MY EX = MY BOSS

Part 7

Yesterday, as James dropped me off at my house, I couldn't help but notice the tension in his expression. It was as if he was grappling with a decision or hiding something from me. Since then, I hadn't received any calls or messages from him, leaving me lost in contemplation.

Lost in my thoughts, I entered the office building, only to be greeted by a sight that left me in disbelief. The entire place was adorned like a bride, with vibrant decorations adorning the gateways, doors, and cabins. Colorful ribbons were strewn across the pathway, and the air was filled with the fragrance of fresh flowers. It felt as though I had stepped into a wedding venue instead of my workplace.

I made my way to my desk, noticing that each table had a yellow rose placed on it. It was a beautiful coincidence since yellow roses happened to be my favorite flowers. Curiosity got the better of me, and I turned to my desk mate, Marline.

"Hey Marline, what's going on here? Is there some kind of function or celebration?" I inquired, unable to contain my curiosity.

"Wait, what?" I exclaimed, shocked by Anna's revelation. The memories of the recent board meeting flooded back to me, where Crystal's CEO, Miss Anna, had mentioned the renowned clothing brand from country B called Lamar. Little did I know that just yesterday, a joint venture had been signed between our company and Lamar, resulting in Lamar's CEO acquiring 51% of Crystal's equity and becoming the largest shareholder.

"So, Lamar's CEO has bought out the majority stake in our company?" I asked, seeking confirmation. Anna nodded, her expression serious.

"Not only that," Anna continued, "Lamar's CEO intends to collaborate our jewelry designs with their clothing designs. This means there will be significant restructuring, with the possibility of terminations and new hires from Lamar's side."

The gravity of the situation sank in. Crystal, the company I had dedicated my time and efforts to, was undergoing a significant transformation. The uncertainty of the future and the potential impact on the employees left me feeling a mix of emotions—concern, apprehension, and a tinge of fear.

Marline looked at me with a glimmer of hope in her eyes as she shared the news. "And there is also a rumor going around that maybe this new CEO of Lamer might not terminate us? It could be possible, right Alex?" Her voice held a mix of sadness and anticipation.

I paused for a moment, considering her words carefully. While I understood Anna's desire to hold onto hope, deep down, I knew that such significant changes in ownership often brought restructuring and personnel adjustments. It was unlikely that the new CEO would retain every employee as it was before.

Taking a deep breath, I responded, trying to strike a balance between empathy and realism. "Anna, I understand your optimism, and it's natural to hope for the best. However, we have to be prepared for the possibility of changes. When companies undergo mergers or acquisitions, it often leads to restructuring and streamlining operations. While some positions may be retained, it's likely that the new CEO will bring in their own team to align with their vision for the company." Silence enveloped us as we both absorbed the gravity of the situation. The future of our careers hung in the balance, and though hope flickered, we knew we had to brace ourselves for the unknown.

"By the way, do you know where James is? He used to greet me whenever I arrive," I asked, feeling a tinge of concern in my voice.

Marline looked at me with surprise. "You don't know? He had to go to country B urgently to handle a difficult client who specifically requested James for a discussion."

"Oh, I see," I replied, my mind still lingering on the unanswered question from yesterday. What did James want to say to me?

Suddenly, an announcement echoed through the office, drawing everyone's attention. "Attention, everyone! Please gather in the company hall. We are welcoming the CEO of Lamer. Hurry up!" An office boy rushed past, relaying the message to every corner of the office.

My heart skipped a beat. The CEO's arrival seemed swift, raising thoughts of immediate terminations. I glanced at Marline, and she met my gaze, silently conveying our best wishes for whatever lay ahead.

"Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for gathering at such short notice. As some of you may already know, Crystal has merged with Lamar's, the largest and most renowned clothing brand in country B. I am delighted to announce the opening of Lamar's first branch in country C, in collaboration with our very own Crystal Jewelry Co."

Amidst the crowd in the hall, a wave of fear and anxiety permeated the air. People stood, hoping against hope that they would retain their jobs and that their families would not suffer. Many in the audience were parents and breadwinners, their livelihoods hanging in the balance.

"And now, as the former CEO of Crystal Jewelry, it is my honor to introduce Lamar's co-founder and our new Managing Director, Mr. Thomas Bender."

My body froze, and a cold sweat formed on my forehead as I watched Thomas confidently stride onto the stage, wearing a wide smile. "This can't be happening," I thought, overcome with denial and panic. It felt like the worst memories of my life were resurfacing—the memories of a person I never wanted to encounter again.

Amidst the applause and cheers filling the room, I struggled to make sense of what was happening. My mind was racing, trying to comprehend the unbelievable. How could he have achieved such success in just three years? The question lingered, haunting my thoughts as Thomas, now the CEO, began addressing the crowd with his smooth and familiar voice.

As Thomas spoke, our eyes met in an instant, and I could see a mischievous smirk on his lips. It made me feel miserable, as if he took pleasure in my discomfort.

"And as you all know, I am your new Managing Director. I expect everyone to maintain the right attitude. Unlike some, I haven't been handed everything on a silver platter. I understand the value of hard-earned money and how crucial it is for supporting a family. So, here's the deal: I will only retain those who can take their work seriously. My standards are high, and I won't tolerate laziness or unprofessional behavior. Leave your personal emotions outside the workplace."

"Understood, everyone?" Thomas demanded.

The crowd responded with a chorus of "Yes!" I could feel that his words were directed at me, a clear implication that he was aware of my past behavior. I used to be short-tempered and let my emotions dictate my actions, but life had taught me valuable lessons, and I had grown as a person. Nevertheless, I could still sense his indirect disgusted gaze upon me, as if he had the power to fire me on the spot.

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