Chapter 12: Chapter 12

I head towards the office after taking the pills. On reaching Noah’s office I see another woman.

The wait is that the supermodel Kassandra Ken?

Before I can ask her for an autograph she launches at me.

“ You! You’re the one who he is sleeping with right? “ She says coming at me.

“Yeah? “ I reply, unsure if I should give her the information.

“ No, she isn’t. Kassandra leaves without creating any drama. “ Noah says, denying the fact that we are together. That hurt me a little.

“ Then what’s the problem, Noah? Sophia and you are no longer engaged, why can’t you be with me? Don’t you see I love you? “ She cries her heart out. Her makeup, worth many dollars is now ruined.

If I had that makeup on me, I wouldn’t cry for any man.

“ Kassandra we were done a long time ago. Whether I am with Sophia or someone else shouldn’t matter to you. Now leave before I call the security and they throw you out, tarnishing your reputation. “ Noah warns.

“ You will tarnish my reputation? I will tell the whole world about your fling! “ She screams.

“ That’s it, I’m calling security. “ He growls.

Soon Kassandra is dragged away by the security guards.

“ How many girls have you dated Noah? “I ask.

“ A lot, but they are in the past Emma. Don’t worry about them. “ He assures me with a smile.

“ Noah, why did you deny us being together? “ I ask sadly.

“ Because Emma she has a habit of making a mess out of things. I don’t want the paparazzi bothering you, nor the entire social media talking about you. And she will do exactly that. It would be too much for you. “ He explains, cupping my cheeks. He is right.

“ Emma, can you do me a favor? Please get 10 copies of these notes, arrange and staple them. “ He asks politely, unlike the previous times.

“ Sure, where is the photocopying machine? “ I ask.

“ The 48 floor. “ He replies.

I take the lift and reach the 48 floors. I see the machine but I do not know how to work it out.

Just then I see John passing by.

“ Hey John, can you please tell me how to work out the machine? “ I ask.

“ Sure. “

He then helps me get the documents photocopied while we chat a little. His sense of humor is really good and he makes me laugh a lot.

I forget to take notice of the time and I waste a lot more than required.

“ Oh my god, your cat’s head got stuck in your coffee mug? How did you get it out? “ I asked laughing, unconsciously my hand was on his arm.

“ Both of you are being paid to work, not to mingle. And you should know that better than her John. “ A dominant voice booms. I look back to see it is Noah. Jealousy evident in his brown orbs, hit brows raised in annoyance.

I retreat my hand from his arm and grab the documents along with the photocopies.

“ Meeting is in 10 John, but you wouldn’t know that since you are busy chatting with my secretary. “ Noah comments, he never raises his voice at John though. Whereas me? I am doomed for sure.

Noah grabs my arm roughly and drags me to the lift.

“ Noah I-“

“ Shut up Emma. You know very well I hate seeing you with other men but then you go stick with John. Why are you so keen on defying me? “ He asks roughly shoving me on the elevator, causing me to lose the documents.

All the papers fall on the ground and I whimper in pain.

“ I couldn’t work out the photocopying machine and John was there to help me out. “ I explain.

Noah just sighs and picks up the documents for me.

“ Next time, refrain from doing so. “ He says picking up the documents and handing them to me.

“ You should also refrain from manhandling me. “ I say, rubbing my sore arm.

He nods realizing he ended up hurting me.

“ I’m sorry. “ He says now gently rubbing my sore arm.

The elevator door opens and we reach the 100 floors.

“ Arrange and staple those and come to the floor below. Room no 5 “ He informs, his voice a little less intimidating now.

He goes away and I arrange and staple those. I reach room no 5 and start putting out the copies on each member's desk.

People start arriving slowly. Noah is already there, gawking at me like a hawk.

“ What is this? “ One of the men ask me.

“ Unm pages? Paper? “ I answer. Everyone laughs. It’s paper, right?

