Chapter 3

• All eyes were on her the next day as Annie sat in her cubicle, going through some documents.
• The girl was deeply into her work, calm and collected, which made it the more reason for the other employees to be astonished.
• Normally, this girl kept a low profile and rarely engaged in any conversation or gossip going around in the department unless it was something that concerned work. She carried herself with an air of elegance with a bit of arrogance.
• Unless spoken to, she never struck up a conversation first.
• So her colleagues were conflicted. How could this girl who avoided people like the plague catch the attention of the new CEO? The events that transpired yesterday were still bugling their minds.
• Some had sleepless nights and most couldn’t wait to get to work this morning.
• “Wow! The department is so lively today! Are you guys not done celebrating?” A loud feminine voice came from Annie’s side followed by the sound of a bag being dropped on the desk with a bang. The person that just arrived was a girl about the same age as her.
• A sarcastic smile spread on her lips as she spoke to Annie. “Girl, did you sprinkle some pixie dust on yourself before coming to work? I can see that you have suddenly become a bulb of light in this once-dark department.”
• “You’re exaggerating.” Annie chuckled, shaking her head.
• “Huh?” Layla sat in her own cubicle beside Annie’s. “But I don’t see it that way. Don’t tell me you’re oblivious to these people gawking as if they’ll gobble you up at any moment.”
• “Oh, she won’t tell you anything.” A shrill voice rang out from the other employees. “Our little miss perfect is acting all mighty again. Let me tell you, she caused a buzz in this company yesterday. Not only this department, the other departments are talking about her as well.”
• The girl that just spoke was Priscilla Wang. While the other employees had on curious expression, she looked as if she had just swallowed a vinegar.
• “Really?” From where Annie sat, she finally looked up and raised a brow. “I didn’t know Ms. Wang is keeping tabs on me. I’m an idol and I didn’t even know.”
• “Gah! Idol my foot. You’re thinking too highly of yourself, Annie!” Priscilla scoffed while Annie smirked.
• Although she didn’t meddle in others’ affairs, it didn’t mean that she didn’t manage to make one or two enemies in the department.
• The other people were aware of Priscilla’s dislike towards Annie, because not a day went by without her trying to pick a fight. And just like always, Annie managed to shut her up with the right comeback.
• “Take a break, Priscilla.” Layla smiled sweetly. “You should be glad that your idol seems to be in a good mood this morning, otherwise, I won’t mind smacking you on the mouth.”
• “You…”
• Before Priscilla could go on speaking, silence fell on the area and the sounds of footsteps came. Every employee quickly collected themselves as they watched the manager come out of his office.
• A handsome man in his thirties. He didn’t lack in height and he carried an air of elegance around him. His footsteps were slow and measured. His expression was the type to instantly put one at ease.
• “Damnit! Here he comes.” Layla pursed her lips and said in a displeased tone. While Annie looked up as the guy’s gaze was fixed on no one else but her.
• She put on a smile, and, just like the other employees, she rose to her feet. The man stopped in front of her, the subtle smile on his lips widening. He took her hand then placed a document on it.
• “Congratulations, Annie. This is your promotion letter.”
• The employees gasped and Layla who was standing beside Annie only looked more irritated.
• “Weren’t you supposed to have given her the promotion yesterday, Sir!” She emphasized the word ‘Sir’, glaring at the man. “Or did you postpone it to this moment to rub it on my face?”
• Layla had competed with Annie for this promotion, although she always knew it would come to this. And to save herself from the heartbreak, she had skipped work yesterday even though she was dying to attend the ceremony. “I am your sister for goodness sake, you should cut me some slack.”
• “Hey, don’t fret over it. I’m only handing it to Annie today because she miraculously disappeared from the ceremony yesterday,” the man answered her. His friendly expression didn’t faze even as Layla threw daggers at him.
• “Congratulations, Annie.” Layla faced Annie and said resignedly, “I have the right to be mad, but it was a fair competition. I know even if he wanted to cheat and prioritize you, you wouldn’t let him.”
• Annie took the papers from the man’s hands, smiling. “Thank you, Jason. You could call me to come and get it.”
• The employees had seen this coming because a few months ago, they had all competed for the position of the manager’s assistant after the old one resigned. In the end, it only remained two runner-ups who were Annie and Layla. They weren’t surprised that Annie emerged as the winner.
• They all clapped and said words of congratulations, except Priscilla who was standing in a corner. She folded her hands and scoffed, her face green with envy.
• “I know your workload will become heavier. Don’t worry, I won’t be hard on you,” Jason said to Annie. His eyes softened as he stared at her, and that gesture didn’t escape the eyes of the other employees.
• Everyone knew what was going on between the two, which happened to be the reason why Priscilla was currently seething with anger.
• “By the way, there’s something I want us to discuss in my office,” Jason added. More than anyone else in the company, he was more confused about yesterday’s incident. He was also present at the ceremony and witnessed what happened.
• But he didn’t want to jump to conclusions yet. He didn’t believe Annie to be that kind of woman.
• Annie nodded to his request. She was about to follow him to his office when a male voice came from the elevator ahead.
• “This department is so lively today! Are you guys not done celebrating?”
• “Who is that person stealing my phrase!” Layla spun around and shouted.