Chapter 3.

Zayden

I watched as she ran out of my office sobbing. Today has been one of the worst days of my life. 

     My eyes fell on the stack of flies on her desk. She only managed to type 50 documents and didn't even print them.

 I ran my hand through my hair in frustration. If I don't get this done before tomorrow, then I might lose the contract and then Aiden would be on cloud nine.

 My father made us compete, he always made us compete even if we were siblings. This time, whoever manages to get the contract with a neighboring tech company would get additional 5 percent shares from my father. 

         Originally, I should remain the CEO, but Aiden had been creating a fuss about it. And now, that red haired girl was about to sabotage my plan.

 I now regretted telling her she was laid off. That was much too easy, She should be punished for ruining my presentation. 

 I picked up my phone to call Helena, those documents weren't going to sort themselves. 

“Don't go home yet, we have to finish up before tomorrow”. I told her over the phone. 

I heard a sigh." Alright, I'll be there in five minutes”. 

 Honestly, as much as I hated the company of people, I needed help right now. I went over to my desk as soon as I heard the familiar clacking of heels.

It was annoying. 

“Don't tell me she ran off ”. Helena grasped on, seeing the stack of files on the desk. 

 I could tell she had applied extra makeup from the way her face was glittering. Even her lips were extra red. She looked like a clown.

It was disgusting.

“She did”. I sighed. “ You can take them home as long as they're ready before tomorrow”. 

I didn't wait for her reply and just grabbed my suitcase and headed for the elevator. I stopped by a flower shop as I drove along the streets. 

 I was going to take flowers to my mother. Today was our anniversary, and She was supposed to be 53 today, but she died on our birthday when I was just seven.

 I had never celebrated my birthday ever since, and I don't intend to do so until I breathe my last. 

 Fifteen minutes later, I was at the graveyard, standing over my mother's tombstone. I picked up the withered flowers I brought her last year and replaced it with the fresh ones.

 I only come here once a year. Likewise, I would rather not relive old memories. I shared the same birthday with my mother, but she had died on that same day. 

 I was the only one who visits her every year. I'm not even sure if Aiden even remembers he once had a mother. As for my father, he would lock himself in his room tonight and drink until he was wasted.  

 I stood there for a while staring at her carved name on the stone before turning on my heels.

 I had walked a few feet when I heard someone sobbing. I turned my head trying to decipher where the sound was coming from.The wailing increased, this time more distressed. Whoever it was must really be suffering deep emotional pain. 

 I continued searching until I caught sight of a figure crouched down on the floor. I froze as I stared at the red haired lady sitting on the sand. My eyes flew to the tombstone she was bending over. They were two of them, with William Ace and Jane Ace carved on them. 

 That was Lillian, my supposed secretary. I remembered telling her that her parents should be ashamed of her. 

    I bit down on my lips, for the first time I regretted my words. I knew they were harsh but at that moment, I had been so furious that I just wanted to say something that could deeply hurt her.

 I went over to my car, which was parked only a few yards from where she was. Sitting in the driver's seat, I could still clearly see her. 

   I knew how it felt to lose someone you love. I had lost only my mother, but she had lost both of her parents. 

   If I read the date properly then it should be about 21 years ago. I sighed, I knew I was heartless, but not to this extent. The least I could do was hire her back and hope she doesn't mess it up. 

I called Helena again. “ Hello Mr. Kent”. Her high-pitched voice rang through.

“ Send Mrs Ace a letter telling her to be at work tomorrow”. I said plainly. 

“What ?? You're hiring her ?” 

I rolled my eyes. “ Send her the mail Helena”. 

Helena grasped“ But …but sir, you can't hire her. She's a disaster,she almost ruined your presentation”. 

I was gradually becoming irritated.“ Are you questioning my decision?”

There was a pause on the other end.

"No sir” 

“ Good, then do as I say.”And I ended the call. 

I waited in the car contemplating what to do. The less evil side of me, which I rarely let people see, wanted to wait until she's done crying then drop her off at her house and maybe apologize for my cruel words, but I had my pride and huge ego intact.

 It was getting very late, and this place was devoid of humans. Made me wonder if she wasn't scared of the dark, especially in a creepy place like this.

 Sighing for the tenth time, I opened my door and got out of the car. I still remember my mother telling me not to look down on people and accept my faults when I was young so I was going to walk up to her. Then I'll apologize for my cruel words earlier and offer to drive her home and also inform her of the good news of not terminating her employment. At least I'll get the chance to properly punish her for almost ruining my presentation.

 Just as I closed the distance between us, a slim silhouette appeared beside her. I immediately paused in my tracks, careful not to make a sound. 

    I'd recognize that silhouette anywhere. I turned on my heels, anger swirling inside me. 

    Getting into my car I speed out of the cemetery.