Chapter 9

As soon as I got to the office of Mr. Charles, I started imagining what his facial reaction would be.

I stood at the entrance door for some minutes rehearsing what to say. A section of my mind keeps telling me this could be my last day in this company.

To knock at the door seems like a suicide mission. I attempted to hold the doorknob, I felt some changes in my system, and my blood pressure rose.

My heartbeat keeps increasing uncontrollably.

I summoned courage at once and knocked at the door.

“Come in, please.” The echo of Mr. Charles' voice hit directly to my chest. I gripped the knob at once and pushed in the door. His eyes flicked and clashed with my eyes. He quickly returned it to the system in front of him.

“Good morning, sir.” I greeted. He was busy moving the mouse around the table. His eyeball moving randomly on the screen. I stood quietly and patiently waiting for his response.

“Sofia, the company granted you a week's break. With respect to your wedding ceremony, now, you decided to resume at your convenience!

Do you actually realize the damage you have caused the company?” Charles muttered aggressively.

He never bothered to ask me how my wedding went. He just moved straight to a query.

“I'm sorry, sir. I have been having some personal issues and challenges since I left for my wedding, but I'm working on putting everything together.” I spoke calmly; my voice was barely above a whisper.

“Challenges?” He raised his eyebrow.

“I apologize, sir. I never thought it would happen this way. The wedding couldn't be held. As I speak, my mom is seriously sick. Not enough money to foot her medical bills. And her condition keeps deteriorating.”

Mr. Charles leaned back in his chair, and his eyes narrowed.

“I understand how you feel. It is such a very sad experience. Nevertheless, you must look for a way to finish up the tasks you have there on your system. Otherwise, it is going to affect your salary for the month!”

“It does not stop at that. Of course, you know the implications that follow. Following the company's policies.

All your assessments must be up to date. Before you could be promoted at the forthcoming annual conference. You have to maintain a clean sheet.”

Charles spilled out. Flicking his eyes across my chest while nodding his head gently.

“I will do my best to finish up with the task,” I spoke sternly.

“You can return to your duty post.” He ended the discussion.

“Thank you, sir.” I turned and left the office.

As I went back to the office, Jessica was busy with the system. I went and sat in my position, staring at the pile of files on my table and the ones Charles sent directly into the system.

I sighed and brought out my phone.

I was just scrolling through social media. Just to go and numb my nerves a bit.

The information circulating throughout the entire space caught my attention. A wedding IV was just on every blogger's page I scrolled to. I zoomed in on one of the IVs. It read, Philomena to wed Donal. The CEO of Ocean Group Of Companies.

Different opinions from people filled the comment section. “He must be a notable individual,” I guess silently.

That name, Donald, sounds somewhat familiar but I can't just recall. The tasks before me on my table are too much for me to start disturbing my brain trying to recall such a name.

I quickly went offline and resumed my full attention to the reality before me. I have limited time to accomplish this enormous task! And I have to meet up, otherwise I lose my chances of being promoted.

“You have been sulking, Sofia! I hope you are not troubled?” Jessica let out her voice tenderly. She turned her swivel chair to face me directly.

Yeah.. yeah.. I'm fine.” I responded. Nodding my head simultaneously

“But you look troubled, Sofia!”

“Jessica, you know the annual conference/promotion is just around the corner, and here I am faced with this kind of enormous task.”

“If I fail to complete the task before then, I stand the chance of risking my promotion! And I wouldn't want to risk that, Jessica!”

I decided to open up to her about my worries.

“This shouldn't trouble you, Sofia. I am here. I will assist you in any way I can.

Just cheer up!” she spoke calmly.

I feel encouraged by her demeanor. Her words really pierce deep into me. Her calm eloquence inspired hope in me and dismissed every doubt and fear I had.

“Thank you, Jessica, for your kindheartedness and concern.

Let me start sorting out things.”

I gripped the mouse as I began to access the data. My eyes are directly fixed on the monitor.

An hour later, we went for lunch. When we returned, I continued arranging the data accordingly. Jessica's fingers were just moving up and down as she struck the keyboard.

My phone rang. I quickly reached out to it, and it was none other than Mr. Charles. My heart skipped a beat. Going against its beating arrangements.

“Jessica, let me rush, boss just called me.”

She only nodded her head without saying a word. Her attention was directly on the monitor.

When I entered his office, I greeted him as usual.

“Sofia, you complained about your mom's health and the challenges surrounding her medical bills?”

Yes, sir, I responded calmly.

“How much is the total bill?” He asked, staring directly at my face. I can't imagine where exactly this question is coming from or heading to. But I follow him in the conversation accordingly.

“The total amount is 3,000 dollars, sir. The Doctor requested half of the total amount before he could commence with the treatment.” I succinctly gave him the rundown.

“Okay, I'll give it to you. I mean 3,000 dollars.”

The weight I never knew I was holding left my chest. I became so light when I heard that from him. A sensational joy ran through my mind. Tears of pure sensation leaked out of my eyes as I went to my knees, appreciating him for coming to my rescue.

“But on one condition!” he added.

I couldn't get it. He fixed his eyes on my face. As the excitement on my face suddenly disappeared.

“We will have some dinner tonight, where you will grant me access to your garden for me to plough just for a night!” He cooed. Dimming his eyes on me.

I became so shocked beyond words.

“What is he talking about? He wants to get down on me?” I murmured surprisingly.

“Mr. Charles, did I really understand you well? What garden are you talking about? You mean you want to have s*x with me? I thought you invited me into your office for a solemn discussion?”

I stood up immediately from where I was kneeling. “Please, sir, I'm not in any way interested in this kind of conversation. Here is an office for goodness sake!" I muttered bitterly.

“Do you realize you are before your boss?” He ranged venomously. His eyes paled

“Then my boss should behave like a man of honor!” I pout. He was still looking at me in shock. I threw a tantrum. Immediately as I turned to leave, he thundered..