Evelyn’s Confusion
1457 Words
They had just finished work for the day, and it was time for everyone to introduce themselves properly again. The air in the office was lighter now—everyone looked relaxed and cheerful, except Evelyn, who still felt a little tense from the day’s workload.
“Hi, my name is Evelyn, and I’m the new manager,” she said with a polite smile.
“I’m Emma, the secretary,” another lady said warmly.
“I’m William, the PRO,” a tall man added, smiling back at Evelyn.
Everyone introduced themselves one after the other until it was time for Emily. Evelyn looked at her and asked respectfully, “Um… sorry, I didn’t get your name.”
Emily scoffed, rolled her eyes, and walked away without saying a word.
The room went silent. Everyone pretended not to notice, but the awkwardness hung in the air.
Evelyn stood frozen for a second before muttering under her breath, “What’s wrong with her?” She was visibly confused and embarrassed.
As everyone began packing their bags and heading home, Emma quietly walked up to her. “That’s Emily,” she said softly.
“Emily?” Evelyn asked, still confused.
“Yes… she’s Mr. Donald’s fiancée.”
Evelyn froze. “Who?” she asked again, her voice trembling slightly.
“The lady who just hissed at you,” Emma repeated.
Evelyn’s heart dropped. “But Donald didn’t tell me he had a girlfriend,” she said, her voice almost breaking.
Emma frowned. “And who are you that he must tell?”
That question hit Evelyn like a slap. She stared at Emma for a moment, her eyes glistening with tears, then turned around and walked out silently.
“Wait, Evelyn! I didn’t mean it like that!” Emma called out, running after her, but it was too late—Evelyn had already boarded a bus home.
As the bus moved, Evelyn leaned against the window, her reflection staring back at her. Why am I crying? she thought, wiping her tears quickly before anyone could notice. He’s my boss, nothing more… so why does it hurt so much?
---
When she arrived home, Olivia noticed her expression immediately.
“Evelyn, what happened? Why do you look so exhausted? Did something happen at work?” Olivia asked, rushing toward her.
Evelyn dropped her bag and sighed heavily. “Donald has a girlfriend, Olly. He has a girlfriend!” she shouted, her voice shaking.
Olivia blinked in surprise. “Wait—what? Don’t tell me you’re falling for Donald.”
Evelyn’s eyes widened. “Donald? No! No, I’m not falling for him. I was just… surprised, that’s all. He never mentioned it.”
“Evelyn,” Olivia said softly, “you’re just one of his workers. He doesn’t owe you that explanation.”
“I know, I know,” Evelyn said quickly, brushing off her tears. “Please, I need to rest.” She stood up and walked toward her room.
Olivia watched her go, confusion written all over her face. She had never seen Evelyn react like that before. “What has come over her?” she whispered to herself.
---
Later that evening, Olivia called Evelyn to join her in the dining room.
“Evelyn, you’ve been quiet all night. Did anything else happen at work?” Olivia’s mother asked kindly.
Evelyn forced a smile. “No, ma, nothing serious.”
“I guess it’s just the stress,” Olivia’s father said, sipping his coffee. “You’ll get used to it soon.”
“Yes, my dear,” Olivia’s mother added. “Take it easy. First weeks at a new job are always tough.”
Evelyn nodded silently and continued eating, even though she barely had an appetite.
---
The next morning, Olivia’s voice echoed through the house.
“Evelyn! What are you still doing in bed? We’re going to be late!”
Evelyn groaned softly and sat up. “I’m coming!” she shouted, rushing into the bathroom.
Within minutes, she had bathed, dressed, and grabbed her bag. She met Olivia in the living room looking pale and tired.
“Evelyn, are you okay?” Olivia asked, walking toward her.
“I’m fine, Olly. Can we just go, please?”
“You don’t look fine. You’re pale and quiet.”
“I said I’m fine!” Evelyn snapped, then quickly looked away. “Sorry… I didn’t mean to shout.”
Olivia sighed. “At least eat something. There’s food on the dining table.”
“I’ve lost my appetite,” Evelyn said weakly.
“What about coffee?”
“Maybe just a little.”
Olivia asked one of the maids to prepare a cup for her, and after a few sips, they both left for work.
---
At the office, Evelyn greeted everyone politely.
“Good morning, everyone.”
“Morning, Miss Evelyn,” they chorused—except Emily, who ignored her completely.
Evelyn pretended not to notice and went straight to her desk.
“She looks different today,” one of the staff whispered to Emma. “Her eyes look swollen.”
Before Emma could respond, the office phone rang. Emily picked it up.
“Yes, sir. Okay.” She dropped the receiver and smirked slightly. “Evelyn, Mr. Donald said you should see him in his office.”
“It’s Miss Evelyn,” Evelyn corrected gently.
“He said you should come right away,” Emily repeated, ignoring the correction.
Evelyn sighed, stood up, and walked toward Donald’s office.
“Good morning, sir,” she greeted as she entered.
“Good morning, Miss Evelyn,” Donald replied, his tone unusually cold.
“Miss Evelyn?” she repeated softly, surprised. He’d never addressed her that formally before.
“Why did you come late on your second day?” he asked, his expression serious.
“I’m sorry, sir. It won’t happen again.”
“Take these files,” he said, handing her a large stack. “I want them reviewed and back on my table in two hours.”
“Two hours, sir? These are a lot. I might need more time—”
“Next time you’ll learn to be punctual,” he interrupted.
Evelyn bit her lip and nodded quietly. “Yes, sir.”
She worked tirelessly, flipping through papers, making notes, and trying to stay focused. Her hands ached, and her eyes burned, but she kept going.
Exactly two hours later, she walked back into his office with the files.
“These are the files, sir,” she said softly.
Donald looked up and noticed how pale and tired she looked. Her eyes were slightly red, and there was sadness in her tone. He immediately felt guilty.
“I’m sorry,” he said quietly.
Evelyn forced a small smile. “You did nothing wrong, sir. I deserved it.”
“Nobody deserves to be—”
“Excuse me, sir,” she interrupted gently. “Miss Emily gave me more files to go through. I’ll take my leave.”
She walked out quickly before he could say another word.
---
Work ended, and Evelyn packed her things in silence. Emma walked up to her hesitantly.
“Evelyn… I’m really sorry for what I said yesterday. I didn’t mean to hurt you.”
Evelyn kept walking. Emma’s voice trembled. “Please, I regret it. I shouldn’t have said that. I crossed the line.”
Evelyn stopped and turned slowly. She looked at Emma’s teary face and sighed.
“It’s fine, Emma. You didn’t cross any boundary,” she said softly.
Emma broke into a small smile and hugged her tightly. “Thank you so much, Miss Evelyn.”
“It’s okay,” Evelyn replied warmly.
They both walked to the bus stop and took a taxi home.
---
When Evelyn got home, she looked brighter. Olivia noticed immediately.
“I’m happy you’ve cheered up,” she said teasingly. “What happened? Did something good happen today?”
Evelyn smiled. “Not really… but there’s this girl, Emma. She’s amazing. I think I like her already.”
“Hmm, interesting. And who is she?” Olivia asked curiously.
“You don’t have to be jealous,” Evelyn laughed. “I can’t like anyone more than you.”
“You’re not serious,” Olivia said, rolling her eyes. “So, who is she?”
“She’s the secretary at work. She’s kind and real,” Evelyn said with a fond smile.
Olivia nodded. “I like the sound of that. At least you’re starting to get along with people.”
They both smiled as the maid served dinner. They ate, laughed a little, and later went to their rooms—unaware that another storm was quietly brewing behind the calm.
- Writer
