Chapter 25 Chapter 25
Selena
It was lunch. I moved around with a tray in my hand to join the queue of Tortas. Lunch was free, so was every other food here.
“Hi Selena,”
I turned back at the call of my name. Stephen stood behind me, with a warm smile. Since meeting in the boardroom, we have gotten a little closer.
“You are getting tortas, too?” I asked, and I shouldn’t have because I could see vividly that he was behind me. I smiled awkwardly.
“Yes. I can’t help but fall for the sandwich. Funny thing is, I ate it in the morning already.” He laughed.
“Really?” I asked, finding it amusing.
He nodded. Well, it isn’t something new. While tortas weren't my favorite, I loved them especially when I wanted something simple.
Finally, it was my turn, I took a piece from the plate, and moved to another food session. I picked my meals, and somehow Stephen picked the same.
“Let’s sit together. I’ve noticed you don’t mingle with others. Maybe I could serve as a company.”
“Oh, sure.” I nodded at him.
I should thank him for choosing to stick with me. The state of my relationship with T&M workers wasn’t something new.
It was always like this for every company I worked in, but it was never because I had problems with them, I just never knew how to instigate friendship with others.
But here it was different, for some reason, it felt like everyone had decided to look down on me.
And I wasn’t overthinking this. Anastasia dragging me all over all the departments just to condemn me has suddenly brought everyone’s attention to me.
Now I feel all my steps are being watched.
While I was glad Stephen wanted to be friends, I didn’t want him to be dragged into the toxic attention.
I glanced through the place in search of where to sit. Most of the tables were occupied.
“There, let’s sit there.”
I followed Stephen’s hand, and it pointed to a table at the far end. He took the lead, and I followed him.
Reaching the table, we sat opposite each other. It was nice having someone to eat with, but the peace was broken too soon.
“Isn’t that Stephen?”
I looked up at the voices above us. Two ladies, one with blond hair, and the other with black hair, bore their eyes on me then on Stephen.
Stephen looked up.
“He is. What are you doing here? You usually stay with us.”
They were already taking a seat beside Stephen, completely ignoring me.
Maybe they were close.
“Why are you with her?” The black-haired asked, her eyes glaring at me.
I looked away from her to eat my food. The earlier I finished the better.
“Why don’t both of you introduce yourself, you came to join us at the table after all,” Stephen spoke.
They both kept silent for a while, and then. “It isn't like there is no one who doesn’t know her. Anyways, I’m Sarah, and this’s Janet. You will get to know our department if you ask around. Stephen, why are you here? Don’t tell me you are angry because of last night?”
I don’t look up to acknowledge them.
It seemed the black-haired had something to do with Stephen. Maybe they are dating.
I looked up when Stephen sighed. “I told you to stop saying that. Someone would think we are a thing, I only did a favour for you.”
“But..but, I did spend the night in your room and…”
Stephen shook his head then stood up before looking at me.
“I’ll get us water.”
I nodded.
Now that he was gone. How was I going to deal with the two ladies?
The blond leans back, their eyes fixed on me. It was fucking uncomfortable, the more silences stretched.
“Do you know what’s going on now? It has been reported that twelve people have died. Three high school girls were found yesterday at a club.”
“It’s scary at this point. Why are the cops finding it hard to get all the drugs? All chocolate has currently been banned. I’m so scared.”
Two female workers discussed as they walked past us.
I bit my lips, it was twelve now. More people were failing victims.
Yesterday night, I sent a message to the lady asking if the drugs spoken about were those of Theodore, but she had yet to answer me.
Somehow, I had a strong feeling that it was.
Theodore was capable of hurting people without remorse. Even with people dying, he won’t stop selling the drugs as long as he makes his money.
I curled my fingers into my palm.
“Hey,”
I lifted my head to face the two women I had forgotten were here.
“What’s your relationship with Stephen?” The black-haired woman asked, her brows tightened, as if I was afraid she had hurt her face.
“You don’t have to worry. There is nothing between us.” I answered, focusing back on my food.
“Of course, I’m not. But I do wish you would stay away from him, after all you are the company’s assistant, don’t you have a lot of work to do with the boss?”
“That’s her business, Sarah. She can do whatever she likes.” Stephen appeared, and I couldn’t be more grateful
He placed a bottle of water in front of me.
“Thank you,” I muttered.
Throughout the lunch, my head was occupied with thoughts of the drugs. Finally, it was over, and I took my tray.
“Let me help you with that.” Stephen took it from me.
“Thank you.” I handed it to him, a smile on my face.
Sarah and her friend had left a while ago. Though I was lost in my doubt, I could see them leaving.
“You seemed so in thought, mind telling me what’s wrong?”
I pursed my lips. Was it okay to share my concern with him?……
whatever.
“I can’t help, but think of what has been going around, the drugs, and people dying, and I..” I inhaled.
It definitely isn’t okay to point out that the company’s boss was in charge.
“What do you think of it, and who might be involved. You know the words surrounding the company,
and boss, that..that..,”
“I understand what you are saying, but Selena,” His voice deepened, that smiley face of his gone.
“Things like this shouldn’t bother you so much. The boss isn’t innocent, but what can we do? We are all here for the money, so let’s concern ourselves with that only.” He suddenly broke into his smile again.
What was wrong with my sight? I nodded, and then,
“See you later,” He walked off.
It seemed he knew something, but wanted me to ignore everything.
I walked towards my office.
This morning, I didn’t see the boss in his office even after waiting a long time for him. There was a project handed to me that I needed to discuss.
I also wanted to know the progress of Grandfather Rashford’s building. I had hope Martin would call me, but it seems the little boy won’t.
I opened my office door with a sigh, but what I wasn’t expecting was for him to be on my couch, his legs spread apart, a book in his hand, and then,
“What kept you so long, Selena?”