I HATE HIM

Episode 2 Emotional Blackmail

Amanda was filled with remorse and anxiety upon finally arriving at the company's location. She understands Declan, her boss, is not exactly a fervent supporter of being late. She should therefore be ready to accept any repercussions that may follow.

Dec Pham is a billionaire empire and one of the biggest pharmaceutical companies in the state.

Before slipping into reception and taking a seat in her cubicle, Amanda took a brief look around to make sure Declan was not observing her. A call came in on the landline while she was still getting settled.

She thought it was unimportant at first and ignored the call. She would prefer to concentrate without being distracted by others since she recently arrived. The call would keep ringing non-stop the longer she ignored it.

Unfortunately, she chose to answer, and lo and behold, Declan, her boss, was on the other end of the call.

His baritone voice boomed, “Come see me at the office.”

Amanda instantly became cold and shivered like a hen in the rain.

She already knew what Declan wanted to talk to her about without having to be told.

With hope for a constructive meeting with Declan, she performed a cross sign.

Amanda got up and ran, not knocking, to Declan's office. It took her a few minutes to come to that realization.

“My bad, I made a mistake.

I should have knocked,” she said, apologizing before going outside to do so.

“Please allow me to enter at this time.” She asked in a courteous manner.

Declan responded salvage-wise, “You can stay standing there for decades if that pleases you.”

Amanda understood him and did not take offense, despite how impolite the response seemed to her.

Stepping inside, she put her hands behind her.

“You sent for me, sir,” she said, turning to face the ground as she awaited his response.

“What is the reason behind your tardiness?” Declan threw the accusatory question in her direction. He was staring straight ahead, not even glancing at Amanda.

He chose to look her in the eyes with fury when he realized she was not answering.

"I asked a question and anticipated a response from you. Have you suddenly lost all speech? Just answer the damn question already. Declan slammed the desk in frustration, saying, “I do not have the entire day.” Her suspense and silence were starting to get on his nerves.

She blurted out, “My boyfriend.”

“Your what? What are you talking about? You said something stupid in response to a straightforward question I posed. Do you even think that makes sense at all?” Declan did not even give Amanda a chance to breathe before clapping back at her.

“My boyfriend said he wanted to talk to me when he arrived at the house. Sadly, the little time we had together was time-consuming,” she said.

Declan chuckled, “Indeed!”

Who makes such an early visit? Is he unemployed? At such early hours of the day, why would anyone in their right mind pay someone a visit?

“I would like to know what you two talked about, but it is none of my damn business.”

“You do realize that I could have penalized you for this behavior, do not you?” He made her feel threatened.

"Oh my! I beg you not to. With both knees on the floor, Amanda begged that it would never happen again. Her eyes were already well-tinted and overflowing with tears.

They would be adrift in Amanda's sea of tears if Declan said one more hurtful word.

Just have a look at yourself. Now, where is your boyfriend? How come he is not here to save you?

At first, I was going to forgive you if your explanation held merit. “Listening to you talk about your boyfriend makes me question whether you really have a brain in your head,” Declan made fun of Amanda.

His decision was hindered for a short while as he was engrossed in a deep reverie about Amanda's attractiveness. Declan is not sure whether to punish Amanda or let her go.

He hesitated for a few minutes before asking her to stand up.

"Thank you, sir.

Is that an indication that you have extended forgiveness to me? Her question was slightly doubtful.

Declan chuckled mischievously, “Not so fast,” as he approached Amanda and made small talk about her hair. Fearing that he was trying to kiss her, she pulled back.

“Why are you eluding me? I don't bite, you know? I simply want what is best for you. Would you like to have dinner tonight?” Declan put forth a proposal.

“In this manner, you can accept responsibility for your misbehavior. What are your thoughts?” He gave Amanda a wink. Declan has chosen the best restaurant he wants to take her to, even though she has not replied yet.

That would be challenging, sir. You are aware that I am in a relationship. I mean, I told you before. It would be equivalent to cheating on him to go out with you. I would not wish for that to occur." Her response was courteously declined.

“Howdy!” With a sigh, Declan leaned forward as she steered clear of him.

How could your boyfriend possibly be able to help you? I have heard from a couple of your coworkers that your boyfriend is proud and broke. Do you want to spend the rest of your life with that same person? Girl, wake up and smell the coffee. Allow me to free your family from the bonds of destitution."

Amanda weighed in favor of Kingsley, saying, “Peace of mind.”

“Yes, that is what he gives me, and I am not sure whether you can ensure that.” With all due respect sir, can we not discuss this? Just have a look at us. You are a billionaire, and I am just a low-life girl. Why do you think this will ever be successful? I advise you to look for someone in your class." Amanda recommended.

"I see. You are just too obstinate. I just realized that your alleged partner has cursed you. I need you to leave my office right now. Declan threatened to force Amanda to go on a date with him, saying, "I will deduct 5% from your next pay cheque for showing up late to work. She stormed out of his office in anger, not with an appeal. She was already over her fate and would sooner take a pay cut than spend another second with him.

His abundance of possessions does not affect her. Regardless of her partner's financial situation, she has always been a strong supporter of true love.

Even with their odd jobs, her family struggles to make ends meet. This is the reason her father wants Amanda to marry a billionaire, who will eradicate poverty from their lives entirely.