Note: two updates in two days! Something must be wrong with the universe.
Okay, bye, see you guys in two years now.ð
Just kidding!
(the song below is a perfect description of Elijah's turmoil. Give it a listen)
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Song: 'Jealous Bone' by Patty Loveless
Somewhere deep down inside of my heart
Makes me feel things that tear me apart
Got a jealous bone
Got a jealous bone
Ever since you walked into my life
Can't bear to see you out of my site
Got a jealous bone
Got a jealous bone
And I know I'm gonna run you off
If I don't learn to let you go
But ooh oh you make me lose control
I was born, with a jealous bone
See heads turn when you walk in the room
I know what they're thinkin' 'cause I'm thinkin' it too
Got a jealous bone
Got a jealous bone
I feel blood pound all through my veins
Every last part of me is callin' your name
Got a jealous bone
Got a jealous bone
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HANNAH'S POV
A huge round conference room.
That's what I saw.
And when I say huge, I mean it. This one is almost built on half the floor, thrice the size of our usual conference room or maybe more. As expected, it's as beautiful as the rest of the office's interior, it has to be. If not the world-class Construction Company would have it, then, who will? The wooden walls have large windows at every periodic distance that are currently covered with blinds, the round ceiling consists of wooden panels, tinted glass, and lights in the most modern way. A huge round mahogany table in the center with multiple chairs around it. Still, it doesn't look cluttered or suffocating because of the room's enormous size. The wall opposite the door has a huge screen fitted within it, and on the other side, there's a huge curved table containing all sorts of refreshments and a coffee machine.
It's really impressive just like the rest of the office, I wonder if he designed this also.
What do they do in here, hold senate meetings, or interact with aliens?
The scary part is not its magnitude though, but the fact that it's not empty, it is filled left, right, and center with people scattered all around the room, some working while others chatting in groups.
The number of people?
Not much! Just, 50, 60, 70 more or less.
Imagine more.
My anxiety kicked in looking at so many familiar and unfamiliar faces, like what the hell!
Why so many?
Isn't this just an initial presentation?
Do I have to present in front of all these people?
Again, why SO many?
"By the look on your face I see that you like the surprise," Eva leaned and whispered in my ear, I could sense her smiling without having to look at her. She left after dropping the bomb on me to take it all in
Did she plan this?
Did she really think that presenting in front of a huge crowd would scare me?
If she did then she can't be more... right.
Because I am actually terrified.
I'm not the one to feel shy when it comes to public speaking in fact I feel pretty confident.
But this is different, I've never spoken in front of such a huge crowd where all the attention is on me, and this is not some class presentation either, all these people mean business.
It's either go big or go home, Hannah.
It's okay, Hannah, these are just people.
And don't be nervous, you've worked so hard for this, just be confident you've got this.
I gave myself a pep talk.
I'm still nervous but that won't change anything, right? It will only make things worse.
So I have no choice now but to present whatever I've done with confidence, whether they like it or not.
No need to doubt yourself, you've done well, Hannah.
I felt this within me, feeling a little relaxed now but not completely.
"Hey, hey, hey, look who's this boss lady?" I heard a familiar voice.
I turned around and saw Andy standing a few feet away from where I was standing.
But Andy wasn't alone.
He's standing with his arm around his best friend's shoulder aka Elijah Alexander the Great Norman. Andy had a happy smile on his face while, Elijah, well, he was just himself. No expression at all.
Ignoring his uncomfortable stare, I smiled heartily at Andy, thankful for his presence which took my mind off of the presentation for a while.
Noticing he had my attention now, Andy started walking towards me and tugged Elijah along, too. I hardly believe anyone can tug a six-foot-two, well-built man, especially one that resembles an icicle but in this rare occurrence, he allowed Andy this pleasure.
"Good morning, ma'am," he bowed down a little, something he often does, "You've got quite a show going on here, boss," he gestured around me and I sighed heavily.
"Trust me, I've got nothing to do with this," my eyes turned to Elijah and found his blank stare focused on me already, I decided to ignore him, "And you, stop calling me boss," I pointed my finger at him and squinted my eyes for more effect.
"But you are my boss, no? Boss' wife is a bigger boss," he nudged Elijah as he whispered, and in return he only blessed him with his dead gaze while my eyes went wide, he ignored both our reactions and stepped closer towards me. "And, by the way, the way you're dressed screams boss lady vibes," he flirted looking me up and down, "like damn, you mean business. You can make anyone do anything, and I mean anything," he winked at Elijah, "if you always dress like this... ma'am," he side hugged me and casually put his arm around my shoulder.
