“I just got off the phone with our potential client," Alex said, his voice laced with anger as Mia and I entered his office. "Care to explain why neither of you showed up for the 2 pm pitch meeting today?"I felt my face drain of color as Mia shot me a panicked look. The big pre-launch meeting with our highest-priority client...how could we have spaced on something so crucial?"M-My apologies, sir," I stammered, my voice trembling with embarrassment. "We must have had our calendar dates mixed up. That's an inexcusable oversight on our part.""You both had one job!" Alex slammed his hand on the desk, making us both flinch. His face was contorted with rage. "To confirm the meeting time and be there representing our team. Do you two have any idea how unprofessional this makes us look to a partner we're trying to woo?"I opened my mouth to continue apologizing, but Mia beat me to it."Mr. Hernandez, I'm really sorry and you're absolutely right, this was an outstandingly bad and unacceptab
I was enraged, stepping back to my desk with my fists tightly closed so hard that my knuckles were flashed white. However, I had to pull myself together and just work my ass off to make sure this project was a success. I needed Mia out of my space as I could no longer cope with her toxicity. Determined, I decided to do whatever was necessary, so I called the client's office, and his assistant answered"Hello, this is Sophie from Polo Enterprise," I said, striving to keep my voice steady."You kept the entire team waiting. Mr. Kelvin is quite displeased," the assistant responded sternly."I know, I'm truly sorry. Is there any way I can rectify the situation?" I asked, hoping for a chance to make things right."I don't know about that." He paused. "He felt his ego was utterly bruised from being stood up today. He's absolutely furious."Anxiety was setting in. "Can I at least schedule a meeting with him?" I implored."I'm afraid I can't assist you with that," he stated.”Please, my enti
The next morning, Alex summoned Mia and me into his office, a stern look etched on his face."You two better thank whatever you worship," he said without preamble. "Because Mr. Kelvin just called, and he has agreed to reschedule the pitch meeting."I felt a surge of relief but kept my expression neutral, not wanting to reveal what I'd gone through to make this happen.Mia, however, looked skeptical. "And he's just willing to give us another chance? Just like that!""Not exactly," Alex replied, eyeing me knowingly. "He didn't disclose the details, but it's clear that some...persuasion was involved from our side."I shifted uncomfortably, hoping Alex wouldn't press further on how I had convinced Mr. Kelvin."Regardless," Alex continued gruffly, "Mr. Kelvin has made it crystal clear that he expects our absolute best this time. No more screw-ups. He specifically requested that Sophie lead the pitch."You could hear a pin drop with how quiet it got. Mia's whole body went stiff as she turne
From the moment I stepped into the office, I made it my sole mission to steer clear of Alex at all costs. I was not about to give him another opportunity to criticize me so harshly about my perceived lack of backbone So I devised a little routine – as soon as I saw Alex's silhouette approaching down the hallway, I’d abruptly spin on my heel and briskly walk in the opposite direction pretending I had an urgent restroom emergency. I’m sure Alex had spotted me a few times scurrying away but I avoided making eye contact Once I heard his door click shut, I would slink back out to my desk, safe for the time being. This little dance repeated day after day as I masterfully steered clear of Alex.Then one afternoon, Alex's extension flashed on my line and I quickly called out for Mia.“Hey, Mia? I said in a rush. I’m really swamped on this report right now. Mind checking what Mr. Hernandez needs?”“Uh, sure,” she replied, clearly relishing any face time with AlexI watched through narrowed e
By the time I got home, Mom and Dawson were already asleep. I tip-toed to Dawson's room, planted a soft kiss on his head, and dragged myself to my room, so tired. I fell onto the bed not even bothering to wash off. I was out within seconds.The following morning, my mom had to wake me up. “Sophie, you are about to be late for work,” she said, lazily nudging me.I jolted awake. "It's time?" Searching for my mobile phone, I sprang from the bed and ran to the bathroom as if my life was hanging on it."Be careful, don't slip!" Mom called after me. "I'll get your breakfast ready."I'm sure I shattered some records for the world's fastest shower. Still damp, I hurriedly threw on the first work-appropriate outfit I could find, simultaneously attempting to towel dry my hair. Just as I was wrestling myself into my skirt, my phone started ringing. It was Alex.Hello Mr. Hernandez, is something wrong?" I asked apprehensively."Pack a bag, we're leaving for a three-day business trip this morning
Is this some kind of setup to get me to spend more than I can afford and then get embarrassed? I opened the door for the masseuse and she got set up. "Do I have to pay?" I asked, taking out my phone to record, just in case. "No, there is no need for you to pay." She said affectionately.I was relaxed so much during the massage that I slept off for almost the whole process. Simply waking up only to fall asleep again in peaceful dreams. When she was done, the masseuse gently woke me up."I'm done, ma’am. I hope you enjoyed it?""It's so evident I did. Thank you, I really needed that," I said gratefully.I spent the remaining part of the day lazying around, watching TV, and admiring the wonderful view until evening.The next morning came and a wave of happiness seized my heart because it was my birthday and I was celebrating it in this heavenly place. "It's a beautiful day!" I sang as I danced over to the curtains, greeting the brilliant morning light with an excited scream.I checked
I dragged myself back to the present, the happy memory fading away. I glanced at my phone – it was almost 7 pm, time to meet the client according to Alex’s instructions. With a wistful sigh, I headed back inside from the beach As I made my way down the hallway, I paused outside Alex’s door. Part of me was really aching to knock, to talk to him and ask why he forgot about today but I knew doing that would be a wrong move. After standing there for a long moment, I forced myself to keep walking to my own roomOnce I was inside, I began preparing for the meeting, and in no time I was dressed. As soon as Alex saw me, his eyes swept over my outfit choice and he frowned slightly. “You can’t go like this. For the kind of client we are meeting, impression is everything.”"Oh..." I felt my cheeks get hot with embarrassment. "I didn't really pack decent business clothes for a trip like this.""A client important enough to have this meeting scheduled at a place like this is going to be big on lu
“I guess since the meeting is postponed, I should start packing up?” I asked as we made our way back to our room Alex gave a curt nod. “Yes, you’ve had enough of a break from work. Polo pays you to work, so you need to get back to it .”His blunt words stung a bit, but I tried not to let it show. "Right, of course. I'll get my things together then."Back in my room, I slowly began gathering my belongings, taking one last long look around the luxurious suite. I wished I could stay longer and fully enjoy the experience. With a sigh, I finished packing and climbed into that heavenly plush bed, quickly passing out.The next morning, I freshened up and ate a light breakfast before getting a text from Alex to meet him downstairs. I headed down to find him already waiting by his car, impatient as ever. The drive back to Polo's offices passed in silence, per usual. Once we arrived, the first thing I did was text my mom: “Hey mama, I’m back at work. See you later tonight. I love you.”As I