Wilted Roses

Chapter # 3

Raizel

I ask myself on whose heartbeats I placed my faith upon?

Since I was staying at the main King Mansion tonight, my sleeps were deprieved of me. The moment I closed my eyes-

All I could see was pitch darkness surrounding me and amid this gloom my eyes fell upon my bloody hands.

“Dammit!” I hissed, slamming my hands on the bed. “Only if there’s a single chance to know…” I breathed out, lowering my head, pulling my hair. I wish someone could help me to get out of this phase but to no avail. “How could I have done this? That’s not me…” My voice slumped in woe came out barely audible, shutting my eyes, I pulled my hair. “That’s not me…” I whispered desperately, only if there’s a chance to know what I have done. Please someone return me lost memories, my solace.

I have chosen the darkness myself and I shall remain in it.

Getting up, I went to the balcony, my hands resting upon the twilight dispersing in the sky with a devoid gaze and thankfully before I could remain in this aching interlude, the morning cast upon the sky like a blessing.

I got ready for work, wearing my suit jacket, I applied my cologne and wore my accessories. I don’t want to stay in this horrendous place even for a second. I have already lost my lull here, my eyes were heavy due to lack of sleep but I can't spend a second here.

“Ah, My boy! Up early?” Father asked, grinning but when he noticed my expression his happiness faded as he stopped me, “You had that nightmare again?” He asked seriously. “Again would sound better if it left me in the first place.” I hissed, rolling my eyes.

“Things won’t move forward if you won’t try, son.” He said softly, pitying my state but scoffing, I hissed again, “You won’t understand, Father. Everything is a temporary joy to you but unlike you, I am incapable of embracing the new morning until I can't fix the previous night." I told him seriously. No matter how much I try, I can't become a carefree man like him. Every single thing leaves a great impact on my mind.

"I only hope this weight won't crush you..." he sighed, giving my shoulder a pat before leaving before coming back to his usual playful self and going to Mother to tease her.

My hands clenched but upholding an almost furious yet arduous expression on my face, I left for work.

I entered, Janessa was waiting for me. "Good Morning, Sir." She greeted me, coming after me. "Hmm. Did you find Carrol's replacement?" I asked strictly. "Yes. And I can assure you she won't be like others." She said nervously.

"And if she turned out to be..." I paused, stopping in my tracks for a second, turning to her coldly, "You will pay for it with your job." I whispered, earning a gulp from her. "I-I understand, Sir." She nodded hurriedly. Humming, I turned and went to the Elevator, saying, "I hope this one won't be another disappointment." Breathing out. I left for my cabin.

Reaching my floor, I went straight to my cabin and saw a girl standing there, hands resting on her waist, foot tapping on the ground with her eyes affixed on my schedule.

My steps slowed, narrowing my eyes, I looked at her arresting eyes, having the lightest and the most beautiful shade of blue I have ever seen. Her eyes are enchanting.

"Are you the new assistant?" I asked in my usual dominant tone, she gasped, startled as she failed to notice my presence before. Stumbling back, she held the clipboard to her chest, quivering up faintly, "Y-Yes, Sir." She whispered, stilled for a second. Rolling my eyes off from her, I was about to enter but stopped, glancing at her again, "Are you going to remain like that for the rest of the day?" I asked strictly, her breath hitched, shaking her head in denial, emitting a long breath, coming after me after clearing her throat.

"I apologize for that, Sir." She said, not lifting her gaze again. "What's your name?" I asked, putting my bag on the table, sitting down, taking a file from my table, working on it. "Faye Ziel." She replied, her tone becoming normal finally.

"Faye Ziel, right?" I asked, not lifting my head. "Yes, Sir."

"Okay then, Faye, you are here on a three months trial, if you perform well, you will get the job. I hope Janessa has explained everything to you." I said, disinterest, at this point, I was assured I will fire both her and Janessa in the end.

"She did. I can assure you I won't disappoint you, Sir." She said sternly but I smirked emptily, not caring about her determined words, "We will see." I hummed, motioning her to get to work as she began to explain to me my schedule.

"-.. And in the end, you have a meeting with Mr Herd for our business expansion to France." She explained everything and the thought of doing it gave me a migraine. I haven't slept all night and now I have to deal with all this too.

"Okay. here, take this file and give it to Wayne Smith, you will find it on the thirtieth floor. You will also find James there as well, tell him to meet me now and get me a cup of black coffee." I said, barely doubting she would remember it all. Giving her the file I was working on, "Yes, Sir." She nodded. Arching a brow, I finally looked up at her and met her blue orbs waiting for me to give the file but I was perplexed, a strange feeling. Narrowing my eyes at her, I gave her the file. Her eyes, holding no expression, almost dead, taking the file, she left.

I leaned back in my eyes, watching her traces which left with a sigh of relief, "I think she finally found someone worthy." I breathed out with a faint smile that I could finally have someone who won't piss me.

Since I was already exhausted, I finished everything quickly. Having three cups of coffee and there's still time for the meeting.

"Are you alright, Sir?" Faye asked, giving me my fourth cup of coffee. I wish. I thought. "Hmm." I hummed, rubbing my temples, my coat was resting on my chair, sleeves rolled to my elbow perfectly as I put my work aside for a moment to take a deep breath and not exert myself.

"Sir... If I may?" She asked cautiously, putting the coffee on the table. "You don't seem okay. How will you be mentally present at the meeting when you are exhausted?" She asked, she was right but I don't have options either. For someone who can't sleep, going beyond limits has become a habit of mine.

"I am fine..." I replied, leaning back, taking a sip of my coffee. My eyes were heavy, there was not a single moment of serenity there, I couldn't sleep and now it's taking its toll.

"There's still two hours for the meeting, why don't you rest for some time?" She suggested, shrugging her shoulders. "You don't have to bother yourself with it." I scoffed, not bothering to think.

“But Sir, your each action impacts the whole company, you are exhausted, who will manage it?” She asked, voice was concerned but it came as an offense to me, “Are you doubting my capabilities?” I asked, displeased. “I certainly did not mean my words like this.” She tried to explain softly but I cut her off, “It’s your first day, Faye. Don’t tell me what to do. Just do as you are told.” I told her strictly.

"I apologize, Sir. " She nodded and left. What does this woman think of herself?

After she left, I finished my coffee and after doing some work, I attended the meeting. It went well and after finishing my work, I was about to leave for home but Janessa came and asked, “I hope she is fine, Sir.” She asked expectantly but then again, at least she is not trying to distract me from my work and what else do I need?

“She is fine, just tell her to control her mouth.” I said emotionlessly, taking my stuff and finally leaving for my home immediately to get a moment of rest and earn the lull nights have stolen from me.