“Faster!”
Rome yelled as I almost stumbled while running. I didn’t intend to trip because of the heels I was wearing. The boxes of bond paper he asked me to carry were also heavy.“Aren’t you having breakfast?!” he faced me irritably. “I feed you well at my house and then you’re going slow like a snail?!”“Sir, my feet can no longer bear it,” I pleaded, letting him hear my exhausted breath. I swallowed hard as he suddenly stopped and for several seconds now, he still hadn’t faced me.When he finally faced me, his gaze pierced through me like a sharp blade. I shied away, clutching the boxes with a firmer grip.“In the world of this company, no one ever faces me complaining and exhausted. If you want to go home, leave here.” He said firmly. “I don’t pick up the money I pay you. I work properly and sacrifice my fatigue even without sleep. How dare you complain? Is that really what you want, to feel a comfortable life without doing any heavy work in your own workplace? You're shameless, aren’t you?” he sarcastically added.Rome is such a thing! No matter how hardworking I am, if I really can’t handle it anymore, what else can I do?I shook my head slowly. “I won’t leave my job, sir,” I said determinedly. “Sorry, it won’t happen again,” my voice weakened.“Then, good. Hurry up because I need that for printing. I already told you that from the beginning, right? I don’t like slow people, I don’t like stupidity. Why do you keep repeating what other people say to you? Is your mind really that narrow?”His words caused a pang In my heart. His words felt like bullets. I bit my lip to hold back the tears ready to race down my face. I couldn’t bear to look into his angry and pained eyes.He abruptly turned away from me, so I chased after him. I almost stumbled when my heels slightly tripped me.Oh my! I just have to endure everything I’m experiencing now for the man I love.I felt embarrassed in front of my colleagues as I passed by them at their respective counters, but what matters is that I’m not far from Rome which walks so fast.Someone even wanted to approach me to help, but they were too scared of Rome’s deadly gaze.I know that Rome easily fires employees, so others are also worried and they have no other choice but to let me follow Rome and watch me closely.Finally, we reached his second office on the first floor, so I quickly let go of the boxes of bond paper and immediately sat on the couch. I took a deep breath and wiped the sweat dripping from my neck.“Did I allow you to plop yourself on the couch?” Rome asked in a baritone voice, so I quickly stood up faster as the strike of the lightning. I wiped my hands on my skirt.“Do you have any more orders, sir?” I forced a smile even though my heart was beating loudly from exhaustion.“Yes. Anyway, I didn’t notice that I still have a lot of bond papers here. Please return those to the office,” he casually ordered as if he didn’t see me almost dying from exhaustion lifting the bond papers.My mouth dropped open at what he said. Is he serious?!“P-Pardon?” I clarified, hoping that I just misheard.“Are you deaf? I told you I don’t want to repeat what I already said! Are you annoying me?” He slammed his office table, so I shook my head several times.“Can I rest for a while?” I held onto my knees tightly and took a deep breath. “Please?”“No. After you get those things back from my office, get me a coffee and a piece of cake, and also clean my office since I can perfectly see the tiny dirt in every inch of my office. Understand, Faye?”I just wanted to resign because of what he said. Is he really serious about his orders? I’m already crying here.“Hurry up!” I jumped in surprise.“Yes, sir!”I ran out and leaned against the wall. I closed my eyes tightly and held back my sobbing.You’re really too much, Rome!“If I didn’t love you, I wouldn’t be obedient to you,” I said, tears streaming down my face, and went back into the office to get the bond papers.But because I love you, I will endure everything just to prove that my love for you is sincere.FAYE I tallied the coins in my purse and found that the amount for today’s journey to seek opportunities in various places barely covers the cost. Yet, it seems inadequate. The fare is steep. I raised my hand as the scorching morning sun beat down, sweat trickling down my brow. I let out a heavy sigh in the sweltering air. My head throbs from the relentless heat. “You prioritize Mama, Francis, I must secure employment,” I informed my brother. I pitied him, knowing he would return home hungry after school once more. I lack funds for meals. We often make do with just soy sauce and oil, yet it suffices for the day. The crucial matter is to satisfy our hunger, regardless of the dish, as long as there’s rice. “Understood, sis. When should I administer Mama’s medication?” he inquired, releasing his school bag, ready to depart, but noticing my attire he knew I would find a job. His eyes, like orbs in the night, are shrouded in dark circles. He burned the midnight oil tending to Mama.
I am happy to go straight home. Somehow, our house saw the light I brought back, not just a bundle of frustrations and disappointments. I sniffed as I saw my sibling feeding Mama, struggling to open her mouth. Every time I see them like that, it’s as if my heart is a coconut, cracking. “Sis, it’s you. Are you hungry? I borrowed an egg from the store. I told them you were looking for a job,” Francis greeted me when he noticed me watching them. “I know you’ll find a job, Sis, and we’ll be able to pay off our debts,” he added determinedly. “Is that so? How much do we owe now? Last I checked, it was already long,” I replied. I continued feeding Mama porridge when Francis handed me the food. I thanked him and ate as well. I was very hungry, I haven’t eaten much since last night. Just small bites of rice. I have too many things on my mind, so even my food is affected. That’s just how I am, I lose my appetite when troubled. I also think that when I eat, it’s like running out of food.
