CHAPTER NINE

Alina's POV

I stifled a yawn walking into my office. A space that still didn't feel like mine. Instead, a constant reminder of the nightmare I hadn’t chosen.

Instinctively checking the time, my brows furrowed slightly in confusion. It was way past nine and usually my tormentor, Miss Sarah would be here by now. Perhaps she wasn't coming today.

“Whew!”, I exhaled at the thought, confidently taking my seat and bringing out the files needed for today's meeting. All night, my team and I worked on this masterpiece presentation. By the time I showed them this, maybe they'd all begin to find me worthy of this position.

A knock interrupted my train of thoughts, followed by the sight of someone I detested. “What is it Paul?”, I called, already growing weary at the mere sight of him.

His eyes locked on me in disdain for a few more seconds before seeing the need to respond. Usually, he'd be fired by now but knowing he was appointed by Sarah made me hold my peace.

“It's time for the meeting,” he answered in a flat tone. “And you've been summoned thrice now”.

What!? I shrieked, springing out of my chair the very next minute. “And you're only letting me know now? What is wrong with you?”, I complained, gathering my necessary documents into my hands along with my laptop, before racing to the conference room.

Shutting the door behind me, my breath stuck in my throat seeing two faces that made me want to crawl into a hole every time.

Sarah and Ethan.

While Sarah looked every bit the predator in her expensive blazer and perfect makeup, with her sharp eyes which were filled with malice, Ethan looked…like a god, whose gaze was intensely fixed on me.

Muttering an apology for my lateness, I made a beeline to an empty chair which happened to be directly opposite Ethan.

Soon, another employee named Susan, got up to begin the meeting properly. “...our team believes the company could open more branches in high-class neighbourhoods”.

A frown instantly formed on my face but quickly disappeared by the time I mistakenly locked gaze with Ethan who continued to study me.

“Alina, looks like you have something to say”. I turned to Sarah's direction, taking in the evil grin spreading all over her face.

“Uh…uh, I think Susan's proposal is really great but if we're being honest, the company would not be able to afford the cost of setting up in those kind of places for now, so I'd suggest something more budget-friendly and inclusive of the masses as well”.

The room remained silent as everyone seemed to be in deep thoughts until Sarah's voice interrupted. “Susan, give us the total cost of your proposal”, she demanded.

“300 million”

“Seems like someone has never dreamt of such an amount of money”, she said, followed by chuckles from the rest of them.

“I think the mere news of that would give the company higher standards by the so-called masses and even the press. Let me see your proposal Alina”.

Hesitantly handing it over, I suddenly flinched at her reaction the next second.

“What kind of childishness is this Alina?” she spat, slamming the folder onto the desk so forcefully it rattled. “Look at this! How can we use start up models for our next collection instead of A-list celebrities? This is pathetic even for you!!”

I swallowed, sweat breaking out on my forehead as I attempted to steady my shaky legs. I could never get used to this. Sarah’s words always had a sharp and cutting effect that suddenly made you feel small in front of her.

“I—I…” I stuttered, at loss for words to defend myself.

My eyes grew teary, feeling defenseless and ashamed. How could I not be able to defend the proposal we'd tirelessly worked on just because of a few snide words from this vile woman?

“You're handling a project Alina, not planning your meager grocery shopping”, more snickers and comments erupted from everyone else.

“No wonder she's speaking up for the masses cause she's just as poor as the rest of them”, another said, causing the laughters to grow louder.

“Enough.” A familiar voice interrupted. Firm, commanding, and the kind that drew attention because of its calm.

Turning my head to his direction, I couldn't help but notice the unmistakable weight of authority that always seemed to follow him.

I wasn't sure what to expect after his hurtful comment the last time. Confusion bubbled inside me and yet, the huge lump in my throat began to dissolve.

His eyes swept towards Julian, who hadn't said a word since as well.

“Sarah was right” he said, “you’re just a wimp”.

Julian’s mouth fell open, flustered, his gaze roaming between Ethan and Sarah whose face now wore a deep shade of embarrassment.

Seeing the effect his words had on everyone, he turned on his heel and left.

I exhaled shakily, grabbing my papers and exited the room along with everyone else.

~~~

The following days passed by very quickly with no drama or any sign of Ethan in the company. Seemed like he only showed up when I was in trouble. I walked back to my office, my legs feeling heavier after a brief meeting with a few of the department heads.

They still didn't regard me much but this time around, more subtle. All that was left was to get Julian's signature of apprival for my proposal. That was the only stamp needed to get the approval of the others.

Unfair but I had no other choice.

As if on cue, I got a call directly from Julian's office, saying he requested to see me.

Suddenly energized, I made my way out the door and headed straight for his office.

I knocked lightly, then gently pushed the door open and fully stepped inside the grand office. However, the thick, oppressive air around him plus the dark glint in his eyes subconsciously made me keep my safe distance.

Even though Julian had never given me any trouble directly since my promotion, I still couldn't forget his promise that day.

“You sent for me, Mr. Julian” I broke the silence, clearing my throat to keep my voice steady.

He leaned back in his chair, one hand tapping the polished surface of his black, sturdy desk while the other rested carelessly at his side.

His lips slowly stretched into a cold, calculating smile. “It’s been more than a week since you've been…handed your new position,” he began, voice smooth and silky, “why do you think you're still here Alina?.”

My heart pounded heavily in my chest causing my gaze to lower to the ground, “B-because…you didn't fire me”, I answered, my voice barely audible.

“I’m glad you acknowledge that”, he murmured, circling around his desk and closing the distance between us. “And do you know why that is Alina?”, he asked again, his finger tips grazing my hips, making my body tensed instinctively.

“N…no, no sir”

Pulling my hair strands behind my ears, he leaned into my exposed ear, his hot breaths sizzling my skin. “You were no longer useful to me at the time, but now…”, his fingers brazenly curled tighter around my waist from behind, leading my shaky legs to the desk in front of me.

Oh God! My body trembled, both in fear and recoil. “... Seems like this position has only made you more beautiful than the first time I laid my eyes on you”.

The sharp sound of my zipper instantly plunged me into panic mode as I swiftly turned around, escaping towards the door, but his cold grip around my arms stopped me from moving any further.

“Mr. Julius, please let me go”, I begged, my voice breaking into sobs. “I can quit now and never show my face here again if you want”.

He chuckled evily in response, a trace of pity in his eyes. “You think this is about you?”, he grabbed my jaw forcefully, making me inhale sharply and cease my breath. “You owe me for my graciousness Alina. Ethan wouldn't always be here to save you forever, would he? He's just a nobody who suddenly climbed up the social ladder and that makes his status very fragile. So what happens when he's not there anymore huh? Your have only me to contend with…and I will not hold back”.

His grin widened, dark and menacing. My brain entered deep into a state of frenzy, only one question echoing loudly in my head.

Why me? How come I was suddenly caught up in between Ethan, Sarah and now Julian?

Huge drops of tears rolled down my cheeks in helplessness, the smirk on Julian's face growing wider as he went for my lips.

My eyes shut tightly as I struggeld fiercely for my freedom, screaming the words “No”, louder in my head than with my voice.

“Looks like I'm right on time”.

My eyes snapped to the door in shock.