The Tycoon's Obsession

2: TROUBLED MIND

KYRA POV

“What the hell is this, Miss Simmonds? You call this a story?” Mr. Jackson's voice echoed loudly inside his office, and I felt a shiver run through my body. I suddenly felt like standing on the cold street without a cardigan.

“ You want us to publish a story on an event every other magazine company has written something on?” I could hear the anger in his voice, and it confused me. It was true other companies were already writing this about The Gala, but I made sure what I had written was entirely different from others.

“But Mr. Jackson, The Gala is a very popular event, and everyone wants to know everything about the event. I was sure to confirm that what I wrote was entirely different from what other companies wrote.” I explained, but I could see all over his face that he wasn’t buying what I was saying.

“ Miss Simmonds, one thing I’m sure you know, and every other person in this company and the world knows, is that The Gazette doesn’t write the same thing with other companies. We are unique; we publish things that no one knew about and were secrets to the world.”

I felt my head start to spin, and the migraine that was already building up since morning finally dropped the bomb. I felt I should reply to him, but the words weren’t forming.

“I had warned you that this would be your last chance. You haven’t seemed to be able to write something meaningful for the past few months. It isn’t very pleasant due to your certificate and experience. It seems you are losing your touch in this industry, but I’m willing to give you a final chance for Alina's sake. You f**k up again; say bye to your job here.”

I closed my eyes and opened them back almost immediately. I was extremely disappointed in myself. I was on the edge of losing my job, and I still didn’t know exactly what I was doing wrong.

“Since you don’t seem to have anything to say, you can excuse yourself.” I didn’t have any other choice than to turn on my track and started moving to the door.

“Kyra, you have the absolute potential to be one of the bests in this industry, but you just haven’t used your potential.” His voice rang out just as I was about to open the door and walk out.

.………………….

“You look like your soul has been drawn out of your body.” Tracey’s voice welcomed my wretched self just as I stepped out of Mr. Jackson's office. I just continued to walk aimlessly, and I could feel her following close behind me.

“It’s going to be okay. You need to have faith in yourself.” She said again as we slowly walked into the staff working area. I could see some of my colleagues seated at their respective desks while some passed us by doing something or the other.

As I continued to walk, drawing close to my office, my brain decided it was the best time to show me a recap and vision of what might happen to me, my mother, and my brother if I lost my job at any moment. I could now feel heavy tears threatening to be released from my eyes, but the little pinch of ego remaining in me held them back. I couldn’t afford to break down in front of everyone.

I finally got to the front of my office cubicle, which I happened to share with Tracey and another colleague Daniel AKA Danny. I could still feel Tracey’s presence behind me as I slowly opened the office door to meet Daniel, seated in his corner.

His eyes met mine immediately when the door opened, and I knew the excitement he might have wanted to push on me like he always did every morning, wash away and turn to pity quickly. He could tell from my reaction what had happened, and I appreciated his concern.

On getting to my desk, I just plopped down on the chair and tried so hard to stop myself from thinking about what had happened in the last few minutes. I felt at my worst, but I knew I couldn’t let it weigh me down. I still had a long day of hectic work, and I couldn’t afford to let my mood earn me another embarrassment.

Tracey slowly dragged her seat directly in front of me, and I watched Daniel walk to my table and stand behind her seat while she sat down with concern and pity all over her face.

“You know it’s not your fault. Jackson doesn’t know what a good story ought to be.” She tried to cheer me up.

“That’s true, and you know Jackson lacks fashion spirit. How would he reject a story on THE GALA 22? That’s a stab to my queer fashion heart.” Daniel spoke, and I didn’t know why; I giggled loudly, earning a smile from him, while Tracey just rolled her eyes.

“That was so funny, Daniel. Be sure Jackson doesn’t get a sniff of what you just said. I won’t be shocked if he rejects all your l***q+ stories.” I replied as I slowly rubbed my eyes to clean the tears that had escaped while laughing.

“Oh! That b***h wouldn’t dare; I’d deal with him all the way necessary.” He said, making me laugh again. We all knew Daniel and Jackson have a thing for each other, even though they are too strong-headed to admit it, even after all the countless flings they have had together.

“I am not pleased to hear about your s*x life, Daniel. I don’t need images in my dream.” Tracey said, smirking widely.

“You sure you don’t want to join in? Who knows, a fire might be ignited inside you.” Daniel said while smirking now with his arms folded in front of his chest.

“That’s f***ing gross.” Tracey faked a gagging noise.

“Thank you so much, guys. You just brightened my mood. You don’t need to worry about me, I need a story that Jackson would approve of, and I will find it even if I have to fly to the end of the earth.” I reassured them. I was grateful they were worried and concerned about me, but I couldn’t stress them with my problems. They have been a whole lot of help.

“That’s the spirit, babe. You can’t allow that jerk called Jackson to ruin your mood.” Daniel said, making Tracey and I roll our eyes almost immediately. It was so obvious they probably argued.

“Know we are always here for you anytime, anywhere, and day. We got your back, baby girl.” Tracey said, making me smile. I knew the only thing I needed to do was get an outstanding story, and that’s exactly what I’m going to do.