Chapter 60

Chapter 60
Ugh, my alarm blared in my ear, jolting me awake. I groggily reach over to turned it off, already feeling a sense of dread wash over me. I have to go to work tomorrow. I'm not ready. I'm never ready.

As I threw off the covers and swung my legs over the side of the bed, my mind started racing with all the things that could go wrong. What if I mess up? What if I forget something important? What if... what if... what if...

I took a deep breath and try to shake off the nervous energy coursing through my veins. I can do this. I've prepared for this. I'm capable.

But the doubts lingered, taunting me like a cruel whisper in my ear. You're not good enough. You're going to fail.

I pushed myself out of bed and began my morning routine, trying to focus on the tasks at hand. Brush teeth. Wash face. Get dressed. But my mind kept wandering back to all the what-ifs.

As I was getting dressed, my hands trembled slightly, and I fumbled with the buttons on my shirt. Come on, Avery. Get it together. You've got this.

I took another deep breath and try to calm myself down. I can do this. I just need to take it one step at a time.

But the butterflies in my stomach refused to settle, and I felt like I was going to be sick. I was so nervous. I just wanted to hide under my bed and pretend I'm not an adult with responsibilities.

Okay, okay. Let's just get through this. One step at a time. I can do this.

I took a deep breath and head downstairs, my heart racing with anticipation. As I entered the kitchen, I saw my father-in-law, sitting at the table, sipping his coffee. He looked up and smiled warmly.

"Good luck today, Avery! You're going to do great," he said, his voice filled with encouragement.

I forced a smile, trying to hide my growing nervousness. "Thanks, father. I hope so."

As I poured myself a cup of coffee, my hands shook slightly, and I spilt some on the counter. Father noticed and got up to help me clean it up.

"Hey, it's okay, kiddo. You're just a little nervous. That's normal," he said, patting me on the shoulder.

But his words of comfort only made me feel more anxious. What if I'm not just nervous? What if I'm actually not capable of doing this?

My Father-in-law handed me a paper towel to clean up the spill, and I took it, my mind racing with worst-case scenarios. What if I fail? What if I embarrass myself?

"Thanks, father," I said, trying to sound calm, but my voice came out shaky.

My Father-in-law gave me a concerned look. "Avery, you're going to be fine. You've prepared for this. Just take a deep breath and remember that you're capable."

I nodded, trying to absorb his words of encouragement, but my nervousness only intensifies. I feel like I'm going to be sick.

"Okay, well, I should get going," I say, trying to make a quick escape.

Father nodded and gave me a warm hug. "You got this, Avery. Go out there and crush it!"

I forced a smile and hugged him back, but inside, I was freaking out. What if I don't crush it? What if I fail miserably?

I settled into the backseat of the car, trying to calm my nerves as we made our way to the company. I took a few deep breaths, attempting to shake off the lingering doubts and fears.

As we arrived, I stepped out of the car and smooth out my dress, trying to exude confidence. I walked into the building, my heels clicking on the marble floor, and make my way to Xavier's office.

But as I approached my desk, my heart sank. Marco was sitting in my chair, his feet propped up on the desk, looking far too comfortable.

A surge of anger flashed through me, and I felt my face heat up. How dare he! This is my space, my territory. Who does he think he is, taking over my chair?

I stormed over to the desk, my eyes blazing with indignation. "What are you doing in my chair, Marco?" I demanded, my voice sharp and authoritative.

Marco looked up at me, a lazy grin spreading across his face. "Oh, just making myself at home, Lilith. You don't mind, do you?"

Mind?! I'm seething with rage. How can he be so nonchalant about this?!

"Get out of my chair, Marco. Now," I ordered, my voice firm and commanding.

Marco chuckled and slowly got up from my chair, his eyes never leaving mine. "Calm down, Lilith. I was just trying to make a point."

I was fuming, my anger boiling over. "What point?! That you can just take over my space whenever you feel like it?"

Marco shrugged, his smile still plastered on his face. "I was just trying to show you that you don't always have to be in control."

My eyes narrowed, my anger reaching a boiling point. "Well, let me tell you something, Marco. I am always in control. And I won't let anyone take that away from me."

Marco took a step closer to me, his eyes gleaming with a sinister intensity. I could feel my heart racing as he invaded my personal space.

"Lilith, you're so predictable," he said, his voice low and menacing. "You think you're in control, but you're not. I'm going to take your position from you, and everything that makes you happy."

My mind reeled in shock as his words hit me like a slap in the face. How dare he! I felt a surge of fear mixed with anger, my emotions swirling in a toxic cocktail.

"You'll never take anything from me, Marco," I spat out, trying to keep my voice steady. "I've worked too hard for what I have."

Marco chuckled, his breath hot on my face. "Oh, but I will. And I'll enjoy every moment of it. You see, Lilith, you're not as untouchable as you think you are."

I felt a chill run down my spine as he took another step closer, his eyes locked on mine. I'm trapped, unable to move or escape his menacing gaze.

