Chapter 8: HOW UNFORTUNATE.
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Alex’s POV;
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As far as I remember I used to wake up on Mondays will a general air of ‘no thank you’.
Monday blues were real and I suffered greatly. It should have stayed that way…
But noooo!
It’s all in the past now, all thanks to a certain someone who made my weekend remarkably miserable as he successfully turned me into a corporate slave.
Now my mondays are blue no more… They are some horrendous shade of grey mixed with vomit green and black soot… I don’t think there a name for something so terrible. Don’t even imagine it.
Fine… So, I understood why he gave me this work, the data within the files was extremely sensitive to the company’s reputation and hardly anyone had clearance to this information. But that didn’t help my annoyance.
I felt irritated with the rays of sunlight and groaned as I dragged myself to the bathroom to get dressed for work, all the while cursing my sworn enemy to hell. A.k.a my boss.
My family was mad at me because apparently according to them ‘work is my first priority and to me, it means even more than them’. My mom loves to be emotional like that, but…they don’t know the truth.
They don’t know that I spent my days cooped up in my room drowning in paperwork and burning the midnight oil. I was sleep-deprived and could sense a headache forming but I scooped aside all my personal problems, got into my car and started driving to get to work on time, I left the window down, the morning air touched my face and helped balance my mood up… Or at least tried.
When I entered the parking area, I visibly deflated to see that all the parking spaces were taken except the ones reserved for people with disabilities and the one with Jensen Black’s oh-so-stupid “RESERVED” painted on his parking spot. Which meant he wasn’t here yet.
Some idiot had no idea how to park a freaking car as their car had taken up two parking spaces.
After wasting some time, and failing to find a space for my car I parked it close to the reserved space. It’s not my fault, blame the dumbass who didn’t have simple car parking etiquettes.
Technically I wasn’t taking his space, it just so happens that he won’t be able to park in his reserved area since my car was parked pretty close, making it impossible for his car to pull in.
How unfortunate.
I made my way straight to his office and left copies of the files on his table just like he had asked. No token of appreciation for my hard work, not even a measly thank you.
Half an hour later I was in my office sitting in my chair and going through some sales documents on my computer when Kate walked in looking worried.
“It’s 10:15 and he’s still not here, he has a presentation to attend in a few minutes,” she said and started pacing in front of my table.
“Who?” I faked a clueless expression as I tried to fight the grin which threatened to take over my face.
“Mr Black! Who else? He’s very serious about punctuality, what’s with him today?” She questioned no one in particular.
“I don’t know…” maybe he’s crying over his lost parking spot or he must be pulling his trademark ‘No one dares to park in my space’ crap on someone passing by.
It was hard to stop myself from laughing out loud at my imagination but somehow I managed.
“Oh, there he is” Kate spoke up which stopped my train of thoughts. “I’ll see you later…” She said and quickly left.
The very next minute I saw Jensen walk by and immediately a smirk made its way on my face. When our gaze met I noticed that he was smirking too and also I didn’t miss the evil glint in his eyes.
Wait! I know why I’m smirking, but why is he smirking?
All of a sudden he changed his way and started walking in my general direction, without knocking he entered inside my office and for some reason I stood up.
Is he gonna sue me for restricting access to his parking spot?
The room suddenly seemed smaller because of his presence but I looked right at him and asked in a slightly confused manner “Are you looking for the drafts? I already left them at your table this morning”
“No, I’m not looking for those right now,” he said nonchalantly. Why is he behaving so indifferent?
“Then?” When he perked up an eyebrow I added “how may I help you?”
“I want you to attend the presentation and make a note of the sales figures,” he said sternly, “be there at my office in 20 minutes.”
With that said he turned to leave. Was that all? That’s why he came all the way here? He could have just sent someone to deliver his message, right?
It was almost like he read my mind, cause the next second he turned to face me, “Also Ms Brook, don’t mess with someone you can’t deal with.” What?!
Maybe my confusion was too obvious because just before stepping out of the glass door, he added “Just so you know, your car may be in dire need of your help.” What the hell is he talking about?
