Chapter 89: a new project
Years have gone by, I'm still living with Donald, raising my little Joshua.
I've gotten a nice promotion and position in Donald's company. Everything seemed to have fallen into a perfect place, and I feel happy and fulfilled.
I'm currently a popular designer. I'm on covers of magazines and in news.
Always on interviews, TV shows and the rest of them. My designs were trending, and everyone wants to wear Monalisa on her body.
I have been working on this project for two years and with my fingers crossed, hoping and praying that the project gets approved by the board.
Finally, there was a memo for a board meeting. Ah yes, I'm currently a director in Donald's company and still a top designer.
I was all excited about the board meeting and all through the night, I was going through my pitch hoping that my project will get approved.
I fell asleep on my work desk while working that night.
Donald was done checking up on Joshua when he decided to drop by in my room. He found me asleep on my work desk.
Donald carried me in his arms and gently laid me on the bed, and returned to my desk. He went through my work and smiled.
After arranging my desk, he switched off the lights and went out of my room.
Gringggggggg.......
The alarm has been ringing for ages. I rolled to the other side of the bed and shut off the alarm.
I was still feeling drowsy, so I went back to sleep.
A knock at the door cut through my sleep, bringing me to consciousness.
Beatrice walked in with the usual morning tea. The lovely aroma helped me get out of my slumber.
I brushed my hand through my hair and stretched out, slapping my face to stay awake.
"Good morning Miss Monalisa" Beatrice greeted, setting the tray carefully on the table.
"Good morning Beatrice. What time is it?
"Oh, it's 7:00am"
"What! it's seven already? oh my goodness "
I immediately got down from the bed, and slide my feet into the flip flops. "And Joshua?
"Oh, he's awake. I already bathe him and got him dressed for school. Mr Donald is currently in Joshua's room, finishing what I started. They'll be down soon for breakfast ".
"Ugh, stupid me! I overslept. I need to get ready for work "
"Do you need anything else ma'am?
"Yes. help me pick out nice outfit for today"
"Sure ma'am. Uhmm...your tea?
"Flask, pour it into the flask. I'll be taking it to the office "
"Okay ma'am ".
I hurriedly left for the bathroom, and had a quick bath.
Thank goodness Beatrice had come in with the tea, I would have overslept and miss the meeting.
I got dressed, grabbed my laptop and hurried downstairs.
Donald and Joshua were already having breakfast.
"I'm so, so, so sorry guys. I had a lot on my table last night and I ended up sleeping late. I actually, I remember falling asleep on my desk. how did I get on the bed?
"Good morning. I did" Donald replied.
"Oh! Thank you"
"Mummy, you look tired. You need to rest, right daddy?
"Yes. Joshua is right. you need to rest. you've been overworking yourself "
"I know but I will get some rest once this project gets approved "
"And if it doesn't?
"Hey don't Jinx my day. Joshua, mum's got an important day today. I need to get my project approved. Wish mummy good luck"
"Good luck mummy. I wish you all the best"
"Oh, that's so sweet of my baby. You see, that's how it's done not jinxing my day"
"Yes boos. Eat up. We need to leave for the office in the next twenty minutes"
"Yes sir"
"Beatrice will be dropping you off at school Josh"
"Yes mum. "
We finished up with breakfast and left for our cars.
Beatrice and Julio were already outside waiting for us.
"Good morning ma'am Monalisa " Julio greeted.
"Good morning Julio. Beatrice will be taking Joshua to school and you will be driving them to school ".
"Yes ma'am "
"Josh, have a nice at school okay?
"Yes mum"..
"Beatrice, please take good care of baby Josh"
"Yes ma'am".
Joshua reached out to the hem of my jacket and pulled it, drawing my attention.
"Yes Josh"
"I'm not a baby. I'm turning six soon"
"You're still my baby" I bent over and placed a kiss on his head. "Have fun sweetie"
he cupped my cheeks with his cute hands.
"Have fun mum and break a leg." he placed a kiss on my cheeks. "And mum, don't forget to get ice cream for celebrating" he said and ran off.
"Hey Josh! didn't you say you ain't a kid anymore"
"I'm not but it's a family tradition. Bye mum. See you soon"
"Shall we? Donald said reaching his hand to me.
,"Yes"
Julio drove out first and we followed suit.
Donald and I arrived at the company and I hurried down to my office.
I met Melissa on my way and she helped me out by carrying my bag and my laptop to my office.
we arranged the files and documents and left for the conference room.
I came to a halt at the door and took a deep breath. About to take a step, I heard someone calling my name and turned immediately.
"What are you doing here Thomas? Are you lost? Melissa snapped at him.
It's been years and this two haven't stopped their bickering and I can't seem to get use to their bickering.
"Uh! Melissa let me. Thomas, what brings you here?
"I brought some iced coffee for you to wish you luck on your project"
"Iced coffee? Ouch! I forgot to take the tea Beatrice had prepared for me. Well, thank you for this " I took the coffee and had a drink and handed it back to him. "Thank you Thomas, it did boost my morale. I appreciate it. You may return back to your office "
"Yes ma'am. All the best".
"Thank you. Melissa, open the door "
Melissa grabbed the door handle and pushed the door open.
The door slowly opened, making the conference room come in to view, already filled with the directors
Luckily, I wasn't late for the meeting.
I took a step in my black Stiletto heel with red bottoms. And each step I took screamed of confidence and everyone could hear it.
I walked up to my seat.
Melissa placed my stuff on the table and pulled out my chair. I settled in and she had her seat right beside me.
A few minutes later, Donald walked in with his secretary and both had their seat
The meeting commenced.
I was so nervous. I took a deep breath and stepped out to present the pitch for the last time.
After the presentation, I returned back to my seat.
Melissa cheered for me.
Everyone began to deliberate on it. There were little murmurs in the hall.
After much consideration, the project was put into vote.
Everyone except me, Melissa and the personal assistants voted.
The vote ended and there was quietness.
Donald rose on his feet with a paper I his hand. Our eyes met and we stared at each other for a few seconds before averting our gaze.
my hands trembled and clenched them immediately.
I could feel my forehead's sweat glands doing some extra work.
Melissa leaned in and whispered softly "What's the result? What's going to happen? Did they approve it or not? We can't be negative right?
I leaned in to her. "I don't know. Fingers crossed " I whispered back.
'Oh my goodness. I hope it all ended well. I'm scared. No, my heart has become a drummer girl"
I giggled softly and immediately fixed my face.
"Crazy girl." I mumbled.
"I want to start by thanking everyone for making out time to be here for this meeting, despite the short notice. Thank you for approving the meeting to hold today. Also, for making out time to go through her previous pitch and current pitch. Well, in my hands...is the result of the vote . Actually it's the decision of the board of directors and the shareholders with regards to miss Monalisa's project to launch a fashion line in L. A named Monalisa. So, the board of directors and the shareholders have reached an agreement and unanimously voted that..." he took a pause and stared at me, while my heart raced so fast, faster than a sports car.
"What's the decision!! I screamed so loudly in my head.
he averted his gaze.
Donald went through the document and looked up, he looked at me and shook his head.
"Did I lose it? They didn't approve it? What's going on?
My hands shook so badly that I couldn't hold the bottle of water.
Melissa poured some water into the glass and handed the glass to me.
The glass almost slipped from my hand. I drank some water and reached out to my handkerchief and wiped my forehead.
"the decision of the board is...." Donald continued.