Rita’s POV
Dring! Dringggggggg!
My phone beeped loudly, jerking me up from sleep that morning.
I yawned tiredly as I stretched my hand over to pick up the ringing phone. I stared at the phone screen blurrily ~ It was Eveyn.
"Evelyn!" I mumbled, trying to sit upright.
“Good morning! did you get the notification too?”
“What notification?”
“Mrs Blakeston wants us to be at the office an hour before the usual arrival time” Evelyn announced.
“Huh! Why is that?” I rubbed my eyes tiredly.
“She said she has an important information to pass across and we must all be present” Evelyn replied.
I yawned loudly again.
“Oh good I called you, I know you wouldn’t have seen that nor woken up yet. Now go get ready, let’s hear what she has for us today after days of being absent”
“I hope it’ll be a good news though. That woman has never said anything pleasing” I murmured.
“So see you at work!” Evelyn disconnected the call.
I just sat there on the bed, thinking about nothing in specific just tryna process some random stuffs. I was half asleep and half awake yet I managed to jump out of the bed to get prepared.
**
Mrs Blakeston was patient enough to await everyone’s arrival while standing akimbo right at the receptionist office (The entrance). I arrived at the company just in time anyways.
We were all quiet as we didn’t want to step on Mrs Blakeston’s nerve. Oh gosh! I was nervous. I picked up my phone to check what the time says. Figured out I missed calls from Zane and Finn. Funny how two guys are head over heels about me. Haha!
“I believe more than half staffs are present” Mrs Blakeston clapped trying to draw our attention as she walked to the center of the room.
Oh here she goes…
“I really meant it when I said everyone should be present an hour before but no, some of you took me for a joke” Her tone changed into that strict bossy one.
She glared at those just rushing in and shook her head in disappointment.
“Anyways..” She cleared her throat and resumed..
“It’s handing over time!” She announced.
Huh?! No one dare to exclaim but we all wore a surprise look. We’ve all been waiting for this day.
“I’m not totally resigning. I will be at the topmost watching over the company while someone else takes over here!” She announced.
Finally, we are getting a new boss.
“My doctor insisted I deserve some rest” She told us and cleared her throat again.
I was eager to know who our new boss will be, I hope she picks a staff to take over. A colleague who will understand us and treat us nicely.
“I’m handing over to my son” Mrs Blakeston finally announced.
Geez!
I looked at Evelyn, we communicated with our eyes. We both didn’t like this idea.
He might have taken after his mom.
“Meet my son, Finn Lakston”
Eh! Finn came out of no where and walked toward us. He stood at the centre, next to his mom.
“Ugh! What?” I exclaimed, it was almost audible.
I looked at Evelyn, she was as shocked as I was.
Finn is Mrs Blakeston’s son?
Others were clapping and welcoming him. I was just there, mouth opened, jaw dropped, staring at him. He caught me staring at him and smiled. He was putting on suit which made him look more serious on cooperate and now he is my boss!
“Your speech, my dear” Mrs Blakeston told Finn.
Finn moved forward, he also cleared his throat and began: “Hello everyone, it’s nice meeting you. I’m the new Chief Executive Officer, Finn Lakston and I hope that I would enjoy working with you all. And just so you know, the initial rules of this company still remains the new rules” He spoke authoritatively.
“That’s right. My own rules are his own rules” His mom added. “You’re dismissed” She said, already walking away with her son to their office.
“We could have had this gathering in the meeting hall. It would have been more official” I heard Finn say to his mom.
I just stood right there and watched them till they were beyond our sights then the murmuring between the staffs began.
Evelyn and Adam rushed towards me.
“What just happened?” Evelyn asked me. “Are you aware that he is Mrs Blakeston’s son?”
“No, I’m surprised too. He didn’t tell me that he is Mrs Blakeston’s son. Uhm because we never got the chance to introduce ourselves better” I replied.
“Do you guys know Finn Lakston?” Adam asked us, confused.
“Yes, he is Rita’s friend” Evelyn replied.
“Our friend” I smirked at her: “ We are not too close yet, so he never told me that he is Mrs Blakeston’s son” I said.
“I know that guy!” Adam suddenly said.
“Really?” Evelyn and I chorous.