"Stop calling me that, I'm like half your age, old man," I giggled heartily. Did I tell you we've become good friends and I like him a lot?
Have I? Oh, good, count this as reassurance.
And, by the way, just friends.
"Ouch, you hurt me, princess," he put his hand on his heart and faked his pain.
I laughed again.
My laugh vanished when my attention went back to the statue we'd been standing with all this while, who didn't say anything at all and neither smiled.
But something changed in his gaze, his blank eyes looked dark now and deadlier than before.
His expressions hadn't budged a little but I felt something changed in them.
Did something change?
And if it did then how do I know it?
From the side of my eyes, I saw Andy looking at both of us simultaneously and smiling contently.
I gave him a puzzled look and raised my eyebrows, smiling he shook his head in answer and then ruffled my hair.
He has such a Nick vibe.
"Urgh, stop it, you know how long it took me to style them," I showed my annoyance as I fixed my hair back.
"But you look good, darling, don't you think, Elijah," he tried to include him once again but failed, again.
How are they best friends is still beyond me, they both are so different.
"And sleep deprived," I yawned suddenly, "look at my dark circles that I tried to conceal." Now that my mind is diverted from the presentation, sleepiness kicks back in.
"You look fine to me, very fine if I may say so" he winked again.
What's with all this winking and flirting today?
"That's because I'm nervous and excited that I could not have slept even if I wanted to."
"Yup, that's it. That is working for Norman and Co in a nutshell. I, too, haven't slept in many moons, thus, my beauty fade-eth away," looking at Elijah, he said dramatically like he was in a Shakespearean play.
Elijah, being the iceberg that drowned the Titanic still showed no interest whatsoever. Remind me, why is he here again? He can very well just leave this conversation because he's not taking part in it, I'm sure can use his time in a million other productive things.
I sighed inwardly feeling a little awkward at his constant stare and overpowering presence. He looks angrier than usual like he did in the hallway. What does he want? I wanted to ask but refrained myself and diverted my attention back to Andy.
"Are you here for the presentation?"
"Aww, you'd think that you're that important, but no," he said with a serious face and I rolled my eyes at him, "But, if you insist I guess I can sit," he offered generously.
"Whatever, Andy!" I acted annoyed but smiled nonetheless.
Looking around I noticed we had attracted quite the attention to our group of three and now there's a lot of curious and envious looks we're getting from people.
By we, I mean I.
And by people I mean women.
Well, I am standing with two really hot men, I guess their reaction is inevitable.
Hmm, simping at your own husband, I see.
"You're rather popular here, look at all the girls trying to kill me with their eyes," I wiggled my eyes playfully at Andy
"I know right, wait until they know who you actually belong to, they'll burn you alive, I swear," his comment made all the color rush to my face and my eyes instantly met with the person in question.
I can't even imagine what would happen if anyone got even a whiff that we're married. I guess if God forbid that ever happens, he'll kill me himself before any of the girls could reach me.
My eyes held his for longer now, my heartbeat a little fast with the way his gaze was piercing through me.
Doesn't he know people can see him?
I tried looking the other way but was unsuccessful because there's something about his deep dark eyes that holds me spellbound.
A few minutes passed while we continued looking at each other oblivious to the presence of others around us.
But in an instant, his eyes became so cold sending chills down my spine with how vacant they became all of a sudden.
Within the next few seconds, he broke the eye contact and was gone like he was never here.
What was he doing here in the first place, it makes me feel so puzzled.
"Gee, thanks for the heads up," I answered Andy recovering from his unseen spell.
"Well, that was intense, and pardon my French, sensual too," Andy fanned himself with his hands like girls do.
"Shut up, I'm feeling so anxious, I had no idea I'd have to present in front of such a huge gathering," I said truthfully while visibly diverting myself from the image Andy was trying to put in my mind.
"Yeah, it has never happened before, we've rarely ever had meetings here especially if they are from the design department. Mostly yearly board meetings are held here or if any larger group of international delegations comes. It's strange," he wondered.
"Well, I guess I have an idea why it's happening today," I sighed.
"You do?" Andy asked quizzically.
He wants me to fail so badly, of course, he will go to any length to degrade me. I felt a pang of hurt at the very thought. I shook my head but didn't answer.
Andy left after that to meet others and I too went to see Margaret who just came now.
