Chapter 17

Briar’s POV

“Anita, please. Can I have a word with him? To at least know where the problem really is.” I pleaded.

Anita let out a soft exhale. “I can’t help you, Briar. He already gave his note and says he doesn’t want to see you around here until there is a proper correction made.”

“What correction?” I whined, feeling frustrated.

“I think it will be best if you get to it soon. He wants the proposal handed over in the next two days.”

“Are you serious?” I blurted in disbelief. “Just two days?”

Anita looked bored with me. “Please, Briar. Can you just go now?”

I stood there for a few seconds, stared down at the sticky note on the document that I had submitted this morning with “TRASH” written in block letters, and felt my heart tear apart. That dickhead! I bet he didn’t even care to look through it. This is the third time he has rejected my design proposal with no proper correction. He just asks to create another concept. For the second submission, Adrian flipped through it right in front of me and flung the papers at me again. I wanted to snap his neck off on the spot.

Something tells me he is being intentional with his behavior towards me. Liam is one of the most straightforward critics I have met since I started interior design. Even though he was certain there wasn’t anything wrong with my design proposals to require two rejections. This makes it the third time that Liam had assured me that I did a mindblowing job.

And that airhead Adrian sat down, tore out a sticky note, grabbed a pen, and wrote trash on my sleepless night. I should strangle him. Break him into pieces. Beat him up so hard that he wouldn’t be able to move his body for a whole week. Is this how all bosses are?

“Please don’t tell me he rejected it,” Rissa said the minute I stepped into the office. I slammed the document on the table and she snatched it off. A shocked expression was plastered on her face. “Trash? There is nothing trash about this or did I see wrong?” She began flipping through each page hastily.

Letting out a tired huff, I plopped into my chair and screamed into my palm.

“Is there a reason why he called this trash?” She asked.

I shrugged, “I have no idea. I didn’t even get to see him. His secretary was the one who handed the file back to me. Now I am expected to come up with another design proposal in the next forty-eight hours.”

“That’s crazy. Why is he doing this? Isn't this the third rejection?”

“I am losing it, Rissa.”

Rissa patted my arm gently. “I am so sorry. If only you didn’t have to partake in the rest of the project. At least you would have time to rest before getting to work.”

I smacked my lips, sighing. “I don’t think I have much choice. I would have to work through the night. Where is Liam?”

“He stepped out for inspection.”

“Oh. Do you think I might need to do a site inspection again? Maybe that might be the problem.” I said, ruffling my hair.

“Unless you have an eye infection, I don’t think you missed out on the structure of that lobby. You went there four different times before you started any of the design proposals. So what else are you going to do there?”

I groaned loudly, “What am I to do then? Why am I not getting it right enough to suit his taste?”

Rissa huffed, “That is a valid question that I do not have an answer to.”

Sighing in despair, I slumped my shoulders. “I will find a way around it eventually.” I tried to sound positive.

The rest of the day went by in a haze. There is so much to do already. Resting days are over and work can be quite overwhelming especially in the situation that I am in. The moment I got home, I showered and went straight to work in my room. Busying myself with color palettes and unique themes that might interest our beloved Adrian.

“Mummy?” Knox's little voice sifted through the door.

I raised my head, pausing the crazy scribbling I was doing. “Come in, baby. The door is open.” He turned the doorknob, letting himself in. “What is it, my love?” I asked, motioning to him.

He climbed onto the bed and sat on my thigh. “I want you to read me a bedtime story.”

“Why not, Aunt Gina?”

He shrugged, “I don’t want her. I want you to read me a story.”

“Knox, my love. Mummy does not have the time right now. I am busy.”

“You said the same thing yesterday. Why are you busy?” He pouted.

I took off my work glasses and inhaled sharply. Last night I was rounding up on the proposal that got denied this morning. And now I am at it again. It’s barely a month in this new job and my world is already shifting. I felt my insides boil over again in rage. Adrian needs to get his act together and not frustrate me.

“I am sorry, baby. Let’s go read you a bedtime story.” I said, carrying him.

The bedtime story took longer than expected. Knox wouldn’t go to sleep immediately, insisting that I keep reading. I almost snapped at him because every minute I spend not working on the design leaves me far behind. But the little dude doesn’t seem to care. He eventually fell asleep about an hour later. I hurried back to work, fighting the sleep that laced my eyes heavily.

“Miss Briar? Ma’am, wake up.” I hear a voice call out from a distance.

I furrowed my brows, squinting my eyes as I forced them open. It took me a few seconds to get the hang of my environment.

“What is it, Gina?” I asked.

“Good morning, miss. I actually thought you had left for work a long time ago. But your phone continued ringing, telling me otherwise. Also, Miss Rissa called to ask about you. You are late for work.” She rambled.

I held my face. My brain was still foggy as I processed her words. Then I looked around to see the morning sun shining in. My eyes went wide open.

“Oh my goodness! I am late!” I screamed, jumping off the bed and I almost fell on my face. “Shit! Shit!” I cursed, running around aimlessly. I checked my phone and I had about fifteen missed calls and five messages from Rissa and Liam. “Where is Knox?” I paused at the bathroom entrance to ask.

“Don’t worry about him, ma’am. Just get ready. I will have your files arranged in your bag.” Gina said.

“You are a lifesaver, Gina,” I mumbled in gratitude.

I have never been late to work before. Not even when my son ran a temperature. As if Knox knew how important mummy’s work was, he always felt better by morning. Giving me less guilt to carry as I prepare for work. I can’t tell if this is from exhaustion or if I am the one slipping. I almost got a speed ticket in my need to get to work on time. Apparently, there is a team meeting going on and the CEO happens to be coming. My lower lip suffered aching bites from plunging my teeth into it due to my anxiety.

Eventually made it to my destination and I found myself running. I hate this side of me. I am never this clumsy, everything I have done so far regarding work is always in order. I still think Adrian is to blame. Why is the CEO of a corporation attending our team meeting? Is this normal or is he just trying to get at me? But then, he has no reason to get at me. He doesn’t know me.

I dropped my bag off quickly, readjusted my attire, and stepped into the meeting room hoping to just grab a seat. But luck seems to have hidden away from me.

“Get out,” Adrian ordered the moment I stepped in.