Hae could not stop staring at the ring on Anele's finger as they went through their usual company monthly meeting. As bright and beautiful the ring was, her face did not mirror it. Hae wondered if she was thinking too much into it but Anele did not seem as happy as she would expect a recently engaged woman to be or was she just too concentrated on the current subject being presented or was it because she wished she had put that ring on Anele.
" Uh_ yeah..."
Hae noticed stammered, clearing her throat when she noticed everybody in the room looking at her, waiting on her to say something but she had not heard what was being said and felt embarrassed, as the C.E.O she should've been paying more attention. Recalling that it was the human resource department presenting and discussing the new employee benefits package, Hae quickly tried to regain her composure.
"Apologies,"
Hae said, forcing a smile.
"Could you please repeat that? I seemed to have been lost in thought."
The human resource manager cleared their throat and repeated the information, but Hae couldn't help but steal another glance at Anele. There were feelings of jealousy as she stared at the ring on Anele's figure. Anele did not know that she liked her and now that she was engaged to Kyoko, Anele would never know.
" Now everyone will have to sign a new employment contract detailing the new benefits, right ma'am?"
The human resource manager said looking at Hae. Luckily this time she heard her.
" Yes, our lawyer has drawn a new contract and it will be available for everyone to sign before knockoff time. You can take it home to read or to your lawyers but make sure to return it by the end of the week."
Throughout the rest of the meeting, Hae found herself distracted, unable to fully focus on the presentations and discussions. Her mind kept drifting back to Anele and the peculiar scene that had unfolded earlier. As the meeting came to a close, Hae mustered up the courage to approach Anele. She needed courage since this was more personal than professional.
"Hey, Anele,"
Hae said softly, careful not to draw attention from their coworkers.
"Is everything okay? You seem a little off today."
Anele glanced at Hae, her eyes filled with a mix of surprise and nervousness.
"I'm sorry, I'll pay more attention next time."
Anele answered nervously, afraid she was in trouble.
" No you're not in trouble, I'm just concerned."
Hae
" No need to be I'm fine. I promise, just have a long day ahead and it's the first day back to work since our festive break."
Hae reciprocated her smile, Anele's smile was truly contagious and she had missed it the most for the ten days she had not seen her.
" Yours must've been amazing."
Hae said staring at Anele's left hand which was clutching her work files, Anele noticed and recalled the ring on her finger.
" Oh, yeah Kyoko proposed a few days ago."
Anele replied, her voice filled with a hint of excitement but also hesitation. Hae's heart sank at the mention of Kyoko's name.
"That's wonderful news,"
Hae managed to say, trying to hide her disappointment.
"Congratulations, Anele. You deserve all the happiness."
Anele's smile wavered for a moment but she quickly composed herself and nodded.
"Thank you, Hae. I appreciate your kind words."
Hae couldn't help but feel a pang of envy, wishing she were the one to make Anele happy. She mustered up a genuine smile and continued the conversation.
"Have you decided on a wedding date yet? I'd love to help, if you need it."
Anele's eyes lit up at the offer, grateful for Hae's kindness despite her own internal struggles.
"We haven't set a date yet, but I'll definitely keep you in mind."
Hae nodded, feeling a mix of both relief and pain.
YOU ARE READING
WHEN I NEEDED YOU. ( Lesbian Slow Updates.)
General Fiction" Stupid me. I thought you were different." " But I-" " Get away from me! I don't ever want to see your fat face again." Nothing hurt more than her words and the look of disgust on her face. The one person who she thought would believe her did not...