“Do you remember I told you that someone was spying at us. He was one! I vividly remember his face ” Adam said.
Oh My God!
Let me try to understand this.
“So first of all, Finn came here to spy on us” I said thoughtfully.
“Twice” Adam added.
“The two days Mrs Blakeston was absent. Which means that she must have sent her son Finn, to come spy on everyone in this company” Evelyn said.
I shook my head: “When I first met Finn, he came here to have a haircut. Okay so, it was part of his mission to check everything going on this company”
I sighed heavily. We’ve been fooled.
We kept mute when we saw Mrs Blakeston leaving the office with her bag. Looks like she’s leaving.
“I’ll be at my department. See you guys later” Adam quickly left.
I kept on reminiscing on my encounters with Finn. Somehow, I knew that he was acting all strange.
“Evelyn. Do you think I was rude to Finn yesterday?” I asked her because I was beginning to panick.
“No dear. You were cool and quiet. Unlike me, he already knows the story of my life. I was just blabbing! Oh My God!” She hit her face “ I should have kept quiet too” Evelyn began to lament and I chuckled. “I’m sure he finds me loquacious and he’ll fire me soon! I’m very scared Rita” She said, perturbed.
“You can make it up to him by showing him a good behavior” I told her. Then I suddenly remembered that last night, Finn had called me. I had told him that I didn't want to get along with him, hung up the call on him and snubbed his subsequent calls.
“Oh My God! I think mine is worst” I cried out suddenly.
“What? But you didn’t do or say anything!” Evelyn said.
“You gave Finn my contact number. He called me and I was so rude to him. Evelyn, I snubbed him and took him for a joke! You caused this! Why did you give him my number??” I cried, hitting her hand.
“Are you seriously blaming me for your unfair behavior towards guys? I was only trying to save your single-ass life. Remember I told you to give every guy a chance, if you had listened to me it wouldn’t turn out this way. Even if it’s just gonna be an intimate friendship with Finn, you would have known that he is Mrs Blakeston’s son” Evelyn blamed me.
I opened my mouth in awe, speechless to say the least.
“I’m sorry I spoke to you in that manner” She apologized.
She’s right though. I brought this problem upon myself. It’s similar to the story of a rich guy pretending to be poor to see who stays.
I failed, I fucked up.
“Rita Mertinaz!” An older staff from the other department called my name. “The new boss wants to see you in his office right now!” She said and walked away.
My heart throbbed. I think I’m in a big trouble!
******************
To Be Continued
Rita's POVI sluggishly walked to the new boss, Mr Finn’s office.I was so scared and it was so obvious.“There you are” Finn said. I stood in front of the door, agitated to move closer to him.But he ordered authoritatively and laughed hysterically; “Come closer and have a seat”My heart raced, I trembled and managed to sit opposite him.“I can see that you are shocked I turned out to be your new boss in disguise” Finn spoke.“I'm… I am sorry” I stuttered.“Why are you apologising?” He asked but I didn't say anything, I couldn't even look him in the eyes. I thought he was jovial and nice but he wasn't, he pretended to be. Ugh! This was a simple test that I have failed.“You are sorry because you treated me like a low life sneaking into your comfortable life. You were rude, you underestimated me. You didn't see this coming, did you?” He asked.No, I never underestimated him, that’s just Me; I do not like to make friends. How do I explain that to him when he already misunderstood? Ev
RitaI hung up the call last night and told Zane that I needed to sleep early so I won’t wake up late today. Early to bed, early to rise works for me all the time.Assuming Mrs Blakeston was still our boss, I could be a little bit late to work and she wouldn’t notice aside that, Evelyn would always cover up for me. But Mr Finn, the new boss? He’ll definitely notice that I came to work late. He’s on my neck and he’s indeed watching me really closely.Although I got to the office pretty much early, Finn was already in his office.Only few workers were around including Adam whom informed me that Mr Finn had already asked after me. I dashed into his office as quickly as possible.“You are late” Mr Finn said to me.“But It’s not resumption time yet” I argued.“As for me,, you are late to work” He repeated.“Many other staffs are not at work yet” I paused. “Even Evelyn” I added.“What matters is that I got to the company before you. So you are late” He insisted.“Okay” I murmured.He didn’t
