67: KIAN

D E L I L A H

I hurriedly walked into the elevator, a cup of hot scadding coffee on my left hand and a stack of documents on my right hand.

I was in serious deep shit.

My boss was known for being strict and unforgiving when it came to punctuality, and I had just given him a solid reason to unleash his fury. As the elevator doors closed, I tried to gather my composure, but my heart was pounding in my chest like a drum.

With each floor the elevator passed, my anxiety escalated. I couldn't shake off the image of Mr. Peterson's stern face, and I knew I had let him down, big time. How I had managed to avoid his wrath in the past was beyond me, but luck had finally run out, and I was about to face the consequences of my tardiness.

The elevator finally reached his floor, and I took a deep breath, trying to summon whatever courage I had left. I stepped out and approached his door, praying for a miracle that might save me from the inevitable reprimand. Steeling myself, I raised my fist and kno