The Tycoon's Obsession

4: THE PROPOSAL

KYRA POV

“What have I done this time?” I muttered, holding my cheeks as my eyes glittered in shock. I ruffled my head thinking of any offenses I have made so far, but I found none. I breathed down and up, scratching my eyes, too, and Tracey's voice brought me back to Earth.

“ If I were you, I would go find out for myself,” Tracey replied, patting my back to calm me down, but it made my anxiety grow, and I don't think her words did anything better to me, but it worsened the situation and made me more worried.

“Thanks anyway,” I whispered in her ears softly. That made her think her words relieved me; I wish she could notice that it didn't do anything well.

I hurriedly left for editor Alina's office. My hands reached for the knob, but I couldn't open it. I breathed up and down, counting from one to ten before opening the door.

“Good morning Miss Alina” I greeted her, staring at her expressionless face, which was focused on her computer, not even looking up or glancing at me. That alone made me anxious, thinking I had done something wrong.

“Good morning Kyra. Hope you are doing well,” She said, still keeping a straight look but this time raising her head and staring at my face, her eyes pierced through mine. I was relieved a bit; she didn't yell at me but asked if I was okay.

“I am doing good, Ma'am,” I replied, biting my lips slowly. I would rather not give her that unpleasant look, so she won't press further, asking me numerous questions. I smiled, but deep down, I felt cold sudor run down my spine.

“Okay, I don't think you know why you are here. Have your seat. I apologize for making you stand for too long” She smiled and tapped the seat in front of her, obviously wanting me to sit down. It seemed what she was about to say would be a long discussion which I didn't mind.

“Yes, ma, I don't know why I am here. Thanks for the seat,” I accepted and sat down quietly, gulping nothing in my throat, waiting for her to drop the heavy bomb. She is keeping me in suspense and making me think too much.

“I will go straight to the point, but before that. You know your job is at stake, am I right? ” She questioned, and I vibrated in my seat. My hands and legs shook hearing that statement, and my mind went to my parents. The worst thing is I have been looking for jobs for days now, knowing that Mr. Jackson may not accept my book, thinking my portfolio could reach some company's preference but to no avail. However, in my last interview, I was told to come back if it won't yield any results. Still in thoughts when Miss Alina's voice brought me back to Earth.

“Are you listening to me?” Miss Alina asserted by banging her desk to bring my memory back, and it did.

“Ye.......sm...... a,n,” I stuttered, blinking my eyes repeatedly; I was damn worried and impatiently waiting for her to tell me why she called me and stop keeping me in suspense.

“I hope you are okay” She cupped my cheeks, and I nodded. I couldn't tell her what I was going through because she couldn't help, so I lied and acted as if I was fine.

“I called you here because I care about your career, and I want to avoid seeing you fall, so I came up with an Idea to boost your writing and make the image of this company an imaginary one,” She pointed out. I exhaled; this was what she intended to tell me, and I had been thinking so much, not knowing what she was going to say was to help me by making my writing outstanding.

“Really?”

“Yes, you just have to do something, though; it is going to make you leave this company for a while; it is not a big deal,” She explained, and my eyes widened, wondering what it could be. I stared at her so that she could continue.

“You just have to discover a good story about a known business tycoon, popularly called ‘Anxo.’ A story that would ruin his reputation, and we need a gripping story” I was shocked at first and didn't know how to express my discomfort, but I needed to give it a wild thought since it would boost my career and that included promotions and a lot of money, but that didn't stop me from thinking much.

“I need to think about this”

“You just have a day to come up with a decision, or you lose your chances of this job,” Alina whispered in my ears. I just nodded and smiled, a fake smile, though.

“Ok, Ma'am,” I said and left her office dejectedly in deep thought. I was not myself throughout the day because of the Proposal from Miss Alina, which means a lot to me.

*****

ANXO POV

The place was filled with different people moving from one place to another, ensuring everything was alright and perfect. Any mistake or imperfection, your sack later awaits you.

“Why are you leaving? I only eat your meal and don't think I can trust any other person apart from you, Mira,” Anxo groaned sadly, ruffling his head frustratedly because Mira, his trusted chef, was taking leave, and that made him worried.

“I am sorry, sir. My dad is having health challenges, and he needs someone by his side; I am the only one available. I am sorry if this will cause you a lot,” Mira said and patted his head sadly, her other hand on her loads. She is the only one close to him and the only person who understands his pain.

“It's okay. I will be fine. Do you have any other chef in mind?”

“I think I have someone capable and trustworthy,” Mira replied, thinking of her friend who begged her for a chance to work as his chef; she smiled lightly but scoffed inwardly.