Chapter 108 Really Promoted.

Chapter 108 Really Promoted.
Maureen's POV

I stood in front of the director’s office, my hand hovering inches away from the door, when a sudden wave of unease washed through me. It came without warning, heavy and suffocating, tightening around my chest like an invisible grip. My steps slowed to a halt, and for a brief moment, I wondered if turning around would be easier than walking in.

I drew in a shaky breath, then another, my fingers curling slowly into my palm as I tried to steady myself. My heart thudded loudly against my ribs, each beat echoing in my ears. I could feel the curious glances of people passing behind me, but I refused to look back. This was not the time to crumble.

After a few seconds that felt like minutes, I lifted my hand and knocked softly.

“Come in,” a deep voice responded from inside.

I straightened my shoulders, smoothed my skirt with trembling hands, and pushed the door open. The office was spacious and tastefully arranged, the faint scent of polished wood and expensive cologne lingering in the air. The director sat behind his large desk, his glasses perched low on his nose as he scanned a document. He looked up the moment he noticed me.

“Miss Maureen,” he said, gesturing toward the chair in front of him. “Please, have a seat.”

“Thank you, sir,” I replied, my voice quieter than I intended.

I walked toward the chair, each step deliberate. As I sat, I clasped my hands together on my lap to stop them from shaking. My knees felt weak, and my back was stiff with tension. I kept my gaze steady, even though my insides were anything but calm.

He studied me for a moment, his eyes sharp but not unkind. “I won’t waste your time,” he began. “I called you in because there are a few things we need to discuss.”

My throat tightened. I nodded slowly. “I understand, sir.”

He leaned back slightly, folding his hands together. “First of all, I want to commend you for your work since joining this company. Your performance has been exceptional.”

I blinked, caught off guard. “Thank you,” I said carefully, unsure of where this was going.

“Your attention to detail, your commitment, and your ability to work under pressure have not gone unnoticed,” he continued. “In fact, several senior executives have spoken highly of you.”

Warmth spread faintly through my chest, though uncertainty still lingered. I shifted slightly in my seat, my fingers tightening together.

“However,” he added, and my heart skipped, “there was an incident involving the last project you handled.”

I inhaled sharply, memories of Alexa’s sabotage flashing through my mind. My shoulders tensed, and I lowered my gaze briefly before looking back up. “Yes, sir,” I said. “I’m aware.”

“The CCTV footage was reviewed,” he said calmly. “It clearly showed that you were not at fault. On the contrary, you handled the situation with professionalism.”

Relief rushed through me so quickly that I had to fight the urge to exhale loudly. My lips parted slightly, and I nodded again, gratitude flickering across my face.

“Because of this,” he went on, “and due to your overall performance, the board has decided to promote you.”

For a second, I thought I had misheard him.

“Promote… me?” I repeated slowly.

“Yes,” he said with a small smile. “Effective immediately, you will be taking on the role of team leader.”

So, Laura and Matthew were actually right?

The room seemed to tilt. My breath caught, and my eyes widened in disbelief. I felt a strange mix of emotions surge through me—shock, excitement, and an unexpected sting behind my eyes.

“I….” My voice faltered, and I cleared my throat. “Thank you, sir. I… I don’t know what to say.”

He chuckled lightly. “You don’t have to say anything. Just continue doing what you do best.”

I nodded, swallowing hard. “I won’t disappoint you.”

“I’m confident you won’t,” he replied. “You may go now. HR will brief you on the details.”

I stood up slowly, my legs still unsteady. “Thank you again, sir.”

As I turned and walked out of the office, the door closing softly behind me, the weight I had been carrying for days suddenly felt lighter. I leaned briefly against the wall, closing my eyes as I let out a deep breath I hadn’t realized I was holding.

Team leader.

The words echoed in my mind, but instead of pure joy, they were followed by a familiar ache. Liam.

My chest tightened again, and the happiness dimmed slightly. No matter how hard I tried, his face crept into my thoughts—his smile, his voice, the warmth I had once found in his presence. The memory hurt more than I expected.

I pushed myself away from the wall and walked back toward my office. Laura and Matthew spotted me almost immediately. Their faces lit up as they rushed toward me.

“So?” Laura asked eagerly, gripping my arm.

I nodded slowly, a small smile forming despite myself. “You were right.”

Matthew whooped quietly, clapping his hands. “I knew it!”

They hugged me briefly before heading back to their desks, still buzzing with excitement. I smiled after them, but as I sat back down in my chair, the office felt strangely quiet.

I stared at my desk, my promotion letter lying neatly on top, but my mind drifted far away.

'I miss Liam'.

I shook my head slightly, forcing the thought away. I had worked hard for this. I deserved this moment. Whatever was happening between us, I could not allow it to take this away from me too.

I closed the door to my office gently behind me and leaned against it for a second, pressing my back to the cool surface as I exhaled slowly. My chest rose and fell as I tried to process everything that had just happened. The director’s words replayed in my head over and over again, each time sounding more real than the last.

Team leader.

I pushed myself off the door and walked toward my desk, my heels clicking softly against the floor. I placed my handbag on the chair, straightened a few files that were already perfectly aligned, and then finally sank into my seat. The chair creaked slightly under my weight as I sat back, staring ahead without really seeing anything.

A small smile tugged at my lips despite myself.

I did it.

The thought felt surreal. After everything—the humiliation, the tension at work, Alexa’s cruelty, and the emotional chaos in my personal life—something good had finally happened. My fingers trembled slightly as I reached for my phone. There was only one person I wanted to tell first.

Linda.