My Boss Keeps Dying In My Dream

Rose’s PoV I woke up covered in sweat. As I tried to get myself into a sitting position, I looked at the time and realized I’d slept for eight hours. So why do I feel so tired and dizzy? Even though it’s been a while since I went to the gym, I shouldn’t be feeling sore in places I never thought possible.   All I did at the gym yesterday was use the treadmill for an hour and a half. I didn’t even do any extreme workout routine like I used to. I was an athlete, and my muscle should remember those days when I pushed my body to its limits. There is no reason for me to be so tired. I do miss being an athlete, but I realized I couldn’t make a living being an athlete alone. After leaving the team, I choose to be a white-collar worker. Kudos to my parents for giving me their smart genes; I could quickly adapt to my new profession. I even studied diligently and kept myself humble while learning ways from my seniors how to do my job perfectly. And because of that, it only took me three years to be promoted to regional manager. But because it only took me a short time to be promoted, my supervisor thought I used a trick to get myself into where I am. It angers me that my supervisor never once felt I could do my job. Even though I’m having trouble keeping my eyes open, I know I should get up now, or else I’ll be late. As I exited my room, I forgot to turn the door knob to the bathroom open and accidentally ran into it. But thanks to the sudden feel of pain, I was completely awake. After tying my hair in a loose bun, I reached out for my toothbrush when I noticed something different in my bathroom. I remember putting the blue color cup on the left side and the red color cup on the right. So how did it change position?! Because of my obsessive-compulsive disorder, my mind has a vivid sense of remembering every detail that's around me. And I swear I have never changed its position- ever! This is making me uncomfortable, and my mind is giving me such anxiety that perhaps someone had broke into my apartment! I continue to do my morning routine like usual while my eyes scan my bathroom to see if there’s anything else that’s not supposed to be there. Perhaps I was just being forgetful. No one can break into my apartment. Maybe my mind was just tired from competing for the general manager position. I’ve been trying to do my best without caring about my health. I know it’s not healthy, but I need the promotion. After getting myself to look presentable, just to be safe, I decided to check every corner of my apartment for any sign of an intruder. I live on the 16th floor of a 28th-floor building. It would be impossible for anyone to break into my apartment through the windows. Once I’m satisfied, I rush to my company when I realize I’m late. Today is the day for the announcement of who will take the general manager position. I can’t be late! But, knowing how important today is, my heart has been pounding from anticipation and nervousness. Even my legs decided to betray me as they seemed heavy, even to take another step! I squeezed myself into the elevator during rush hour to avoid getting late for work. Since I live on the 16th floor, every morning is like I’m going to war. With gritted teeth, I tried to make myself as small as possible so I won’t be kicked out of the elevator.   Once I reached the basement parking, I jogged to my car and drive to the company. Looking at the time, it’s a miracle that I manage to get myself to work, but it’s another hassle as I’m trying to find a space to park my car. Finally, after driving around, I managed to find a spot. As I tried to get to my car park, a blackout Audi suddenly took my space, and I almost hit the car if I didn’t step on the break pedal in time. Because of the sudden jolt, I couldn’t start my car, and because of this, I seemed to be holding up the others trying to find a place to park their vehicle. As I tried to start the car endlessly, I received a text from my ex-girlfriend, Christina. “Hey Rose, perhaps you should buy a new car once you’re promoted to manager. Well, if you get the promotion, that is.” The text ended with a laughing emoji. Why is this woman so bitter? Is it just because she manages to find a handsome and rich boyfriend? Luckily, some kind-hearted people’s willing to help me push the car out of the way. After thanking everyone, I made my way to my office. Fortunately, I was not late. I greeted my colleagues and made my way toward my office. Just as I was about to close the door, Cathy, my assistant, rushed in with troubling looks. “Chief, you finally came!” I opened the door for her to enter and asked, “What’s wrong? You look like you’ve been working all night!” Cathy sighed. “Remember the report we worked on last Friday? The one that we put our heart and soul on? Well, it came back with a little note from Sharon saying it’s not detailed enough. They want us to redo it. But I’m worried they want to see the revised version at today’s meeting.” Is that woman insane?! “I’m sure Sharon wants to embarrass us again. That’s why she’s been such a pain in the ass!” I sighed before pinching the bridge of my nose. “Sharon again, huh.” “Sharon hasn’t stopped harassing us since she was promoted. I don’t know why she keeps trying to get on our nerves.” Cathy added before she leaned forward to me. “Chief, do you think she felt threatened about the general manager spot? It’s either you or her. But I heard that Sharon has been kissing up to the CEO, and they have a great relationship together. I even heard Sharon spend the night at the CEO’s house! The other staff speculates that they might be together.” We don’t have time for this pointless conversation. It’s not my place to talk about Sharon’s private life. “Is everything ready for the meeting later?" I interrupted so Cathy would get herself ready. “The meeting is about to begin.