Rita’s POVZane hasn’t even called me throughout today neither did he leave me a single message. None.I shook my head and whined inwardly.What sort of unserious relationship have I gotten myself into?Oh jeez, maltreatment at work and as if that isn’t enough for me to handle, only to get home and get snubbed by my online lover.I continue to rant even as I prepared and ate dinner to while away time. Yet, no call or text from Zane and he wasn’t even online. And Oh! I would have blamed myself for overthinking oroverreacting because this is what to expect once you date someone online but my ex, Jared had my time always. This one is totally different from Jared.Okay, maybe i’m actually being extra. Should I call Zane instead?Uh no! It’s too early to show him so much interest and concern. Yes, it’s early to let him know that I enjoy speaking to him all the time. He’ll find out that he has eventually won my heart. He’ll know I'm beginning to ove him. Geez! Let’s not call it love yet, I
RitaToday’s just a too good day; first, Finn was busy throughout and he didn’t have the chance to ill treat or provoke me. Although, we had little free time for ourselves because clients kept trooping in and going out because It’s a Friday, party day! Although, we were so busy yet I felt so happy this very day.Finally, it was recess, enough time to chat with my online boyfriend Zane while we had our lunch at the office cafeteria.Adam and Evelyn sat next to eachother, doing their usual lovey-dovey stuff while eating. I sat opposite them, eating and engrossed with chatting with Zane, I was blushing and smiling, oblivious to the environment. Little did I know that Evelyn and Adam were watching me.“When exactly are you gonna tell us about your new boyfriend “ Evelyn caught my attention.“He’s Zane. The same guy Mrs Janet Johnson hooked me up with” I responded.“Oh wow. That guy. So thanks to me” Evelyn said.“Nah. Thanks to Janet Johnson instead. Oops! I haven’t even appreciated her al
Rita’s POVWithout our consent, he sat with us; the only available seat was next to me, opposite Evelyn.He sat next to me! I could hear my heart throbbing!!“Hi” Finn said again, surprisingly, he was smiling cheerfully.We three greeted him perfunctorily and in a somewhat fearful murmur.“I came to say what a great work you’ve done. I saw how we had so many clients miling into your department. And I must say, that section in the company does the mostwork” Finn said.“Unfortunately, we are under estimated” Evelyn replied informally. “Boss” She then added.She seems free with him as he was with her. I noticed Adam was jealous. Him and I just sat down there and said absolutely nothing.“I came to say thank you to you guys. Ignore the under estimation, my gratitude alone should go a long way” Finn said.“Nope. An increase in salary will do. At least, almost the same as what those in the official section receive. You have just admitted that we are doing a better and harder job than they ar
Rita“No! Don’t leave. Wait up!” Finn ordered before I could turn the door knob.He got off the table and stroded over to where I stood, still trembling.“I’ll drop you off at your place” Finn said, I was gonna turn him down but he added immediately; “Do not say No” So, I remained mute instead.He returned to his desk, picked up his car keys, and his briefcase then walked out of his office, I followed him behind sluggishly like a lost puppy.By this time, every worker has left except the securities.Finn tried to start a conversation with me in his car but I stayed mute; at least not too scared, neither was I still trembling like earlier. I felt a little relieved but what he has said to me kept reminiscing and banging in my head leaving me shocked and speechless.I only spoke to him when he needed directions to my place and then, I was dumbfounded again till we arrived at my place. I opened the car hastily and got off before he’ll stop me or say something unbelievable again.“So see yo
Rita’s POVZane tried to contact me throughout last night and even till now, my phone wouldn’t stop buzzling with his calls and several messages. I read and ignored them intentionally.What sort of a serious online boyfriend hide his face from his online girlfriend? Just what sort of!I kept pacing around my house, tossing on my bed, missing Zane’s voice yet I wouldn’t pick up his calls. Afterall, that’s the only thing I can miss about him; His voice since he’s faceless.I kept nagging, yaking and hissing.I sent messages to Evelyn and Adam because I was bored but they wouldn’t reply. These two became one and indirectly threw me out of the clique.Messages from Zane kept coming in because he noticed I was active online, I continued to read and ignore them till he’s ready to show me his damn face instead his messages were filled with a million apology.I scrolled through the gistfeed to kill boredom and as usual pictures and videos of couples, kissing, lovey dovey here and there. I almo
