Entangled in love

Roseline’s POV “Shut up your dirty mouth! We’re talking and you’re also interfering?! Who gave you such audacity?!” Leo shouted at me. “But we are….” I tried to give a reply, but before I could finish my sentence, another person interrupted. It was Daniella. “But what? What do you have to say with that stinky mouth of yours?!” She yelled at me. I felt embarrassed at what was going on. Those were my colleagues at work, and we were supposed to be having a discussion about moving the company forward. And as the accountant of the company, I had the right to speak, but they were disregarding me like I didn’t exist or have anything meaningful to say to contribute. “Why are you guys doing this? Have you forgotten that I’m the accountant of this company?” I said, trying to stand up for myself. “Of course we are aware. We know that you begged for the position not that you earned it, and because the boss is a generous person who is concerned about less privilege like you, that’s why he managed to help you by giving you the job.” Leo replied to me. “Oh well, that’s right Leo. Thank you for hitting the nail on the head. I love the way you don’t mince words.” Daniella said, nodding her head in support of what Leo said to me. I was already scared about being alone with the two of them. I was trembling and shaking, hoping that they wouldn’t hurt me or insult me more than they already have. Tears welled up in my eyes, and I was already feeling broken. “It’s not like that…. I’m sorry I had an opinion, I won’t say a word next time.” I apologized immediately. “Sorry for yourself, Roseline! All we’re telling you is to know your place in this office and nothing more. You are not on the same level with us, and you need to understand that,” Leo added. “She is not even supposed to be sitting where we’re seated. Take a look at her shirt. She has been wearing this shirt for three years consecutively, and her shoes have turned all around like a beggar who has trekked many kilometers barefooted! Damn!”. Daniella said, looking at me from head to toe with a look of utter disgust. Those words hit me like a thousand knives in my chest. I was embarrassed and emotionally damaged as tears trickled down from my eyes. “Here comes the waterworks. It’s the truth, and you don’t need to cry, Roseline,” She said. But wait… Aren’t you the accountant? And I guess you’re getting paid consistently, but it doesn’t look like you earn a single salary because you’re not different from those in the street begging for alms. More like a lost and dying lady.” Leo spat at me. “Please, you’re hurting me. That’s enough, please don’t do this to me.” I begged them, as I continued to cry. “Hurt? No dear. We’re just looking out for you and your wretched way of life. The money you get from the boss is obviously what your whole family spends, since none of you are fortunate in your household”, Daniella spoke rudely. Those words sank deep, making me weak. I couldn’t breathe well as all I could do was to keep crying without caution. “Why do you all hate me in this company? I did nothing wrong to you guys!” I managed to respond. Leo moved closer to me, rolled his sleeves over and pointed his fingers at me with a frown on his chiseled face. “Listen! A word is enough for the wise. Know your place in this company. You peasant! And If you ever tell the boss about what we’re telling you, you’ll surely regret it because we will deal with you!” He threatened me. “No I won’t. I promise I won’t say anything to him.” I replied Leo, trembling in fear. Daniella hissed and walked out, and after a few minutes Leo also walked away from the room and slammed the door shut as he went out. My heart kept beating faster than the usual rate, to the extent that I had to hold my chest with one hand, as I used my other to wipe away my tears. “Is everyone on their desk?!” I heard the voice of my CEO booming from the direction of the office corridor. I was too busy crying to have noticed when his car entered the building. Due to the fear of my colleagues, I quickly cleaned my face and adjusted myself in a way that the boss wouldn’t suspect anything. I saw through the glass that the boss was coming to my office and I stood up out of respect. As soon as he entered my office, I greeted him. “Good morning Ma, sorry good morning Sir.” I said, making a slight mistake. “Morning Roseline. What’s with the mix-up? Do I look like a woman this morning?” He lightly joked. “No…erm…not at all sir. Was just carried away by work sir.” I said to him. “That’s okay. By the way, what happened to you? Your voice sounds low, and your eyes are looking a bit swollen and reddish.” He said, pointing at his face with a look of concern. “I’m fine sir. It’s just normal stuff.” I said, trying to discard his suspicions. “Fine. What about transactions? Have you been able to confirm the date as well as the profit and loss?” He asked sharply—switching to professional mode. “I’m on it sir. I will be done in a few minutes and I will revert as soon as I balance every single thing.” I replied. “I will be expecting it,” he said to me. “Thank you sir.” I replied as he turned to leave. As soon as he left my office, I inhaled and exhaled with ease, happy that he hadn’t figured out what happened between my colleagues and I. “I forgot my phone.” My boss came back and took it from my table as I stood there hoping our boss wouldn’t find out.