The Perfect Time

Author's POV

Duke looked at the pile of documents and sighed. Picking up a file he started working on it when someone knocked on the door.

"Come in"

Mark entered the cabin.

"What is it?" Duke asked looking at the document.

"Boss, Ma'am has asked for something. But the thing is, it is against our rules" Mark was nervous to hear Lelia's demand.

"What did she want?" Duke put down the pen and looked at him.

"Ma'am has requested for advanced payment. She wanted 1,00,000 dollars. But according to our rules, we don't give loans or advance payments for the first 3 months. The interview board had already denied but Ma'am requested to talk to you in person. What should I tell her?" Mark thought Lelia was an innocent girl, but why did she ask for advance payment on the first day?

"Where is she?" Duke asked him

"Boss, she is waiting in the lobby. Do you want me to send her here?"

"Yes, send her here?"

"As you command, Boss" Mark left the room.

After some time, someone knocked on the door.

Duke stood up and went to the window. He looked outside.

"Come in"

Lelia took a deep breath and then entered. She looked around and found her boss standing in front of the window. His back was facing her.

"Why is he so mysterious? Lelia could feel his powerful aura. It was the first time that she encountered such a thing, so she was nervous and scared, but she soon calmed down"

"If you are done doing a silent act, then speak up. I don't have the whole day for you"

Lelia was embarrassed. Pinching her own hand she spoke up, "I know Mr. Mark already informed you of the reason for my coming"

"Speak for yourself, Ms. Lelia. I saw on your data you are single. It was true right?" Duke finally asked the question which was bothering him. Why didn't she change her marital status?

Is she ashamed of her husband?

Lelia was a little shocked to hear this from him. In a hurry, she had forgotten to update her data. But if she told him now won't he think she submitted incorrect data? Isn't it one kind of cheating? "No, I can't tell him that. I need this job"

Lelia smiled nervously and spoke up, "Indeed, I am single"

Duke felt upset hearing those words. He didn't expect it.

"Why do you demand advance payment when you are well aware that it is against the rules?" Duke asked coldly

"Sir, I have some personal reasons. Please allow it. You can cut it from my salaries" Lelia requested.

"I think you have mistaken this place, Ms. Lelia. It is not the place where you can put your personal excuses. It is an office. I can't allow it, but soon, we are planning to develop new software in twenty days. If you can make an excellent design, you will receive a bonus, and it is bigger than your demanded amount. If you want it then work for it"

Mark was shocked to hear this? When Boss, announced this bonus this? Didn't he used to say why bother to give a bonus when we already received salaries, and he hired us all to work?!

"Is Boss changing?!" "Is it even possible to change a person who is similar to a robot?"

Lelia was so happy to hear this news. Now, the problem is solved. Now, she all did to try her best.

"Thank you so much, sir. I will never let you down" Lelia thanked him

"I hope that too. One more thing: I don't like the person who comes late. As you are single I don't think you have much to do at home. Don't be late. You can go now" Duke said

"Why is he bringing up this marriage topic again and again? I don't think I can hide this forever. Alright, after designing the software, when he is satisfied with my work, I will tell him about my marriage," Lelia thought in her mind and then left there.

Duke turned and looked at her returning figure from the glass door.

Mark looked at his cold expression and gulped.

"Why did you do this, Mrs. Winters? You shouldn't have to do that. He wasn't that kind of person to mess with"

Duke sat down when his phone started ringing. Duke took out the phone from his pocket.

When he saw the ID, his face dimmed in anger. It was his father. The person who killed his mother and unborn sister. Duke controlled his anger and then picked up the call.

"What?"

"Your Grandfather wants to meet your wife. You both are invited for dinner. Don't be late, or Father will not like this." Jackson disconnected the call.

Duke put the phone down on the desk, his handsome face brooding in anger as though there was a storm cloud hanging over his head.

Duke punched the desk in anger.

"Boss, you have a meeting in an hour. Should I postpone it?" Mark looked at his angry boss. He wondered who dared to piss off this lion.

“No. I will attend it. I will go to the washroom for a while” Duke was angry. He wanted to destroy them. He was tired of waiting for the perfect time. He was frustrated. He turned around and headed to the washroom with quick steps.

He entered the washroom, and twisted the water tap open, and splashed water on

his face.

He was trying to calm himself down but failed badly. He looked at the mirror his hair was drenched and locks of hair were clinging to his forehead. His eyes, with dark circles, were filled with rage.

He came out and looked at Mark who was waiting outside for him.

"What is going on at Sullivan Company?" Duke asked him.

Now, Mark understood he his Boss was angry. So, it was them.

"Everything is going on as your plan. They are desperate to collaborate with us. They are sending proposals every two days. They want to work with us any how. We are waiting for your response, Boss" Mark said

A smirk spread on Duke's face.

"The time will come soon"