CHAPTER NINE

~~ALINA JOHNSON~~

I stifled a yawn walking into my new office.

Instinctively checking the time, my brows furrowed slightly. I’d been late for my first day at my new position.

I dropped my bag on the desk about to head back out to get some cup of coffee when I heard someone barge into the room.

I scoffed at the sight before me.

“What is it Paul?”, I called, already growing weary at the mere sight of him.

He was Sarah’s right hand ând closest colleague in here, so I was not quite surprised with the hate he had for me.

His eyes locked on me in disdain for a few more seconds before seeing the need to respond.

“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. “What meeting? I wasn’t aware we would be having any…”

“Everyone else is gathered in the conference. Make your way there” he continued, unfazed

“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??

My eyes widened at the sight of him. I had no clue he would be here this morning. He hadn’t said a thing about it at the club yesterday.

My cheeks heated up in embarassment as I recalled how I had tried to cheer him up.

His 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”. Sarah pronounced in middle of the presentation.

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.

“A hundred and fifty million”

“Seems like someone has never dreamt of such an amount of money”, Sarah 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 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.

“Julian, what input do you have on this project?” Ethan enquired, staring at him expectantly.

Julian said nothing in response. Just stared

“Sarah was right. you’re just a wimp”. Ethan commented

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, Ethan turned on his heel and left.

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

Sarah walked faster than everyone else but I did catch sight of Julian trailing after her. I knew things were âbout to get messy between the duo.