I have no idea how long I've been standing in front of the company doors, just staring blankly while waiting for the rain to stop.
My mind's been drowning in thoughts, and I didn't even notice it was getting dark already.
Why is it that whenever I actually bring an umbrella, it never rains — but the moment I leave it at home, the sky decides to attack me?
Great. How am I supposed to go home now?
And as if that's not enough, my brain keeps replaying what happened earlier.
I bit my finger as the guilt crept in again. I don't know why I still feel bad about it.
Was what I said wrong? Was I the one at fault? Ugh!
And there it goes — the flashback hits me right in the face.
---
[ FLASHBACK ]
"Why aren't you eating?" my boss asked.
We were at our usual lunch spot. The food looked delicious, but for some reason, I felt full — or maybe just not in the mood. That awkward atmosphere again.
"I'm not hungry," I replied, bored.
Of course, he ignored me. What's new.
Since I had nothing to do, I just asked, "When is Sir Asher coming back to the company? I haven't seen him lately."
He suddenly froze, slowly placing his fork down before taking a drink of water.
"He's not coming back to my company," he said, putting extra pressure on the my.
"Huh? Why not? That's such a waste," I said.
It really is. He should at least visit, like, three times a week. Is that too much to ask?
It felt like the heavens had collapsed on me. I won't see my crush again. Even if he's got a soon-to-be wife, he's still my crush, okay?
"What do you mean waste? Do you want to see that guy all the time?" he asked, bitterness dripping off his words.
My attitude jumped out. "Why not? And the way you said that — it's like he's not even your brother. You're rude."
He exhaled sharply and drank water again. He's been drinking since earlier. Is he dying of thirst?
"Let me remind you that I am the boss here, not him. Why would you want to see him?" he questioned, taking another bite.
I rolled my eyes. The answer was obvious. "No offense, but being with Sir Asher is way more fun than being with you," I said without hesitation.
"He's kinder, more of a gentleman, and he doesn't walk around with a permanent poker face like you. He's always smiling, while you always look—"
"Stop."
He cut me off. Wow. Someone's offended. But it's true!
"What? I'm just being honest! And sometimes I don't even know if you two are really brothers, because your personalities are total opposites! I hope he comes back to the company because I'd much rather—"
"I said stop it!"
I jumped when he slammed his utensils on the table, making a loud clatter.
People started staring.
He closed his eyes tightly and let out a long breath. I suddenly got nervous. He wasn't opening his eyes yet, and he was gripping his fork like it owed him money.
"H-hey… I was just joking," I said, trying to calm him down.
I was about to touch his hand when he snapped his eyes open, making me flinch.
Why does he suddenly look so scary?
"Is there a problem, sir? Ma'am?" a waiter asked, stepping closer.
"Don't you dare compare me to my brother," he said — staring straight at me.
I swallowed. "It was just a joke," I answered, but he abruptly stood up.
"I'm done here," he said before walking out.
I stayed frozen in my seat.
"Are you alright, ma'am?" the waiter asked.
I grabbed my glass and finished the entire thing in one go. "I'm fine. Sorry," I muttered before leaving too.
When I got back to the office, Francis wasn't there. So I left to look for him.
Someone tapped my shoulder.
"Hey! I've been looking for you! Where did you even go?" one of my coworkers said.
"Why? Is something wrong?" I asked.
"Sir Locan suddenly called for a meeting. Like, just now," she said.
"What? How come I didn't know? He didn't tell me anything. What's it about?"
I'm his secretary. I'm supposed to know everything. But I had zero clue.
"I don't know, but sir is in a terrible mood! Remember that wine delivery issue last Friday? He brought everything up! He scolded the whole team even though he said it was fine back then. But now he's super pissed! He's been ranting nonstop. Hurry before he explodes again," she said before walking away.
My mind was floating the whole way to the meeting room.
I stopped at the door.
Should I go in?
Of course you should, Gianna. Why am I even arguing with myself?
Does this have anything to do with what happened earlier?
Whatever. Here goes nothing.
I was about to reach for the handle when the door swung open and my cousin came out with the other employees.
"Girl. Sir's in a mood. Good luck," she whispered before escaping.
Wow. Thanks.
I licked my lips and inhaled deeply before entering.
Francis was inside, reading papers.
"I told you to get out—"
He stopped when he saw me. He immediately looked away.
What am I supposed to do now?
"Uh, Sir Locan, why did you call—"
I didn't even finish. He stood up and walked toward me. I thought he'd stop, but he just walked right past me like I didn't exist.
Okay. What is wrong with this man?
He stayed cold the entire afternoon until we clocked out.
---
[ END OF FLASHBACK ]
Ugh. Was what I said really that bad?
Why did he react like that?
Was he jealous? No. Delete that thought immediately.
Maybe he and his brother had issues?
Was it really my fault?
Everything I said was true though.
Now I feel like I should apologize.
I feel guilty.
What am I supposed to do now?