“ I can see that this is paper too. “ The man replies back, gritting his teeth.

“ It’s the statistics of our marketing team. “ Noah answers.

“ It’s down. “ John adds.

“ And I would like to question the general manager that is you, Mark. Why is it down? “ Noah asks in a bossy tone. Thank God I am not the one in trouble this time.

“ Well it has fallen, but the percentage is very less. So less that is ignored able- “ Mark replies. If I were Mark, that wouldn’t be my answer.

I’d probably fall on his feet, begging for mercy. It feels damn good not to be the target of his wrath. Let me cherish this moment. The one time I will not be the one getting screamed at by the boss. Oh, the sweet-savory moment.

“ Ignore able? Do you think my company is a joke? If I thought like you, Mark I wouldn’t be where I am, and neither would this company be. I raised this company from scratch, and it wasn’t by falling statistics. So give me one good reason why I shouldn’t just hire John as my general manager? “ Noah questions, infuriated by Mark’s silly answer.

“ I.. Boss yet u will see positive changes in the next month. “ Mark nervously.

“ If not, be ready to find yourself another job, that is if another company hires you. “ Noah warns, with a smirk on his face. Definitely plotting something evil.

Did I mention how thankful I am not to be Mark at the moment? Noah’s wrath is a scary thing. It can make a grown man pee in his pants.

After that, they discuss different marketing techniques. Ads, models, and so on. And do you know what? Everyone gets a chair while I have to stand. Not fair!

I’m going to Demand a chair for myself, I’m going to tell him I deserve one because I am an employee too and he is going to give me one! I look back at Noah, seeing him eye everyone, his demeanor, the stern look in his eyes. Yeah, I have a change of plan. I will Request a chair from Noah and if he says no then that is completely understandable.

The meeting lasts for an hour and then it’s break time. A worker brings in refreshments yet I have to put them on the table as I have realized only a few people are allowed in this room. He doesn’t trust everyone. In fact, he only trusts a few.

I am about to bring coffee to Mark but my foot slips and I drop it on him. That’s it, I am done. Noah’s going to kill me. Rip Emma is a dumb waitress that likes spilling things.

“ I’m so sorry. “ I squeak out, scared from Noah's coming outburst.

“ Are you fucking blind? Who even hired this shit? “ Mark is the one to scream out, his words quite cruel but I'm used to all the screaming and shouting.

“ I did, do you have a problem? “ Noah asks arrogantly. Whatever you do, do not question his decisions.

“ No sir. “ He replies hushing down.

“ Good, because you shouldn’t have a problem even if it is poured on you again. “ He says, pouring his coffee on Mark.

Since Noah usually takes cold coffee so it will not burn him.

“ You’re doing all this because you want John to be the general manager, right? “ Mark asks.

“ I trust him more than you, it’s a pity that you had more votes. But this is my company, what I want happens. Soon people will see your incompetence and vote you out. “ Noah threatens, his voice is dangerously low but since I am standing right beside them, I can hear him.

“ I’ll resign, you’re the boss, Mr. Noah. If you don’t want me in this office, there is nothing I can do about it. Just don’t restrict other companies from hiring me. “ Mark says defeated. No one can compete with Noah, he is a vengeful man. This was indeed a wise decision by Mark. Why work for a company if the company doesn’t want you to work for it?

“ That would be better for you. You can give me your resignation letter by tomorrow and I’ll hand you an appointment letter for another company owned by a close acquaintance “ Noah bargains. Look at him, having a big heart. Hey! At least he is giving the man a job after taking one. You can't expect more from someone like Noah. Be thankful.

“ Let’s go, Emma. “ He orders, striding out the room and I follow him.

“ Mail me the notes of our discussion. “ Noah orders.

“ The notes? “ I ask confused.

“ Yes, Emma notes of what we just discussed. “

He then suddenly stops walking.

“ You didn’t note down a single hoe point of discussion, did you? “ He asks, his eyes narrowing at me.

