Shock
1059 Words
ANNIE
I felt a sharp pain as I stretched, forcing me out of sleep.
For a moment, I couldn’t move. Couldn’t even think.
But beyond the pain, something else felt wrong. Terribly wrong.
The wall.
The familiar wall beside my bed wasn’t there. I couldn’t touch it.
Then, it dawned on me: I wasn’t in my room.
Panic surged through my chest as I rubbed my eyes, trying to get a clearer view.
Lifting the sheets off me, I realized I was naked.
Oh God, what’s happening?
Where was I?
I struggled to piece together the events of the previous night, but my memory was a fractured mess.
All I could recall were Rukky’s words: “Get the drive.”
Stretching my hand toward the nightstand beside me, I quickly checked my purse to ensure it was in there.
I had done just as Rukky instructed.
Just then, the door creaked open.
Donavan walked in and carefully closed the door behind him so quietly as if trying to not wake me up.
I immediately sat upright on one side of the bed with the sheets covering my breasts.
“I’m so sorry, Annie. I didn’t mean for this to happen. I can’t explain how we ended up here,” he whispered as he came closer, looking at the door and me intermittently.
The tension in the room was high.
I knew I had to leave and immediately.
“This… this was a terrible mistake and I’m very sorry it happened”, I stuttered, quickly picking up my clothes on the floor and shrugging them on.
Before he could say another word, I dashed off into the corridor and out of the apartment.
I was mad at Rukky.
He was supposed to add the drugs only to Chloe and Donavan’s drinks.
Did he spike mine? What did he give me? Why did he leave me behind? This wasn’t part of the deal!
As I hurried along the crowded pedestrian way to the train station, thoughts of Donavan filled my mind.
But, that shouldn’t be.
This deal was supposed to be a fling, a one-night stand, a transaction – nothing more. But I was already falling for him.
I hated myself for that.
I had sworn this would be the last time. The last time I let a man’s money dictate my body. I was done with the life.
Just then, my phone buzzed in my pocket. I answered without thinking.
"Where is the money, Annie?" The landlord’s voice was tight, urgent.
"What do you mean? I sent it last night."
Nervousness took over as I pulled up the transfer receipt.
Then…
My heart stopped.
The name wasn’t his. It was someone else.
Someone I owed.
A sharp, cold weight dropped in my stomach.
"No, no, no... this can’t be happening." I whispered.
"What are you talking about?" His voice sharpened.
The landlord hasn’t seen a dime!
My fingers trembled as I dialed the recipient’s number. But, he didn’t answer.
I called again.
Straight to voicemail.
"Sir, I…I sent it to the wrong person." My voice cracked.
"You what?" he shot back.
Then, the call disconnected.
I couldn’t believe this was happening.
Letting out a disheartening sigh, I sat on the bench by the side of the road, my phone fumbling in my hand as I thought about what to do.
All hope seemed lost.
Then, I recalled my deal with Rukky.
Yes!
“I must call Rukky for my payment. I have got the drive he wanted,” I reasoned, moving my hand to my side to grab the purse but, it wasn’t there.
I shot up from the bench.
My heart pounded violently against my chest.
No. No. No
Oh God, no!
I must have left it at Donavan’s room.
My stomach dropped. The thought of meeting Donavan again sent a shiver down my spine.
By now, he must have searched the purse. He must have found the stolen drive.
Oh, f**k! I dropped back onto the bench with a thud. I was screwed.
The sharp vibration of my phone dragged me back to reality. My heart pounded as I reached for it.
With shaky fingers, I tapped on the notification, eyes darting over the words as they unraveled before me.
"Congratulations Annie, you passed the interview to become a secretary in one of the leading finance companies in Atlanta. You’re expected to show up at the office on Monday 4th of February. Find other details of your work attached below."
No way.
This isn’t happening.
My gaze darted to the corner of my phone screen, where the time flashed in bold numbers. 8:57 AM.
I had about an hour to be at the office.
My pulse slammed against my ribs.
I didn’t know whether to be happy or sad.
I was totally confused.
When I thought of the reason I worked this hard, Instant adrenaline surged through me, making the doubts disappear.
My brain snapped into action. Clothes. Hair. Documents. Transportation.
But, there was no time. I had to move and right away.
I bolted toward the train station and boarded a train, my heart hammering, lungs tight.
The moment the train stopped, I was off, slipping through the crowd, my pulse pounding in my ears.
I burst into the office, my pulse spiking, and headed straight to the bathroom.
Standing in front of the restroom mirror, I tidied my hair and checked my makeup for any imperfections.
Hell, I wasn’t even wearing makeup.
I wasn’t ready. But I had to do it.
I stepped out, following the recruitment officer to a door.
Giving me a moment to prepare myself, he opened the door, ushering me into my new boss's office.
I took a deep breath and walked towards him.
Then, I was shocked.
My heart pounded as I stood frozen.
There he sat, with an aura of confidence and superiority, my new boss.
The man I was contracted to sleep with.
“Annie, meet Donavan, the CEO of this company and your new boss. You’re going to become his secretary.” Said Edgar, with a friendly grin as he stood by the desk and introduced us.
Upon hearing my name, Donavan quickly lifted his head and looked straight at me.
When our eyes met, he immediately stood up, as if he had just seen a ghost.
- Writer
