MARRIED TO MY BOSS

CHAPTER 2

As she exited the doctor's office, the intense morning light initially blinded her, but her sight quickly cleared to reveal her car waiting in the parking lot. She hastened towards it; her heels struck the asphalt with a sharp, crisp sound. Glancing at her watch, her heart sank; it was 8:15 a.m. already. She was already running late for work. As the CEO's secretary, punctuality was paramount, and her expected arrival time was 7 a.m. sharp.

“My God!!!..... This is not too good to start the new week with.” She said as she moved towards her car.

She unlocked her car, slid into the driver's seat, and started the engine. As she pulled out of the parking lot, her phone rang. It was her friend Elena. Her friend's voice was a calming presence on the other end of the line.

“Hey babe, what is going on? You sounded upset when you called earlier.” Elena asked worriedly and out of curiosity.

Mariana answered before Elena could ask any more questions, blurting out the entire story - her lover's accident, the doctor's news, and the staggering amount needed for the surgery.

“Right now, I am as confused as anything. I don't know what to do. How do I get $500,000 in three days?.... How?…. From where?” she said to Elena, exasperation creeping into her tone.

“I can’t afford to lose Jordan after Mom and Dad's passing. Why are all these happening to me, for goodness sake? This is not fair at all…it is not,” she said, her voice shaking and tears rolling down her cheeks.

“Mari…Mari....Babe, just calm down; you need to calm down, at least for the baby. You know that child is barely three weeks old and any slight stress could hurt the baby. Just relax, please.” Elena tried calming her, but it seemed all her words did not affect her.

“No, no I can't… I can't raise a child without the father…I can't do that.” she said, letting out tears stream down her cheeks.

“Come on babe, the doctor never mentioned that he is not going to make it. Did he?” Elena asked.

“No, he didn't, but what if I couldn't get the money they needed to save his life? What if I couldn't meet the deadline? He might…..” she answered as she was interrupted midway by her friend.

“No, no, no…. No more ‘What if’, okay?... We will figure this out.” Elena said as she launched into a problem-solving model.

“Okay, first, let's think about crowdfunding. We can start a campaign and share it on social media. I'm sure we can get some donations rolling in,” she said.

Mariana hesitated, unsure about the idea.

“I don't know, Elena. I’m not sure I’m comfortable with that. It’s so...public.”

Elena persisted. “Well, what about reaching out to local charities or organizations that help with medical expenses? Maybe they can provide some assistance.”

She shook her head, even though Elena couldn’t see her.

“I’ve already thought of that. They can’t help us in time.”Mariana sighed as each suggestion from Elena seemed to end in a dead-end.

With tears still flowing down her cheeks, she navigated the morning commute while confiding in her friend over the phone, trying to make sense of her emotions as she headed to work.

“Where are you now, Mari?” Elena asked curiously.

“Am on my way to work already” she answered.

“Work?.... Can you combine all this pressure?... You should be heading home instead!!!” She exclaimed.

“I know right?... But I secured this job barely a month ago, Elena; I can't afford to lose this position, not even now that I need it the most.” Mariana replied, trying to make her friend see reasons.

“Uhh…that's true.” Elena said as she came up with another suggestion.

“Speaking about your job, have you considered asking your boss for help? Maybe he can provide some assistance or connect you with someone who can.What do you think about this?” She asked.

Mariana's heart skipped a beat at the suggestion. She had considered asking her CEO, but his reputation for being ruthless, proud, and arrogant made her hesitant.

“I don't know, Elena. With things I have heard about my boss, I don't think I will want to do anything that would cost me my job. He’s not exactly the most approachable person.”

“Come on girl, but there is no harm in trying. He might surprise you.” Elena said with a glimpse of hope.

Mariana sighed, feeling a mix of emotions. Part of her wanted to dismiss the idea, but another part was desperate enough to consider it.

“I’ll think about it, Elena. Thanks for trying to help.”

Elena’s voice was warm. “Anytime, girl. That's what friends are for. Keep me posted, okay?.... And take care of yourself, please.”

As they concluded the conversation, she couldn't shake off the feeling of uncertainty about asking the CEO, her boss for help. His reputation preceded him, and she had witnessed his ruthless side firsthand.

“Could I expect him to show compassion and understanding?” She thought to herself as she drove hurriedly to work.

As she hung up the call with Elena, she felt a sense of temporary relief, grateful for her friend's support and opinions. But before she could even take a deep breath, her phone buzzed again. She peeked at the screen, and her heart sank. It was the CEO's PA, Patrick.

“Hello?” she answered, trying to sound calm and composed.

“Where are you, Mariana?” Patrick’s voice was distinct and direct, without a hint of warmth.

She hesitated, knowing she was already running late. “I’m on my way to the office, Patrick, I’m so sorry, I’m running a bit behind.”

Patrick's tone turned firm. “You’re more than a bit behind. The CEO is on his way already, and you know this will be a huge disaster if he comes in and you are not found on your desk yet.”

She felt a rush of nervousness, knowing she couldn't reveal the true reason for her tardiness.

“I’m so sorry, Patrick. I had an unexpected personal emergency. I’ll be there as soon as I can.”

Patrick's voice remained firm.

“See that you are. The CEO doesn’t tolerate tardiness. You know that.”

The call ended unexpectedly, leaving her feeling worn out and worried. She sped up as her mind raced over the worst-case scenario that could occur if her boss got to the office before her and also if he found out about her personal hardships. Those thoughts sent a chill through her veins.

As she drives, her right hand unconsciously wanders to her belly, her fingers tenderly caressing the slight curve of her abdomen. She can't help but smile as she feels the faintest murmur of motion, a gentle quiver that's almost unnoticeable. It's still early days, barely three weeks since the tiny life within her began to stir, but she's connected to every intricacy of her body. Her hand holds her belly gently, as if welcoming with open arms the tiny miracle growing within, her touch tender and reverent. In a quiet moment, she feels a strong bond to the life she's nurturing, a sense of wonder and awe at the tiny heart beating in unison with her own. The one reason she can still raise her head above all that is happening around her at the moment.