Chapter 5: An Unwelcome Reunion

Bella

I never thought I would be given a chance as quickly as now. After finally accepting the transfer to HQ, I get to experience appearing on television as one of the main reporters. I don't know if I should say this, but I thank Anna for not appearing today. I hope she's fine, though.

It's just one time, and I don't know when I'll ever get to do this again, but the experience alone made me feel as if I'm on cloud nine.

"Yes, Kris! I love it. I didn't mean to brag, but I feel like I was born for this," I felt as if my heart was going to burst with happiness as I was talking to Kristoff over the phone. "Too bad you're not here."

Kristoff and I got to work together this morning, but for some reason, every time we have a chance to reunite or talk, someone comes and tells him to run an errand. We didn't even get to eat our lunch together. I felt bad for him since yesterday, as he had to go here and there, doing this and that, without even getting a break.

"So, how about a drink tonight? Let's celebrate your proudest moment," he offered.

"A drink?" I repeated, then thought about it for a second. The thing is, I haven't had a drink since Alliah was born. "I'll call Alli to, you know, get her permission."

I heard Kristoff chuckle on the other line. "Time passes by, doesn't it? Before, you were asking permission from Nana just to spend time outside. Now it's Alliah you should be worried about."

"Well, that's true," I nodded as I smiled. "I don't want her to think I'm not excited to go home and be with her."

We didn't talk for long after that. While talking to him, I was on the company's rooftop. After ending the call, I roamed my eyes around the scenery from above. It looked weird but peaceful. How come my life isn't like this? I know my life is already weird as it is, but how come it's not peaceful?

So many years have passed. How come I chose to stick myself in this kind of situation?

I should've chosen to forget rather than wait.

"Ms. Perez, we were looking for you everywhere," one of the male staff said as he caught his breath. "The CEO wants to see you."

"The CEO? What for?" I wondered, but he didn't give me any answer. He just led me to the CEO's office.

When I got inside, he was sitting in his office chair, facing a different direction. I cleared my throat and spoke, "Sir, I was told you were looking for me."

It'll be the first time, I'll be facing Alex' dad, and I must admit, I feel a bit nervous. I'm used to his mom being mean towards me but the thing is, I couldn't deny the fact that his father looks more intimidating than his mom.

A few seconds had passed and he's still not responding so I thought that maybe, just maybe, "Is he sleeping?" I uttered in mind.

I was about to take a peak on him but I was suprised when he suddenly turned around to face me.

"Alex?" I uttered.

That was when a sudden memory hit me: I had heard that Mr. Alexis Hayes was in bad condition and that someone was taking over the company for the time being. Thinking it was his younger son, Alex's younger brother Liam, made me feel a little less worried, but that was before.

"Take a seat," he uttered. Just when I was about to do it, he suddenly added, "or maybe not."

"Seriously?" I wondered to myself.

I couldn't read his reaction. It seemed like he was upset but trying to calm down, or maybe it was the other way around.

"You did a great job on yesterday's newscasting."

"Uh, thank yo—"

"But I heard you weren't experienced enough, so why accept the offer? What if you messed up?" he asked seriously. He was glaring at me, as if he was expecting a response I couldn't possibly give, since he wouldn't let me speak.

That's how he is when he's mad. He never lets the other person explain things. I'd only witnessed it before, but now I was experiencing it.

"That's the main segment our ratings depend on the most. You should be aware of that."

I nodded and said, "Well, yes, sir. I am fully aware. That's why I gave my best not to mess it up."

"Let's say you gave your best, but you still lack experience. Next time, don't make decisions like that without considering the consequences."

I thought he was done, but he just paused and added, "Even if you're in high demand, you shouldn't be full of yourself. You're too confident that you won't mess up."

"My apologies, sir. Next time, I will play dumb over emergencies like this if that's what you want," I almost responded to him.

"Are you saying something, Ms. Perez?" 

Glad he didn't hear it.

After that seemingly endless nagging, he let me go back to work. I couldn't sense any guilt from him. He gave me unfair treatment and didn't even care about how I felt.

Well, what do I expect? If he can abandon me despite being together for years, then he can always treat me like a mere employee or, more likely, like trash, as if I didn't mean anything to him.

It was almost afternoon, and Kristoff had just returned from another errand. I saw him heading towards me.

"Hey, want some coffee?" I asked him.

He shook his head and took a disposable cup to get water instead. "I guess we can't go for a drink tonight. I heard on my way here that we will have a company dinner."

"For what?"

"For getting the highest rating. Congrats! You're big time now," he responded, smiling from ear to ear.