“Urgh! My back hurts. Ouch!”
Layla was groaning the next day as she sat in her cubicle. She stretched her hands and yawned, fighting off the sleep trying to overtake her.
“Annie, don’t tell me you don’t feel anything.” She looked toward Annie who was working silently on the character on her desktop.
The girl looked completely fine as if nothing had happened. As if they hadn’t run several miles last night just to get away from one scary man.
“Layla, stop being paranoid. It’s all in your head,” Annie said calmly. She should be tired because Layla had made her run last night, claiming that a stranger was following them.
However, Annie did not show any sign of fatigue. And Layla wondered what kind of strength the girl actually possessed.
Because yesterday, they had shopped in the mall till midnight. When it came time for them to go home, they stopped a taxi and dropped their bags in it. Then out of nowhere, Layla grabbed Annie’s hand and ran in a random direction.
“Seriously, Annie. I can smell danger even if it’s a thousand miles away. I had that feeling that someone was following us. I can swear it’s true.”
“Mm.” Annie only nodded before returning to what she was doing.
“Enough talking about some stranger, anyways.” Layla waved her hand. Clearly, the girl wouldn’t let Annie work peacefully. “Annie, don’t you think it is lame for my brother to wear a white tuxedo? Urgh! He is so boring. Can you believe he doesn’t want Mum to order flowers?”
“Who are you calling lame?” Jason appeared in front of them, startling Layla.
“You, are you a ghost or what?” Layla patted her chest. “Do you plan to give me a heart attack, Brother?”
Annie shook her head. Layla was engrossed in gossiping that’s why she didn’t sense him coming. When the door to the Manager’s office opened, every employee had composed themselves in their cubicles.
“Look at you slacking off,” Jason chided her In a soft tone. “Are you so excited about the wedding that you can’t shut your mouth?”
“What if I said yes? It’s not a crime, right?” Layla pursed her lips.
She was a bit disappointed at how the preparations were going. First, they didn’t want to throw a party. Secondly, her brother was going to wear white like some saint. And thirdly, Urgh! Why would there not be flowers!?
Jason ignored the grumbling girl and turned to Annie. “I have an important meeting with the Managers. I’ll also submit my leave permit. I might not return to the department later.”
“Sure, go ahead.” Annie returned his smile and watched him leave for the elevator.
“Urgh! This is so not fair.” Layla rolled her eyes. “I wish I could also ask for a leave, Annie. You and my brother will not resume work till maybe three months later. Although that witch doesn’t come anymore and the department is now peaceful, it’s also going to be boring as hell!”
The employees who overhead Layla’s words couldn’t help but nod in agreement.
Although Annie was like a calm breeze amidst the hustle in the department, they couldn’t deny missing her presence, because she put in the best performance. Their Manager’s absence was also going to make most of them lazy.
By the way, Priscilla never came again after humiliating herself. Without her around, the office had become a peace haven. So no more entertainment for them. There was nothing else to gossip about.
For the next three months, probably, the employees would become like living robots. Always working, with nothing to entertain them.
…
Jason walked down the hallway of the third floor of the company.
After meeting with the Managers, he looked at his wristwatch. The work hours were almost over. He was about to bring out his phone and dial Annie when hurried footsteps came in his direction.
“Mr. Ju’an. Ah, Mr. Ju’an.” Mr. Wang was panting heavily as he stopped in front of the guy. He seemed to have run for a few distance as he was sweating profusely.
When Jason saw the man, an almost helpless look appeared on his face.
“With all due respect, Mr. Wang. I must implore you to stop following me. About your proposal–“
“My proposal is the best you can ever have, Mr. Ju’an. Think about the benefits of becoming a shareholder in this company. Old Wang has told me everything, but you must reconsider.”
For his precious daughter, Mr. Wang could do anything. The once arrogant man who would look down on every other employee was now groveling for the youngest Manager. The guy he despised the most.
“Also– Also, Mr. Ju’an mustn’t forget about the merging of both departments. If the Innovation and Arts Departments become one and you happen to manage it well, it won’t be long before you become a head Manager in this company. Your promotion will be guaranteed.”
That was the same position Mr. Wang had been eyeing all this time. Which was why he didn’t want to let go of his Innovation Department. He wished to be promoted someday to the head Manager’s position.
This way, Mr. Wang could immerse more wealth and walk shoulder to shoulder with the CEO.
However, he was willing to give up everything for this boy. If only he could marry his precious daughter.
“So, what do you think, Son-in-law?” Mr. Wang gave him a fawning look. “I know no one can resist such temptation.”
“Forgive me, Mr. Wang. I don’t think that’s the proper way for you to address me.”
Mr. Wang looked hopeless. He was doing his best to curry favor with this boy and his effort seemed fruitless.
Ah! How cruel was the twist of fate.
The once mighty Mr. Wang and the most feared and respected Manager in the whole of MystiArt Productions was now no less than a simple employee pleading to be accepted.
His situation was even more hopeless. This boy, even though respectful to the elders, looked a bit stubborn.
Why didn’t his daughter fall for someone else? How could fate be so heartless?