Rita’s POV“What a really really nice abode you’ve got” Finn said, he started inspecting the house as I let him come in.“Th… Thank you” I stuttered. “Please have a seat” I gestured him to the couch since he won’t stop looking around.After he sat down, I sighed heavily then went to serve him a very cold fruity drink.“Enjoy, it’s.. it’s all I got in the fridge” I said as I poured the drink into a glass and handled it over to him.I sat uncomfortably on the next couch and watched him gulped it.“Rita, did you think about what I told you yesterday? You should be excited the boss wanna be close with you” Finn said.“We could be just friends sir” I managed to say.“Do away with the sir. Finn, it’s Finn and what do you mean we could just friends? Do you have a boyfriend?”I didn’t respond.“Looks like you already know that I want to be your friend, so that I could be more than friend?” He smiled mischievously.“Your mother, Mrs Blakeston never visited me nor any other colleagues except if
FINALE“We find love in unexpected places, trust me” Rita remarked after she and children had just finished watching a love movie."Oh wow, so that's how you met dad, in an unexpected place?” The sharp little boy who was named, Anthony blurted.Rita laughed softly as she snuggled deeper into the couch cushions, her kids perched on either side of her. "Indeed it was, my darling angels. Your father and I met at the same place of work” She briefly told them.The little boy furrowed his brow, still struggling to comprehend how his parents' love story began in such a mundane."Actually, we met before we met" Rita said, even making things more complicated for the children."Mom, I'm still having trouble picturing this," the little girl named Lily, who looked like her mom chipped in. "What kind of workplace was it? How do you mean you met him before you met him? What does that even mean?” She questioned."And how did you two even start talking?" Anthony added.The little children questioned
Epilogue 5:As Rita drifted off to sleep, a smile still lingering on her lips. Finn stood in front of the bassinet, gazing down at the two tiny bundles of joy. He reached out and gently ran his finger along the little boy’s cheeks, marveling at the softness of his skin, the delicate curve of his nose. He did the same for the little girl, admiring her dainty fingers and her rosebud lips; she looked like her mom while the baby boy looked like the father, Finn.He carried the little boy since he was awake and playful. He held their son in his arms and sat on the rocking chair next to Rita’s bed. He gazed down at the tiny baby, his heart bursting with love and wonder.All of Finn's previous doubts and fears about fatherhood had melted away, replaced by a fierce, all-consuming love for his children. He couldn't wait to watch them grow and develop, to be a part of their lives every step of the way. As he rocked his son gently, Finn thought about all the things he wanted to teach his child
EPILOGUE 4:Rita climbed the bed, wrapping her hands around her husband and resting her head on his chest as though she was meant to be there. Finn, on the other hand draped an arm around her stomach, gently touching her big baby bump.For a while, they remained in this position, a comfortable silence descending over them. Finn was never this quiet in bed. Was something bothering him?“What's wrong with you Finn?” Rita asked.Finn sighed heavily after staring at her for a while. Without uttering a word, he leaned into her to claim her lips but she pulled away.“What's bothering you Finn?” She asked again, her voice came out soft, laced with concern.For a moment, he was quiet but then, he spoke."Nothing," Finn replied with a weak smile. "I'm just a bit nervous about becoming a father. I mean, what if I'm not good enough? What if I mess up?"Rita laughed softly. "You're already the best husband and friend anyone could ask for. I have no doubt you'll be an incredible dad too. And remem
Epilogue 3:A few months had passed since Madison and Alex's engagement at Finn and Rita's gender reveal party, and now it was time for their wedding day. The sun shone brightly as Madison walked down the aisle towards her soon-to-be husband, looking radiant in her beautiful white gown.Alex waited at the altar, beaming with joy and anticipation as he watched his bride approach. He thought back to the day they met, and how he'd fallen in love with her from that moment on.As Madison reached the altar, she took Alex's hand in hers, and together they turned to face the officiant. The ceremony began with a heartfelt exchange of vows, each expressing their undying love and commitment to one another.As they exchanged rings, the crowd burst into cheers and applause, their love for the newlyweds evident in their smiles and tears.The party was in full swing, with guests dancing and celebrating, their happiness for the newlyweds filling the air. Not only did the newlyweds shared their first