"You're just a pawn in my game, Lilith, you'll always be a pawn," he continued, his voice dripping with malice. "And pawns are meant to be sacrificed."

My heart raced as I realized the true extent of Marco's ambition. He's not just trying to take my position; he's trying to destroy me. I felt a wave of panic wash over me, my mind racing with thoughts of self-preservation.

But I refused to back down. I stood my ground, my eyes locked on Marco's, and said, "You'll never win, Marco. I'll fight you every step of the way."

Marco's smile widened, and he whispered, "I'm counting on it, Lilith. I'm counting on it."

As Marco exits the office, I let out a sigh of relief. My heart was still racing from the confrontation, and my mind was reeling from his ominous threats. I felt like I've been punched in the gut, and I was struggling to catch my breath.

I sank into my chair, feeling defeated and confused. My first day on the job, and already I'm dealing with office politics and personal attacks. I thought I was prepared for this, but Marco's words have left me shaken.

I looked around the office, trying to gather my thoughts. Everything seemed so daunting now. The stacks of files, the endless reports, the looming deadlines. Where do I even start?

I felt like I was drowning in a sea of uncertainty. Marco's threats have left me questioning my abilities and my place here. What if he's right? What if I'm not cut out for this job?

I shook my head, trying to clear the doubts. No, Avery, you've got this. You've worked hard to get here. Don't let Marco get in your head.

But the doubts lingered, and I was left sitting in my chair, feeling lost and uncertain about where to start. My first day on the job, and already I was facing a crisis of confidence.

I took a deep breath and try to focus. Okay, Avery, let's break this down. One step at a time. What's the first thing you need to do?

But my mind was blank, and I was left staring at the files in front of me, feeling like a deer in headlights. Where do I start? And how do I protect myself from Marco's sinister plans?

As I sat at my desk, feeling overwhelmed and uncertain, a woman walks in with a warm smile on her face.

"Hi, Mrs Presly! I'm Sophia, your new personal assistant," she says, extending her hand.

I took it, feeling a sense of relief wash over me. Finally, someone who can help me navigate this chaos!

"Hi, Sophia! I'm so glad you're here," I said, trying to hide my desperation.

Sophia nodded sympathetically. "I know it can be overwhelming, especially on your first day. But don't worry, I'm here to help. I'll make sure you get settled in and answer any questions you may have ma."

I felt a weight lift off my shoulders as Sophia started organizing my desk and sorting through the files. She was efficient, competent, and seemed to know exactly what she was doing.

"Thank you so much, Sophia," I said, feeling a sense of gratitude. "I don't know what I would do without you."

Sophia smiled. "You don't have to worry, ma'am. I've got your back. We'll get through this together."

For the first time since Marco's ominous threats, I felt a sense of hope. Maybe, just maybe, I could survive this after all. With Sophia by my side, I felt like I can tackle anything that comes my way.

I dived into my work, determined to make a good impression and prove myself. Sophia guided me through the tasks, and I was grateful for her expertise. But despite my focus, my mind kept wandering back to Xavier.

I thought about his pale face, his weak smile, and his frail body. I worried about his health, his treatment, and his recovery. I felt guilty for not being there with him, for not being able to take care of him like I want to.

As I worked, I found myself constantly checking my phone, hoping for updates from his doctor or his Father. I felt anxious, knowing that he was going through this alone.

Sophia noticed my distraction. "Ma, you're doing great. But I can tell your mind is elsewhere. Is everything okay?"

I hesitated, unsure of how much to share. But Sophia's kind eyes encourage me to open up. "My husband, Xavier, he's sick. He's going through treatment, and I'm worried about him."

Sophia's expression turned sympathetic. "I'm so sorry, ma. That must be tough for you. But you're doing what you can, and that's all anyone can ask for."

I nodded, feeling a lump form in my throat. "I just wish I could be there for him more. I feel like I'm abandoning him."

"You're not abandoning him, ma. You're doing what you need to do to take care of yourself and your family. Xavier would want you to be strong and focus on your work."

I took a deep breath, trying to absorb Sophia's words. I knew she was right, but it's hard to shake off the guilt and worry. I refocused on my work, but my mind still wandered to Xavier, hoping he's doing okay.

I approached Sophia's desk, my mind made up. "Sophia, I'm so sorry, but I need to leave work early today. I have to go check on my husband, Xavier. He's not doing well, and I can't focus on my work knowing he's alone and struggling."

Sophia's expression turns understanding. "Of course, ma'am. Family comes first. Go take care of your husband. We'll manage here."

I nodded, feeling a wave of relief wash over me. "Thank you, Sophia. I really appreciate it."

Sophia smiled and hands me my bag. "Don't worry about a thing. Just go and take care of Xavier. We'll hold down the fort here ma'am."

I took my bag and head out the door, my heart heavy with worry. I couldn't wait to see Xavier and make sure he's okay. I hope he was feeling better today.

As I left the office, I felt a sense of guilt for leaving work early, but I know I have to prioritize my husband's health. I'll make up for the lost time later. Right now, Xavier needed me, and that's all that matters.