Right after Jensen left Nick barged into my office, before I could ask anything he started speaking rushing his words and gasping like he had run all the way here “T-the silver Audi i-is yours right, you might wanna see what’s happening to it!”
As soon as his words registered in my brain I rushed out, Jensen Black was standing there at a distance talking to some business delegates, but he still caught my eyes as if he was waiting for me and gave me a smug look that basically summed up all his expressions which said ‘I-warned-you’.
I took the elevator down and then sprinted all the way to reach the parking lot, I almost tripped, but gained my balance after twisting my ankle. Ouch. I could sense trouble, lots of it. Standing in front of my car, I gaped at it like a fish out of water and my eyes grew wider than saucers if that’s even possible.
Jensen’s car was in its spot peacefully and my car was being towed by a tow truck!
Such a beautiful start to my day, super!
Wrapped up in stupefaction, I watched the scene unfolding in front of my eyes with absolute horror. It was almost like I lost the ability to speak or move as I stood there like a fish out of water, my mouth opening and closing all on its own but no words came out.
I wanted to say something… anything, but my mouth-to-brain coordination was apparently on a holiday. Mind clouded over with thoughts to save my utterly innocent car which was caught in the crossfire.
What should I do? How do I stop this? My car was already loaded on the back of the tow truck and a huge man was about to drive off with it.
Just as he turned the key in the ignition, I panicked and jumped into action, which (unfortunately) wasn’t at all cool like I wanted it to be. “Uh-um wait! Please stop!” I spoke up quickly, my words pouring out in stutters, but they fell on deaf ears as that was the exact moment the engine turned to life, rumbling loudly and the truck drove away with my car, while I stood staring.
Annoyed out of my mind I looked up at the sky but a familiar dark figure at the huge floor-length window of the building caught my attention.
Jensen freaking Black!
The distance was far too much for me to gauge his expressions but his ever irritating smirk was obviously present on his flawless face. He was very much enjoying this, I was sure of it.
Urgh! I hated that guy, I so-….. hate him!
Stupid Jensen with his stupid attractive face and his stupid expensive car. I was standing right next to his grey Range Rover and in the anger of the moment kicked it as hard as I could, hoping that I could go all hulk on it.
Needless to say, the plan backfired. “Ouch” I jumped in my spot holding my now much more injured leg and trying to maintain my balance. Now I have a broken foot. Awesome!
I was a little embarrassed and furious when I again looked up at a particular window almost scared of what I would see.
I expected him to laugh, but I only caught sight of the back of his head as he turned away and disappeared. Great! What was I thinking? I groaned. Was there a need for me to add to his already growing indifference and my embarrassment?
Although I gotta admit, he knows how to retaliate. Well played Mr Black, well played.
The meeting! This thought struck me square in the face and I was forced to sidetrack my problems and rush to work at hand. I quickly rode the elevator to my office and found Nick arranging my files for the meeting.
I walked towards him, more like limped towards him because of my leg, like a bug high on sugar.
“Nick! Thank god you’re here. Please save my car, it’s in grave danger, and I’m not using the word ‘grave’ lightly here.” I said and dramatically shook him to convey my urgency.
“What? Did you seriously just let them take it away?” He asked a little perplexed but before I could answer he held up his hand and said “You know what? We’ll deal with that later but first, you need to get to this meeting.” He handed me some files and I dropped my jaw in an exaggerated fashion.
“B-but it’s been abducted. You need to rescue it!” I insisted and then went on to pout and give him my innocent look.
He rolled his eyes and muttered “fine…quit the drama Alex there are only five minutes left for the meeting.”
I smiled cheekily, no one can resist my ‘innocent’ look. “Okay, so listen, the papers and documents related to my car are in one of my drawers somewhere, you need to find them immediately cause I don’t know which drawer and go get my car back safely.” I quickly rambled and watched as Nick’s expressions went all over the place.
“You got that?” I asked him in a little hurry. When he nodded I smiled again.
“Why must you do such a thing, Alex….” He had started to say but I cut him off with an “Okay, great bye!” In a hurry unsteadily I walked towards the conference room for the meeting before Nick could dig a hole through my brain.
