharp and lacking any kind of warmth.I just nodded silently and slid into the passenger seat beside him, the air thick with tension between us. The drive to the client’s location was quiet, interrupted only by the sound of engines and occasional car honks with a deliberate avoidance of eye contactAs we pulled up to the towering skyscraper, Alex finally spoke “You ready for this?”I turned to face him, mustering a confident nod, despite the turmoil I felt inside. “As ready as I will ever be.”We exited the car, got ourselves into professional mode, and then started walking toward the building
There was only one thing that repeated itself in my mind, and that was; the right outfit for the event. I didn't want to go there looking like a loser and I was sure that anything I had in the closet wouldn't help me blend in with others either. The mere thought that I had no proper clothing for the occasion, layered with the task of mingling with the high society people, made me horrified.“What did I get myself into? Places like that are not for people like me.” I thought “Where are we going? This is not the way to the office.” I asked glancing nervously at AlexHe didn’t reply. All his attention was directed to the road. Several minutes later we stopped in front of a beautiful-looking boutique with the shop window full of extravagant exquisite evening gowns and accessories.“Get down.” He commanded“What are we doing here?” I asked still confused and looking around “What do they do in places like this?” He replied I stared at him my mouth slightly agape. “You…you are taking me s
“I’ll need your home address so I can have the car pick you up this weekend.” Alex suddenly spoke up as we got inside I hesitated for a moment, not entirely comfortable with the idea of giving him my home address because of Dawson. “Actually it would be easier for me if I just met you at the office instead. That way you don’t have to worry about coordinating the pickup.” I suggested Alex paused, his brows wrinkling as he stared at me in silence. “Very well,” he finally said. “Be here by 6 p.m. Don’t make me wait.”“Okay, I’ll be here,” I assured relieved that he didn’t insist on coming to my house. As we parted ways, Alex turned to me one more time “You can take the rest of the day off. No need to report to come today.”My eyes went wide. “Really?” I asked practically giddy. “You mean I can just…go home?”“Don’t make me change my mind, Sophie.”“Thank you, thank you!” I exclaimed dancing outWhen I got home, I met Dawson in the living room watching his favorite show and immediately
The remaining days of the week seemed to pass me by so quickly. Before I realized it, Saturday night had come, and I had to prepare for the gala. My heart was beating fast as I carefully laid out the beautiful dress Alex had gotten for me. I exhaled deeply and then gently slid the dress on, appreciating how it stretched over my body like a glove.I changed my look drastically from my usual high ponytail and sweats outfit to something more suited for the night. I touched up my makeup and styled my hair into soft waves. After that, I slip my feet into my favorite pair of black high heels that I have had for ages. They weren’t grand or glamorous, but I could manage with them because I was on a very tight budget and couldn’t afford anything flashier. The person I saw in the mirror seemed completely different as I took a final look.I grabbed my small clutch, making sure I had everything and as I was about to leave the room, I heard my mom’s voice call out from across the room “Sophie, Ar
I made my way to the office feeling, my stomach flip-flopping with nerves. When I arrived, Alex was already waiting in the lobby looking devastatingly handsome in his immaculately-tailored tuxedo. He turned as I approached and his jaw went slightly slack as he took my appearance. For a long moment, he simply stared at me. “Hi,” I said trying to break the awkward silence He snapped back to his usual serious self clearing his throat to regain composure. “You are late," he said sharply, looking at his expensive watch. "I was starting to think you wouldn't show up. This isn't some fairytale ball, you know."I'm sorry," I apologized quickly. "Traffic was worse than I expected. It won’t happen again."“Let’s get out of here. I don’t want to be late for the actual event.” He said turning on his heels We made our way to his sleek sports car in silence. I took sidelong glances at him wishing he would say something about how I looked. But he remained stoic and all business as usual.When we
I clutched my little purse tightly as I half-stormed, and half-stumbled out of that fancy ballroom. The tears were already spilling down my cheeks, staining my carefully applied makeup into a raccoon-eyed mess.Screw Alex and his bigshot world. Screw Polo Enterprise. Screw all of it.“Ms McDermott?” A voice made me jump as I pushed through the hotel's revolving doors to the valet area. It was one of the doormen, an older black guy in a fancy uniform.He gave me a concerned look. "Mr. Hernandez requested a car for you whenever you were ready to depart."I couldn't help but let out a hollow laugh at that. What is Alex all about? Has his sad little help delivered home safe and sound after demolishing her self-esteem?No thanks," I told the doorman, mustering as much poise as I could manage. "I'll make my own way."He looked skeptical but simply shrugged. "As you wish, miss."The cool night air hit my face as I staggered away from the hotel’s bright light on my favorite peer of heels tha
My head felt like a construction crew was jackhammering inside my skull as I finally forced my eyes open. I was greeted by bright sunlight filtering through windows I didn’t recognize at all"What the..." I shot upright, clutching the plush comforter around me. This sure as hell wasn't my bedroom. The crazy night before came flooding back in flashes - the gala disaster, getting wasted at that bar, some skeezy guy getting handsy before..."Oh god no," I groaned aloud, dropping my face into my hands. I was at Alex's place. Why the hell was he the one who stepped in to save me from that creep? Could this get any more embarrassing The bedroom door flew open and I startled, clutching the sheets protectively around me. But it was just a young female housekeeper carrying a tray."Miss, Mr. Hernandez requested I bring you this hangover remedy," she said politely, gesturing to a glass of foul-smelling green sludge.My stomach felt uneasy. "Um, thanks but no thanks. I don't need anything - I s
I stared at Alex in shock for a moment, my fork frozen halfway to my mouth“Your…your secretary? I managed to ask“Yes, and it’s effective immediately. I have been looking for a secretary since I got here and the whole process has been draining.”“I’m so sorry about that but I can’t be your secretary.”“Excuse you??”I had to come up with something to avoid working closely with Alex round the clock. “What I’m trying to say is that I’d be underutilized if I take that role. I believe I have so much to offer to the company.” “Now tell me what’s greater than serving this office. If you want to be of great value to the company then this is it. This office holds greater importance to Polo Enterprise and the Hernandez group as a whole “You can have anybody in the company as your secretary. Why me?”“I don’t think I owe you an explanation. You’re my employee and I want you as my secretary. That’s final. If you don’t want it then I’d be happy to accept your resignation or by this time tomo