Sinful Desires

A Broken Morning, A Dark Proposal

Isamaila's pov:

BEEP! BEEP!

"Get the fuck out of the way, dumbass!" I yelled, swerving to the right. These people have no idea how to drive. It's really not that hard: just focus on the damn controls and keep up with the speed of traffic. Normally, I'm not a road rager, but today was different. I was already late for a crucial meeting with my boss and coworkers. Getting through traffic in New York City is always a nightmare, especially early in the morning when everyone's in a rush.

I had to go all the way to Times Square since that's where the building is, which meant even more fucking traffic. I live about an hour away from Times Square, and it's nearly impossible to beat the congestion. After what felt like an eternity, I finally arrived. Pedestrians were everywhere, moving through the crowded streets, filming the chaotic scene around them. The billboards flashed with endless advertisements, lighting up the whole area. Just as I was about to make a right turn, a group of people stepped into the crosswalk, blocking my path.

To grab their attention, I honked the horn, hoping they'd speed up and move. Instead, they only slowed down, making my frustration grow. I sighed deeply, then did the unimaginable. I started driving towards them, forcing them to step aside as they cursed under their breath. "Fucking finally," I muttered under my breath as I finally approached the parking lot. I spotted an open space at the back and pulled into it. After turning off the car, I took a moment to collect myself. I fixed my clothes and made sure I looked presentable before stepping out of the car and heading toward the building.

I grabbed my belongings and left the car, quickly making my way to the building in the center. Without a word to the receptionist, I hurried inside. "Late again, Mila?" the receptionist asked. I didn't have time for small talk, so I skipped the elevator and took the stairs, racing up to the eighth floor. My heart was pounding by the time I reached the meeting room. I stormed inside, breathless, my hair frizzy despite my efforts to smooth it, one heel broken, and my dress wrinkled from the rush.

Everyone looked at me with furrowed brows, some even wearing expressions of disgust. I was so embarrassed. "I'm so sorry for being late, I—" I started, my voice faltering as I tried to catch my breath. "Isa, please come outside," my boss said, his head lowered in disappointment. I nodded and followed him outside, taking a deep breath as I prepared myself for whatever he might say.

"You dumb girl, you're always late!" I imagined him shouting.

"You just embarrassed me in front of everybody!"

"Do you have no respect for yourself?"

My stomach churned, and I gulped nervously as I saw him exit the room.

"Sir, I'm sorry—" I began, but the words caught in my throat. "I'm not interested in hearing it, Isamila. You've been late for the eighth time. Those other times were fine because you don't live in this community, but you promised to be on time and clean! Not late as hell and looking like you stepped out of a tornado!" he exclaimed, his voice rising with frustration.

"I'm very sorry, sir. I swear I'll never do it again," I promised, my voice shaky with regret. He crossed his arms and shook his head. "You said that seven times, and I excused you because I understand, but this cannot be excused any longer. As much as I like you and the work you do for this organization, I'm going to have to let you go," he declared. My heart sank to my ass.

"What? You can't let me go! What about everything I've invested in the building and my patients!?" I said, desperation creeping into my voice. He looked at me with a sigh, his expression hardening. "I appreciate everything you've done for me and your patients, but I can't let you show up late to work, especially for important meetings, Isamila. I wish you the best, and please go home and make yourself look less like a homeless woman," he urged, his tone final. He turned and walked back into the room, pulling the drapes shut behind him, leaving me standing there, frozen.