Beneath The Crown

Sarcastic Comebacks for Beginners

YALA POV

"Ahh, look who has finally decided to grace me with her presence." Has the universe precisely planned your attendance today?" Jai's unexpected entrance startled her, but she kept any traces of surprise hidden.

"Well, it appears so, as I've heard rumors of your intention to bask in the spotlight exclusively throughout the evening." In my laziness, I chose to eat my meal at the restaurant below. Unfortunately, cooking, dishwashing, and waiting for a delivery rider have rendered me helpless. As a result, I decided to eat in the lobby area.

"Oh, come on now, don't be jealous that you can't compete with my dazzling charisma." Jai never fails to amuse her.

"Dazzling charisma? Is that what they're calling "overbearing" these days?" she chuckled. Overbearing, yes.

"At the very least, my reputation does not entail merging with the wallpaper in the manner of a particular individual." Jai eyed me. Astonishing! The idea of myself as wallpaper is entirely absurd. I am mostly the center of attention. The audacity!

"Oh, come on now. "I've met livelier people in the reference section of a library," she said, staring at her thoughtfully.

"Ah, yes, the hallowed library - where you most likely unearthed those brilliant one-liners you're unleashing on me." Jai knows how to wag the harshest tongue in the most beautiful way. Scratch that! That is incorrect—simply evil incognito.

"And I'm guessing your esteemed institution meticulously honed your knack for the ingenuity of 'Mastering the Art of Inducing Sleep 101'?" She is now sincerely interested. Let's see how long her resolution lasts.

"And I suppose your creativity was developed in the school of "How to Make People Yawn 101"?" Now she's interested. Let's see when she'll hold.

"Well, if there's a class called 'Sarcastic Comebacks for Beginners,' you're clearly the slowest student." Isn't she usually ready with a retort?

"Admittedly, that is correct. "However, I can take solace in the fact that I am not the author of the critically panned masterpiece titled 'The Essential Guide to Irritating Every Soul in a Five-Sentence Radius.'" I'm starting to feel a tinge of annoyance. Could she please cease fire?

"Oh, you've got me surrounded." I'm surprised I overlooked that gem on your bookcase, nestled between the fascinating novels' Conversations That Failed to Ignite' and 'Embracing the Beauty of Mediocrity.'" Their statements are immersed in a passionate dispute, a struggle for the title of supreme provocateur.

"Touché. That I will give you, I may be consistent, but only in remaining completely unimpressed by your attempts of cleverness." However, it wouldn't hurt if Jai improved her game, right?

"Well, I suppose someone has to take on the noble job of keeping your expectations reasonable. It's a difficult mission, but I'm ready to take on the challenge." Jai's lips formed a knowing smirk.

"And I'm willing to bet this is the most difficult feat you've accomplished all week." Her features are adorned with a reciprocating smirk.

"Well, as the adage goes, someone ought to infuse a dash of excitement into your life," Jai replied.

"I had no idea you were vying for that lofty position." "A simple warning would have sufficed." She strides forward with a wink and a sugary smile, leaving no opportunity for rebuttal. As the lift door opens, she slips inside and quickly closes it.

Jai stands outside the lift, her eyes ablaze with boiling intensity. While her laughter continues, it's evident who has won this round: 1 point for me and 0 for Jai. Let the competition continue - the challenge is accepted! Bring it on b***h!

JAI POV

My dislike for Yala grows as time passes. Her obvious aura exudes an unmistakable dread that grows stronger with each passing moment. A glance at her face has the uncanny power to elicit diabolical emotions, demonstrating the depth of my disdain.

Reflecting on our recent encounter the other night sparks a fierce rage within my veins! I must suppress such ruminations should cosmic forces conspire to arrange yet another crossing of our paths. The thought of it is terrifying, and I must avoid it at all costs!

"Miss Harlow," her secretary's voice calls, but her thoughts are lost on a different planet. It's worth noting that Yala's impact extends even to the workplace, subtly derailing focus.

"Your presence is requested for a meeting with the board at 3 pm today," her secretary dutifully informed her.

"Understood, Harley." The indication for her departure is conveyed softly. She then turns on her computer to review the remaining meetings for today.

Harley has been a vital part of my career since I was appointed Vice President two years ago. Their closeness goes beyond the traditional boss-employee relationship, growing into a camaraderie sphere that benefits their personal and professional lives.

She found solace in the company of Harley and Mea at times. These occurrences deepened their bond, growing to the point where the duo's relationship went beyond her presence, a tribute to their friendship.

Despite the flurry of events around them, they are still deeply involved in the careful preparations for the upcoming Winter Fashion Collection. A huge fashion exhibition, set to open in less than a month, will add to their existing obligations.

Her concern grows as she learns that the project's top model, Cara Delevingne, has decided to drop out. Details about her departure remain a mystery, which adds to her anguish.

She says, "Please connect me to Ms. Suzette," as she calls Harley on a landline.

"Of course, just a moment," a brief silence is followed by the resonant ring of the opposite side's phone. Suzette, the entrusted director of the fashion show, models, and endorsers, is waiting at the other end of the queue.

"Hello, Miss Harlow," Suzette said again, cementing the connection.

"I need a status update on Cara Delevingne," she insists, her eagerness palpable in her tone. She is preparing for the meeting that will take place soon and needs a response quickly to come up with a solution.

"So, Cara has indeed withdrawn," Suzette's response is delivered with a stark lack of emotion, a revelation that catches her off guard.

"I am aware of the situation, hence my inquiry!" Her annoyance briefly seeped into her tone, an emotion sparked by the unexpected answer. Why would Suzette provide such a vexing response?

"Lewis scouted Cara," Suzette explains, explaining the unexpected departure. Despite being caught off guard, her reaction is appropriate, given the gravity of the news.

"Lewis scouted her," the discovery came as a surprise. Her uneasiness was justified, and the news had an impact on her.

"How did you allow this to happen?" The evolving situation proved considerably more aggravating than anticipated, worsening her pounding headache.

"Lewis has made her a more enticing offer." "I deeply regret this turn of events, Miss Harlow," her words quivered as they arrived at me, heavy with disappointment.

My management style does not trend toward strictness, but I am driven by accuracy in work. I'm resolute in my determination to eliminate any potential errors. On my watch, no way.

"As far as I know, Cara hasn't yet signed her contract with them." Perhaps it was a consoling gesture intended to alleviate my distress.

The call ended, but the headache from the event lingered. Harley entered the room with concern, sensing my emotional state.

"They've scouted Cara Delevingne," I exclaimed, emphasizing their strategic decision. The knowledge of their intention to secure Cara for their launch had been noticeable.

"They managed to reach Cara first, though she didn't immediately commit to signing their contract," the challenges of their attempt reveal themselves. However, the persuasion fell short, causing Cara to be skeptical. The resulting ripple effect is undeniable.

"I have Cara's phone number." Should I try to set up a meeting?" A unique suggestion develops. Immediately chatting with a model and endorser to recruit them piques my interest.

"Very well, keep me posted once you've made contact." Swiveling in my chair, I turned my gaze to the wall of floor-to-ceiling windows behind my desk. Stress grips me hard as I am overwhelmed by the turn of events.