“ No, please don’t scream at me. “ I whimper. I hate when he gets angry.

“ I didn’t know I was supposed to, but I’ll make it up to you. I’ll ask John, he’ll give me a review of what you guys discussed. “ I squeak out.

“ John? “ Noah raises his brow at me.

“ The one guy I am telling you to stay away from. How many times do I have to tell you for it to sink in that empty head? You are mine Emma and I am extremely possessive of my things. “ He growls. My eyes water at that. No matter how hard I try I always fail. I really didn’t want to less up this one.

Moreover, am I just a thing for him? Doe, he even loves me? Or is it just my body that he is interested in?

“ I don’t want you around him. Do you understand? “ He asks sternly.

I nod my head.

“ Words Emma. “ He whispers in his deep voice.

“ I understand. “ I whisper.

He finally leaves me and I walk away. The rest of the day goes uneventful, me doing bare minimum work. He hasn’t given me much work.

When it is time for lunch, he invites me with him but I deny it.

“ I’m not feeling good. You can go. “ I reply.

“ Are you sick? “ He asks, putting his hand on my forehead.

“ No, I’m just… Can I take a half-day leave if there isn’t anything else for me to do? “ I ask scared.

“ You can go home if you don’t feel well. “ He comments.

“ My driver will drop you. “ He further adds.

“ No, I know the way back home Noah. I know the way back. “ I reply bitterly and leave.

I sleep throughout the day, blocking the negative thoughts.

The next morning I wake up, prepare breakfast feed, Tim, prepare his lunch, give him the guidelines and leave. I also ask my neighbor to keep checking on him from time to time.

I go to the office and no one is there as usual. I’m the first one. I’ve got the worst timings. I enter Noah’s office to see that he is already there and there is also another man present with him.

“ You can not do that to me. You lied. “ The man exclaims, by voice, I recognize him to be Mark.

“ What if I did? It was crystal clear that you were among the people I disliked. I told you not to take the GM post, yet you were too egoistical due to the votes you gained, forgetting who the boss is. One thing you should know is, no one gets away by over-crossing me. “ Noah replies back.

“ But… but you said.. said that I could get another job, an appointment letter. This is a termination letter, saying that I was incapable. I won’t get another job Mr. Noah and you know that. Please don’t do this. “ Mark requests.

“ The door is open, you may leave. “ Noah says, pointing towards the door. His eyes are devoid of emotion.

“ No please have mercy. My children will starve, my life depends on this job. I have already taken a loan from a bank, I won’t be able to return that. I and my family will end up on the roads, I’ll be ruined Mr. Noah please don’t do this to me. “ Mark now retorts to begging. Even though he shouted at me, I feel bad for him. I know what it feels like to lose your job.

“ Noah, why don’t you give him another post in your office? There can be some other way to resolve this matter. “ I interfere on behalf of Mark.

His sharp, hawk-like eyes move towards me. By his facial features, U can tell he doesn’t like me interfering. I quickly look down, to avoid further wrath but I guess I pissed him off.

“ And who asked you to interfere in my matters Emma? Who is the boss here? “ He asks arrogantly.

“ You are. “ I reply submissively. I thought he might listen to me since we are…

“ Exactly, I pay you. Not the other way around. So next time, keep that in mind and do not dictate me. Because I fucking know what I’m doing. “ He says, angrily.

“ I’m sorry. “ I whisper, regretting my decision to interfere.

“ Get the fuck out Mark. I’m losing my patience here. I don’t have time for your sad sob story. “ He thunders at him. Mark quickly scurries away.

“ Emma never cut me or speak in between. I do not allow anyone to interfere in my business. You might be the one I’m sleeping with, but that does not mean you have the right to object to my decisions. My word is final. Don’t make the mistake next time or I won’t be so lenient. “ He warns rudely.

Why did I think he would listen to me? I’m just a girl he is sleeping with….