Eliana...
It's past 7 in the evening when I shut down my computer, ready to call it a day when my phone lights up with a text.
"Meet at the regular café." It says. It's from Park Mae-won, who is half Korean-American woman, my one and only best friend. We work in the same company but in different departments.
She's been with me through all my college days and thankfully we got recruited in the same company.
I check my unread e-mails in my phone as I wait for the elevator. Days are getting hectic as there are more projects lined up from different countries. Our company is one of the well known companies for handling projects from abroad and also we have our own luxury brands. And I'm very fortunate to work here.
The elevator door chimes and I pocket my phone ready to get inside but stop in mid step when I see Andrew Williams, the CEO of Global Business, who is also son of the Director and my boss. Well known as the playboy and the model of our company's clothing and cosmetic brand. I almost roll my eyes before getting in.
I usually don't interact with him if its not work related and even he doesn't minds it because he knows then reason very well. I try to divert my attention again by going through my phone. Me and Andrew go way back, the time which I try not to remember.
"Working late again?" his question takes me by surprise as I press the floor for lobby. I parked my car in the open area today because I was very late.I nod unable to find any other suitable answer.
"Very professional" he murmurs but I decide to ignore it. I don't want to have any unwanted conversation with him. Its better that way. I should have done it back then when I had that chance I wouldn't be in this mess him it wasn't for me to.....
"Are you getting off here?" he asks and I look at the lobby doors in front of me. We reached the lobby and I had spaced out.
"Yes. Have a good night sir." I say before I leave.
"I ordered." Mae tells me as I put down my purse in the chair next to me. Yes we always sit in a four sitting table because according to Mae, we carry lots of stuff with us and we need space to keep them.
"I know. So what's up at this hour? I thought you clocked out at 6." I ask her.
"I had some work. Mr. Smith is getting on my nerves these days." she says rolling her eyes. Her accent evident. Its been so long since she moved back here but she still has that Korean accent in her.
I met Mae in my freshers party where she was dragged by our fellow classmates just like me and we were super awkward just standing there in a corner as they partied because we both were not used to it back then. Some of them treated her as an outcast in the college days because of her looks and accent but I stood by her side when she back answered them. Because I had someone backing up for me then. Judging a person based on their identity, gender and looks is what I hate the most. No one gets the right to do that. Its just cruel. That's why we are always together and always got each others back.
"Lets go to have some japchae this Sunday. Its been so long since I ate it." Mae says. Its a Korean dish made of noodles which she loves more than anything.
"You had it last Sunday with Sam, Mae." I remind her. Sam is her boyfriend whom she met in the college.
"So? I can never get bored eating it" she shrugs taking a sip from her coffee as soon as the waiter keeps in on the table.
"Okay." what can I possibly say after that?
"Oh right! Did you hear about Mr. Smith and Bianca?"
I nod as I take a large bite from my sandwich. That's the hot topic going on in the office right now but I still listen to Mae.
"I knew it. They were making to obvious by trying to hide it." she snorts.
"I didn't know Mr. Smith was married."
"Well he is and now, cheating on his wife." she says annoyed.
"Well some people can be that bad. They always fall for illusions. Bianca is much younger than his wife so maybe that's just an attraction for which he is ruining his and his wife's relationship."
"I just feel sorry for his wife. She is such a kind lady." she says.
We chat for a bit as we eat and its already half past 8 when we decide to leave.
"I met Andrew in the elevator earlier when I left the office." I tell her as we walk out to our cars.
"What? Why?" she asks her eyes wide, surprise written all over her face.
"It was a coincidence." I clarify.
"It has to be. I really can't believe that he is our boss. I wish he wasn't." she says blowing out her bangs from her eyes. "Did he say anything to you? Tell me I'll kill him. I don't care whether he is our boss."
"I ignored him Mae and I have forgotten about the past. It doesn't bother me like before. Its fine. We are in the same building and work together, we are bound meet once in a while." I assure her.
She lets out a loud breathe, holding me by my forearms and looks into my eyes as she says, "Eli its been years so lets not be stuck there. You have a bright future ahead. You are happy now this is what you have always dreamed of so lets go ahead now. No looking back okay. I'm here always for you."
I nod because she is right I am happy now. This is the best life I am living. Doing my favourite job, travelling countries for work, learning new things doing everything I dreamed of.
"Yes. I know." I smile at her.
"Okay." she nods once she is convinced I'm alright. Her phone chimes for like nth time since we came out and curses at it before checking it. "shoot" she panics, "I had to pick up Sam at 8."
I burst out laughing and she joins too. That's one of her habits of forgetting such small things.
"Hurry up or he'll get mad." I push her towards her car.
"He already is" she rolls her eyes getting in the car.
I search for my keys in my bag once she drives away. They are not in my purse or my pocket. I think I left them inside. I'm about to turn around rush inside when a voice says, "Looking for this?"
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A/N
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