As soon as I entered the meeting room, my eyes spotted Jensen who seemed engrossed by some last-minute paperwork. The look I shot him was colder than ice but he paid no heed towards my scrutiny.
My eyes warmed up as I took in Josh who was sitting right next to my boss. Both of them were as usual dressed in their well-tailored suits but unlike Jensen, Josh had a brilliant smile playing on his lips which was directed towards me.
I smiled back at him and spared a glance at Jensen who was still blissfully unaware of my presence and was busy talking to Kate about some corrections in the file.
Kate left and I proceeded towards Josh, but to reach him I had to pass by Mr Black, I tried not to look at him, afraid that I’d scowl if I did.
“Could you get your leg checked?” at hearing his voice I turned towards him in surprise. His gaze was still on that file in his hands, but I knew he was talking to me. Okay… So he knew I was here.
Was that concern I detected? “I don’t want you galloping around like a kangaroo and scaring off our important clients.” Of course, he took it upon himself to clear my unvoiced doubt.
I scoffed. Why was I surprised? Don’t know what made me think he was capable of emotions such as ‘concern’.
Josh quickly stood up and was at my side in an instant “Something wrong with your leg Alex?” He frowned, noticing the slight limp in my step.
I ignored my boss and turned to Josh before I did something unacceptable like ‘punch’ him in the face.
‘I wanted to kick someone but kicked his car instead.’ Didn’t sound like a sane answer so instead, I said, “It’s nothing…. I’m fine” dismissively but he refused to lose his frown. He kept a supportive hand on my forearm and pulled out a chair on Jensen’s side. I didn’t want to endure a meeting sitting next to him but I wasn’t about to protest and seem immature about something so trivial.
Unable to put any more pressure on my leg I just took the seat and readied myself for the meeting. Josh pulled out a chair for himself and flopped down next to me.
“I thought you weren’t staying for this?” Jensen’s voice almost pierced through the silence that had settled, as he talked to his friend.
“I changed my mind” Josh simply shrugged, giving me a flirty smile.
I rolled my eyes and looked at Jensen only to find him glaring at Josh. He noticed my curiosity and returned his attention to the file he was reading.
I guess someone doesn’t like his friend switching sides.
Carrie smiled at me in greeting when I caught her eye and I returned the gesture. I recognised a few familiar faces in the small crowd but couldn’t put names to all my colleagues.
Kate was giving me the ‘no nonsense’ stare and I faked a dramatic hurt look where I put my hand on my heart like I was wounded and silently mouthed ‘have some faith’ at her.
She just rolled her eyes at me.
I sighed…let’s get this over with. Opening the files that Nick had so graciously handed to me, I started looking through its contents.
“Don’t tell me you’re really gonna work?” Josh whispered these words in my ear and made me smile at his playful antics.
“You know how important it is to put up a front” I whispered back to humour him and that’s how we began talking to each other in a hushed tone.
Some representatives of an Advertising company named ‘Oz’ entered the room and soon the meeting commenced after the pleasantries and introductions were out of the way, while I was still thinking ‘Oz’ As in like ‘The Wizard of Oz’?
Halfway through the meeting, the lights were turned down since they wanted to do a presentation and then it was really hard to keep awake, what with my sleep-deprived state of mind.
Soon a short clip played, advertising the property that was being offered to vacationers. Most visuals were stills of the beach and some showcased a luxurious lifestyle surrounded by lake and woods.
Josh was literally dozing off in his seat and I’ve never been more envious of him.
When the clip ended, Jensen started conversing with the leader of the advertisement agency. “It looks good, so far… What do you think?”
Jensen suddenly asked me out of nowhere, I definitely resembled ‘a deer caught in the headlights’.
He was asking my opinion on the one minute long visuals that has been put together for the sake of advertisement?
When everyone stared at me expecting an answer I forced a nervous laugh and said “I love the photography and the unique angles which are being used to tell the story, the drone shots are really great for those amazing panoramic views but…” I cleared my throat before speaking further “I don’t know if that’ll work, I think it will help marketing better if the visuals are more persuasive and dynamic at the same time.”
