Tia.
After crying myself to sleep last night, I never imagined I'd be coming to work today, but here I was, staring blankly at the wall in front of me in my office as my mind drifted a thousand of miles away blocking me from hearing my assistant calling out to me. It was until her voice resounded deeper into my head was when I turned my chair around to face her.
"Holy!" I exclaimed as I threw my hands up. "I'm sorry, Didi. I didn't mean to snap."
She sighed and asked, "Are you okay? You seem a bit...distracted."
I nodded my head, trying to shake off the fogginess in my head. "I'm fine, Didi," I lied and tried arranging my desk before I gazed up at her again. "What brings you here?"
Didi hesitated for a moment before launching into a discussion. "You missed the board meeting.
"Oh, really?" I countered, realizing there was supposed to be a board meeting.
"Yes," she responded and added. "The new CEO was in attendance and_"
I sprang up from my seat. "Are you for real?!" I screamed. "Oh, I'm a dead meat," I said, shutting my eyes at the mistake I had made. The new CEO was said to resume work that very day and we were asked to welcome him but I had missed the attendance. Oh my God!
Didi's voice brought me back to reality once more. "Tia, are you with me?"
Feeling embarrassed, I quickly regained my composure. "I'm sorry, Didi. I don't know what you say," I replied, truthfully.
"It's fine, Tia. I understand and you don't need to get yourself all worked up. I was able to fill in for you."
My eyes widened. "Oh, wow, Didi. Thanks so much. You're a darling." I shared her a hug which she received.
"Can you please send me details about what was discussed through an email instead? I think I'll grasp it better that way," I said as I sat back into my seat.
Didi nodded. "Of course, Ma. I'll do as said."
I smiled weakly, appreciating her concern. "Thanks, Didi."
Just as she turned to leave, I stopped her. "Was Jade at the meeting? I haven't seen him today "
Didi sighed. "Actually, Tia, I don't think he has. I've heard from some colleagues that he's been taking some time off."
My heart leaped as yesterday's argument came running into my memories. Jade didn't return home last night and even when I knew the divorce papers had been signed, I couldn't wrap my head around it yet. Was I prepared for the consequences of our breakup?
"Didi, thanks for telling me," I said, trying to sound calm.
She nodded and turned to leave not after saying, "If you need anything, Tia, don't hesitate to reach out."
"I won't. Thanks."
"Was I doing the right thing?" I questioned myself again. Was I strong enough to move on? What would happen to me if I left him? What would people say about us? Would I be able to cope with the embarrassment? People had always been monitoring our marriage and now, wouldn't it be a shame for me to let go of it? Why has Jade decided to take a step like this? Most of all, cheating on me with his manager's daughter? Unbelievable!
The day had dragged on, and I found myself not being able to focus on work. It was hell for me and I knew I needed some fresh air.
I checked the time and it was past 12pm, time for break. I didn't waste a second before I sprang up from my seat as I headed out, taking my path to my favorite place of escape- the company's rooftop.
The cool breeze and the view of the city always seemed to clear my head. It was exactly what I needed.
I finally got there and luckily for me, no one else was around. It was the perfect time for me. Jade has decided to go with divorce, I needed to wrap my head around things.
As I stood at the edge, I couldn't help but keep questioning my decision. Would I be able to let go of everything and begin from scratch? Wouldn't it be a time of demise for me?
I had no family to speak of. My father had passed away from illness, and my mother had followed a year later. The relatives I had left didn't seem to care about me. Jade was the only family I have come to trust. He was my rock. But now, even he was willing to let me go and the reason, I couldn't fathom. He wouldn't even say a word to me.
My heart suddenly shook with fear. I couldn't help but think of what would happen as soon as Jade and I let go of each other.
Suddenly, my legs shifted, and I stumbled. Just as I tried to regain my balance, my legs staggered forward until it was too late to hold my stance. In a flash, I felt myself dangling over the edge, as my screams echoing through the surrounding.
Time seemed to slow down as I waited for the inevitable. But then, I felt a hand grab me from behind, pulling me back to safety. I fell backwards as my body went dangling to the ground with a thud.
"Are you crazy?" a voice screamed, vibrating through the rooftop. "What were you thinking?"
I looked up and my lips parted at the sight before me. A man. No. Not just a man, the most stunning man I've ever seen. His face was chiseled, with sharp angles and defined features. His piercing blue eyes seemed to bore into my soul, as if daring me to look away. His strong jawline was clenched, emphasizing his anger at what had happened.
His dark hair was perfectly styled, and his tailored suit accentuated his broad shoulders and athletic build. He exuded confidence and authority, the epitome of a fantasy male lead.
But it was his eyes that truly captivated me. They sparkled with intensity, a fire burning within that seemed to command attention. His gaze was both mesmerizing and intimidating, making me feel small and vulnerable.
"How could you be so reckless?" he demanded, his voice firm but controlled.
I swallowed hard, trying to find my voice. But I couldn't find a word to say and the only thing that I could utter was, "How can you be this beautiful?"