She was also confused to see why the presentation was being held at such a large scale but assured me that I'd done well and that I did not need to worry.
"You're a natural, Hannah, take this as your silver lining and prove yourself to everyone. Don't worry, you're confident enough to win this. Good luck."
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ELIJAH'S POV
What a bitch!
I left that little gathering because it was unbearable for me to continue listening to them flirting.
I could feel my insides riling up but didn't say anything.
He's my fucking best friend she was flirting with.
I wanted to leave right away but looking at her so closely glued my feet to the ground and my eyes to her face.
My heart skipped a beat every time our eyes met.
She looked beautiful but still, I could see she was tired.
Soon after I left them alone they too went their own ways.
Still, my eyes followed her all around for some reason.
Wherever she stopped, people looked at her.
I saw lust in men's eyes. They checked her out from head to toe, I can see their dirty thoughts as clear as a day on their smug faces. She smiled at all of them happily.
I felt my eyes burning as rage took over me. What a fucking slut!
The day has just started and it's already ruined for me.
She's such a seductress.
It took everything in me to hold back, I don't think I've felt so overwhelmed and angry in quite a while.
What's more irritating is my reaction to it all.
"Babe, you know people can notice you staring at her," jealousy was evident in her tone, "why are you looking so stressed?" Eva asked standing much closer to me than needed.
"What is all this about, Eva, why are we having a meeting here?" I asked my eyes still holding on to only one person in this huge room.
"I'm just making it easy for you, El," she said feeling proud of herself.
"For the last time, stay out of it, Eva, I don't need your help," I answered rigidly not moving my eyes one inch away from her.
I saw Dad with Elena and Ethan approach her, she shook their hands and fist-bumped Ethan then he hugged her. I can't hear what they're talking about from this distance but she looks happy seeing him. Elena and she are still not on talking terms.
Dad took her with him and introduced her to our other board members and managers. Her back is towards me so I can't tell what she's saying but I can see other people's faces and they look impressed by her.
Seriously? This girl is good at luring people.
But Eva really went out of her line this time, all these people are not needed at all, she's wasting everyone's time but since I got to know about it only this morning, I couldn't cancel it last minute.
I've been taking her shenanigans lightly but I guess this ends today. Once the meeting is over, I'll have a chat with her.
"Who says I'm helping you?" she seethed, anger evident in her voice, "The faster she's gone the better," she said bitterly.
I refrained from reminding her that there was nothing for her in this and that she was wasting her energy.
"Well, she certainly enjoys attention. All that innocent girl next door façade is coming undone," she snickered.
"Start the meeting, Eva," I said tucking my hands in my pants pockets.
I'm getting annoyed with each passing second and losing my temper, I can't wait for this day to be over already.
Ten more minutes passed and everyone settled down.
"Good morning, everyone, I'm Eva West, the project manager," Eva started the meeting, "thank you for being here at such short notice. So, I know this is new for everyone to be gathered around for this type of meeting but we're trying something new today and we're glad to have everyone's presence around here. The agenda of today's meeting is related to the interior design of the new hotel project of Norman and Co. that's under construction. Usually, it's only the studio team that decides on designs but this year we're doing it differently, we'll be glad to have everyone's input, so please feel free to share your opinions. Since it's a big project, we don't want to waste your money and time considering we have quite a few people with no experience at all to handle such a big project. This firm is known for promoting new talent, we pride ourselves on giving this country some remarkable people who started their journey with us. So this time we decided to give a chance to some of those also who are a little short on talent, too," she looked at Hannah, "I'm joking, this meeting doesn't need to be so uptight, right," I saw her smile weakly at Eva's taunts as she awkwardly saw the people looking at her empathetically.
I looked at Dad sitting next to me throwing daggers at Eva. He was never in favor of her working here. I'm beginning to see why.
"Without further due, let's start with the concept video that our team of experienced architects has made headed by the vice president, Mr. Elijah Norman himself. And then we can proceed with the presentations by the designers,"
The meeting was in progress but my attention was anywhere but at it. No matter how hard I tried to focus, my mind kept going back to Hannah and Daniel in the hallway and to make matters worse, they both were sitting together a little farther on my left side.
Halfway through the meeting, I saw her panic looking for something in her bag then at the table around. She leaned towards Margaret who was sitting on her left and whispered something in her ear, Marge looked bewildered at whatever she said.
I continued observing her dreaded state.
Is she alright, was my first thought.
Is she scared because it's almost her turn now?