“Would you elaborate on that?” Jensen asked seemingly confused but genuinely interested, for the first time he looked like he was actually listening to me
“All I mean is, as a vacationer I would want to see the beautiful view but not just as scenery or a painting that hangs in the background, it should be tangible, like a part of my daily activities, and it should be accessible. It can’t just be a visual appeal, it should be part of the experience, there’s a huge difference between looking at a beautiful lake and swimming in one.” I explained, it was my personal opinion but since he asked I decided to share it.
I didn’t know if I was making sense or if that was even remotely close to the answer they were expecting, but I tried my best to be of some assistance. “Interesting. I didn’t think of that… ” He almost mumbled.
And then I heard the words I thought I never would “I agree with Ms Brook….” he looked at one of the guys pointedly “you might wanna write it down.”
Poor dude fumbled with his notepad at being put on the spot.
My jaw hung in shock, Jensen Black actually agreed to my suggestion? Isn’t he always the one with a fundamentally opposite viewpoint.
I almost couldn’t believe we were capable of similar thoughts.
The meeting came to a conclusion after what seemed like an era and all the lights flickered back on. My eyes adjusted to the blinding lights and Josh woke up startled. I was surprised he didn’t fall off his chair.
Jensen signed some agreement papers and we all shook hands with the members of the advertising company before they left and we were dismissed to get back to our work.
Work can wait, right now I needed a relief-spray for my leg since it wasn’t ready to let go of the throbbing pain. How hard did I kick that car?
Unsteadily I pulled myself up on my feet with Josh’s assistance and decided to get back to my office. “You’ll be alright on your own? If not I can carry you to your office” Josh suggested smirking in a cute kind of way.
I couldn’t help but laugh at his words “It sounds a little scandalous.”
“What can I say, it’s all part of the charm, I’m afraid it comes as a package deal.” He plays along.
“How nice of you to offer, though I’m gonna have to decline. I’ll be perfectly fine on my own.” l say while trying to keep my laughter at bay.
All this while I felt a gaze on me and I looked up to meet Jensen’s blazing eyes which literally sent a shiver down my spine.
“Don’t stand here and flirt, get back to work.” He told us, looking at me pointedly.
I frowned. What’s his deal?
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I stood on top of my office table with a look of complete horror on my face, while a file (which I’m pretty sure was about the new project proposal) was clenched between my fingers in a death grip.
I needed it for self-defence.
Kate was hugging a cushion while trying to trap herself in a corner so that the attack won’t come from behind her.
Nick was using some different but weird strategy as he tried to stuff himself under the coffee table of my office.
We were under imminent threat.
I tried to make myself as still as possible so as to not startle the insect that was currently buzzing around in my office room.
Kate screamed in panic “why is it coming at me?!” as the insect flew in her general direction and she swatted at the cicada and sent it towards Nick as she fled from her spot to take refuge behind the couch.
Nick yelled “Noo! Don’t come near me you filthy bug!” and I screamed just because Kate did too, and everything was a chaos.
I tried not to fall off the table and also danced around the multitude of stuff on my desk. I think I accidentally stepped on my phone.
“Get it out of here you dumb-asses” I yelled at them, as the cicada, took flight again.
“Open the windows, maybe it’ll fly away” Nick suggested.
“Okay, wait… ” Kate said, who was the closest to the windows on the left of the room and attempted to open a window when the cicada tried to attack her, probably guessing her motives correctly.
Kate yelled and crouched on the floor while shielding her head with the cushion she had.
And that’s when someone decided to walk in through the doors. “What’s going on?” A deep voice asked.
All three of us turned to glance at the door and froze. Jensen Black stood there with a straight face as he looked right at me.
My impression on him wasn’t too high, to begin with, but I think this was the moment when it plunged into the abyss.
“We are having a bit of a bug issue,” Kate answered his question, thankfully pulling his attention away from me.
“Yes, we are in the middle of debugging,” Nick added, I would have laughed if I wasn’t so terrified.
So I just nodded at Jensen when he looked back at me, while still keeping an eye on that buzzing insect from the corner of my eye.
When Jensen located the threat he said, “Maybe you all should step out, I’ll send someone in to deal with it.”