ROME I surely wasn’t stupid not remembering the name of my ex-wife. Her full name. Thinking back to when I mixed my surname with hers is a little unsettling. The name I saw brought back all the hurt and painful memories, stabbing me in the heart once more. I told Regina, my right hand and my trustworthy employee that she needed to find me a new secretary since my previous one wanted me to be his husband ever since we slept together in the same bed. What a trashy idea of her. It was just all show and game for me, but she anticipated that I wanted to be with her after that one-night stand. I only want her body, not anything else. As if… And my job is just to give them a nice and warm pleasure without any compensation. Love? Nevermind. In the realm of sex things, love doesn’t exist. Even if they insist that they love me or have feelings for me, I don’t pay attention. Why? Do they deserve my love? No one deserves my love, not even the woman I married a long time ago. I regret givin
FAYEI want to run towards him to give him a tight hug, but I am afraid of the piercing looks he is giving me. They feel like sharp knives with how he stares. I swallowed nervously and couldn’t hide my anxiety.I dream of seeing the face of the man I adore and love so much.“You missed me?” he laughed as if I were joking, full of sarcasm and pain. “Why? Did your lover leave you?” There was bitterness in his voice. “Is he tired of you or did you also replace him?”I had nothing more to say and I just stared at him from head to toe. Only one thing was running through my mind now, him and his current appearance. He looks so different now. He is very handsome, decent, and his posture is so elegant. His formal attire suits him perfectly.If he used to be thin, now he is muscular. He has become even fairer. I am blushing now because I am filled with admiration for him.I felt ashamed of myself. He has come a long way compared to me.But I am happy to see him in that situation. I thought he
I can’t help but stand up and look around. I see Benjamin’s face everywhere, no matter where I am in the office. “I will kill you!” I covered my ears when I heard that in my mind. “You’re letting your stupidity prevail! You’re worthless!” A memory of him hitting me is the reason why I’m now sobbing uncontrollably. I saw Rome stand up from his chair and approach me, but I stopped him. “Please, don’t hurt me,” I pleaded while crying. “You just hurt me earlier. My body is in so much pain. I don’t know where to go anymore! Please, stop, I don’t want to get hurt anymore!” “What the heck is happening to you? And what are you talking about? I will not hurt you and I didn’t hurt you. People might think I really hurt you if they hear you. My goodness. You’re putting me in danger!” “I need to be alone,” I said finally and ran out of his office. I didn’t know the layout of this building, but all I knew was that I ended up in an unfamiliar hall where I was all alone. I could see the whole
I quietly closed my laptop. She’s in trouble if I catch her. On the other hand, Faye seemed to have finished cleaning when I turned to face her. She didn’t say anything, but she kept glancing at me.“Next time, eat at home so you don’t disturb anyone,” I said, taking a deep breath.“Yes, sir,” she replied softly, almost inaudibly.“Good.” She cleared her throat, sniffing a little.I looked at her slowly. She was wiping her mouth. Even though she didn’t say it, I could see how hungry she was from her movements. I sighed.Oh, wait. You don’t need to feel sorry, Rome Wilson. It’s her fault. She hurt you. She left you. She replaced you.Regina arrived carrying the food I asked her to buy. Thankfully, Faye didn’t follow the scent of the food. Regina glanced at her, but quickly turned her attention to me.“Put it on my table and tell Thaliya to make a prototype of the new dishes so that I can taste it and make it official in the restaurant before they release and sell it,” I instructed.“Ri
FAYE Since I saw Rome and the girl engaging in suspicious activities earlier, I lost all motivation to work in the office. I used to be the jealous type, getting angry and even involving their belongings—I realized I had no right to be jealous. Since then, all I’ve been doing is cleaning Rome’s office, even though he didn’t ask me to. I just don’t like sitting around when I’m angry. She was so flirtatious, almost like she was about to undress right in front of him, it’s infuriating. I keep wondering if Rome has had a long-term girlfriend besides me. Rome is wealthy, and it’s impossible for him not to find someone on his level. Like that girl earlier. But that’s not right! She’s just fair-skinned! She may have a big boobs and knows how to dress, but we still look better together. I hope he realizes that. Rome is not in the company right now. He and his friend, Xino, left for a while. I didn’t know he would still talk to me after what I did to his best friend. It seems like he’s
When I entered his office, he was talking on the phone. I smiled at his every move. Rome seems to have grown taller, doesn't he?After he hung up, he stood up and adjusted his clothes. He couldn't hide the disdain in his eyes towards me, making me start to feel nervous."The interviewer noted that, in contrast to you, the new secretary seems to have a great deal of experience and talent. You have to come work as a maid at my place," he said as he sat down at the table. "Since the agreement you signed will remain in effect and you will be residing at my house, you are not permitted to leave until I give my approval," he said sharply and took an angry breath.I could tell he was irritated by my expression based on his reactions."Are you sure?" I asked.His face suddenly twisted. "I am a businessman, not a joker. Imbecile!" he angrily replied, making me flinch and step back."I'm just concerned about you. I know that you get annoyed with me every day," I said softly. "That's why I'm jus