It was a sunny Wednesday and the board of directors had gathered in Gerald's office. They were all sitting in front of his desk, waiting for him to arrive. Gerald had been informed of the meeting earlier in the day, but he had not shown up yet, causing some anxiety among the board members. "Why is Gerald behaving like this? I am sure he is doing this intentionally because he knows why we are here." A woman complained, glancing at her wrist watch now and then. "Remember that Gerald is the top senior executive over the management. Even if we have to handle this with force, you know that Gerald has built this name for himself. We can't just say what we want to say and expect him to do it the way we want him to do it. He is a billionaire, he has several connections with the government of most countries." Another said, trying to sound cool. "Why are you speaking like this Paul?" "Just wait and watch. When Gerald's comes in we know what to do." After a few minutes, the door opened, and

Arin stood there, stunned and heartbroken. She felt tears streaming down her face. She had lost him. She had lost him to Hazel. This wasn't Gerald she knew. Gerald who was not interested in anyone. Who could ever think that he would fall for no one but a Kleptomaniac? She wiped her eyes and looked around the office. She saw his papers, his computer, his phone, his photos... everything reminded her of how they had been from the start. She remembered the period they got everything new and she was part of those who decorated Gerald's office, just for her to be in his good book but he never gave her a chance. Not even once. She never knew that his extreme professionalism would make him so vulnerable. She felt a surge of anger and resentment. She hated Hazel. She hated her for stealing Gerald from her. She hated her for ruining her life. "I have to take back what is mine at all cost and even if I can't get him, I will never allow her get Gerald." She thought. She picked up

The staff members of the office were gathered in the conference room, all looking tense and worried. They were all there to discuss the elephant in the company - Hazel, who had obviously been stealing from them for months. Initially, it wasn't obvious. They did deemed it as their carelessness and irresponsibility only until they found out that Hazel was behind it all. They all laughed when Arin narrated what they did to her in the supermarket. "That is exactly what she deserves." One of them commented amidst wild laughter. That was all they kept mulling over as Gerald was not present at that moment and most of them didn't have any project at hand. And those of them that have it, they decided to postpone it for the unnecessary conversation. "I can't believe she's still doing this," said Kira, the office manager. "We've caught her red-handed so many times, and yet she still keeps stealing from us. Is it really so difficult for her to control herself? I feel this is nothing

Gerald checked his watch as he got into his car. It was 5:30 am, and the sky was still dark. He felt a surge of excitement and nervousness as he started the engine and drove out of his driveway. He had been planning this surprise for Hazel for months, and today was the day he would finally reveal it to her. He hoped she would love it as much as he did. He had fallen in love with her the moment he saw her at a charity gala, where she was working as a photographer. She had captured his attention with her bright smile, her sparkling eyes, and her passion for her work. He had asked her out, and she had agreed, much to his delight.They had been dating for six months now, and he knew he wanted to spend the rest of his life with her. He wanted to give her everything she deserved, and more. He wanted to make her happy, and he hoped this surprise would do that.He drove through the empty streets, feeling the cold air seeping through the windows. He turned on the heater and the rad

Arin picks up her phone from the table and dialed Annie's number. The phone rang for a few minutes before she eventually answered. "Hello Arin, what's up this morning?" She said, her voice lightened from the other end. "Where are you right now Annie? We need to talk. It's very very important." Arin said impatiently. "Is there any problem?" Annie asked suspiciously. "I am right at home but - I am kinda busy." "Can you please come over to my office? It's really urgent and it doesn't look like something I could handle on my own. I really need your help." Arin said, her voice faltering as she spoke as quietly as possible. "Oh no! I can't come over. You know Gerald doesn't like it when I come there. I don't want to cause any drama and if he sees you and me together, I'll be in trouble." Annie responded, making Arin go silent for some time. She wanted to tell her that Gerald wasn't in the office but she wasn't certain if he wouldn't come. This required contempla