Epilogue 2:As everyone was sitting around the patio, Rita stood up and announced, "Finn and I have something to share with you all." The guests turned their attention to her, curious about what she was about to say.As the applause died down, Finn stood up next to Rita, beaming with pride. He looked around at their family and friends and said, "We're so happy to announce that we're expecting a new addition to our family.”With a grin on Rita's face, she lifted up her shirt to reveal a small but noticeable baby bump. “we're just so thrilled to be able to share this news with you all.”Evelyn suspended whatever she was doing and ran to embrace her best friend. The crowd erupted into cheers and applause, congratulating the couple on their exciting news. Everyone began to chat excitedly, asking questions about the baby's due date, whether they knew the gender yet, and what the baby's name might be.“I and my husband has just scanned the baby, we are yet to check but then, we pleased and
Epilogue 1Ding Dong Ding! The church bells began to ring, signaling the start of Finn and Rita's wedding ceremony. A sense of excitement filled the air. Rita, dressed in a stunning white gown, was surrounded by her bridesmaids, included Evelyn, her few close friends and few nieces, all of whom were helping her to look her best. And Finn, in a sleek black tuxedo, stood at the altar, eagerly awaiting the arrival of his bride.Suddenly, the church doors opened, and everyone turned to see Rita begin her walk down the aisle.Finn walked to meet her on her way to the aisle, interlink his arms with hers and walked together with her.Everyone turned to watch the couple walk down the aisle.The priest continued with the ceremony, his voice booming throughout the church."Finn, do you take Rita to be your lawfully wedded wife, to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, until death do you part?"Finn, his voice filled
“So since you resigned, do you stay at home all day, doing nothing?”“Yeah, I already sent my application letter to some companies and I just hope one of them accepts me” Rita yawned.“Hmmn, I'm sorry about everything that happened to you” Evelyn said empathically.“Thank you Evelyn, I'm back to square one now”“Since you are searching for another job, are you as well considering moving on because you lost both a relationship and a job” Evelyn began to tease.“No Evelyn. I am done with love” Rita rolled her eyes.“Done with love? What the heck is that?”“Do not provoke me Evelyn!!” She warned by pointing a finger at her, reminding her of those days she badly wanted me to be in relationship and then Love messed me up.“Fine, at least you need to forgive Finn and get this grudge off your chest” Evelyn urged her.“And then the next minute, my nudes will be flying around the internet.. while his’ not there”“No such thing is gonna happen because Finn took them down already”“What?”“I mea
Tears rolled down Rita’s eyes and she kept on replaying the memories with Zane, comparing it with that of Finn and the fact that they turned out to be the same person was now glaring. Even when she tried to push the thought aside, she just couldn't. Why did Finn play games with her? Did he truly love her? Same Finn was Jared too.She had sent her resignation letter to his email and he had called and called. He had also been here, knocking and knocking on the door but she wouldn't open the door for him.She read their conversation over again on Kikachat and scrolled through the gossip/gist feed, thinking she’ll just bump into some of her nude pictures since Charles had said he would release it soon. While she was at it, the application suddenly began to glitch and malfunction and then, it finally crashed. Kikachat was no more.***“I did it! I did it finally!!” Alex announced, screaming.“You did it?”“Yeah, not only did I wipe the pictures, I took down the application”“Oh My God!”
“Finn is Zane”“What..what did you say? What? How can Zane be Finn? Can you even listen to yourself?” Rita shook her head continuously.“Finn himself will explain to you better”“You mean Charles is the nternet god, the popular founder of Kikachat?” Evelyn asked to confirm.“And Zane Is Finn?” I uttered unbelievably.“Remember I told you Zane and I are buddies at college, I recongised him the first day he stepped into his office. He told me what he was up to and wanted me to play along and that's why I was always concerned about your complicated relationship with Zane and with Finn because they are the same person…” Before Adam finished explaining, Rita stood up and dashed out of the restaurant quickly.****“Charles security is pretty tight” Alexander said as he battled with his laptop while Finn stood impatiently behind him.“Are you sure you don't need my help? I can help you get his laptop, passport, his signature or some of his important documents” Finn said.“No, I don't need an