What's going on?
She leaned towards Daniel and whispered in his ear, their closeness made me clench my fists.
Daniel in return gave the same reaction as Marge and after a second's thought, he whispered back into her ears then put his hand on hers and she relaxed a little.
Are they kidding me right now, even during the meeting they can't keep their hands off of each other. I can feel myself getting furious. Fucking bitch!
A few seconds passed and she got up grabbing the attention of a few and breaking the tempo of the meeting, she apologized quietly. I read Marge's lips telling her to hurry up. She left the room.
Quite a few minutes have passed and she's still not back. Where is she? There's only her presentation left now, Blake is almost done with hers.
Has she gotten cold feet at the last moment? If she has it won't surprise me. I knew she was not capable of it. Good for her to finally come to her senses and back out before embarrassing herself.
The room is not too well lit because of the dimmed lights but there's enough light from the screen to illuminate the room. Still, I got distracted when Daniels's phone lit up with a text and within seconds he was up from his chair with his laptop, nodded apologetically, and was out too.
Hardly anyone noticed their absence but it was all I could think of.
Why did they both leave, what are they doing?
My heart dropped at the only possibility I could think of.
For fucks sake, are they really that desperate that they couldn't wait for the presentation to end?
I can feel my blood boiling with each passing second, images of them together poked into my brain, and I felt like it might explode. I held onto the table so hard that my veins were popping out, they might burst with all the tension I was feeling inside me.
"Thank you, Ms. Blake Sherbet for the wonderful presentation. I see Ms. Evans has still not returned. While we wait for her and Mr. Daniel," she emphasized both their names making me lose the last of control I have in me, "let's hear your thoughts of what you think of this layout for the rooms of our first five floors," I heard a discussion going on in the background but I couldn't concentrate on anything that they said as it's only one thing I can think about.
Them fucking.
"I'm sorry for the delay caused by Ms. Hannah Evans, I guess she got scared of the crowd, after all, it's not everyone's cup of tea to stand here and speak, she's new and unexperienced, I apologize on her behalf," Eva tried to hide her sly smile like she's won something.
"We don't mind waiting for her, Ms. West. Hannah is an exceptional youngster with a very bright future ahead. I'm sure she has a good reason for the delay, some people are worth the wait," Dad said calmly challenging Eva for what she was trying to do. She forced a smile and sat back down.
Chattering started within the room as everyone waited for her to come back. I looked at Margaret and she shrugged in oblivion then picked up her cell phone, I could see her typing.
Only then did the door burst open grabbing everyone's attention and entered a disheveled-looking Hannah followed by a heavily breathing Daniel.
I held a pen in my hand with so much strength that it broke in half when I saw the state in which they both entered.
Margaret threw them both a murderous look and told Hannah to take the lead, Daniel went back to sit and smiled apologetically.
"Good afternoon, everyone, I apologize for keeping you all waiting, a small crisis arose but was dealt with," she greeted still out of breath.
"Is everything alright, Ms. Evans?" Dad inquired worriedly.
"Yes Mr. Norman, thank you for asking, sir," she assured.
"Take a few seconds, dear, drink some water, it's okay," she nodded a took a few sips of water.
"Again, I am so sorry, thank you for your patience, everyone." I can see she's nervous by the fidgeting of her hands and her eyes "I'm glad for this opportunity and I must assure you that I don't take any of it for granted. This is my first presentation in this company, so please bear with me and as my dear colleague said feel free to share your opinions," she regarded Eva to which she only shrugged smugly, "Alright, then, let's begin," she moved forward to connect the pen drive to the system, her hands shaking anxiously.
She closed her eyes briefly, took a deep breath then opened her eyes and started.
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Author's note:
Obstacles, obstacles, obstacles.
One can describe Hannah's life with this one word.
Elijah on the other hand has his feelings twisted. I guess he's conflicted that everyone has Hannah's attention but him.
Meanwhile, he thinks the worst of her in every scenario all by himself.
Our boy isn't as smart as he thinks of himself.
Let's just hope he's not completely hopeless and doesn't blow it up.
As for Andy, I love writing about him, he is such a goofball. Eliannah's cupid in disguise!
Did you like their fun interaction and Elijah's reaction to it?
Also, what do you think would be the crisis for Hannah and Daniel's disappearance?
Does Elijah's doubts have any reality to them?
P.S. I love all your responses to the story and how invested y'all are.
All I can say is thank you!
Much loveâ¤ï¸