CHAPTER 17

NOVEMBER

I was hurt beyond words and for the first time since that night, I regret everything that happened between us.

This exactly was my problem; this was what I didn't want to happen.

I couldn't even cry, I couldn't bring the tears out of my eyes.

I went back to my desk and just then, my phone rang; it was Nifise.

"Hey boo" her cherry voice hailed "Hey," I said shortly, not wanting her to find out that something was wrong with me.

I know her and I know that she'd call the girls and they would march to this place like they own it and ask what's wrong with me and they won't leave until they know what's up.

"I know you're enjoying your work and all, but have you checked the school’s portal recently?" She asked.

What's it about school that's exciting her?

"No, I haven't, what's up?"

"School's resuming in three weeks" I have never been so excited to hear about school resuming before.

"You're for real yeah?" I asked her just to be sure "I no go lie for this kin tin na" (I won't lie about this type of thing) she said, and we laughed.

"Okay, I'll see you later, I love you" I said and hung up.

Now, I'd have to face that bloody man.

Well, we didn’t particularly talk about how I had one more course to clear in school; let’s say I was trying to avoid the topic. I liked the job too much to have any casualties.

I knocked once and opened the door to the office, and I couldn't believe my eyes.

The papers that were once arranged neatly on his desk were flying everywhere.

I don't think this man remembered that I would be the one cleaning up this mess.

He didn't even notice me come in; he's head was buried in his hands.

If I was new here, I'd think he's a statue, not a real human.

I shouldn't be bothered by this.

I cleared my throat and that is when he finally noticed my presence.

When he looked at me, his eyes grew soft, waiting to listen to what I have to say.

I'm sure he thought I came to say more concerning what he did.

"I just got a call from one of my friends and she told me that the university I attend will resume in three weeks" I said, and it was like I put fuel on fire.

His eyes hardened; it went back to that cold gaze he had earlier.

I wasn't bothered about it, I mean, why would I be?

I looked everywhere but at him.

“I’m lost. I thought you said you had finished your course in school?” He asked me. He had a cold look on his face.

“I, well, I didn’t particularly say I had finished. It’s just one course I carried over that I have to do,” I spoke calmly. I was at his mercy.

"Why? You want to stop working today?" He asked, his tone harsh.

I flinched internally "If you want me to stop working for you, you can just tell me. I'm an adult and I will understand. Just don't be rude or mean to me for something I didn't do, and if someone annoyed you? You should be angry only at that person and not transfer aggression" I spat.

"You're doing it again, trying to control me? What is wrong with you?" He asked, raising his voice.

What's with him and control?

How am I trying to control him?

"I'm not trying to control you; I'm simply giving you a friendly advice" I yelled too "You are?" He said What are we even doing?

"You know, someone told me, silence is the best answer, I've told you what I came here to say" I said and walked to the door.

"Please sir, call me when you want me to come clean your office" I said in a very professional voice and left the office.

This man needs all the help he can get for this his nasty anger.

I really needed someone to talk to, so I made my way to the reception and met Esther, she was on a call and she was smiling wildly.

She looked at me and I gave her a teasing look to which she smiled even more wildly (if that's even possible).

I mouthed "I'll be back later" and she nodded her head and I left to find Casper, but he found me first.

"Hey, aren't you supposed to be setting up meetings or something?" He asked "My school is resuming in three weeks and then I told your cousin, he became a wild animal. I feel he wants me to stop working here" I rambled.

"Wait, what exactly happened?" He asked, looking at me with pity.

I wanted to tell him but if I do, it means I'd have to tell him about Saturday night.

Even though I regret it, I didn't want to share it with anyone.

"He's just angry at what happened with Mr. James" I said.

It wasn't a lie; it was part of the truth and that was all he needed to know.

"Oh, I heard about that, news travel fast around here" he said shrugging "I just don't even know why he's angry, plus he even said I was flirting with Mr. James, oh that sweet man" I said, thinking about it brought back the anger I felt.

He's words rang in my head like a bell.

So just because of what happened on Saturday you think we are lovers?

Just because I let you kiss me; you think you can control me.

"I'm sorry Nov, it seems like he's going through something. He's a good person, really" he assured me. Then he pulled me in for a hug, which, even though I didn't say I needed, I really needed it.

Just then, Esther came to meet us at the door of the kitchen where we stood.

"Hey Nov, Mr. Knight wants you in his office right now" she said and gave me a sad smile. I smiled back and headed back to the office.

"You called for me, sir" I said standing in front of the big mahogany door.

"I realized that I shouldn't have said the things I said to you, I was angry and irrational. I wasn't thinking straight, but you should've told me of their situation before sending them into my office" he said calmly.

"And for that, I'm sorry" I said looking down at my feet.

I didn't even know he stood up from his very intimidating chair, I just felt his presence in front of me, before I could raise my head, his index finger was already lifting up my chin.

"I've told you, no employee of mine will walk with their head hung low, especially you" he said, looking at me tenderly like I was an egg or something really fragile.

He was looking at me straight in my eyes and I started feeling cold.

No, I can't do this.

"Uhm, do you want me to clean your office now?" I said breaking up the silence between us.

He looked at my lips then back at me.

"Yeah sure" he said after he pulled his fingers away from me.

Okay…