Breaking Point
Ayira
After crying, I wiped my tears and got back to work. I must never allow him to see my weakness. Not today. Not ever.
I worked until lunch, and by then, I was starving. My stomach growled, a cruel reminder that I hadn't eaten since morning. I didn't know what to do,I really didn't want to get on his nerves again. I checked the time: 2:02 PM.
I was supposed to bring his coffee at 2:00 PM. Oh, Ayira… you're really in for it.
I hurriedly made the coffee, carefully following the instructions I had seen earlier on the tablet. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee filled the tiny office kitchen, warming my chest slightly, though it couldn't soothe the knot of fear twisting in my stomach. My hands trembled as I carried the cup, half-afraid I'd spill it.
When I finished, I made my way to his office.
He was completely focused on his laptop, eyes glued to the screen since he arrived. He was a workaholic, that much was obvious. I froze for a moment, finding myself… admiring him. He was hard to resist, even now, despite how terrifying he could be.
I lingered for more than five minutes, unsure of what to do, my heart pounding in my ears. Should I place the cup on the desk? Should I just leave it? The coffee seemed heavier in my hands than it really was. I started to turn away.
That's when he scoffed.
"You know, I know people like you,people who look for every opportunity to be annoying. I thought you were different; that's why I hired you despite your lack of experience. But I'm amazed… consistently wrong, every step of the way. I didn't realize laziness could be a full-time skill until I met you."
I bent down slightly, trying not to break down in front of him.
"You've been sitting there, doing nothing, and you couldn't even make my coffee? Is your brain not functional?"
I stood silently, unsure what else to do. He gestured for me to bring it back. My hands shook as I stepped closer. Then, with deliberate force, he poured the hot coffee on the floor, some pouring on my legs.
I screamed, the scalding liquid burning my skin, and tears finally spilled freely.
"Consider yourself lucky I'm in a good mood this afternoon .This should be the last time, ever. Next time, I won't hesitate to make you pay… and then fire you!"
"Get lost!" he shouted.
I bent down to pick up the broken fragments of the cup, sniffling and trembling.
"And for your information," he added, "emotions don't work here. Leave whatever feelings you have outside these doors, UNDERSTOOD??"
"Understood, sir," I answered, loud enough for him to hear, though my voice wavered.
After disposing of the glass, I returned to my office. Just as I sat down, the phone rang.
"Come in. Now!"
I stood immediately and entered the office he had summoned me to.
"Miss Weslyn—or whatever you're called,the next time you cry in my presence, I will give you reasons to cry harder."
"I'm sorry, sir," I muttered.
"I need you to coordinate property meetings with developers, investors, and the legal team. Organize site visits and inspection appointments for tomorrow. Monitor any deadlines related to zoning, permits, and regulatory approvals. Do not miss anything. UNDERSTOOD?"
"Understood, sir."
I replied and immediately set to work. The list was long, and I had only four hours to complete everything.
*****
I stretched and yawned, glancing at my wristwatch: 6:24 PM. I was nowhere near finished. My back ached from sitting, and my eyes burned from staring at the screen so long. I peeked into Kael's office; he was on a call, his sharp profile silhouetted against the large window. I continued working, my fingers flying across the keyboard, finally finishing at 7:50 PM.
Seeing nothing else to do, I emailed him the completed work and switched off my laptop. He was still focused on his call, so I quietly left, hoping he hadn't noticed me breathing.
At home, I had dinner,my mom was already done making it,and went straight to bed after speaking briefly with Rae, telling her about my first day.
Her comforting voice over the phone eased me slightly, but I could still feel the sting of Mr Kael's words on my skin, lingering like a burn.
******
The next morning, I woke up early. I wouldn't be going with Rae today; I had to make Mr. Kael's coffee.
I dressed carefully: a black fitted sheath dress with a blazer, heels, a neutral-toned bag, and a small pendant necklace. I checked myself in the mirror, took a deep breath, and left.
When I arrived, I nearly froze. Mr. Kael was already in the office. It was 6:45 AM,did he sleep here? I deliberately waited until 8:00 AM before taking his coffee to him.
"Good morning, sir," I said.
He was on a call, so I waited until he finished before greeting him. He didn't reply.
I promised myself I wouldn't be affected by his words today. I would never break down in his presence again. I would be strong.
But as soon as I placed the coffee on his desk, he snapped.
"Did you forget how to use a computer? Or is that optional? Do I need to hold your hand through basic tasks? What exactly are you doing in this company if you're mixing up meeting times with board members, scheduling without buffers?"
"Are you really a moron? I've seen toddlers organize better than you!"
His eyes glistened with anger, and I broke my promise.
"If you don't get out of here now, I swear I'll kill you!"
I hurried away, colliding with someone I didn't see. I apologized quickly, not wanting him to notice my tears, and left in a rush.
Mr. Kael had been discussing something with his friend, Mr. Evan Carlisle, who also worked for the company. I was busy correcting my mistakes when there was a knock on the door.
"Good morning, sir," I said nervously.
"Hey, chill, I'm just Evan. I guess you're Ayira? Kael was telling me about you."
"Oh, yes, sir. I'm Ayira."
"You're welcome here, Ayira. Don't let Kael's words get to you. He's like that with everyone, but you'll come to understand him. Just… don't make him angry; he doesn't joke with time."
His words eased me slightly, though my chest was still tight. Maybe I could survive this… maybe.
*****
At 2:00 PM, I took the corrected work to him. As I started leaving, I heard his voice:
"Do not ever sneak out to go home. You must report to me and leave only when I give permission."
"Understood, sir," I replied, nodding.
Since all the meetings were online, I returned to my desk to continue replying to emails. My fingers hovered over the keyboard, hesitating before each keystroke, as if afraid of making another mistake.
At 6:00 PM, seeing nothing else to do, I packed up. Just then, Mr. Roderic Thorne walked in.
I had only ever heard stories about him, but seeing him in person was different. He didn't just carry authority,he exuded it. Standing tall in a tailored dark suit, he looked every bit the man who owned not just a company, but the city itself. His salt-and-pepper hair was neatly combed, and his sharp, calculating eyes made you feel like he could see every mistake before it even happened.
He didn't smile often, but when he did, it could charm or cut you in half, and you'd never know which until it was too late. Even in a room full of people, he drew attention without trying. His presence was magnetic, intimidating… almost suffocating. I couldn't tell whether to admire or fear him,or both.
Before I could snap out of my thoughts, he was already inside Mr. Kael's office. I sat down and continued working, not wanting to intrude, feeling the pressure in my chest tighten.
Later, I realized I had fallen asleep at my desk. I never slept like this while writing before. Glancing at Kael's office, he was still working. Does he ever get tired? I wondered.
I checked the time: 9:17 PM. My phone showed ten missed calls from Mom and five from Rae. My chest ached from exhaustion and guilt.
I stood up and entered Mr. Kael's office.
"Good evening, sir. I'll be going home now."
"You're not going anywhere. We've closed the deal; we'll be working all night. I allowed you to sleep earlier because we need to work until morning."
"Sir?" I whispered, unsure if I heard correctly.
He finally looked up, and I couldn't help admiring him again.
"If you're done working, leave. If not, get out of my office!" he shouted.
Work all night? I had never slept outside before… Am I really cut out for this?