The CEO is my ex!!!
902 Words
Ciara's POV
I rushed to the elevator, files clutched to my chest. I hit the button for the 10th floor and began flipping through the files. I found mine and scanned it quickly. Everything looked good - no negative comments or issues... Well, I guess so.
I did notice some extra notes at the bottom, but I didn't bother to read them.
Next, I found Tiffany's file. She was always late, and it was clearly documented. I felt a little bad for her.
Then, I saw Becky's file. It was surprisingly thick, with lots of pages detailing her performance. I wondered what could have caused her file to be so extensive.
The elevator doors opened, and I stepped out onto the 10th floor. I took a deep breath, preparing myself for the meeting with my boss, Jason. As I approached the secretary's desk, I sucked on my lower lip, a nervous habit.
The secretary looked up at me and asked, "Can I help you?" She looked authoritative, with her small glasses perched on her tiny nose bridge.
"I'm here to see Mr. Jason," I replied, trying to sound confident.
The secretary nodded and picked up the phone. After a brief conversation, she waved at me. "You may go in."
I took another deep breath, squared my shoulders, and pushed open the door. Just as I was about to touch the door handle, it twisted by itself. "Ciara!" Ryan called.
I waved without smiling, feeling a growing sense of nervousness. Jason, my ex-boyfriend and now my boss, looked up at me with an air of superiority. His emerald green eyes seemed to bore into my soul.
"Ciara Gibson..." He called my name in a tentative tone. "Mr. Marcus asked you to deliver these files, huh?"
I nodded, feeling a surge of nervousness. "Yes, sir."
Jason's eyes roamed over me, making me feel uncomfortable. I could sense his disdain, his belief that I was beneath him.
My stomach tightened with the tingling nostalgic feelings from the past.
After what felt like an eternity, Jason handed me back the files. "You can leave."
I turned around and left, still feeling dazed. My hair was messy, with strands falling into my glasses. It was very unprofessional of him to send me out without even a sac letter.
I chose to take the stairs, hoping to relieve some stress.
As I descended, I heard Becky's voice, her words carrying on the air.
"...Are you sure the boss isn't laying off workers?" she asked, her tone laced with concern.
I stopped on the stairs, listening intently. Becky's conversation was hushed, but I could make out the words.
"That's a relief," she said, her voice tinged with sarcasm. "Then, why did he ask for our files in the marketing department?"
Then I heard her gasp after some seconds. "No way! Is there going to be a promotion?" She giggled, like she ever merited the position of a marketer.
Pttttt...
"I'm yet to get the idea for the new item," she said. "Aye... She's gonna tell me before the meeting. She just hasn't had time to think of an idea." Her tongue clicked in mockery.
I didn't understand that part of their conversation, but I kept listening. "She went to deliver the files, as a pushover, she is." She laughed.
Oh... Who went to deliver files?
Me!!!
Am I a pushover?
I sighed.
"I'll ask her when she returns," Becky said. "I really need to get credit for this as well... To boost my chances of getting promoted."
Tears welled up in my eyes. I've always come up with little marketing schemes, which I told Becky about. Due to my lack of confidence, I usually let her present my ideas at board meetings. Has she been getting credit for my work?
Hot blood rushed through my head. Deep down, I wanted to confront her, but this is a professional setting. I wouldn't dare. I saw her smirk after making more demeaning comments about me before she left.
After a while, I went back upstairs, staggered to my seat, and sank into the comfortable chair. I began to sob on my desk, my head down. I really am a pushover. That's why Jason did all that to me back then.
"I think everyone is gonna do a presentation today," Tiffany said.
Mr. Marcus came in, slapping his palms together. "Everyone, get to work. I want 'em real ideas!"
I nodded. "Yes, sir."
"Let's get to work," Mr. Marcus said, patting my back. "You good?"
"Yeah," I lied, still feeling shaken.
"Hey Ciara." Becky said, touching my shoulder. "Are you sure you're okay? Wouldn't you like to get some rest?"
"I'm good," I told her, shifting away to remove her hand.
"Any ideas for the product yet?" Becky asked, tilting her head.
"We'll all get to do a presentation," I reminded her.
She closed her eyes and cussed. "You know the presentation wouldn't do you any good. You're not..."
"I'm not what?" I raised my pitch.
She sensed it and revealed her bitchy look. "Why don't we do what we always did?" She smirked. "I'll give you five hundred dollars immediately."
My eyes shone. My salary was cool, but an extra $500 would do some good. I can just come up with a nice idea and sell it to her, then I'll think of a better one for myself. Fair! Isn't it?
- Writer