We all visibly relaxed at his words and Nick and Kate slowly but surely and very very carefully walked towards the door.
“Would you mind getting down from the desk?” Jensen said, as he came closer to where I was, he didn’t look happy, he was probably still mad at me for the parking lot incident.
I tried to carefully climb down but didn’t quite manage it and fell flat to my humiliation, while my knees took the brunt of the fall.
Jensen’s eyes widened as I fell, but before he could react I stood back up fairly quickly, pretending as if nothing happened, while still clutching the file in my hands.
Ouch, now my knee hurts.
The bug was on the other side of the room so I was temporarily at a safer distance.
Jensen plucked the file out of my hands and said, “this is quite important for our next business meeting, so I’d appreciate it if you wouldn’t use it to swat at flies.”
My face began to burn from embarrassment, as I looked at him and tried to smile in agreement, but it probably looked like a grimace.
And then I ran out of that room as slowly as possible.
This is so not my day.
Jensen followed me out and said, “Ms Brook… my office now.”
I looked at Kate and Nick with confusion but then followed him quickly not sure why he asked for me.
Maybe he wants to dump another mountain of work on me. Who knows?
When we entered, he rounded his desk and stood on the other side, facing me while I stayed standing in front since he didn’t tell me to take a seat.
He grabbed a file and slammed it on the table in front of me. “What is the meaning of this?”
I flinched from the loud noise but didn’t step back like I wanted to.
“What do you mean?” I asked as I picked up the file and flipped it open, the words ‘Security Breach Report’ gazed back at me.
I paled as soon as I read it and looked at him, Jensen looked mad.
“Do you want to explain to me why I got this report from my security department?” He asked with a calm that was almost deceptive.
I stayed silent, thinking about how I could diffuse this situation effectively.
“You wanna tell me how Olivia accessed the confidential information from this office when she’s all the way across the country?” He asked, already knowing the truth.
I could play dumb, but we both know there was no point in it, I decided to come clean. “I needed information from the confidential client’s archives and since I’m still on my probation I had to use her credentials.”
“You had no right to do that! It’s against company policy and you just broke a cyber rule!” He glared.
“With all due respect Mr Black it was the only way I could access the information I needed for my work and I was on a tight deadline.”
“I can fire you right now for what you’ve done.” He said, his eyes were blazing with anger.
I breathed in slowly, “No you can’t because I have done nothing wrong. I had Olivia’s permission when I used her credentials, in fact, it was her who gave me all the information and encouraged me to make use of it in case of requirement, so I understand this must be a form of ‘security breach’ from a technical standpoint, but I didn’t break any rules nor did I go against company policies.”
His hard, cold eyes didn’t waver from my face. “Do not use her credentials again for any form of access, this is your last and only warning.”
A part of me wanted to rebel against him, I had done nothing wrong and I didn’t like that I was being warned for something that wasn’t even a big fault.
“I understand where you’re coming from, but I need that information for my future tasks as well, you can’t expect us to work and make good decisions when I don’t have all the information,” I said, trying to make him see my perspective.
“So this was your way of obtaining that information by breaching the security? It was not only wrong but unethical.”
“That’s not true, I’ve already told you I had Olivia’s permission,” I repeated, feeling frustrated now.
“You didn’t have the company’s permission.” He deadpanned.
“I understand that, but I work here and I need to make big decisions every day, keeping all those archives hidden is not gonna help me or the company,” I said,
“It’s part of the protocol.” He frowned, “you have to earn the trust, and this is not the way you do it.”
“I can’t prove myself as trustworthy if I’m not even given a chance,” I said.
“Figure out a way… A repeat of this won’t be tolerated. Don’t make me fire you before your probation is over.” He said coldly.
There was no winning with him so I just nodded.
I can simply ask Olivia to email me the information if it’s required in future. I didn’t dare say that and kept my thoughts to myself.
“You may leave.” He said and went back to his work.
I turned around and walked out of his office. I couldn’t go back to my office because of the bug so I went and sat down in the waiting area, feeling exhausted from today’s events.
I only returned after my office was bug-free and the day ended with me constantly on alert mode. It was tiring as hell.
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-Vinee
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