Why is he calling me?
In the past three years since I’d worked for him, he had never. Only the company’s phone was used.
How did he get my number?
"Catherine!" Tori growled. "Turn it off!"
I took off the covers and trekked to the bathroom, my teeth grazing the edge of my nails.
This is unbelievable. Maybe it was about my pay? But others handled that stuff. Ares King wouldn’t concern himself with that.
So what could be the reason? No way it’s about the letter, right?
I jerked when my phone rang again, and I just stared blankly at it, purely confused. When it ended, I realized I was down to eight missed calls. What the hell?
It rang again.
Giving up on the number of possibilities I have conjured in my head, I picked the call.
His baritone voice vibrated through the speaker. "Ms. Lane."
"M-Mr. King."
Silence stretched, and it became unnerving. I pondered if I should say something.
"You have one hour."
"O-One hour?"
The call ended, and I just stood in shock.
What’s going on? Does this mean he wants me back in the office?
I huffed. "Is he being serious right now?"
I groaned when a headache formed.
"He’s no longer my boss, yet he still makes my life hell," I grumbled.
Fuck him!
I dropped my phone on the counter near the sink and searched the cupboard for aspirin when I paused.
"Wait, don’t tell me my severance pay is gonna be revoked!"
Oh crap! Oh crap!
~☆~
I can’t believe I’m doing this.
The elevator doors made a ding noise, and the doors slid open. I stepped into the ballpen, and all eyes flew to me.
I know I wasn’t looking my best right now, but they should really go easy on the stares.
I’d just brushed my teeth and thrown on whatever I could get my hands on. I really should have looked at a damn mirror at least.
I was quick on my feet, my heart pounding painfully in my chest when I walked into the executive suite.
My desk sat in the outer office. I had already cleared it out, and I was hoping to grab my things after the pay was made.
The door to my boss’s office opened, and I jumped. Thankfully, it wasn’t Mr. King but Gary Price, one of the project managers.
"Well, look who decided to come in," he said, eyes sweeping me. "Dear god, look at you. What hole did you crawl out of?"
I sniffled, adjusting my glasses and pulling some strands of my red hair behind my ear. "Gary," I said, bittersweet.
He closed the door and whispered to me. "What did you do?"
"I didn’t do anything."
"Whatever, I hope you survive. He’s been in a bad mood," he walked, and I followed. "Don’t follow me!"
"Mr. King is always in a bad mood. Honestly, I can’t describe his mood because he’s expressionless most of the time."
If Gary could tell his mood, then how bad is it?
"Everyone’s forced to complete a project today that’d take months to finish. Does that explain it?"
That defined the vile looks I got. Because of me, everyone’s day was ruined.
"Listen, Gary, I shouldn’t be here."
"You’re right, you shouldn’t be here dressed like that. Careful now, Ms. Lane."
"Gary!" I whisper-hissed.
"What?"
"I quit."
He laughed. "And I stepped on dog poop this morning." Then he blinked and grimaced. "Maybe I did. They should really sanitize that sidewalk." He fished out a hand sanitizer and rubbed his hands.
"I’m being serious. I left my resignation letter at his desk last night."
He scoffed, but when he double checked on my solemn expression, his mouth hung in shock. "Y-You did?"
"Yes! And I only rushed over because I thought my pay was being revoked."
Gary swallowed whatever he wanted to say.
"Is it?" I asked desperately.
That money was the only hope I had now. Without it, I’m doomed.
"Um—"
"Ms. Lane."
My heart momentarily stopped. It felt as if my entire back was dipped in ice.
"Catherine... turn," Gary mumbled through clenched teeth.
I gulped, doing as he said, and I almost fell over when I met those icy blue eyes.
He checked his Rolex. He was always so conscious when it came to punctuality.
"My office." He stepped back inside.
I looked back at Gary, hoping for a rescue, but he was already leaving the suite.
I released a shaky breath, adjusting my coat, and walked in.
I could count the number of times I’ve been inside his office. Ares King was a very private person, and his personal space was ground zero.
It was sleek and spacious, with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the city. A large desk sat at the opposite center, with leather chairs. Another bland display. Nothing out of place, not even a damn pen. Everything was meant to be poise, and disorder was a crime.
His gaze swept me slowly and focused. Figures. But I don’t work for him anymore, which means I can force my hair into a ponytail and dress loosely.
Mr. King unbuttoned his suit jacket and sat down on the chair, dropping a paper which I assumed was my resignation letter.
He said nothing, and he didn’t need to. He wasn’t a man of words; he considered talking too much work. Yet he found a way to dominate the business world.
I scratched the back of my hair. "That’s my resignation letter, Mr. King. I brought it to your office last night."
He tapped his finger on the paper, and the sharp sound unnerved me.
"Yes, I should have brought it to you personally. But I thought that was the best decision."
"Who told you you could quit?"
The weight of his words stunned me, before a frown took over my expression. Do I honestly have to answer that?Fuck! He’s serious.
I gulped. "Quitting a job isn’t against the law."
"No... but the clause in your contract stated otherwise."
This is why Tori always scolds me to pay more attention. Three damn years and I never read till the end of it.
"D-Does this mean I can’t quit?" I felt stupid for asking that question.
"Why did you do it?"
"I-I um... thought it was time."
"Time for what?"
"It’s personal, Mr. King," I said through clenched teeth. I just had my heart broken into a million pieces. I’m not about to be interrogated against my will.
Without breaking his chilly eye contact, he opened his drawer. "Have a seat."
"I—"
"Sit, Ms Lane."
With sweaty palms, I pulled out the chair and sat down, comfortable from the soft leather beneath my butt.
What happens now?
Mr. King pulled out a black leather portfolio and placed it on the desk.
"I’d like to make an offer."
"An offer?" I questioned. "W-With all due respect, Mr. King, in spite of my incompetence, I’m quite aware it doesn’t state I shouldn’t quit."
"No."
I nodded. "The only issue here is that I didn’t talk to you first. But I’m right now, yet you withhold my right to leave."
The corner of his lips twitched. "Ms. Lane, this offer has nothing to do with your letter."
"Okay? Then what is this about?"
"I’m offering a contract."
Contract?
"Unfortunately..." He tapped his finger on the portfolio. "You were in such a hurry to quit before I had the chance to bring this up."
Was I gonna get a bonus? Then I missed a huge chance!
"I-I’m open to hearing about this contract, Mr. King. If it’s not too much trouble."
A ghostly smile crossed his face. "Become my wife, Ms. Lane."