** Anna’s POV **
It was now my second week as an employee of Logic Press Publishing House and things had been going quite smoothly. I was a fast learner and since the job description was something from my field of study, I had easily settled in, and even made a friend.
Of course I didn’t inform the HR department of my pregnancy, good thing about having a flat tummy, there was no sign of my baby bump, or maybe it was just too early for that. My office colleague and newest friend, Alia; you guessed right, she is India.
Aside from the accent, I find her humor entertaining, there is never a bored moment around her. It looks like I have been cursed to make beautiful acquaintances at every place I visit.
I saw Alia packing her bags as she stood up from her desk. Like I already mentioned, we both share the same office space.
“Are you leaving?” I asked casually as I turned away from the monitor screen to her.
“Yeah, work is over for the day, why aren’t you?” she chucked.
I laughed softly. “I want to do a bit of tomorrow’s work, I might come in late tomorrow.” I announced.
“Oh,” she mouthed. “Good luck then, but don’t overwork yourself, you look worn out.” She complained.
“I will be fine, Alia. Thank you.” I replied with a convincing smile.
Honestly, I was tired, my job is really stressful, but I need to work overtime so I can pay a visit to the hospital for my monthly check up tomorrow morning, as directed by the Doctor.
Alia was done and turned to leave. “Alright Girly, see you tomorrow.” She said with a smile.
I grinned like I always do when she calls me Girly. “Goodbye Alia, take care of yourself.”
“I will! You too!” she replied and I watched her walk out of the door, holding files in her hands. Alia was also a sales director, it was like the fourth highest position in the company.
My attention went back to work as I focused on arranging the sales log, trying to correspond the credits. The economy was quite stable at the moment and we knew just the right news to push into the market, most times it was half-baked truth, but it is what the people want to read.
My attention was caught by footsteps approaching the office, I looked up immediately and the smile on my face disappeared. It was Mr. Wilson approaching, fucking son of a trash can!!
Mr. Wilson was the General Manager of the Publishing house, second only to the CEO and Head Publisher. He oversees the day to day running of the company and reports back to the big boss, he decides who stays and who leaves, so he is quite respected around here… Oh! Wrong words, he was feared and not respected.
I already saw all the red flags a week into my employment here and I decided within myself to stay as far away from him as possible. I did everything right to avoid any communication or trouble from him, but then the devil remembered me.
Two days ago, the son of a bitch had invited me to come see him in his hotel room. Ugh! Disgusting pervert! Of course I did turn him down, but respectfully and with a playful tone.
I don’t know if I was cursed like the Greek Serpent Princess, every man who gets in the position wants to get in between my legs. Was I the cursed one and is it just the culture here in New York City? Everyone wants to sleep with me in exchange for something I deserve, how is that even fair?
One thing I knew for sure was that I was never giving in to any man ever again, those days are behind me. I didn’t reject a ten thousand dollar job to come and sleep with a baboon for less.
The moment Mr. Wilson walked into the office with his awful looking gray suit, I grew uncomfortable and pretended to not see him come in.
“Hey Annie,” he called with a smile and I almost puked; okay, maybe we can blame that one on the pregnancy.
I put up a fake smile immediately. “Hi, Mr. Wilson, I didn’t see you there.” I lied.
“Yeah, I see you are occupied. Let me not waste your time, have you reconsidered my proposal?” he asked with a grin plastered on his ugly ass face.
Did he really call it a proposal? Asking me to sleep with him for a job that I earned? This man must be high on some paw-paw leaves or something.
“I am sorry, Mr. Wilson. I… I… I have decided to take the path of celibacy, it is a decision I have made due to circumstances, I can't break that decision.” I said, trying to not sound offensive.
The smile on his face was immediately replaced by disappointment. He looked away and he chuckled darkly, his voice sending shivers down my spine. He looked back at me with a devilish smile, exposing his brown teeth.
“Okay, fine then.” He laughed and stood up.
I immediately became nervous with his expression; that didn’t sound like a normal laughter, it was more like a “We shall see” laughter
Without any other word, I watched him walk away. I sighed and shook my head, my hands began to shake as I tried to use the keyboard, I became uncomfortable that instant. I knew I couldn’t keep on working today, I needed to leave immediately.
So without hesitation, I stood up and packed my things into my handbag. Work was unfortunately over for the day, it looks like I would miss my Doctor’s appointment tomorrow.
I left the office and headed for the elevator. As the elevator door was opening, I noticed Mr. Wilson walk down towards me, he was coming my way. I quickly went into the elevator and shut it. I think I heard him scream at me to hold up but I pretended to not hear. The elevator began to go down before he could make it to me.
I reached the down floor and rushed out, walking as quickly as my legs could carry me without acting suspicious, I walked out of the publishing house. I turned back and saw him walking out of the lobby, he was coming at me.
I turned back to the road and luckily, I sighted a cab coming my way. Without thinking twice, I waved down the cab and swiftly opened the door.
“Go! Go!” I instructed immediately as I turned back to stare out of the closed window.
I saw Mr. Wilson, standing there with disappointment written on his face as he watched my cab drive off. I swear I heard him mutter some curses with rage in his eyes.
“Creep” I spat silently.
Just then I turned back to the driver, I didn’t even tell him where I was going. “Please take me to…” I suddenly paused, confusion on my face as those eyes I saw from the rear-view mirror looked very familiar to me, and then his cologne hit me.
“Mr. Blackwood!” I yelled in shock.
He took off the cap and turned to face me. “Hello love.” He said in that accent and I felt my heart freeze.
TBC!!