Chapter 22: Chapter 22

My sadness lingered as I sat down at my work desk. Even when I tried to turn on the computer, I still couldn't stop thinking that Krystal would soon replace me. If that happens, what job will I have? Especially with my current condition!

I even mentioned that terminating this pregnancy was the best option. My job would be secure, my financial situation would be stable, and Krystal wouldn't replace me so quickly. I've dedicated myself to every task all this time. I don't want everything to just fade away. No. No.

So, right now, I'm truly determined. In the past, I had some doubts, weighing the pros and cons, but seeing this situation so clearly in front of me has erased any doubts. I want Krystal to understand that I love my job. Sure, she seemed attentive yesterday, but I don't like it when attention is given just to please me. Then, I might end up being replaced. I don't want that.

I'd rather be overwhelmed with numerous orders than presented with a lot of snack jars.

I wiped away the lingering tears, though they were not as frequent as before. I decided to wash my face to freshen up and reapply some compact to look more presentable. Krystal is perfectly beautiful, and every time we meet clients, they always compliment her. I get some compliments too because I always pay attention to my appearance. I don't want my boss to be embarrassed to have a shabby and unkempt secretary.

"Morning, Miss," I greeted her with a small smile. I don't want to be fake because I know Krystal quite well. She's perceptive and can sense when something is off.

"Hi, Anya. You look more refreshed."

I smiled in response to her praise. Then, I followed her as she entered the office. I arrived early this morning, even though I was sure I left a bit later than usual. Maybe Krystal leaves later than usual. "By the way, do we have an office tour on the agenda today?"

I could see she was a bit surprised by my question. Ah, I was right. For this agenda alone, Krystal no longer trusted me to handle it.

"Yes. We have an office tour, and you'll be coordinating it with Hanni. She's in charge of this."

I simply nodded, feeling a bit weak. So, Hanni is handling this. It's true that Hanni is a suitable person to organize this office tour. She works in public relations and knows all the data about the employees here. But still...

"But before that, we'll have a meeting. Did you inform everyone?"

I nodded again, letting my boss take her seat behind her desk after placing her branded bag, which is always a fashion accessory. Feeling like I had nothing else to say and hearing her instructions, I chose to step aside.

But before I could fully leave her office, I suddenly stopped in my tracks, absorbing every word my boss said.

"Anya, you're pregnant. Don't overexert yourself."

I don't know if the warmth that suddenly enveloped me is a kindness or more like a time bomb ready to explode soon.

***

Hanni is good at guiding and giving directions. I agree with Krystal's assessment during the office tour. We followed behind, and occasionally, I joined in explaining things as Krystal's representative. My boss? She smiled elegantly, as usual. Luckily, my stomach didn't act up today. I entered and left various rooms with different smells. Maybe she's aware that I need to perform well in front of everyone here.

We finished not long after the brief introductions and presentation of visions and missions from the new managers. I still have a lot to do, including synchronizing financial reports, which may come with some surprises. I'm not sure yet. I'll do my best, though, with precision and attention to detail.

"What's on my agenda for tomorrow, Anya?"

I looked up to find my boss standing in front of my desk, busy with her gadget. I quickly opened the computer screen showing all of Krystal Kesuma's schedules.

"Tomorrow, you have a meeting at the office, but there's also a lunch meeting with the Long Globe team and Mr. Kelvin. It's about discussing the system, ma'am."

Krystal glanced at me, her face showing deep thought. "If I'm not able to attend, it won't be a problem, right? The one who's concerned is Mr. Kelvin, right?"

"That's possible, ma'am. I'll let Mr. Kelvin know that you won't be able to attend the meeting tomorrow."

My boss nodded slowly. Then she walked away, leaving behind a faint knock that faded away when the glass door closed. I checked the time, and lunch break was less than thirty minutes away. Having lunch with Naomi and Dona wouldn't hurt, right?

Apparently, they had already planned to eat together. The choices weren't far from the cafeteria and a cafe across the street. Dona insisted on going to her favorite cafe. I responded casually. What's important is that I want to eat something warm. Maybe beef soup?

Before I left for lunch, I prepared the work I would continue. I placed it close to the computer for easy access. When I went to take a sip of water, I noticed my tea cup was still full. For some reason, it brought a smile to my lips.

"For Anya."

I just stared into his black eyes as he gave me a small smile.

"Don't be sad anymore, okay? I'm confused."

Didn't I say that Cedric is an annoying type of guy?

***

Cedric. K: Sorry, Ma'am. Can't take you home. The guests want to go sightseeing. (sad emoji)

I had just finished closing the computer screen when I laughed reading Cedric's message. No wonder he wasn't around all afternoon. Oh, maybe he's been busy since lunchtime. When there are guests like this, the front office is always busy. But what makes me think that Cedric falls into the category of good guys is that during lunch, he still managed to ask how I was doing.

It was just a simple inquiry, not an interruption, like "Don't forget to eat, Anya." Or, "Please remember, you're pregnant. Take care of your eating habits." Not like that. Cedric's message to me earned its own special place in our chat history.

"I hope Anya has eaten because I've already had my meal."

I scrolled through our previous chat history, and it was all about sharing food or breakfast. Nothing more than that. Even since that fateful night, I haven't received any strange messages from Cedric. We've been interacting as usual. Because back then, I considered it just a passing moment.

