Without your presence
1107 Words
“What’s wrong with her?” the director scoffed from the table. “Isn’t that some trend among young people these days? Sleeping with anyone for favors. What’s there to get so offended about?” The filthy words landed out of his mouth without regret.
Killian’s jaw tightened. His fingers curled slowly against the table, as his knuckles turned white.
Bam!
The sound of Killan’s palm slamming down echoed through the conference room, making everyone flinch, and all the whispers died instantly. No one even dared to breathe too loudly.
Killian lifted his head, his eyes filled with rage.
“Director Williams,” he began, “is that how you treat young people who are just trying to make a living?”
Director Williams stiffened. He hadn’t expected this from Killian to react over a mere secretary, who was easily disposable, someone who likely wouldn’t last long anyway.
“E-Excuse me?” he barely managed to speak, unease creeping into his voice as he met Killian’s gaze.
Killian straightened as he stood finally. “You mocked an employee’s effort,” he said. “And you dared to accuse our higher-ups of negligence while doing so.”
The room got dead silent.
“Director Williams, you are suspended for a month from your position. To reflect what you said, you must give the service in the health community center. I hope you don't show the same attitude there. This order will be effective immediately,” Killian pronounced, declaring a punishment no one even anticipated.
Director Williams’s face was drained of color as he never expected he would be punished for something so minor.
“Killian, you—” The director couldn't even start what was in his mind when Killian interrupted him.
“I will not tolerate remarks like that about any employee. The ethical value of the company says that every employee has their own dignity,” Killian added, eyes sweeping across the table, making sure everyone felt it.
Without waiting for a response, he turned and walked out of the conference room, leaving behind a clear message that no one there would ever forget.
Back in his office, Killian pushed the incident out of his mind, burying himself in work. He didn’t even realize Renee was missing until he felt the need to relax and vent on someone so he reached for the intercom.
“Coffee,” he said curtly.
A few minutes later, a knock broke the silence.
“Come in,” Killian said without lifting his head. “Put the coffee on the side table and bring the file I gave you this morning.”
“Sorry, sir,” a soft voice replied.
Killian’s pen froze as he realized it wasn't Renee's voice.
“Who are you?” His gaze turned cold. “Why are you here? Where is Secretary Renee?”
The girl stiffened, fear flashing across her face. “Secretary Renee… She left in the morning, sir.”
“What?” Killian stood up at once. “Left where?” Then, his eyes darkened. “And you’re telling me this now?” he snapped. “Where is Mark? Send him in. Now.”
The female assistant scurried out of his cabin, thanking her ancestors that Killian didn’t lash out at her, and went to call Mark.
While Killian was going crazy after remembering that he had not seen Renee since she ran out of the conference room.
“Seriously?” He muttered under his breath. “She ran away without even notifying me. Does she think it's her home?”
He picked up his phone, thinking of calling her, but refrained from doing so. He didn’t want to lower himself to her level.
Killian was the boss, and there was no way he would call a mere employee to see where she had run to! He could just fire her, right?
“f**k!” He pinched between his brows. “Where the hell is Mark!”
Killian waited for Mark, but he didn’t come. He couldn’t wait any longer and went out to ask why they were delaying fulfilling his order.
“Bo… Boss… Mr. Mark is outside and… He is on his way here,” another executive staff employee replied while stammering.
Killian glared at her and returned to his cabin.
He couldn’t take it anymore and texted Renee.
“Where are you? Come at this instant to my office.”
“Have you lost your mind? Do you want me to cancel our deal?”
There was no reply. He was frustrated by this woman's tantrums. Then, he texted her continuously, but to no avail, so he decided to call her.
“What the hell!” Killian almost smashed his phone, but he managed to control himself. “Not only is she not replying to my text, but not even answering my calls!”
In just a span of an hour, he had left multiple calls and messages. He was on the verge of losing his temper when Mark arrived.
“Boss, were you looking for me?” Mark asked, sensing the grim atmosphere.
“Find her!” Killian growled. “I want her here.”
“Are you talking about Renee?” Mark asked, raising a brow. “Can’t you just call her?” He suggested.
“Do you think I would have asked you if I could reach her?” Killian gave him a sharp glare. “Why did she run away? Has she gone mad or what? She's my wife! And she disappeared suddenly.”
“Anyone could have done that!” Mark remarked.
“Are you saying that it’s my fault that she ran away?” Killian walked toward Mark.
“Forgive me, but the words of the directors were pretty harsh, and when she looked at you for your support, you did nothing other than wear a smirk on your lips.” Mark didn’t refrain from speaking the truth.
Killian frowned at him when Mark asked him to relax.
“I'll call her. Maybe she answers mine,” he said with confidence, already dialing Renee's number.
“If she's not answering my call, that means she won't—” Killian paused in shock as Mark got connected with Renee on the phone.
“Renee, where have you gone? Are you upset about what happened in the morning? Your husband is going crazy without your presence. Return to the office before he fires me,” Mark said in a light-hearted tone.
“Mark, tell him, I won't come to him. He thinks I sleep with others to gain favors. I-I hate him,” Renee said angrily.
- Writer
