The Pick Me

“I think we still have our jobs! We're on the list! My goodness, we did it!” Paul exclaimed as he checked the notice board in the hallway.

“We did? Oh my goodness!” Didi squeals in excitement, and the whole team celebrates their win with a sigh of cheer and relief.

While several people celebrated their wins, many others would be clearing up their desks and leaving. It's a bittersweet moment, and they couldn't rejoice in their win for long.

Patrick approaches the announcement board, his hands in his pockets as he turns to address everyone in the room.

“Please, if you're not on the list, you've been relieved of your duties, and we advise you to leave the premises immediately. Any company property in your possession should be handed over to HR. That would be all.” He leaves as the murmuring continues.

“But this is unfair! Why do we have to get fired like this? On what grounds? Some of us have families to feed! The j0b market is shitty as it is, where do we start from?” One employee complains bitterly, catching Naomi's attention.

“My mother has been terribly ill, and my salary pays for her treatment. I could be productive due to personal matters, and I made this clear to HR. I don't deserve this! None of us do!” Another said.

Her heart sank deep in her chest as a few other employees who got fired started to complain.

Sadly, there's nothing she can do to help. Her position was also at stake, and she had no clue how she was to impress Damon with two projects in one month.

Naomi turns towards her office only to bump into someone on her way.

“I'm so sorry.” She apologised.

“Naomi?”

Naomi's blood ran cold as the familiarity of the voice settled on her. There's no way. What on earth is she doing here?

Naomi raised her eyes to meet Amanda, who had on a bright and innocent smile as always.

“My goodness, I was right! Do you work here? In this company? That's crazy..” She said, pulling her hair behind her ears.

Naomi clenched her fist, her eyes staring right through Amanda and her bullshit.

“What are you doing here?”

Naomi took a quick look around the hall to see that everyone had already left for their offices.

“Me? Business, I guess. Look at you! You've lost so much weight! Oh, right. No more daddy's money to find your lifestyle. It's quite sad, actually, seeing someone who used to be so wealthy live like a…” Amanda eyes Naomi in displeasure. “Peasant. Life is so funny, isn't it?”

“It is funny, isn't it? The people my father trusted the most took everything away from me the moment he died! Funny of you to call me a peasant after what you and Aunt Clara did!” Naomi snapped.

Amanda smirked. “We deserve every penny. My mother funded your father's education. The least he could do is to show his appreciation to the person who raised him to be who he is.”

Naomi chuckled in disbelief. Barely an hour after her father's funeral, she was kicked out of the family house, and all of her father's properties were distributed amongst his siblings.

Not a penny was given to her.

“You're so despicable! “ Naomi spat.

Amanda smirked. “I know and I don't care. Guess what?” She moves closer to Naomi, dropping her voice in a whisper. “I'm here to make a deal with your husband, Damon. One he can't resist and by the time I'm done laying down my points..”

Amanda places her hands under her boobs and shakes them seductively. “He'll be serving you divorce papers and licking my tits like his life depends on it.”

Naomi's body tensed as Amanda sent a sinister smile her way. Why the hell is she hoping this far?

“What?” Naomi whispered in shock.

“I didn't know who Damon was when he agreed to marry you, but now that I do, it's only fair you share... isn't that right, cousin?”

“You've taken everything away from me! Now you want my husband, too? Are you serious right now?”

Amanda nods. “I am. You're not the only one deserving of a good, you know? I'm here to take my fair share.”

Naomi chuckled. “I see what this is. It's all about taking what's mine, isn't it?” She asked.

“Are you that slow?” Amanda asked in irritation.

“After taking my husband, then what? My life? You know what, take him. He's all yours. You might as well cut and dye your hair so you can have that as well.” Naomi spat and walked away, much to Amanda's irritation

“You just wait and see, Naomi. I won't stop until you have absolutely no one and you would be forced to come back begging!” Amanda said to herself, glaring at Naomi as she walked away.

♡♡

No. It doesn't matter. It's none of her business if he takes her bait and falls right into a trap.

She couldn't be concerned with who Damon sleeps with. Or should she?

Naomi pulls open the door to her department only to see it's empty. Where's everyone?

She walks into her office, still confused. Maybe they went out for a break. It was lunchtime at the company already.

“You don't care if he makes advances towards me?”

Naomi froze at the sound of Damon's voice. His amber eyes stared right through her as he leaned on the wall of her office.

He looked exhausted with his shirt unbuttoned, sleeves rolled up, and his hair a rather hot mess.

Naomi shuts her door. “What?”

“Amanda.” He said simply as he approached her.

“Oh.” She shrugs. “Doesn't matter.”

“You're my wife. Why wouldn't that bother you?”

Naomi met his gaze. “You tell me. Should I be bothered?” She asked.

“You sounded like you couldn't care less what I do with her.”

“I don't think you're going to do anything with her.”

“What makes you say that?” He asked, pulling to a stop when he was close enough to breathe down her neck.

“She's not blonde. You sure love those blondes.”

Damon arched his eyebrows in confusion. “What?”

Naomi steps away from him, wrapping her arms around her shoulders. “I know all about your escapades. It's all over the tabloids.”

Damon is quiet, and soon a chuckle escaped from his lips as though realisation dawned on him.

“I know. I read the news.” She adds. “I don't really care if you two…”

Damon corners her to the table, eyes fixed on her intensely. “ Why her when I can have you, right here on this table?”