LEAVE AGAIN
Nothing could ever matter than doing what’s best for the people we love. Yes, that might be true. But what could I do when I’m torn between doing what’s best and doing what he wants?
Kai asked me to never leave him again and I promised him that I won’t. I will not leave him no matter what.
“The stocks have gone down drastically.” John informed us when he arrived in our office.
I looked at him as he sighed hard. I know it’s hard for him and for the rest of the employees, too. If this continues, some employees might lose their jobs.
Heina and Sofia stood up and gave me a list of the applicants who I approved to start today.
I narrowed my eyes at the paper. “What’s with all these cross marks?” I asked.
Heina looked down while Sofia bit her lip.
I stared at them and waited for them to answer me.
It was not long after until Heina let out a deep breath. “Miss Eunique, these applicants cancelled their applications. Most of them said they don’t want to be part of a drowning business,” she said in an almost inaudible tone.
I couldn’t help but close my eyes and massage my temples as I heard the real reason why. Damn it! I am so guilty and broken and sad and mad that everything’s happening the wrong way.
“Gather all the final applicants. I’ll talk to them,” I ordered the girls which they nodded and did right away.
I sighed and took my phone, calling Kris. He’s the only one who could help me right now. He owns a security agency and I could ask his help to find the person behind the picture taken.
“Kris…” I mumbled as I stood up.
“Yes, Eunique, how may I help you?” I can almost see him smirking from the other line.
I pursed my lips in a thin line. “I need you to investigate on a picture that I’m going to send you,” I told him. “Is there a way where you can see who captured it?”
“There is…” his voice trailed. “Can you possibly send me the original copy? It would be easier that way.”
I bit my lip. “I don’t know if I can.” I haven’t even seen the picture myself.
“It’s okay. I can still trace it but it would take a little more while,” Kris said. “Just email me the details.”
I nodded even if he couldn’t see me. “I will. Thanks, Kris.”
“Anything for Kai’s girl,” he chuckled and I ended the call.
I went to Heina and asked her where she got the photo.
“It’s on the internet, Miss Eunique,” she said as she took out her phone and showed me the picture.
Damn it. No doubt! It’s me and Kai while we were sitting by the pool.
I felt cold right on the spot. Seeing the picture is like feeling a hell hole open up right on the place I am standing on. I wish I was a bit more cautious!
I thanked Heina and sent the photo to Kris through his email. I wish he could do something for this. I’m hoping.
I was busy the whole day, gathering all the final list of applicants and trying to convince them that the company will do whatever it can to avoid cutting off some employees.
“The project will go on as planned,” I started as I talked in front of them in the waiting room. “The management has been doing all the necessary measures for the company.”
The applicants all nodded at me as they watched me talk in front of them. I don’t usually do this but for Kai, I would. Anything that would make him happy, I’m willing to do it.
“But the company is going on a roll now, Miss James,” one applicant raised his hand. “Do you think it’s possible for the new branch to take on soon because I think the company couldn’t make it?”
I wanted to snap at him but I needed more composure. I am tensed and worried but I need to see reason. I need to see everything as a whole.
I smiled. “The company has already set a budget on the opening of the new branch,” I tried to explain. “The management has faith on this new branch—”
I stopped talking when the door suddenly opened, revealing Paulo Bennett wearing an all-black suit and a smirk on his face.
“Thank you for your time,” he told everyone in the room as he walked to the platform and smiled at me before turning to the applicants again. “I’m pretty sure you don’t know me. I’m Paulo Bennett, the Head of the PR Department and one of the shareholders of this company.”
He said it so smoothly that I can see the girls in the audience get swooned by him. No wonder, he’s a Kim after all.
“I’m one of the people who decide if you get in here…” his eyes roamed around the whole room. “…or not,” he smiled. “And I’m telling you, if you have doubts in us, I’d be happy to open the door for you to leave.”
I gasped at his words. How could he do that? He needs these applicants. He needs them right now but what is he talking about?
I could see confusion on the faces of the applicants as they listened to him. I could even see some becoming annoyed at what Paulo Bennett’s showing.
“Trust,” he spat. “Trust is the first thing needed for a better relationship—love, work, camaraderie, everything. Trust is the foundation of every fucking hell of a relationship out there.” He smiled a little too intimidatingly. “You see, we got you because we trust that you could help us, this company, to achieve our highest goal, to achieve our long-term vision.”
The whole room went quiet. Everyone’s eyes are directed at Paulo Bennett.
“Heart,” he continued. “Heart is also an important need for us. We need your heart on whatever job you are given. We need your heart on whatever situation you or the company is facing. Compassion. Heart and compassion are all you need. Win or lose, isn’t it better feeling more fulfilled when you know that you’ve given your best?”
I bit my lip as he made a lot of sense in what he is talking about. No wonder, he’s the head of the PR department.
“And of course, risk,” he sighed. “Being in this business for the rest of my life has been a huge risk for me. Every move is a risk. This new branch is a risk. You are a lot of risks for the company but we aren’t scared. In fact, we’re thrilled to have you as our risks for the company’s sake. I wish you could do the same.” He smiled. “I’m not asking you all to stay. I just need you to know that whatever your decision is, the company will respect it. Stay or leave, you can do anything you want.”
I could cry at his words. I haven’t imagined a boss giving out this kind of speech.
He chuckled and rubbed the back of his head. “I hope you’d think your decision through well. Because the only regret you’ll have someday would be the chances you didn’t take.” He smiled. “Thank you.”
I stared at him and smiled. “Thank you, Mr. Bennett.” I bowed at him.
He laughed. “No problem, Miss James. Sometimes, we all just need to let out our worries,” he beamed and I smiled.
He’s right. Maybe we all really need to vent out our worries.
After Paulo Bennett’s speech in front of the applicants, the situation in the office went better. The applicants who were present in the room all confirmed their position in the company. I’d already sent them an email about their respective jobs.
My members are also ecstatic that the business is going a bit better than what we have imagined. But I couldn’t stay happy. At the back of my mind, I am still thinking about Kai and how he’s coping up with this situation.
I took my phone out and sent him a text.
To: Kaisser Bennett
Are you alright?
I heaved a heavy sigh and waited for him to reply. I want to be by his side right now. I want to comfort him and make him feel that everything’s alright. I want to but I’m scared. What if he doesn’t want me there with him? What if he wants to be alone to think things?
Not long after, I received a reply from him.
From: Kaisser Bennett
I’d be better if you’re here.
I bit my lip as my heart slammed against my chest. I felt, somehow, relieved that this was the kind of reply that I got from him.
To: Kaisser Bennett
Do you want me to come over?
I don’t know but I was pushing my luck. I’m secretly hoping that he’s busy enough to accommodate me right now because I don’t really know how I could comfort him.
From: Kaisser Bennett
Yes, please. I need you here right now.
My breathing stopped as I read his reply. I slowly got up from my seat and told my members that I just need to go out to meet someone. They didn’t question me, though.
I walked to the CEO’s office where Serena told me to just go straight inside. I opened the door and saw Kai sitting on his swivel with his chin resting on his right palm. His eyes widened and he immediately stood up when he saw me by the door.
He walked towards me and gave me a tight hug. “God! Thank you!” he mumbled as he kissed my hair. “Thank you, Eunique!” he said as his hands held my shoulders.
I narrowed my eyes at him in confusion. I don’t get it. Why is he thanking me?
“Thank you for staying. Thank you for not leaving again.” He smiled. “Damn. I’m about to go crazy thinking you’d leave me again.”