Chapter : 2
"Zayden"
(Hatred, anger , workaholics)
I pushed open the door of my office, expecting silence and solitude. Instead , I was met with a sea of glowing lights and an unsettling stillness. Every computer screen was dark, every chair vacant . The air was heavy with anticipation.
As I turned to leave , a boisterous laughter echoed from the cafeteri , shattering the quiet. Curiosity piqued, I strode toward the sound .
Upon entering the cafeteria,I was greeted by the warm glow of camaraderie. My employee, usually stoic and focused, were now relaxed and laughing together. The atmosphere was infectious, but my mood was far from festive .
" I thought, after a week of overtime, you'dbe exhausted", I said , my voice cutting through the chatter . " instead, it seems you'recelebrating . Well, let me remind you : today'sworkload will be daunting . I expect every detail on Max by midnight ".
My words hung in the air like a guillotines blade conversation ceased ,smile froze , eyes darted toward me full with fear . My manager Harper step forward his eye laced with apologies.
"sir , we … we are sorry . We are just tired . I bought them here to – "
" I don't need your apologies. Harper ." I interrupted. My tone razer-sharp . " after years of searching. You still can't locate one man . And with the info I provided you of his right hand you still can't locate him . If I have to do Everything then what the mena to keep you here " as I shouted my voice echoed in the cafeteria.
Harper eyes dropped his voice barely above a whisper " sorry sir we will get it done soon".
I turned my anger simmering just below the surface . Slamp the door behind me. The sound echoed throught the corridor , a remainder of my displeasure.
As I stormed into my office, my laptop sprang to life, illuminating the dark space . Anger seethed beneath my skin , threatening to explode amy head at any moment
Suddenly I recalled my instructions to Harper to hire a programmer and wondered if he had followed throught . His negligence would seal his fate .
" Harper, get in here ,now !" I barked into the phone . The door creaked open, and Harper entered, his eyes cast downward. " sir you ask for me "
" Harper, I specifically asked you to hire a programmer," I said , my tone measured.
" yes , sir . I researched and found one candidate, but he hasn'tresponsed to my emails ".
" send me his resume and context information. If you're decieving me , there will be consequences". My warning hung in the air .
Harper'sfearful gaze met mine before he hastily departed .
Minutes later, an email from Harper arrived, attaching the candidate s impressive resume . I was taken aback by his exceptional skills .
Relieved , I sent the programmer a personal email , offering him a tantalizing deal: choose his salary or have every demand fulfilled, but no one condition- he must work by my side .
Lost in work, time slipped away . At 11:50 I rose, concerned for my employee's safety .
As I opened the door, I saw my team engrossed in their in their work, some dozing off amidst coffee cups. My hardened heart softened.
" Guys , pack up .it's late . I'vearranged cabs and dinner for you all " . The words felt foreign on my lips .
Smiles illuminated their faces, and one phrase cut throught me " thank you , boss you'rethe kindest person. ".
The word " kindest " twisted like a knife in my chest . Memories flooded back – a gathering where people praised me as kind . A tear threatened to fall.
" call me Monster , Devil , or Mortifer, but never kindest again . If you want to keep work here ". I growled, turning back to the sanctuary of my office.