22. Workplace dilemma

Kimberly's POV

I gulped the rest of my coffee down, setting the cup by the side before staring at my screen in a blank manner, not sure where to start my work from.

"Hey Kim," Erin called out my name and I looked up to find her standing over me with a concerned expression. "What's up with you? Everyone is happy after holiday but you look kind of cranky right now," Erin commented and I sighed.

"My sister Em moved in with me, but since she is in her finals, she is being more of a leech. Taking some of my stuff and then coming back home late at night. It seems like she's in a new relationship and not concentrating on her finals which is kind of stressing me out as the older sister," I vented.

"Ooh. Must have been hard. Your space is already small as it is. How's your father doing by the way?" Erin sympathized.

"Well, he's seen better days," I shrugged it off as if it was nothing although it bugs me every now and then.

"But what happened to your sister's boyfriend? I thought she lived with him near campus. She always gloated about not having to live the hostels or pay for taxi," Erin said the same thing I had asked my sister when she showed up at my place with her stuff.

"I don't know. I just hope she graduates soon, get a good job and lift some of the burden over my shoulder."

"Or better yet, get married to a rich man and not have to work for the rest of your days."

"Dream on!" I laughed along with Erin.

When things would get tough, we would always joke about getting married to a rich man and not having to lift a finger after that.

"Why don't we have some fun tonight after work. You know, go somewhere we can feast our eyes on some hotties," Erin suggested with a wink. "Speaking of one," Erin continued in a hushed tone. "I heard one is getting promoted today with Christine as his assistant."

"Really?" I gasped. "Damn lucky that guy is. I can't believe that b*tch is lucky as well."

"Lucky my ass," Erin snorted. "Nothing but pure nepotism at work. I heard he is close to one of those close with the boss. And that bitch was soo kissing up his ass. Literally."

"You sure about that? You can't deny that Declan is really good at his job though," I ignored her insinuation.

"You have fallen hard for him, haven't you?" Erin looked at me with disappointment. "I thought we agreed not to have in work relationships?"

"Hey, it's just a simple crush, nothing more," I said honestly.

"If you say so. And since we are on the topic of work," Erin produced a file from behind her and I groaned internally, knowing where it was leading to. "Could you explain some of this to me," Erin said flipping over the pages. "I just don't seem to get it. And knowing you, you must have finished yours during the holiday."

"Admit it Erin, you haven't actually looked at the file. Sometimes I wonder how you even got here," said taking the file from her and it was a different work from what I had to do.

"Through the door like everyone else of course, how else?" Erin smiled innocently.

"What are you ladies upto?" Declan voice came from behind me, and I almost jumped out of my seat, startled.

"Good morning to you too, Dec," Erin greeted him.

"Oh come on Erin, what could be so good about this morning?" Declan played along.

"Whatever good, I'm certain you have it coming for you," Erin said, then laughed innocently.

"What do you mean?" Declan asked seemingly confused.

"Oh hey, good morning Declan," I interrupted. Knowing Erin, she might let it slip that we have been gossiping about him.

"Morning Kim, doing some extra job as usual?"

"What do you mean?" I asked only to find his attention on Erin's folder that I was holding.

Erin and I were about to say something when someone walked up to us.

"Morning guys," Margaret greeted us.

"Hey."

"Morning."

"How are you doing Margaret?"

We all greeted back.

"I'm doing fine. The boss wants to see you," Margaret stated, looking at her watch.

"Already," Declan said, adjusting his neck tie.

"Not you Declan, she wants to see Miss Kimberly Wells."

"Oh," Declan let out before his eyes fell on me.

Erin stared at me wide-eyed, her expression mirroring mine.

"Looks like someone is in trouble," Declan chuckled.

"Oh come on, I am sure it's nothing like that," Margaret said eyeing Declan. "The boss seemed in a very good mood this morning too."

"Oh yeah? Then you should quickly go," Erin encouraged me.

"Right," I stood up. Taking a second to ensure that there was nothing wrong with my appearance. A light blue dress shirt and black pants while my hair was in a ponytail.

"Good luck Kim," Declan said walking away.

"Uh, thanks," I found myself saying awkwardly before turning on my heels and leaving, almost tripping on my steps.

"Pray on your way up there," Erin shouted after me.

Even though I have worked in this company for almost four years now, not once have I stood close to the boss.

I have always only noticed her from aafr, and now I get to go to her office.

On my way, I tried not to overthink, but it was just hard. Why would the boss look for me? I know that I have always worked hard, making sure my work was done exceptionally and on time with the hopes that it will get me noticed.

But after two years and it seemed that none of that was going to happen, I kind of gave up. Yet, Declan who has been here for less than two years is already getting promoted to manager with a team of his own.

At 29 years old with nothing much to show for my years, I guess I just kind of became bitter towards the boss who got it all simply because she was born into it.

If only father hadn't gone bankrupt and gotten sick.

Well hopefully I might be finally getting recognized. I made sure in my last work before the holiday that I had put in all efforts.

I inhaled and exhaled deeply as I finally stood in front of the CEO's office, making sure to adjust my attire one more time, I raised my hand and knocked on the door.

I was about to turn the handle and open the door when it was opened from the inside and I was met with the boss' personal secretary.

"Come in Miss Wells," She stated with a cold expression, making me question if it was right to come here. All of a sudden, I felt like a pupil getting called to the principal's office.

She opened the door further, moving aide to let me in, before closing the door after I got in.

I glanced at the huge office briefly, noting the fancy details when my attention was called out.

"Come forward Miss Wells," a beautiful voice called out and I looked up to see an attractive woman with a strong aura sitting confidently behind her desk.

At that moment, I felt inferior about my whole existence.

She had a warm smile on her face, contrary to the cold expression I believed she would have.

"Please take a seat," she beckoned. And the closer I walked towards her desk, the more I felt like a siren was baiting me into the ocean full of treasures.