Zev's pov.

On the board of directors, my heart raced with anticipation as I sat confidently, my fingers drumming on the polished mahogany table.

The room was filled as their eyes were fixed on me, and I waited for the president of the company to announce my promotion as partner.

My insides filled with pride, imagining my name being called out as the newest partner of the company because that's what I deserved for working through blood and sweat day and night.

As I mentally prepared myself, the boss finally entered the room, and a muted silence fell over the directors. My heart pounded in my chest as cold sweat gathered on my forehead as well.

With a sigh, he cleared his throat and began to address the room. But then, his words struck me like a bolt of lightning.

"I'm pleased to announce that our new partner is none other than Brogen Bostel. Let's welcome him in our company," He announced, gesturing toward the so-called Brogen who passed me a mocking smirk as the yell of applause pierced my ears.

My jaw clenched as I struggled to hide my disbelief. How could this have happened?

Why had he suddenly bought 3 million more benefits to the company than me? I even suspected it was a trick my boss did it on purpose, just not promoting me.

He had been my competitor for years and he haven’t won me once. I was confident in my abilities and had even confirmed my top-ranking performance just yesterday.

So, it's fucking impossible!

The boss continued to praise Brogen's contributions and the additional benefits he had brought to the company, while I was about to explode. It feels fucking pathetic, I just feel like a joke without any humor.

But I can't let them see me as a joke. So, I forced a tight smile, though my hands clenched into fists under the table. I managed to stand and join the applause and congratulate Brogen while shaking hands.

It was hard to mask my resentment and avoid all the eyes that were expecting me to get this position as well.

Unwilling to give them the satisfaction of seeing my helplessness, I returned to my office, frustration radiating from my every step.

I practically flung the door open, only to find my secretary, Violet, eating her cheap sandwich. My already frayed temper snapped as I grabbed the sandwich she was about to bite and threw it into the nearby trash can.

She gasped in surprise and looked at the trash can as if I had taken something expensive from her. Unfortunately, a dollop of sauce from the sandwich landed right on my expensive suit jacket, staining it.

My patience was torn completely, I turned my wrath towards her, her baby blue eyes widened in fright and she stuttered.

"I'm so sorry, sir. I didn't mean to…!"

"Fucking clean this up!" Her words were cut short as my anger erupted once again. "Why do you always have to always be clumsy and ruin everything you touch?!" I barked at her, pointing at the sauce stain on my jacket.

She flinched, trembling in fear. "Sorry…I…"

"Don't talk back, just do your damn job!" I snapped, my patience completely disappearing.

I loosened my tie irritably when she didn't make a move, it's as if she was paralysed in fear. I effortlessly moved and trapped her between the table she was eating on, bending down to her eye level.

I looked deeply in her eyes as her eyelashes trembled. "Clean this mess up, and make sure my jacket is spotless, and get my lunch ready, are we clear Ms.Violet?"

Her blue eyes widening even more. I barely ever called her name, I admit that her name is pretty unlike her face. She nodded profusely, and I pulled away with a deep sigh. Taking out my jacket I flung it to her.

"And while you're at it, schedule a meeting with New York's most famous headhunter. I have had enough of this bullshit," I commanded, I'll look out for new opportunities now.

"Mr. Zev, what should I prioritise..first?" I could hear the hesitation in her voice which made frustration reach its peak.

I looked back at her, and she stiffened, her cheeks reddening instantly making me disgusted.

I pulled off my tie impatiently and shouted. "Figuring that out is your goddamn job?"

Embarrassed and hurt, she nodded quickly, while her cheeks flushed. She scurried to gather the stained jacket and left.

I groaned and looked around the room. It seemed today was indeed my explosion day. Disappointment flaring inside me once again, I really didn't expect things to turn out like this.

Fifteen minutes later, I heard the knock on the door. "Come in,"

Violet entered with a freshly prepared sandwich in her hand. She didn't look at me, her voice was timed as she informed me.

"The headhunter is on standby for your call, and your clothes are scheduled to be delivered within an hour," She informed in a weak voice.

But I barely acknowledged her presence as I was lost in my own thoughts. I took the sandwich without a word and began munching on it annoyingly.

"Is…there anything else you need, Mr. Zev?"

Without looking at her, I muttered. "No, just leave me alone for now."

I heard the door slam shut. I called the headhunter without wasting any more time, and arranged an appointment with him. As I talked on the phone, my voice got its control back, regaining some of the composure I lost in the meeting room.

Finally hanging up, I stepped out of my office and found Violet standing near the door and leaning against it, lost in her own world. But when she registered my presence she looked so frightened that while standing straight she stumbled, nearly falling into me.

Reflexively, I reached out and caught her in my arms, my hands resting on her waist making me realise how tiny it is. I helped her steady on her feet.

"Don't play dramatic soap operas to gain my attention," I retorted in a cold voice.

She quickly pulled away from me, head hanging down as always, and though I don't want to admit my hands itched to hold that thin waist of hers. I clenched my hands and sucked in a deep breath to restrain myself from doing something stupid.

_____________

Violet's pov.

I pulled away as fast as I could, but my cheeks were burning with embarrassment and self frustration. I don't know why I can't do anything right.

I didn't argue with him because I knew his character. I'm aware all too well of his temperament and that arguing would only annoy him more since he has a tendency to lose his temper over every little thing and then he'll sulk all day and would also ruin my day as well.

And I need this job because of my aunt's illness.

Instead I took another step back, my eyes downcast. I murmured softly. "I wasn't trying to.."

"Shut up unless you’re telling what I’d like to hear!" He demanded.

I took a deep breath and with a cautious voice I explained.

"I need to request a leave to visit my aunt."

He didn't reply for a moment which quickened my heartbeats but then he said in a stern voice.

"Promise me you won’t delay any work and then you get a three-hour break," he let out casually but I could hear the warning in his deep voice.

"Yes, sir, thank-" I nodded repeatedly. Before I could finish, he left the office.

As I watched him walk away, my shoulders finally slumped. I don't know how long I need to suppress my feelings and needs before I could be fully happy without always feeling like I'm losing everything.

I sighed and made my way to the hospital as well.