Chương 13: chapter 13
SALLY'S POV
I dried up the final tear on my face and pushed myself to concentrate again. There was no opportunity to dwell in self-pity. Despite feeling extremely overwhelmed, I refused to allow those feelings to defeat me. I definitely didn't want to do anything to give Asher a reason to send me back. I had to double my efforts and be extra cautious. Making a mistake could result in losing this job, which is something I cannot afford at the moment.
I took a deep breath and looked at the papers on my desk. As I worked on arranging the files Asher required for the day, the sound of the ticking clock became more prominent in the background. Each little job was a diversion, a method to prevent myself from dwelling on all that had occurred recently.
"I said to myself in almost disbelief, realizing the time, that it was time for lunch." However, the idea of having to go to the cafeteria made me feel intense fear. Before I arrived, I could already sense the intense gazes searing my skin. I attempted to disregard it, feigning indifference to others' opinions or comments. However, the constant judgement without anyone knowing the full story caused pain deep inside.
As I walked into the cafeteria, I sensed the intensity of their stares immediately. Murmurs trailed behind me, but I couldn't make out the words being spoken by anyone. Perhaps it was preferable in that manner. I swiftly took a sandwich and a water bottle, locating the tiniest table corner for a solitary meal. I mechanically chewed, thoughts in my head moving faster than I could follow. How did my life become so intricate? Every mouthful seemed weighty, not due to the meal, but due to the ongoing stress I was experiencing.
I looked up and made eye contact with some people who swiftly looked away, pretending they hadn't been observing. The loneliness was overwhelming, but I pushed myself to complete the meal by quickly devouring the remaining sandwich. There was no reason to prolong it. It was evident that I did not fit in here, at least not as they believed.
After finishing lunch, I quickly returned to the office, relieved to escape the judgment. While sorting through documents at my desk, Asher's voice suddenly interrupted my train of thought.
He called out for Sally as he walked out of his office. We need to attend a meeting in two hours. You must accompany me.
I felt a sudden flutter in my heart. It was common for me to go with him to meetings, but whenever he asked me to come, I always felt nervous. I adjusted my position and nodded, rapidly writing down the information as he listed all the items required.
Ensure that you have all the reports prepared. He emphasized the importance of avoiding errors, with a resolute yet gentle tone.
"I will make sure everything is prepared, Mr. Harrington," I promised, feeling the usual surge of nervousness. I couldn't afford to make a mistake.
For the next sixty minutes, I carefully reviewed each document, ensuring that every presentation was perfect and every file was in its proper location. There was no margin for mistakes, not on this day. When the moment arrived, I took my tablet and exited the office with Asher, my hands trembling slightly as we made our way to his car together. The tension between us was tangible, as usual. I could never comprehend him entirely, or decipher his true desires from me. On certain days, he displayed a kind, almost caring demeanor. Different days, far away and icy.
We reached the meeting spot, a modern, upscale office in the city center. Asher took the lead into the conference room, and I experienced the usual surge of professionalism. I concentrated solely on the tasks in front of me, briefly disregarding all other distractions.
However, she came in.
A tall, beautiful woman with distinct features and a piercing stare. The instant Asher appeared, her eyes sparked with excitement, and I sensed the tension change right away. I took a deep breath, moving back a little, but still maintaining my calm. Interest in Asher had been expressed by clients or other individuals before. It was almost a common sight, but the gaze she gave him… it was unusual. Even more daring.
"Asher," she whispered seductively, her voice oozing with flirtation. She quickly looked at me before redirecting all her attention back to him. Why not dismiss your secretary so we can have a private conversation?
A feeling of shame combined with an unknown emotion caused my stomach to churn. I quickly looked at Asher, curious about his response. I was partly wishing that he would reject her and say that I was needed for the meeting. However, I was aware that it was not wise to anticipate that.
"Sally," Asher said in a calm manner, his gaze just grazing mine. "Stay outdoors. I will take care of the remainder of the meeting starting now.
I felt disheartened, but I agreed, putting on a fake smile to appear professional. "Sure thing, Mr. Harrington."
Without saying anything else, I picked up my belongings and left the room, shutting the door as I left. Once I was no longer visible, the exterior fell apart. I pressed my back against the wall, holding the tablet close to my heart. The pain of rejection was intense, penetrating deeper than I had anticipated.
I reassured myself that it was not important. It was simply a gathering, purely business. The way she gazed at him and how he effortlessly ignored me, it caused more pain than I wanted to acknowledge. What made me care so deeply? I was simply his assistant. No further.
Time slipped away from me, maybe hours- I lost count. I couldn't shake off the idea: I didn't fit into his world. However, why did it cause so much pain to be cast aside?
At last, the door swung open, and Asher emerged, appearing just as calm as usual. Although his expression was indecipherable, there was a subtle change in his eyes when he looked towards me.
"Let's go," he said abruptly, marching past me without pausing for an answer.
I quietly trailed behind him, feeling a weight in my chest, my thoughts escaping me. While walking together, the distance between us seemed wider than ever before.
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