Beyond The Pain

CHAPTER ONE - THE BARGAIN “You didn't meet up to the requirements, try again some other time.” Clio's eyes lingered on the rejection letter displayed on her laptop. Frustration simmered within her but instead of breaking down, it fueled her determination to work twice as hard until the day she qualified for the promotion she desired. As Clio walked towards the publisher's office, she held the files in her hand firmly. The wooden door with a placard of the publisher's name looked more like Clio's passageway to the top of her career and she was so ready to get in. “Sir, like you asked, I got my files ready and I'm here to apply again.” A curvy woman clad in a pink off shoulder gown started as she walked into the office. Jayden's brows furrowed upon Clio's sudden appearance. “I'm in the middle of a meeting. Can't you see that?” It was then that Clio acknowledged the presence of Jack, the new Intern and Cassie, the secretary. “Oh.. I'm sorry sir. I'd wait outside,” Clio immediately apologized. She had given herself enough mental preparation for today, she didn't want anything to go wrong. And with that, Clio turned on her heels to make her way out but then... “Sir, I thought you were about to excuse us. Miss Clio can wait,” Cassie's words put Clio to a halt. Jayden's black eyes shone darker than the mug on his table as he glared daggers at Cassie. “So you now tell me what to do, ey?” Cassie knew better than speaking but sometimes her lips had a mind of their own. She shook her head from ear to ear, “No sir, I would never. Pardon me sir.” “Sir, may I leave?” Jack asked with the intention of exiting the scene before things got out of hand. “The two of you, get out!” Jayden hollered at them and the duo scurried out of the office in fear. Clio stood rooted to the ground by the door, unsure of whether to take a step closer since Jayden was already provoked. Jayden took a long sip from his mug, whatever was in the mug seemed to be calming him down as he looked relaxed after the drink. Jayden drove a thumb over the edges of his lips to wipe off the liquid. Clio watched Jayden move from side to side on his executive chair with eyes that stared at her with so much intent. “Are you going to tell me why you're here or would you like to use the door?” Jayden’s question was all Clio needed to hear before she propelled her legs forward. “I'm qualified for the promotion sir. Here are my documents” Clio extended a file towards Jayden. Jayden stopped moving on his chair, he took the file from her and looked through it for a while before throwing them in the air like they were just a piece of trash. Clio's eyes sparkled with concern, “What's wrong sir? Why'd you throw it away?” Jayden’s brows clanked as he rose up from his chair, his brown pants looked rumpled, like they hadn't been ironed for weeks, “They're useless to me. You won't be needing those to get qualified anymore.” Clio's heart sank at the thought that she'd have to start over again but desperation tore at her lungs. “What would I need sir?” A small smirk played along Jayden's lips, framed by his scruffy beard. “I'd get you promoted if you spent a night with me.” Were Clio's ears working fine or did she just hear the most absurd statement? Clio gave him the benefit of the doubt, “I'm.. I'm sorry, I didn't get that. What did you say?” “Hey, hey I believe we're both mature adults and you understand what I meant. It's simple, you need the promotion, I need that...” Jayden's eyes moved from her face to her hips, the pink gown did well to hug her curves perfectly. Clio's face twisted in disgust as she watched Jayden’s expression turn lustful while he stared at her. Whatever atom of respect she had for Jayden disappeared immediately. “I used to look up to you! I just wanted a promotion, I worked so hard for this and now you're telling me to get what I deserve with my body? I will never!” Clio snapped. Jayden scoffed as he paced forwards, “Who said you had to look up to me when you can look down and see how massive I am down there?” Clio's blood boiled with rage upon hearing Jayden's perverted statement. Jayden rounded Clio's body, reaching for the door handle. He twisted it, locking them in. Jayden’s eyes landed on Clio's bum the moment he turned and he couldn't help but leave a s***k on them. “How dare you touch me?!” Clio thundered. “Come on, don't be feisty, I promise you'll enjoy it.” Jayden persisted as he wrapped his arm around Clio's waist. “Let me go, you p*****t!” Clio struggled in his arms but Jayden only got excited by her struggle. Jayden fixed his eyes on Clio's small lips, painted pink, he wondered what they tasted like and so he proceeded to plant a kiss on them. Jayden’s lips were only inches away from Clio’s when... “Pah!” Clio striked Jayden on the face, hard enough for him to step back. “You b***h!” He cursed. “If you dare to touch me one more time, I'll make you pay!” Clio warned. Jayden scoffed, “You think hitting me on the face is going to stop me? Nice try.” Jayden pulled Clio closer by her ass and she pushed him off, delivering a swift kick in his groin. “Arghh!” Jayden groaned in pain. “What an excuse for a man!” Clio cursed before turning to unlock the door. “You're fired! Get out!” Jayden howled. “To hell with you and your job!” Clio snapped back. But she only realized she was now jobless with no means to take care of her child after slamming the door behind her.