Chapter 5: The way out?

Ethan's pov

My alarm beeps, signaling me to get out of bed and face today’s fate head on, I step into the shower, the water barely soothing the terrible migraine that’s settled behind my eyes. Exhaustion pulls at me, but I fight back.

Once out, I grab my phone and call Jane. She picks up instantly, like she’s been anticipating my

Call.

Hello, sir,’’ she says, her voice clear.

‘’Did you reach out to the auditing team? I want every trace of those articles and pictures gone. I say, my voice rougher than usual from lack of sleep.

‘’Yes sir. They are working on it now. She replies.

‘’Good’’, I responded with finality, hanging up and heading out to my car.

I immediately drive off, the city streets blurring around me as my mind races ahead. Today’s board agenda is simple–ideas to save the company’s reputation. But I'm curious to see if any one has a useful suggestion or if they are block-heads like I suspect.

It’s obvious who’s behind pulling this childish and pathetic attempt to stir up scandal; Jake. He’ll be dealt with soon enough. Right now, Nexus comes first.Rumors about my personal life are the last thing Nexus needs, and my patience for damage control is wearing thin.

Arriving at the office, I step out of the car, ignoring the greetings and timid glances from the employees and head straight to the boardroom. The board members are already seated, their expressions tense as I take my place at the head of the table. Without wasting much time, I began talking.

‘’Let’s address the situation,’’ I say, my voice cutting through the tension, ‘’The rumors are affecting Nexus. I want suggestions.’’

A senior member clears his throat. ‘’Sir, we believe you should hold a press conference. A statement from you won’t hurt and will take away the doubt about your sexuality from the people’s heart. From our perspective…well, your silence may only strengthen the rumors.’’

I study him for a moment, feeling a sharp, cold laugh rise from within me. So this is their idea of a solution.

‘Slowly, I stand, letting my gaze sweep over the room. I chuckled coldly as I watched the members being in a state of panic.They shift uncomfortably, some of them look ready to run.

‘’A press conference?’’ I ask, my voice dripping with disappointment.

‘’This is your solution? You think my silence is feeding the rumors?’’

Silence fills up the room, and I watch them getting more restless under my gaze, all of them obviously aware of my irritation.

‘’There will be no press conference to prove anything,’’ I say, my tone hardening.’’ You’ll do your jobs, and I'll handle this, I expect better ideas next time. There will be no second chances.’’

Without waiting for any other excuses, I walk out of the room.

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Julianna’s POV

I wake up with a sense of dread still lingering from last night. My phone has been buzzing non-stop–news feeds, random people gossiping about Ethan Frost and the ridiculous rumors surrounding him, do these people not have anything better to do with their lives?. They sound like they are going to win a lottery just by talking about ETHAN FROST. I groaned as I saw all my news feed showing his annoying face and the stupid smirk.

Then, a notification pops up on my phone. It’s from Nexus. I read the message twice to make sure I’m not imagining things.

Dear Ms. Adams,

Congratulations. You’ve been selected for the position of a personal assistant in Nexus Global International. We would love you to resume work starting from tomorrow at 7;45 am. Be informed that you are to be early in order for us to guide you through the process. Once again, congratulations and we are happy to have you here with us. Take care.

My heart races with excitement as I feel my eyes sting. I laugh then cry then laugh again still staring at the message sent to me. I don’t know what to feel or how to feel, i mean, this company has been my dream company for years now but i felt like i was not fit for it especially when i heard how people keep getting rejected for one little error or the other. Despite how i love the way i got considered for this position, can i ever work under Ethan Frost, am i going to keep seeing his annoying face every single day? The answer is NO, i feel like i might end up killing him if he get on my nerves too much, but still, this job will be a life saver, it won’t be enough for my brother’s surgery, but i can manage to convince the doctors to start the surgery and pay the remaining later..

I sigh, pressing a hand to my forehead. Working under Ethan is the last thing I need, but maybe…maybe it's exactly what I need. A chance for myself, even if it means putting up with the likes of Ethan Frost.

‘’Julianna?’’ Rose’s voice comes from the hallway, snapping me out of my thoughts. She enters the room, taking one look at me before sighing.

‘’You look terrible.’’

‘

‘’For someone who almost got raped and treated like shit, i think i look pretty good’’. I say, bitterness obvious in my tone as I watch her facial expression turn into shock as she hugs me tightly.

‘’Are you okay? She asks with a worried look on her face.

‘I’m fine, honestly. I mean, your heartthrob–Ethan Frost –saved me even though he dared say some silly things to me.’’ I shrug, trying to play it off.

‘’Awwnn, see? I told you he’s not as cold as he looks, she says, her cheeks turning pink. Then her face hardens. ‘’Now, tell me who the bastard is that tried to hurt you, I’m ready to hunt some jerk down.’’

I give her a small smile. Can we just forget about it? I say, feeling uncomfortable with the conversation.

She looks at me trying to read what’s going on in my head.’’Is there something else that happened?’’

I Sigh.’’ I got a message from Nexus this morning,’’ I say quietly. ‘’I got the job.

Her eyes widen. ‘’Are you serious?

That’s amazing!, This is great news, baby girl, so why do you look so bothered?

Yeah it is. I don’t just like the fact that I will be working directly with my enemy who I will now have to address as my boss. I reply dryly.

‘’Just forget about the horrible things he’s said to you. For someone like you, Julianna, you never let anyone get under your skin– don’t let him be the exception. Just ignore him anytime he throws annoying words at you, be nice and polite, you will get through this just fine. You’re doing this for your brother. remember?’’ Rose smiles.

I nod, feeling better with her words. ‘’You’re right. I can handle this. I have to.’’

I