Destined To Be Mine

Chapter4: Lingering Feeling

Melissa's Pov

I fidgeted with my fingers, standing outside Alexander's office. My heart raced with a mixture of nerves and trepidation.

I didn't know what to expect, but I knew I had to stay prepared.

I took a deep breath... pushing the door aside before stepping inside.

Alexander raised his gaze, his eyes narrowing slightly as he took my appearance in. "Melissa. Good to see you're early, as always."

His baritone sent shivers down my spine... tone was low and smooth. It was still the same voice that had haunted me in my high school days.

"G...good morning sir," I replied, failing to keep my voice steady. I mentally slapped my forehead and how weak and pathetic I could be in front of him.

Alex nodded, his gaze still lingering on mine, made me feel uncomfortable. Did he remember me? All this time I'd never been able to guess whether or not he did. And every time I looked at him, I couldn't bring myself to forget the humiliation.

I pushed the memories aside, trying to remain positive. Shaking off the feeling of vulnerability, especially around him was a tough thing to do. I felt helpless.

I went about my daily work and couldn't help the fact that It was growing more and more uneasy. His eyes seemed to bore into my soul...it was as though he knew me to my darkest secrets.

He always had his blurry screen glass on, but today it was different. Was he watching me? I didn't dare confront him about anything, even though I was beginning to have the feeling that he did recognize me. It was as though he was trying to push me to my breaking point...to toy with my emotions till I could no longer take it anymore.

It was a game I didn't understand. And here, I felt trapped.

Despite all that, I couldn't help but feel drawn to him...my high school bully in some ways. He was complex, enigmatic, full of contradictions and unpredictability. He was cruel, and I couldn't help but wonder if he maybe...changed.

I willed myself to focus on the work at hand not knowing when the day drew to a close. I was already exhausted and drained and didn't know how much longer I could take this.

Then I got a call and knew it was Alex calling me into his office. I packed the reviewed documents before rising from my desk. As I approached his office, I looked at my watch...it was day two before I went last to the station...I still needed to go back for more emphasis on my mother.

"I have some additional tasks for you," Alexander said as I walked in, leaning against his seat. I approached his desk, submitting all the finished documents before leaving them there.

I willed myself to listen to what he was about to say. Did he not understand that I was close to my breaking point?

"I need you to review the marketing reports for the past quarter and I want a detailed analysis of our performance during the past few weeks, including the areas we can improve."

I took note of everything he said, scribbling away in my notepad.

"Then, you'll be coordinating a meeting with the sales team. We'll discuss our strategy for the upcoming quarter and ensure that everybody is on the same page." He emphasized.

I gave another nod, sighing mentally because I didn't know how my performance was going to be in this meeting.

"You'll then need to work with the design team to develop a new logo for our company. I want something that reflects our standards, values, and mission. Bold and sharp. I trust you have keen eyes for details, so I hope you meet my expectations."

"A new logo?" I c****d my brows, stunned by the request.

Alex nodded. "Yes. And I want something that would make us stand out from the competition. It's something you do..." He paused before looking straight into my eyes. "Isn't it?"

I quietly swallowed, managing a nod as I processed the new task. I had the feeling that this project was going to be a difficult one, but I had to push even though.

I couldn't help but feel overwhelmed as I left Alexander's office. I had a mountain of tasks to complete and I wasn't even sure how to start. But I was determined to prove myself to Alex even though. I was capable of handling anything he threw my way.

I spent the rest of the day working on the market reports and pouring over spreadsheets and data... again. I sighed every blessed minute I couldn't figure out how to achieve a task.

From time to time I glanced beyond the glass at Emily who was occupied with work but still kept giving me suspicious glances. What is on with her?

I turned back to what I was doing focusing on how to get them done before day break because I needed to focus on another uncovered case at home.

Then I heard someone walk in. "Hey Melissa, can I talk to you for a moment?"

I felt a sense of fatigue wash over me, but I nodded either way.

"Listen, I've noticed you and the boss have been spending a whole lot of time together lately," Emily said, her voice low. "I'm not the only one who noticed, even the other workers are talking about it "

I sighed exasperatedly. "What are they saying?"

"That you're getting special treatment because he's probably known you before?" Emily replied, her eyes sympathetic. "I know that's not true though, you're just doing your job."

Rubbing my temples, I could feel a headache settling in. "It's not that at all Emily. Alexander is... complicated. He's my boss, and yes it goes beyond that but it has nothing to do with affairs or favoritism. It's quite the opposite if you ask me."

Emily's brows shot up. "I see, that explains it."

I nodded, leaning forward before clasping my hand on my desk. "It's been a challenge I must say. I'm only trying to remain professional whereas, I'm on the verge of breaking down."

"I get it." Emily nodded. "But there's something else you need to know. April has been getting quite agitated lately due to the news and seeing you and the boss together."

My heart sank because that girl was the last person I wanted to deal with. "What's with her too?"

"She thinks you're trying to steal him away from her. And everyone here still ships them together even though."

I rolled my eyes, feeling a wave of frustration watch through me. This is just what I needed. More drama.

"She'll deal with it herself, why bother with me," I said before Emily chuckled.

"Well, I'd say watch your back when dealing with someone like April. She's a devil." She said before dismissing herself.

I could almost not do this anymore.

I sat alone after hours had gone by, my eyes still fixed on the computer screen as I worked tirelessly.

The silence was heavy, one could slice a knife through it. The only sound was the soft hum of the air conditioner.

I began to sense a creeping feeling of unease, my fingers pausing on the keyboard before I glanced slightly over my tinging shoulder. I blinked before focusing again, trying to brush it off. But the feeling persisted.

Eyes were in me, boring into my skin...like cold calculating weights. I spun around but the room was empty. Maybe I was just imagining it.

But the feeling grew stronger with each passing minute. My heart thumped faster and before I knew it, I noticed Alexander by the doorway of his office, watching me work.

My heart nearly jumped out of my chest before I willed myself to breathe again. What did he want? And why was he watching me?

I tried focusing on my work but his piercing eyes and chiseled features lingered on me. Like a predator to his prey. My skin crawled as I opened my mouth to speak but he went back in like he hadn't just been watching me.

I let out a shaky breath. Alexander was watching me...just like he did in high school, his presence lingering in the atmosphere.

I didn't know what his intentions with me were and I also couldn't be sure, they were good.