Chapter 8 Helping Her
1239 Words
Rose walked into the company listlessly. She hadn't slept well since the landlord's call, and to make things worse, her brother had called saying he needed money. He had been relying on his roommate for the past month.
She had debated calling the number Yoseph had given her and finally decided against it. They had only just started getting to know each other. Wouldn't he think she was some kind of gold digger?
It was the first time she had felt this way about someone, and she didn't want to ruin it before it even had a chance to begin.
She knew Beatrice wouldn't have that kind of money either. Her friend had her own struggles, and honestly, Rose didn't want to burden her.
"Hey Rose, good morning," Dalia greeted as they stepped into the elevator together.
Dalia was heading to the tenth floor while Rose was going up to the fifteenth.
"Hey Dalia, good morning," Rose replied with a smile. "How was your weekend?"
"It was good. How about yours?"
Rose thought of Yoseph and everything that had happened.
Well... except for the landlord's call, it had been wonderful.
"It was okay," she answered.
Soon, the elevator stopped on the tenth floor.
"See you later, Rose."
"Sure."
Rose continued up to the fifteenth floor. She walked into her cabin, took her seat, and started preparing the day's schedule.
While checking the company email, she noticed that a certain Miss Hassan had repeatedly requested appointments, yet every request had been rejected.
Curious, she decided to wait for Akin so she could ask him about it.
"Miss Olumide, good morning."
"Assistant Akin, good morning. I've actually been waiting for you."
Akin nearly stumbled.
Waiting for me?
Miss, please don't say things like that. If the boss hears you've been waiting for me, he'll probably see me as competition, Akin thought.
"Well, there's a Miss Hassan who has been trying to—"
Akin immediately cut her off.
The moment he heard the name, he knew it was trouble.
"Don't worry about that. Just ignore it. She's not someone you need to concern yourself with."
"Oh... okay."
"Can I have Mr. Dekan's schedule?"
"Of course."
She handed him the iPad.
Yoseph sat behind his mahogany desk, staring at his phone.
She hadn't called.
Truthfully, he had already known she wouldn't.
Rose was different.
Still, a small part of him had hoped she would think of him first whenever she had a problem.
No matter.
When it came to her, he had all the time in the world.
Knock... knock... knock.
"Come in."
"Good morning, sir."
"Morning."
A faint smile rested on Yoseph's lips.
"Akin."
"Yes, sir?"
Akin suddenly had a bad feeling.
"Have you received your month-end bonus yet?"
Akin blinked.
"Sir... month-end bonuses are usually paid at the end of the month."
"Move it forward."
Akin stared.
"Sir?"
"Tell HR and Finance to release the bonuses within the next thirty minutes."
"To everyone?"
"Everyone. Old staff, new staff, everyone."
Akin froze.
Immediately, Rose came to mind.
Could the boss really be doing all this for her?
"If anyone has a problem with it, they can come see me personally."
"Understood, sir."
The HR department was surprised to see Akin.
Normally, whenever he appeared, it meant either very good news or very bad news.
Without stopping to chat with anyone, he walked straight into the director's office.
"Good morning, Director Bello."
"Akin. What a pleasant surprise."
"Director Bello, by Mr. Dekan's orders, you and Director Philip from Finance are to release the month-end bonus to all employees within the next thirty minutes."
Director Bello frowned.
"But Assistant Akin, bonuses are usually paid at the end of the month."
Akin smiled politely.
"Mr. Dekan said anyone with questions is welcome to discuss it with him personally."
Director Bello immediately surrendered.
"Understood. I'll contact Finance right away."
"Thank you."
Akin left.
Not long after, the news spread through the company like wildfire.
Employees gathered in small groups, whispering excitedly.
"What brought this on?"
"Did the company land a major contract?"
"Is it because of the quarterly profits?"
Everyone had a theory.
Akin simply shook his head.
If only they knew.
Rose naturally heard the news as well.
She couldn't have been happier.
It seemed her parents were really watching over her these days.
The bonus wasn't enough to clear her rent completely, but it would buy her some time.
More importantly, she could finally send money to Daniel.
And best of all...
She no longer had to spend hours debating whether to ask Yoseph for help.
God bless this mysterious CEO of hers.
When work was almost over, Rose finally called Yoseph.
"Hello."
The moment the call connected, Yoseph smiled.
"It's me, Rose."
"I know."
Rose rolled her eyes despite herself.
"How's work?"
"It's fine. We're almost closing for the day."
She hoped he would catch the hint.
Yoseph chuckled.
"You want me to come pick you up?"
Rose bit her lip.
"Well... if you're busy, then—"
"Tell me nicely. I might consider it."
His teasing tone sent a strange flutter through her chest.
Refusing to back down, she said quickly,
"I have good news to share. If you don't come, I'll tell someone else instead."
Then she hung up before she could lose her nerve.
Her heart was pounding.
Yoseph stared at the disconnected call and laughed.
She had actually hung up on him.
Interesting.
"Akin."
"Yes, sir?"
"Get me a change of clothes."
Akin sighed.
"Sir, I already stocked the lounge with casual clothes. You can change anytime."
Yoseph paused.
Then he smiled.
"It seems you've become smarter."
Akin brightened immediately.
"I'll increase your salary."
The line disconnected.
Akin stared at his phone in disbelief.
At this rate, Miss Rose was truly his lucky star.
Yoseph parked at the usual spot where Rose waited for transport after work.
From a distance, he saw her standing there.
She wasn't trying to stop a taxi.
She was simply waiting.
Waiting for him.
For some reason, that realization pleased him more than it should have.
The moment Rose spotted his car, she hurried over and slipped into the passenger seat.
"Good afternoon."
"You seem very happy to see me."
Rose shrugged.
"Maybe."
Yoseph laughed.
"Why are you standing under the sun? Where's your umbrella?"
"I didn't bring it. It felt like extra luggage."
"It seems you enjoy suffering."
Rose pouted.
"How's your finger?"
"It's healing."
She held up her hand proudly.
"See?"
"Good."
"Guess what?"
"What?"
"You've finally fallen in love with me?"
Rose glared at him.
"You really can't behave, can you?"
Yoseph laughed.
"Alright, what's the news?"
"Our boss paid everyone's monthly bonus today."
Rose practically beamed.
"All my problems are gone. Isn't he amazing?"
Yoseph hid a smile.
"Hmm. So now you don't need me anymore?"
"Are you jealous?"
Rose laughed.
"Honestly, I think my boss is different from most CEOs. He actually cares about his employees."
Yoseph glanced at her.
Even though she had never met him, she was defending him.
Oddly enough, it warmed something inside him.
"Not all CEOs are villains, huh?" he asked.
"Definitely not mine."
Yoseph nodded.
They spent the drive talking about random things.
Eventually, he pulled up outside her street.
Before she got out, he leaned forward and placed a light kiss on her forehead.
"Take care."
Rose smiled.
"You too."
Yoseph watched her disappear into the community before finally driving away.
- Writer