Now? It's different. In fact, most of the chats are initiated by Cedric. I only reply briefly. Besides being lazy, I also limit myself from him. I don't want to get too involved, and I'm afraid that I might waver.

I quickly replied to the message.

Anya. P: No prob. I'm with Naomi.

Then I asked Naomi for a ride. She's always the fastest when I need help. But looking at her response, I felt reluctant to praise Naomi's kindness.

Naomi: With my pleasure

Naomi's message came in at the same time as a message from Cedric.

Cedric. K: If it's not a bother, can I stop by later?

I'm surprised. I warned him earlier. Why isn't he listening? He's so persistent. Just as I was about to type a reply to Cedric, Krystal called me. I didn't even realize that she had come into my office and was now standing in front of my desk. I was flustered. Since when has she been here? I didn't even hear her footsteps.

"Anya, tomorrow I'll join Kelvin. Did you already tell him that I canceled?"

"I already told him that you won't be attending the event tomorrow."

Krystal nodded slightly. "tell Kelvin that you and I will be attending. Both of you."

I sighed. I nodded.

"It's Kelvin's last project before he resigns."

When Krystal speaks like this, it's not just gossip anymore. It's reality. The last time I had lunch with the narrow-eyed guy, we didn't talk about the rumors surrounding him at all. I felt that was his private matter. "Alright, Ma'am. I'll inform Mr. Kelvin right away."

"No need to work overtime today, Anya. You can finish it tomorrow."

I responded with a small smile. "Yes, Ma'am." I don't know why, but I didn't like what Krystal said just now. My mind is now filled with negative thoughts, afraid of what might happen in my life in the next few months.

I saw my boss leave, her bag and paper bag in hand. The door was tightly closed. If she needed me to check her office, I usually swept my gaze over the room with plenty of glass windows. If not requested, it meant Krystal didn't leave anything important behind.

Instead of staring at her office for too long, I decided to pack up my bag and belongings. I headed home, downstairs to where Naomi and Dona were. I also didn't forget to inform Kelvin about the change in Krystal's agenda tomorrow.

Kelvin: Okay, Anya. It's nice to be able to leave the office together, even if the boss is with us.

I didn't reply to that message. What's the point?

Just as I arrived on the floor where Naomi's office is, coincidentally, Kelvin came out.

"Wow, you even have to go up to the first floor, Anya."

I just laughed.

"Are you going home together?" he offered.

"With Naomi."

He sighed softly. "Always, always, and always. Always rejected. Just once, Anya."

I chuckled. "I promised Naomi to go home together."

"Tomorrow?"

Oh my, he's not giving up, is he? It's so obvious that I don't want to be approached. Not just today, but I've rejected him countless times before, in various ways, whether subtle or straightforward.

"It's hard to reach you, Anya."

Just as Kelvin said those words, Naomi and Dona approached. "Hi, Sir. We'll leave first." Naomi immediately took my arm. I only nodded as a sign of farewell. Who waved at Kelvin? Dona. My friend doesn't know the meaning of shame.

We walked casually towards Naomi's parked car. The topic of our conversation this time was Kelvin. I was just a good listener because what's the point of asking? Dona and Naomi were giving me straightforward information. The main point was that Kelvin's replacement would start next week. There would be a full month of tandem work with Kelvin, then a handover of files because Kelvin's position was quite crucial. He couldn't just resign immediately.

"But I heard Kelvin's replacement is from Caraka Group."

I was quite surprised by Dona's words. "How is that possible?"

Dona shrugged. "I'm confused too. The one who made it hot news was the one who executed Krystal's application. And she wasn't even at the office."

"Really?" I didn't believe it at all. I always thought that Krystal was well-organized in her work, and her level of professionalism was high.

"I think it's to avoid any negative implications since Caraka and our company are fierce competitors."

I agreed with Naomi's opinion.

"Let's just wait and see how Krystal moves."

There's one point where Krystal is truly an outstanding decision-maker. I'm sure my beautiful and perfect boss has her own reasons for making this decision. I wonder why she chose to do this, and there must be a solid basis for it.

"By the way, what do we want to eat for dinner?" Naomi suddenly asked. I was already seated in the passenger seat with my seat belt on, and Dona had just closed the back door.

"Aren't we having Chef Cedric again?"

Naomi laughed. "Anya?"

I scoffed at Naomi's response. Before the lingering feeling could subside, my phone started ringing loudly. I panicked, thinking it might be an important call. When I saw the caller ID, my annoyance took over my heart.

"Why?" I asked curtly.

"Are you on your way home?"

"What's your business?"

I'm sure he's smiling on the other end of the line.

"Nothing. I'll wait for you in the lobby. I'll be there soon."

"Aren't you going to drive them home again?"

"Already done. I can leave now. Want beef steak?"

I don't know what kind of conspiracy my baby has with Cedric's voice, but it makes me imagine slices of grilled chicken marinated in soy sauce

and drizzled with peanut sauce, making it suddenly very appetizing. Maybe my saliva is already dripping at the thought of the taste that will tantalize my taste buds.

"I do. Double portion, please. Get some for Naomi and Dona too."

After getting his approval, I immediately hung up the phone.

"You seem so happy to get a call from Cedric."

"Anya is finally opening up. Not just undressing in front of Cedric."

They're all my friends. But why are they acting so damn annoying?