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"We offer to raise the profit by ten percent!", The CEO of Marcos corporation said.
"What is the guaranty!?", Sir questioned.
"I believe your dad worked with us because of the commitment.", He justified.
Feeling the need to interrupt, I said, "Sir you never fulfilled your commitment then. Sir James regretted the deal badly."
His face paled, "Erica...."
The meeting was coming to conclusion. The deal with Marcos is a trash. And it'll be better if we back off from it.
Just then, I felt someone nudge me at me elbow. When I turned in the direction, I found my boss glaring at me.
"You are not the CEO of my company but Just a damn PA, so stop insulting my clients.", My boss yelled at me, shocking everyone on the table that included Mr. Marcos, his PA, our accountant and the two bodyguards.
Even the other people at the restaurant turned to look at us startled.
My face paled in embarrassment. I held a significant position with Sir James. Lest the continuous insults I am facing.
The meeting then continued, but I didn't look up at all.
They shook hands and the meeting ended.
I gulped hard and left as soon as they departed..
The tear that I was holding finally left my eyes, and I burst into sobs.
I don't want to cry, but the amount of embarrassment I had to stay there with was too much to bear.
I believe I am a emotional person.
But I won't let anyone see my tears.
Why me!?
As bad as it may sound, I am losing my calm.
He came and opened the other door of the car, settling himself in.
I turned my head and wiped off all the traces of tears. Even if I am suffering, he doesn't need to know. He shouldn't get the satisfaction!
"Where to Ma'am!?", Asked Stephen, looking at me through the rear view apologetically.
"I'll take the day off Stephan. I am calling in ill. Rest you can go to office. There's nothing significant left for the day.", I told him.
"No one's calling in unless I allow!", Yeah! He won't let me live in peace.
"Drop us at my penthouse Stephan."
On the way, I realized my head is literally paining. It always does when I cry. I held it between my hands to give it a gentle squeeze.
"We are here!", Stephen announced and I got off the car immediately not able to bear his presence near me.
I took an advil and began working, as his maid. He was already surrounding my life twenty four hours, and I couldn't help but hate this fact.
I am overworking and under-feeding myself, and this is taking a toll on me.
After cooking his dinner, I didn't call him rather waited for him to come.
The clock struck 11 but he didn't come down. This man is going to be the death of me.
Keeping aside my pride, I walked to his room and found hia door wide open.
He was lying on his bed, fully focusing his gaze on the ceiling.
I knocked on the door, and without looking into his eyes, I told him, "Dinner is ready."
From all this behavior, I concluded one thing. He like a five years old, is jealous of me because his parents give me the importance that probably according to him, I don't deserve.
But he should understand that I was sixteen, when James and Jess entered my life. It was a tender age, and a difficult time for me.
They saved my childhood and that is the reason, I give them more importance than anyone else.
May be in future, if I am given a option to chose between my biological parents and James and Jess, I will undoubtedly choose the latter.
"I have called my nonna tomorrow from Italy. And so I'll be on a day off. You have to be present with me.", I didn't say anything as I just sat across him with my head down.
E R I C
She didn't reply anything and held her head low.
"I think I said something...."
"I heard it sir... I'll be there.", I nodded hearing this.
Just then, Henry came in and walked over to her.
"Ma'am this has meds for temperature and anxiety. The other one is for cold if you feel it. However, the doctor prescribed to get a check up if anything persists."
She smiled at him, "Thank you Henry. It was a great help."
He smiled back and then left.
What is with this smiling!?
"Are you not well!?", I asked her.
She glanced at me briefly with a pointed look and then muttered, "I am good."
Now if anyone blames me, see I am concerned about her but she won't give a straight reply.
I finished my food and then wiped my face.
She proceeded towards me to take my plate, when utilizing the opportunity, I held her hand.
It was indeed, a bit too warm. I stood up immediately and kept a hand on her forehead, and she gasped.
"You have fever."
She took her hand away from mine, "Nothing that can bring my death, to your pleasure."
I scoffed at her but remained rooted at my place.
After washing the dishes, she went towards the couch and picked up her bag.
She kept her things in the bag and started to leave.
"Where do you think you are going!?", I asked sternly.
She turned to me with a tired expression.
"Sir I beg you, let me go. I haven't had anything since the morning. My stomach is growling. I have to cook food, eat it then eat my medicine. May be I'll get just two hours to sleep, because my house is already at a distance of forty minutes from here and I don't think I will get a bus or a c..!"
"I can drop you!", I interrupted her rants.
But as soon as she realized what I said, her eyes widened.
Even I don't know why I offered to drive her home. May be because she is ill. Or because I am feeling guilty after talking to dad about Marcos'.
Dad said she is right, and Marcos couldn't stand on their commitments. He even suggested to get rid of them as soon as possible.
"No thanks. I can manage....", She said drily but I interrupted again.
"I am not asking you. I am telling you.."
She frowned at me, "Sir I am not in my work hours. Neither I have sold myself to you. So... Please stop acting like you own me...."
"Either come with me or quit.", I said with finality in my voice and went forward to pick my car keys.
It was about to rain, and with a look of it, we knew it'll rain heavily.
I settled on the driver's seat and she after lot of huffing and puffing, got in the passenger's.
She forced herself to look out of the window, even if it is darkness outside.
Such a hard headed she is.
There were no buses or cabs on the road, except some drunkards washing themselves in the rain. I wonder how she would have managed to go on her own.
We were almost at her place, when I decided to break the silence, "Let me walk you to the door, you may get drenched under the rain. There's this umbrella in the back......"
I couldn't even complete my sentence, when she unlocked the door and walked to her door.
Genius!
She took her decent time to get drenched in the rain.
All my efforts went into vain.
As a sign for me to go away, she slammed the door with so much rage, I wonder it didn't break lose from its hinges.
"See you tomorrow!", I know she didn't hear and probably that was the reason I said it.
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