Annabel's POV
"Please, just tell me how you got the job," I pleaded with Lucian, the same Lucian I'd been talking with for hours. Yet, even now, he kept the truth sealed, refusing to say how he was chosen, despite the fact that the company had made it clear there was only room for one winner.
No doubt that Lucian's presentation was very interesting that day. But I can't wrap my head on why they finally chose two candidates.
Lucian stared at me a little too long, his grin stretching wider before he finally spoke. "Okay… I'll tell you, but only if you grant me one wish." His eyes locked onto mine, unblinking.
I gave him a puzzled look. "Okay…?"
His eyes darted around before meeting mine again. "The truth is that I was not supposed to be at the auditorium that day. I mean whether my speech was good or not I was going to be accepted".
He stretched his neck. "Annabal, my dad is one of the major investors in this company. So I got in with his influence, and seriously I'm glad I did not get in by merit. If not, I will not be seeing your charming face by now". He kept on with his pompous smile.
I stayed quiet, unable to find the right words. Deep down, it just felt unfair—like some people are simply born lucky, while the rest of us have to claw our way through life. The rich… they get everything handed to them, effortlessly.
"Annie…". Lucian tapped me.
I yanked up from my thoughts.
He lifted my chin. "Are you okay? You seem…lost…"
I Acknowledged with a quiet nod. "Yes. I'm very fine".
His furrowed brows eased. "So, now I have told you what you wanted to hear. Can I now tell you what I want?
I shot him a questioning glance. "And what will that be?".
He clicked his teeth. "It's nothing serious Annie…I just want dinner with you. That's all I ask of you". His face was almost pleading.
I wanted to fight it. I was going to say no. I don't think that I'm open to any man coming into my life now.
Not after what James did to me to
I wanted to work on myself. But knowing that hooking up with him might help me forget Daniel and probably forget the feelings I'm beginning to develop for him. "Fine". I replied to him.
His face lit up with joy as he took my small hands into his, his warmth enveloping every inch of my skin. "Thank you," he said softly. "I promise, you won't regret this".
Just then my phone buzzed.
It was Brenda.
I wonder why she will be calling during the launch. I slide the green button.
"Hello", her voice came from the end. "Mr. Stroke wants you in his office now".
I responded with a low voice. "I'll be there in a giffy".
Clearly, I could sense how worried Lucian looked. He probably heard Brenda's tone. I gently tapped him. "Don't give me that look. I will be fine, just enjoy your lunch without me". I stood up and left him all alone.
On my way to Daniel's office. I couldn't stop thinking.
What's the reason for the call?
Why does he want to see me during lunch?
For a moment, I almost forgot I was going to face him today. After I had arrived and settled in, Lucian came to me and since then, we have been gisting as the newbie that we are, with no work directed to us yet.
I reached the elevator. Pressed the button. And the door opened with a soft chime. And when I was about to enter. Someone came out.
Stephanie.
Standing beside her were two other staff. Probably her work friends.
They stepped out, arms entwined. Moving closer like though the world had slowed just for them.
I stepped back a little, while they kept coming closer. "What…what are you doing here? My voice was shabby.
She chuckled dryly. "Annabel Green… you never seem to amaze me. First it was my man's house and now? You managed to sleep your way just to get a job here".
My breath hitched. "Stop laying accusations". My voice was clearly trembling.
Her laugh grew wider. "Deny it". She closed the distance between us. "Annabal, I work here. And I got it by merit. Unlike you that have to fuck around".
Fuck, how could I forget?
How could I forget that Stephanie has been working here even when we were in school?
I curled my hand to challenge her. But it was meaningless. I can't let her get through me. At least not my first day at work.
"Stop bluffing and get a hold of yourself!" I snapped, then turned on my heel, leaving them stunned and speechless.
Her words burned through me, each one stoking the fire of my anger. At that moment, all I wanted was to tear her apart.
I was going to tell Daniel the truth today. But not with what just happened. I must definitely take my revenge.
Because if Stephanie thought she could destroy me and walk away clean?
She hadn't met the version of me that was willing to break every rule.
Even the ones written in blood.
I'm definitely going to use Daniel to get back at her.
I reached Daniel's office and halted, the air suddenly heavier. One deep breath later, then let my knuckles brush the wood in a gentle knock.