FRIGHTENED LOVE

Sudden promotion

As the first rays of dawn tiptoed through the curtains, Daniel stirred from his slumber, slowly returning from the realm of dreams. Blinking away the remnants of sleep, he embraced the new day with a surge of strength in his fluffy and comfortable bed, filled with a pleasant fragrance that permeated the room. Recalling the beautiful event that took place yesterday in his name brought a smile to his face. He had a flashback, remembering the bold and pretty girl who almost lost her job yesterday because she couldn't tolerate his mum's rudeness. It even made him laugh.

He was still savoring these good memories when a hard knock came on his door.

Knock... Knock... Knock...

"Daniel, wake up! You can't be sleeping at this time. Stop these bad sleeping habits because you're coming with me to the office today," his mum yelled.

"Oh gosh, I thought we were good now," Daniel said to himself before shouting, "Okay, let me quickly take a shower."

Daniel stepped into his bathroom, decorated with sleek design and tranquil elegance. The white marble floor was cool to the touch, and at the center of the room stood a luxurious bathtub, inviting relaxation after a long day. Daniel gently took a shower and wrapped himself in a towel as he stepped out of the bathroom.

He went to the large mirror standing at the right side of the room to see his reflection.

"Oh, I'll have to look really smart so she won't see me like a doll," he smiled at his own thought and went to his closet to find a very smart outfit.

His mother barged into the room. "Dan!! What are you still doing? Oh damn it!" Daniel looked at her furiously. "They put that iron knock on the door for a reason. What if I was naked?"

"Well, you're my son. I saw that thing you're hiding even before you did, I can even recollect when I used to massage it every morning when you just underwent circumcision, so desist from portraying it as something novel and follow me," she exited the room swiftly.

Daniel didn't even know if he was furious or embarrassed; the only action he took was to follow his mother like an impassive individual. He was already grooming his hair when Chidinma intervened.

This is one aspect Daniel strongly dislikes about his mother: she allows him no privacy. That's why he always secures his room door, but this time he left it unsecured due to sheer exhaustion after the party. Immediately upon arriving home, he went straight to bed and fell asleep.

Daniel and his mother were seated in the rear compartment of the moving vehicle en route to the office; they both maintained considerable distance from others. Daniel occupied the left side of the window, contemplating how the life he thought he had escaped from seems to be resurfacing due to his mother's gradually increasing influence, while Chidinma sat on the right side, engrossed in her phone.

"Mum, you need to refrain from being discourteous to the company staff. You ought to apologize to the lady you berated yesterday. She did not warrant such disparagement in front of the entire staff, including the janitors and guests. That was truly unbecoming. I empathized with her, which is why I did not allow her to depart so hastily," Daniel broke the awkward silence.

Chidinma remained silent for a while after Daniel finished speaking before clearing her throat. "Well, it is my company. I determine whom I wish to treat amiably or harshly, and I am well aware that no one can dictate how I lead my life."

"First and foremost, it is our company. And as far as I can recall, you have never extended kindness to anyone," Daniel interjected angrily.

Chidinma glanced at him with a warning expression.

Daniel restrained his anger. "Well, if you truly wish for me to continue accompanying you, then you ought to contemplate a change."

Chidinma grinned, diverting her gaze to the window. "Exercise caution," was all she said.

Chidinma knows for a fact that no one ever speaks positively about her, but they never confront her directly, which is why she is indifferent to their opinions as long as she maintains control.

Upon reaching the office, Chidinma summoned Sila to her office.

Sila felt a flutter in her stomach, pondering why she was being summoned. "I would rather resign than allow her to terminate my employment," she thought as she stood up to respond. "But I have not yet drafted my resignation letter," she remembered, refraining from going to Chidinma's office until she completed writing the letter, intending to submit it as soon as Chidinma declared her termination so as not to appear overly eager for the job. She neatly folded the paper and placed it in her handbag before heading to Chidinma's office.

Daniel felt a flutter in his stomach as soon as he caught sight of Sila. It was at that moment he remembered he had not finished grooming his hair before his mother intruded into the room. "Oh no, my hair is unkempt," he thought to himself as he hastily ran his hand through his hair, stealing glances at Sila while attempting to tidy up his appearance.

"Like mother, like son," Sila thought to herself, walking towards Chidinma. "Good morning, ma," she greeted, bending her knees as usual.

"Good morning, Sila. How are you today?" Chidinma responded in a manner so courteous that it left Sila silently astonished. Even Daniel was amused.

Sila smiled back at her. "I am doing well."

Another flutter gripped Sila's stomach as Chidinma opened her locker to retrieve a file and handed it over to Sila with a warm smile. "Review this and sign it." Wondering what it could be, Sila accepted the file with a forced smile and began reading it in Chidinma's presence.

Daniel was seated comfortably on the client cushion in his mother's office, observing Sila and admiring her flawless complexion and naturally curvaceous figure. "She's so courageous," he thought to himself. "Wait, am I developing feelings for her already?" he asked himself. "No, that cannot be possible. How could I even entertain the notion of falling in love with her? Ridiculous," he struggled to tear his gaze away from her.

Sila widened her eyes in amusement. "A promotion! Thank you, ma."

Chidinma adopted a stern expression. "I am promoting you solely to encourage improvement, not to sit idly. Take heed," she cautioned.

"Understood, ma. Thank you, ma."

Daniel was impressed by his mother's actions. Rising from his seat, he extended his hand to shake Sila's. "Congratulations on your promotion."

"Thank you, sir," Sila responded. She offered him a warm smile that melted Daniel's heart, and he returned the smile, locking eyes with Sila. Sila quickly averted her gaze and hurried off to her department to share the good news with her colleague Sarah.