Loveless CEO

She now knows

"No… No... Don't misunderstand what I just said now. I ... I... met–" Ava speaks, stammering, trying to cover up her truth.

"Aha oooo!" Susan exclaims, touching her forehead as she outly speaks. "Am teasing you. You must have known he is a great kisser from the lady who is obsessed. Sorry for my manners. Whoever is in love with our boss must have told you about the kisses when she was expressing how she felt then and now."

"Don't worry, I know you don't have that close relationship with the boss. Seeing your personality, you don't like office romance. They will definitely lead to gossip." She smiles, tapping Ava's hand to calm her down.

"We are done and launch time is over by thirty minutes. We better head back before Mr Xander looks for his secretary. Right?" Susan speaks as they both stand up from their table.

Smiling in her mind, Ava mentions. "He would even look for you more than me. You are his personal adviser and he needs you more." Ava makes it hard for Susan by teasing her she is right, that she is a nobody, just an adviser whereas she is the secretary.

"Hmmmmm, enough about our boss. I can't believe we spent our launch time talking about our boss, who is enjoying his life at the office." She shakes Ava to make her look at her as they enter the elevator.

"Thanks so much for launch babes. I enjoyed myself too. And will make it up to you. Atleast to have dinner and talk about ourselves and be most importantly. I want to know who is the lucky Mr. Right that has this pretty damsel all to hisself." She mutters to lighten Ava's mood.

Just as they get to their office floor, Susan senses Ava is too up tight around her. She quickly turns back. As she steps forward to wave at her, Ava walks fastly into her office. The truth rains that Susan now knows who, what and why something happens when the opportunity comes. She has to maintain her equilibrium in the office to live long and to keep her position. To her, it wasn't easy to find a job and now that she has one, protecting it is of a great importance to her. Now, she is relaxed finally, going through some documents on her desk.

…

Ava takes her time as she reaches her office, closes her door and then did a one time lock. She doesn't want to be shocked by anyone again like the one before the launch. She rushes to her desks takes out her cell phone. As she takes her seat, she dials Mrs Tina's number. She has a lot of apologies to render as she disconnected the call earlier than expected, without a proper greeting, as she was in a tight corner. She just wishes she understands why she had to disconnect the call.

The phone rings on twice and still no response. She gives it another try once more and then the call connects. She is silent on listening to the call.

"How are you doing this afternoon, Ava? Apparently, you are alright I guess, since you called back." Mrs Tina exclaims as she seems to have been waiting on the call to come in.

In a stammering tone, Ava quietly responds as she apologizes. "Am so sorry, ma'am, that I disconnected earlier on without a proper greeting. I was–"

"Hughshhhh…" Aunt Tina chimes in immediately. "You don't have to apologize at all. I have enough experience over my years of living on earth. So at all points, I know what to observe and expect from people. You seemed to be in a shocked situation, so you said the simplest things to get out of trouble."

She continues to ask her if the whole situation was Okey and if she averted the problem carefully. The response turns out in the affirmative and Mrs. Tina is glad. "That's a great idea! You did well. Like I said before, you are smart. I don't know what he sees in that girl. Well, let's not judge a book by its cover. Just remember, Ava, you can't force someone to love you. You can only be yourself and hope that he sees what a wonderful person you are."

"But there is an exception for you. If he does love you, we make him love you the other way round." Hahahaha she laughs, mischievously as usual.

"I know, Mrs. Tina. I just really want him to notice me and see me as more than just a coworker." Ava says with all willingness.

"I understand, Ava. Just be patient and keep working hard. Who knows? Maybe he'll see how amazing you are and fall in love with you, too. Patience is a virtue. You need it to accomplish what you want in life." She advises Ava

"Thanks for your advice, Mrs. Tina. I really appreciate it." She thanks her.

"Hmmmmm." Mrs. Tina exhales. "Anytime, Ava. Just remember to believe in yourself and your worth. Bye for now." She says as she immediately disconnects the call, leaving Ava with a bowl of hope.

...

Susan's phone rings and it's John calling. She is filled with joy because she really needs someone to talk to seriously. She hurriedly picks the call. But she borrows the idea of acting as though she doesn't care if he calls or not.

"Hello, good day. How are you doing? This one you called. Hope we are safe?" She asks him in a weird manner.

Hearing Susan sound so formal, John chuckles as he can't hold his laugh any longer, he burst in laugh, laughing out loud. Knowing all her tricks since childhood. Rather, it's a confirmation to him that she needs someone to talk to.

"You are still at work, right? How about I come pick you up from work? So we catch up later. It's been a while since we last saw. And I really need someone to talk to so… it's a deal, right?" He says eagerly, waiting for her response.