Tiara's Reign

TIARA POV I jolted out of bed as my alarm blared. Lazily, I opened my eyes a little with My hand reaching for the alarm and turned it off. My head ached terribly. Gosh, how many hours has it been? I didn't even get up to five hours of sleep. Although I'm not satisfied, unfortunately, I have to get ready for work. Reluctantly, I got off my bed, stared at my morning face that looked more like a clown’s with my hair was all over the place. I sighed heavily. I have always wanted to be a cooperate girlie, now that I am, it's so stressful but I can't afford to quit. Aside from the pay, I love my job. Soon, I was done with my business in the bathroom and got clad in a peach tweed gown with crop jacket. The gown hugged my curves perfectly. I checked the wall clock, and it seemed the time was against me today. How did time pass by so quickly? I grabbed my black stiletto heels and rushed out of my room so fast that I almost fell on my face. "Easy, girl," Nada grumbled "Look who finally came home." I rolled my eyes, earning a chuckle from her. "Didn't know I wasn't welcomed here anymore," she said, setting the table. Without a word, I arranged my laptop and some files in my bag and proceeded to walk out when she grabbed my shoulder. "Not so fast, Tiara Jones. Have breakfast," she ordered, spinning me around. "I’m running late. I have a meeting to be by ten, and this is almost nine." My eyebrows creased, forming a frown, trying to break free. Ignoring me, she pushed me towards the dining and forced me to sit, pushing the plate of sandwich, bacon and grapes towards me. My mouth watered at the sight. The next second, I munched away on my food. I could hear Nada laugh at me, but my focus right now is on the food and then my work. "At this point, you should be awarded the employee of the year," she said. "It's not been up to six months you started working there and you've literally poured your soul into it. You are working too hard, Tia," she added with worry filled eyes. "It's better to work overtime than stay home alone, as you're always busy hunting for men," I scoffed. A hearty laughter erupted from her throat. She stood behind me, hugging me from the back, "you will always come first, no matter what" she reassured me, pecking my temple. I smiled and patted her hands. "I know. Gotta go" I announced "Least, I forget. Aunt sent some stuffs over," she said. Mom? Gosh, I'm such a terrible child. I haven't reached out to her in a week. I have to make out time for her. "Fruits and foodstuffs?" Nada nodded, "bye! Make sure to eat lunch and don't drink too much coffee." She sounded like my mother said, her hands on her hips. "I'll try.” I laughed and rushed out of the house before she could give me an earful. Before entering the company, I hurried to my favorite cafe to grab coffee. I can't help but disobey Nada. Most people may not know, but I have an ulcer. Growing up wasn't easy, especially since dad was absent. Nada was my strength, while I became my mother's. "Here's your order," Natalie said with a smile as she handed me my coffee. "Thank you, Nat." I returned the smile as I took a sip. "Busy day again, huh?" she asked still smiling, adjusting her apron. I shrugged, "as usual," she laughed at me. "Good luck!" She winked. I nodded and walked out, heading to the company. Natalie is my new friend. Nada must not find out I have another friend besides her. She can be very protective. I navigated my way through the crowd. The honking of a cars disrupting the calmness of the day. I glanced at my wristwatch. With increased pace, I headed for the main door. Shit, I'm late. I slapped my palm on my mouth, realizing I just swore. The effects Nada has on me, though. Soon, I settled in and arranged my affairs for the day. Breaking down complicated tasks into easier ones to make them easy. I didn't bother to check up on Mr. Reign, as he had informed me He would be coming in late today. A knock on the door gained my attention. "Yes, come in", I said. The door opened, and Mr. Wood's head peeked through the small space, flashing me a knowing smile before he made full appearance. "Good morning Mr. Woods," I greeted as he slouched on the chair He let out a low groan, before nodding, "gosh, your office always smells amazing. I decided to rest here a little to cool my heavy head before the meeting starts." I chuckled, "that fine" as I continued to do my job. Few minutes to ten, we both exited my office and headed for the boardroom. I stood before everyone and started my presentation. Multiple eyes were fixated on me. I rubbed my sweaty palms together and swallowed the lumps in my throat. Honestly, I don't think I'll ever get used to this. I'm from a humble background compared to these wealthy and influential people. Mr. Reign's words ringed in my ears, "you're not less than anybody. Raise your shoulders and head high". I brazed myself and started. Although Mr. Reign is absent, I still have to represent him well. Some of the board members nodded and small smiles of approval formed on some faces, except for a certain person. "....so from my analysis, we just have to pay more to acquire Silan Autos. The market value is low because of poor management and if Reign and Co., takes over, we will make more than our investment in the long run," I said. "that's all. Thank you for listening," I concluded. Whispers and claps filled the air. A light smiled tugged on my lips. "For a newbie, she's good," one man said. Mrs. Quince, the head of marketing, cleared her throat, gaining everyone's attention, "I believe everyone is impressed by your presentation and it's a pretty good one. We still need Mr. Reign's approval to go ahead. That would be all," she said. The meeting ended and people began to leave the room, while I packed my belongings, the devil approached me, "listen, there's nothing special about whatever it is you presented, personally I'm not impressed and Mr. Reign will definitely not be," she spat, eyeing me. I smiled lightly and took a step closer. "I don't work for you Miss Rosanne, I suggest you keep your claws off me," I warned She was about to say something when his voice boomed, "leave us, Rosanne!" Her head snapped, and her attitude switched immediately. "Mr. Reign, you're back." She smiled nervously as she pushed her chest forward. Irritated by the sight, I continued what I was doing. "I hate repeating my words," he growled and at the speed of light, she was out of the room leaving just Mr. Reign and I. I faced him, with my laptop and jotter in my hand, ‘you are back, sir.” I gave a curt bow. "Your presentation was good," he said with his hands behind his back. "Thank you, sir," I smiled. Whenever he commends me, I feel proud and want to do more. He nodded and moved closer to me. Maintaining eye contact with me, which sent shivers down my spine, he brought forward a hand revealing a package. I looked at him, confused, but he urged me to take it, which I did, and just like that, he walked out. Checking inside, it was my favorite. Grapes. I shook my head, smiling. Again, Rosanne came in angrily, "let's see how long this will last," she hissed before storming off. What wrong have I committed against this woman?