The Billionaire’s unbothered bride

Rose’ pov “This is unlike you, Rose.” I stare at my HR director’s stern look I’m unsure of what to say. She sits across from me with arms folded. Her expression looks far more serious than usual. This is serious. “You’ve been falling behind for weeks.” She says I look at the stack of unedited files on the table. She's right. I hate that she's right. There are files I should have completed days ago. I’ve missed quite a number of deadlines. There’s been mistakes in my recent work also. These events are unlike me. “I know,” I mutter. She closes the file. “Your performance has declined significantly.” “You've missed deadlines” “You've showed up late several times” “Lest I forget, how distracted you've been lately”. I shift uncomfortably in my seat. “I've just been tired lately.” “Tired?” I nod. She studies me for a moment. “Rose, I’ve been a director long enough to know your proficiency .” “This is unlike you” I don't answer. Because I don't know what to say. She slides a sheet of paper across the desk. I look down. A formal query. My stomach twists. “This is your first official warning,” she says. “I want an immediate improvement.” I pick up the paper, staring at it. A warning. Over my work. Me. I don't understand how things got this bad. I look back at the pile of unfinished files beside me. For the first time, I realize just how much I've been falling behind. And I can't even explain why. Three months earlier. I lock my door as I head down the stairs, leaving for work. I get into my car as I drive off, observing the sky through my windscreen, I notice the weather is quite chill today, and the atmosphere is lovely, for a stroll, especially with a partner, I laugh, remembering my reality. It’s not that I don’t have one, he’s just busy that’s all. When I get to work, I pick up a cup of coffee, down the street as usual, It’s a busy day today, I settle in and take my unedited stories, and edit them before approving them for publication. My boss, Mr. Job, waves me good morning, I wave back, he’s a friendly man and he runs the press efficiently with his friendly attitude. I’m almost done sorting out the stories, I pick up my phone and check if my boyfriend has responded to my text, which I left this morning, nothing. I sigh and turn my attention back to screen. Gabe is busy, I tell myself. He’s trying to develop his company and find his footing in the corporate world, I know how demanding it can be and I understand he’s under pressure. I actually understand, or I think I do. The loud ping of my phone jolts me back to reality, I pick it up immediately. Gabe: sorry babe. Been busy since morning, will call later. I stare at the message for a few seconds. “Okay, don’t forget to eat, love you lots” i type in response and send it back. He responds soon, “love you too”. I smile faintly, keep my phone and go back to work. We’re fine, I tell myself again. Gabe and I have been together since university. We’ve weathered quite a bit of storms together, a period of busyness shouldn’t change that. Once his company is properly established, things will get better, he’ll have my time again. We might even start planning our wedding. “Rose” I look up, one of my colleagues is standing beside my desk. “Are you done editing the stories?” “Almost” She looks at my screen and challenges. “You’ve been on that same page for about ten minutes now” “I was thinking “ “About work?” I smile, “obviously” She doesn’t seem convinced, but she walks away. I continue with work, shortly after my phone rings again. This time it’s Ryan. “What’s up, bro?” “How are you” “I’m working.” “I didn’t ask what you were doing” I roll my eyes “I’m fine, Ryan.” He pauses, “how’s Gabe?” he asks “He’s fine” “You sure?” I pause, “what do you mean?” “You know what I mean, when last did you two talk” “We spoke this morning” i say His voice gets serious “how frequently do you guys talk now” “Gabe is busy Ryan” “Rose” “What?” “You keep making excuses for him” I deny. “When was the last time you two actually spent quality time together” I try to force a lie, but nothing comes out. Ryan sighs. I defend him again. “He’s building his company, Ryan. You should understand how important it is to him” “I like that you support him, but Rose i don’t want you to lose yourself to supporting him and you not having any support.” “Thank you, Ryan. We’re fine.” We’ll be fine, I tell myself. “I have to get back to work, I hope you have a nice day” He chuckles and responds, “alright baby sis, take care of yourself, call me if you need anything” The call ends. For a moment the conversation lingers, but I shake it off. Gabe is just busy, we’re fine, everything is fine. What I’ve been telling myself these past few months. I spend the rest of the day busy with work, and head home after the day’s work