“ I noticed a group walking through the corridor as they headed for the conference room. I watched as the chief of other departments of the company talked among each other as they were on their way to the meeting. And there she is, with all her glory; I saw Sharon walking alongside the CEO. As always, Amanda, the CEO, wears such heavy makeup today. What annoys me is how close the CEO’s plump lips are to Sharon’s ear. I wonder what they are talking about. But what I can see is that they seem to be enjoying each other presence. Who would have thought that Sharon could have such a bright smile? It only shows when she’s around the CEO. I hate to admit it, but Sharon exudes such subtle yet powerful self-confidence. Even if she stood next to Amanda, she seemed like an equal. Does this mean that the position of the general manager belongs to Sharon? Wouldn’t this be a little unfair for me?! I work hard day and night, but what does Sharon been doing?! All she did was seducing the CEO and let others do her work! Feeling overwhelmed, I didn’t realize I had been staring at Sharon for the longest time. Sharon gave me a sly smirk when she caught me. When the meeting began, I presented my reports in detail in front of all the company’s big shots. I paid extra attention to what Sharon pointed out before, and I didn’t see any reaction from her whatsoever. Amanda and the other higher-ups seemed satisfied with my presentation. "As expected from our company’s most diligent staff. This company is fortunate to have such a young and talented workforce like you, Rose.” I went back to my seat after my presentation with a smile on my face. Amanda praised me for my work. I have to thank Cathy for helping me later on. Amanda continued to smile as she looked through the reports Cathy and I had prepared. The CEO rarely smiles, and she has never shown any interest in anything before. Is this a good sign? When it comes to experience, I am superior to Sharon. In addition, I am two years older than her. And since Amanda praised me, I think I have the advantage now.                                     How can this be? I- I did my best, and yet I couldn’t defeat someone who used dirty tricks to get what she wanted. As everyone leaves the conference room, I sat in my seat, wondering if things will continue to be this way from now on. Amanda patted my shoulder as she passed by. I don’t understand her gesture, but I wish she could leave me alone. The others who were still in the room gave me sympathetic looks. I know they feel sorry for me, but I feel like they’re mocking me. Sharon as if wanting to say something, but she didn’t and just left. What? Is she going to brag about how she got the promotion? Yea, serve me right! I got up from my seat and left the conference room with a calm look. I don’t want to show how disappointed I am to others. As I was about to close the door, Cathy called for me. "Chief!" I ignored her as I walked toward my desk "Chief!" Cathy follows. I placed the files on the desk and whispered- "Close the door." Cathy closed the door behind her. "Go ahead." I know Cathy has something to say to me. What could be worse than being humiliated by someone younger than I am? "What? Just get on with it.” Cathy nodded. “Sharon wants me to tell you that the train leaves at 12.30.” "Train? Tickets?" I wondered. "Where am I supposed to go ?" I asked. "Huh? Chief, you don't know? You are now the vice president, and you have to move to Sharon’s office. As the vice president, you must accompany Sharon to City B for a business trip. Sharon has booked the tickets. So why don't you go back and pack up your things? Let me worry about the rest.” Do I have to move into Sharon’s office? Does that mean I have to face her day and night? What baffles me is that she immediately booked us a ticket to City B! She knew she would be the general manager. If Amanda had chosen Sharon from the beginning, why would she make us compete against each other? Is it to embarrass me even more?! I let out a chuckle before taking a few deep breaths. “I see. Then I have to pack my things. I’m sorry for troubling you with the move. I’ll be sure to compensate you later.” Cathy smiled. “Oh- I told Sharon that your car had broken down, so she is waiting for you at B3 to take you home.”   I grabbed my things and went to the elevator. While waiting for the elevator, I practice a natural smile from the reflection to look presentable for my new boss. Even though it hurts, I must accept that Sharon is the new general manager. I felt the world was going against me when I was chosen as vice president. Even though it sounds grand but in reality, I’m here to take care of Sharon, who is lacked in experience. Amanda still needs me to keep Sharon in check if she makes a mistake. I should leave the company, but I can’t afford to lose this job. Sure, Sharon used dirty tricks to get herself the position, but the CEO had made her decision. Today may be her day, but who knows, it might be mine soon. Sharon is wrong if she thinks she gets the upper hand because she knows the CEO. Did she think she could get rid of me that easily?! I will stay and trample her one day! When I arrived at B3, Sharon rolled down her window and smiled at me. “Get in.”