Affection Or Love?
1489 Words
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ROSE POV
I sat across from Kate, my former colleague and now project manager of the company that wrongfully terminated me. Sir Adrian was beside me, his expression stern. Kate's smile was dripping with insincerity as she began to speak.
I don't know what else she had in mind after everything she'd done to me in the past.
I lose my job because I trusted her like Anna too but I was wrong.
"Mr. Adrian, I must advise you to be cautious with your investment secrets and business ideas around...Rose."
Kate's voice was laced with venom, her eyes gleaming with malice.
"She has a history of...misappropriating sensitive information."
My anger flared, but I kept my cool, meeting Kate's gaze steadily.
"That's a lie, Kate. You know I was fired unfairly. You were the one who conspired against me, spreading false rumors and manipulating our former boss into terminating me."
Kate's smile never wavered. "I'm just looking out for your company's best interests, Mr. Adrian, Rose's track record speaks for itself."
Kate's eyes narrowed, her voice taking on a condescending tone. "I understand your loyalty, Mr. Adrian, but trust me, you don't want to be blindsided by...Rose's true nature."
I shook my head in disbelief.
Truly, old habits die hard.
I was about to defend myself because this scandal could ruin my image when his voice dripped in,
"I thought we're done here, Ms. Kate?".
I was taken aback and so was Kate.
Because rumours had it that Adrian was a cold soul even towards his staff wellbeing.
Why is he really speaking up for me?
"Kate, your attempts to discredit Rose are laughable," He added, his voice dripping with disdain.
"Your company's desperation is showing. Rose is an exceptional talent, and I won't let your petty sabotage tarnish her reputation."
He leaned back in my chair, steepling his fingers as he gazed at Kate with a condescending smile, exhibiting dominance.
"You see, Kate, Rose has something you'll never have: integrity. And that's what makes her an invaluable asset to my team."
Kate's face reddened with anger, but he continued, his tone unwavering.
"So, I suggest you focus on your own company's shortcomings rather than trying to bring down others. It's unbecoming."
He waved his hand dismissively, his eyes never leaving Kate's face. "I think we're done here. You've made your position clear, and I've made mine. Rose is under my protection, and I won't let anyone – including you – harm her."
My stomach churned.
I watched in stunned silence, no one had ever defended me like that before, especially not someone as powerful as Sir Adrian.
As he spoke, his eyes flashed with anger, and his voice took on a tone I'd never heard before - fierce and protective. I felt a shiver run down my spine as he praised me, his words making me feel seen and valued.
When he said "Rose is under my protection," I felt a lump form in my throat. No one had ever stood up for me like that before. I was used to being on my own, fighting my own battles.
But in that moment, I felt a sense of safety and security I'd never known before.
As Kate stormed out, I couldn't take my eyes off Sir Adrian. He turned to me, his expression softening, and I felt my heart skip a beat.
I couldn't believe what I was seeing. This was the same man who had been so distant and cold just moments before.
"Rose, let's focus on the project," he said, his voice gentle now.
I nodded, still in shock, as he gestured for me to leave the cafe shop. I couldn't believe what had just happened.
Sir Adrian, the formidable CEO, had stood up for me like a knight in shining armor. And I had no idea what to make of it.....
As the meeting adjourned, I felt a sense of vindication. Sir Adrian believed me, and Kate's schemes had been exposed.
But I knew this wasn't the end. Kate would stop at nothing to destroy my reputation and undermine my success.
As the car drove us back to the company in silence, my phone rang and was shocked to see Noel's teacher from school calling.
I was puzzled.
"Good morning ma'am, I hope it is well".
It's unusual for her to call.
"What!". I cried out.
"What hospital?". I asked with my heartbeat racing faster.
"Will be there in ten". I ended the call and turned to Adrian who was amused.
"What happened?".
I tried to keep my calm by rubbing my temple, "It's Noel, she had an attack".
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ADRIAN POV
I dropped her at the hospital but something held me back to be with her.
I thought, ' I've done more than enough '.
But why do I seem so unsettled.
"Why don't you just go with her if you were this concerned?".
Daniel shrugged.
I paced back and fro in my office, trying to stay calm but it's not helping.
I have never felt this way before even for Kira.
It's like Rose had this super magnet that always pulls me to her.
She has tamed me.
"I can't, I just can't".
Daniel raised an eyebrow, "You have to drop this ego of yours and profess how you feel for her".
I shook my head, "it's nothing Daniel. It's just an attraction and it will fade sooner or later".
"So you're admitting it?". He snickered.
Almost immediately my phone rang. It was Rose,,,
I'll kill Daniel later.
I hurriedly picked it up.
"Yes?". I was dying to hear her voice but I have to keep my calm.
Her voice was in distress.
"Sir please. I won't be able to come today. My daughter needs me".
I listened to Rose's sobbing on the other end of the line, feeling a pang of guilt and helplessness. Her daughter was ill, and she was clearly distraught.
"Rose, I need you to come back to work," I said, trying to sound firm but feeling like a heel.
"We have an important meeting this afternoon, and your presence is crucial."
I knew it was a selfish request, but my ego wouldn't let me admit it. I wanted to be the one in control, the one who made the tough decisions.
But as Rose's crying grew more desperate, I felt my resolve crumble. I wanted to be there for her, to comfort her and tell her everything would be okay. I wanted to be a better boss more like a a better person.
But my pride wouldn't let me. I couldn't admit weakness, not even to myself.
"Why me!!". She screamed as it screeched into my ears.
"Rose" I said, trying to sound stern but feeling like I was begging. "Just come back for the meeting. I promise it'll be worth it."
I knew I was being cruel, but I couldn't stop myself. I was trapped in my own ego, unable to escape.
As Rose reluctantly agreed and hung up, I felt a wave of regret wash over me. I wanted to call her back, to tell her to stay with her daughter and forget about work. But my pride wouldn't let me.
I was stuck in this cycle of selfishness, and I didn't know how to escape.
As I hung up the phone, I couldn't shake off the feeling of guilt and unease. I had been so focused on the meeting and the deal that I had forgotten about Rose's well-being.
But as I sat at my desk, staring blankly at the papers in front of me, Daniel's look was impassive, I realized that I had made a mistake.
The beautiful lively child was ill, and she needed her mother's care.
I picked up the phone and dialed Rose's number again. She answered, her voice still shaky from crying.
"Rose, I'm sorry," I said, my voice sincere. "I was wrong to ask you to come back to work. Please, stay with your daughter and take care of her. We'll manage without you today."
There was a pause on the other end of the line, and for a moment, I thought she might refuse. But then I heard a sob of relief, and she whispered,
"Thank you, sir."
I felt a weight lift off my shoulders as I hung up the phone. I had done the right thing, and I knew it for the very first time.
As I sat back in my chair, I realized that being a good boss wasn't just about making tough decisions and pushing people to meet deadlines. It was about caring for your team, about being human.
And in that moment, I knew that I had finally learned that lesson.
Rose is making me do things I never did.
"Man you have changed". Daniel raised an eyebrow.
A smile appeared on my lips, "I know and I'm loving it bro".
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- Writer
