Irritation

Chapter 24

Martina’s POV

I sat at my desk, scrolling through my phone with a small smile on my face. For the first time since I started this job, I finally had a little free time.

Herrick had gone to his grandfather’s place, just as Director Lily had informed him earlier that afternoon. And surprisingly, he told me not to go with him.

I still couldn’t believe it.

For once… I could breathe.

I leaned back slightly in my chair, enjoying the quiet moment. It hadn’t even been up to a week since I started working here, but it already felt like I had been here for a whole month. The workload, the pressure, and most especially Herrick—it was all too much sometimes.

But I couldn’t complain.

I needed this job.

I needed the money.

My smile slowly faded as my thoughts shifted. I stared at my phone, but I wasn’t really watching anything anymore.

I couldn’t wait to receive my first salary.

The moment I do, the first thing I’ll do is pay my mother’s hospital bills. Then I’ll buy her drugs and settle my debt with the pharmacist.

There were just too many bills waiting for me.

Too many responsibilities.

I dropped my phone on the desk and let out a small sigh. Thinking about everything I needed to pay for suddenly ruined my mood.

But there was no point being sad.

At least now, I finally had a better-paying job. All I needed to do was endure till the end of the month.

Everything would be fine.

It had to be.

I raised my wrist and checked the time.

Past 2 p.m.

Herrick would be back anytime soon. His next schedule was by 3 p.m., and knowing him, he wouldn’t tolerate any delay.

I quickly adjusted myself and sat properly, turning my attention to my laptop as if I had been working all along.

Not long after, I heard footsteps approaching the door.

I immediately stood up.

The door suddenly opened with force, making me flinch slightly.

Herrick walked in.

From the look on his face, it was obvious he wasn’t in a good mood.

“Welcome, sir,” I greeted politely.

He didn’t respond.

Not even a glance.

He walked straight to his seat and sat down, completely ignoring me. Then he turned his chair slightly, facing away from his desk.

I stood there for a moment, holding my tablet.

“Sir, your next meeting is scheduled for—”

“Cancel all my meetings for today.”

His voice cut through mine, firm and cold.

I blinked.

“Sir?” I asked, unsure if I heard him correctly.

“You’re not deaf, are you?” he replied sharply.

“O-okay, sir,” I said quickly. “I’ll cancel them right away.”

I turned to leave.

“I’m going somewhere later today,” he added, his voice calmer but still authoritative. “And you’re coming with me.”

I paused briefly before nodding.

“Okay, sir.”

I didn’t ask any questions.

I didn’t even try to.

Only God knew where we were going, especially since he had just canceled all his meetings for the day.

I returned to my desk and did as instructed, canceling everything on his schedule.

---

By the time we left the office, it was already evening.

The sun had set, and the city lights had taken over. I sat quietly in the car, stealing glances at Herrick from time to time.

He had been silent the entire ride.

His jaw was tight, his expression unreadable.

Whatever happened at his grandfather’s place must have really upset him.

Still, I didn’t dare ask.

After some time, the car finally came to a stop.

I looked outside, trying to figure out where we were.

The environment felt familiar.

Then it hit me.

A club?

I turned to him immediately.

He was still seated in the driver’s seat. He had insisted on driving himself and told the driver to leave earlier.

“Sir… this is a club,” I said carefully.

He turned to me with a slight smirk.

“I know,” he replied. “What’s wrong with that?”

His expression changed almost immediately, like he was trying to suppress his anger.

“Nothing,” I said quickly.

It was clear he wasn’t in the mood for questions.

He stepped out of the car, and I followed immediately, trying to keep up with his fast pace.

We got to the entrance, and he suddenly stopped.

I stopped too.

“I know this isn’t your first time in a club,” he said casually. “So suit yourself. I’ll be nice enough to pay for whatever you drink.”

The arrogance in his tone irritated me.

But I held myself back.

“But sir… can I just go home instead?” I asked, forcing a small smile. “Since I don’t have any work left to do.”

“No.”

The answer came immediately.

“Have you forgotten your closing hour is 9 p.m.?” he continued. “Until then, you’ll do whatever I ask you to do.”

My lips parted in disbelief.

What exactly was wrong with him?

I wasn’t even in the mood for this.

But what choice did I have?

“Okay, sir… I’m sorry, sir,” I said quietly.

“Better,” he replied before walking inside.

I took a deep breath and followed him.

The moment we stepped inside, loud music blasted into my ears. The place was filled with people dancing and moving to the rhythm.

The lights were dim, flashing in different colors.

It was overwhelming.

Herrick walked in like he owned the place, moving through the crowd without hesitation.

I struggled to keep up with him, almost getting pushed a few times.

I had no choice but to stay close behind him.

“Herrick!”

“Herrick is here!”

Voices called out as soon as people noticed him.

I frowned slightly.

So he comes here often?

He walked straight toward a group of people, and I followed closely.

There were about seven of them—both men and women.

They all greeted him warmly, shaking his hand and patting his shoulder.

“What’s up, man? It’s been a while,” one of the guys said.

“Yeah,” Herrick replied casually. “Been visiting other places, you know.”

“Oh, I know you for that,” the guy laughed.

The others joined in.

I stood quietly beside them, feeling slightly out of place.

Then suddenly, the same guy shifted his attention to me.

“I can see you’ve got yourself another girl,” he said, grinning. “Bad boy.”

My eyes widened immediately.

Another girl?

Excuse me?

Annoyance rose within me instantly, but I forced myself to stay calm.

I turned to look at Herrick, expecting him to correct the misunderstanding.

But instead…

He just smirked.

And said nothing.

That irritated me even more.

Was he seriously going to let them think that?

I clenched my fingers slightly, trying to control myself.

This man…

He was really something else.

I took a deep breath and reminded myself of one thing.

I was only here because of my job.

Still…

That didn’t stop the irritation building inside me.