Timeless Jewel

Four

Its been a few days since Talia was hired. Her daily routines were straight and simple. She goes to work every morning and comes home tired by 6pm.

Talia didn't have any complaints as this is the first stage in bouncing back her career.

Talia's eyes fluttered open, they welcomed the golden glow of the morning sun seeping through her bedroom curtains.

A contented grin played on her lips as she muttered, "It's been ages since I had such a good night's sleep."

With a gentle stretch, she rose from her cozy bed, ready to begin her day starting with her usual morning routines.

"I feel so energetic today!"

Talia woke up with the joy of feeling refreshed.

She started with a shower, then her daily quick yoga, followed by breakfast.

"Boss Lady Talia, reporting for duty!" she declared playfully, standing before her mirror, she exude an aura of confidence.

She looked at her mirror, checking herself out, she couldn't help but appreciate her beauty. She wasn't a fan of heavy makeup, but her natural beauty was more than enough to catch the attention of her boss, Grover.

Talia was donning a suit. She ordered it the day after she was hired and today she gets to finally go to work with it.

Brrrrr.

Just as she was about to make her grand exit, her phone rang.

"Hello?"

"I am going to ruin you. Everything and everyone you've ever touched will meet the same fate, have a nice day."

Just like that, Talia's demeanor changed. Her heart raced as cold sweats broke out of her head. She wasn't triggered by the words, but by the voice of the person on the other end of the call.

"Graham," she muttered with gritted teeth, the mere utterance of his name igniting a storm of emotions within her. Sadness, Anger, Rage, Confusion. A single sentence uttered by her ex rendered her once Joyful morning gloom.

The strange phone call messed things up, not just a little trouble but like a gloomy cloud that spoiled the beginning of her day. As she headed to work, his lingering vibes felt like an unwanted ghost in her mind. A sad feeling surrounded her, making the once sunny morning feel kind of ruined.

As Talia traveled alone, she kept thinking about Graham's childish behavior, a bad taste was left in her mouth.

"Honestly, I don't know what I saw in him," she said out loud, her voice showing a mix of surprise and annoyance.

The difference between the person she thought she knew and what he actually did made her struggle with how complicated people can be.

The dichotomy of Graham's two-faced nature gnawed at her.

The emotional turmoil she experienced was palpable, etched across her face as she replayed the scenes in her mind, questioning the authenticity of the time they shared together.

The weight of disappointment hung heavy, a silent companion overshadowing her usual optimism.

Yet, amidst the gloom, a glimmer of courage and dedication emerged.

"He's my past. Allowing him to live rent free in my head will only end up hurting me more."

Talia recognized the strength within herself to rise above the negativity.

The realization that some people Tracy wear masks and harbor hidden facets only fueled her determination to forge ahead, leaving the remnants of Graham's toxicity behind.

The road to work became a metaphorical journey of self-discovery, each passing moment a step toward healing and newfound clarity.

She arrives at her destination and heads over to her desk. Her desk was facing the office of the CEO, Grover.

The glass wall however only allowed see through from within so all Talia could see was her reflection.

She turned to her co-worker. "Did the boss arrive already?"

"Nope, he's never this late. He's a true workaholic so even I am surprised."

As if on cue, Grover arrives. The staff greeted him as he passed them and he returned their greetings with gestures like nods and waves.

Something was wrong, Talia could tell. But what was it?

"Uhm, good morning sir."

Grover didn't even spare a moment's look and brushed past her to enter his office.

"Did I do something wrong?" Confused, Talia turned to her co-worker.

"I don't know. He's strict, but he's never this grumpy."

"Tracybe he just has a lot going on." Talia brushed his actions off and continued working.

Meanwhile...

Grover was now on the phone with someone...

"What do you mean you need me to hold the fort for a couple of weeks?"

"Relax son, I have urgent matters to settle in Germany. It's important I leave as soon as possible."

"If it's so urgent, why are you being secretive about it? I noticed you've been coming home late. I hope you're not up to any mischief Father."

"If someone could here us, they'd wonder who the father is and who the child is. I assure you, everything's fine. I've been working late because I still have a few documents I have to process to finalise passing you the company."

Grover was still skeptical with the excuses. "Fine, I'll hold down the fort, just please don't do anything that'll jeopardise our relationship."

"I won't, take care now."

And with that, the call ended.

Grover sighed as he sinked into his chair. "I feel so exhausted and I haven't even done anything yet today."

So many things were going on in his head. He still didn't know how to properly respond to the e-mail Graham sent him.

"So far," He checks his phone. " Talia's life away from work seems normal enough. But it's only been a week since she was hired. If she's this mastermind Graham claims she is, she'll probably bide her time. I'll use this period to get closer to her, but how?"

He has a reputation to maintain as the boss and as such, he couldn't just head out and tell Talia what's going on. Nor could he ask her to be friends or close.

"Argh," Grover began to massage his forehead. "This puzzle is harder than solving the rubik's cube."