My New Assistant

Chapter 12

After finishing my drink, I made my way to my bedroom. The photo frame that Pris had placed flat was still in the same position. I picked up the frame and stared at it, feeling overwhelmed with anger. In a fit of rage, I clenched the frame tightly and yelled before throwing it across the room. It hit the wall and shattered into pieces.

I sat down on the edge of the bed and lay back, reflecting on the fact that it had already been a year since the divorce. Why was I still missing her so much? Did I truly love her that deeply? Why couldn't I let go of these feelings? I got up and headed to the washroom to take a shower, hoping it would help me calm down. As the water washed over me, I felt a sense of ease and the anger slowly dissipated. Feeling guilty about my outburst, I stepped out of the shower and went to pick up the broken photo frame.

As I reached for the frame, I noticed a slip of paper tucked behind the picture. I didn't remember seeing this note before. I took it to my bed and read its contents.

"Dear Nurgle. I know this is hard for you and that you are still wondering about your ex-wife. But I do hope you have found happiness elsewhere and moved on with your life. Please remember that there are other people out there who care for you. People like me. – Pris"

Pris. Oh, Pris. How I longed to have you in my arms again. How I yearned to feel your embrace. How I wished we could make love once more. How I wished, you were my girlfriend.

I woke up the next morning to realize it was Monday. I had told Pris that I would be absent to clear my mind, but I realized that being alone would only make me think more about my ex-wife. So, I decided to return to the office to learn about my new role and the responsibilities my boss had left me with. I needed to take over his workload and find ways to improve teamwork and conditions.

I got dressed and headed to work. Due to traffic, I arrived at the office at 10am. I went to the coffee shop to buy my favorite Teh and a newspaper before proceeding to my office. As I walked in, everyone greeted me, including Pris, who got up from her chair.

Pris: Nurgle! You came! I thought you needed some time alone

Me: Yes, but I felt that staying at home and thinking too much wouldn't help. Some work should keep my mind occupied. Plus, I need to talk to the boss about my new position

Pris: Well, I'm glad you're here! I'll prepare your documents for today if that's alright

Me: Sure, Pris. Just place them on my desk once they're done, and I'll go through them. And Pris...

Pris: Yes, Nurgle?

Me: Thank you for the note. That was very sweet of you

Pris: Oh, you read it? That's cool. I didn't know what else to say, but I hope it made your day

Me: It certainly did

I made my way to my desk and cleared my emails for the day. Then, I went to meet with my boss to discuss his management roles and his vision for the team. He had a wonderful plan and ideas that he wanted me to carry forward. I gladly accepted his request and started planning for the future.

Boss: Nurgle, could you close the door for a moment? I need to talk to you

"Sure thing," as I closed the door.

Boss: I heard from Pris that you wanted the day off today, but I'm glad to see you back here. Can I ask why you suddenly requested a day off?

Me: I saw Rose at ECP on Sunday

Boss: What?! She's here in Singapore? I thought she had left the country

Me: That's what I thought too

Boss: Hmmm, now I understand. But it's good that you're here. You have our support if you need to talk. Especially Ace. I can't shut that guy up. He talks too much

Me: It's just his nature. He's a good person at heart

Boss: That's why you should talk to friends like him. Another thing, since you'll be taking over my role, I believe Athena will be your new assistant

Me: Uh... boss... can I request to have Pris continue as my assistant instead? She knows my work style and my preferences, and I know she can handle my workload

Boss: I wanted her to move to the sales team, she mentioned in her resume that she wanted to learn the ropes of sales

My heart sank. I wanted Pris by my side, both at work and at home. But I also wanted to see everyone on my team grow and perform at their best.

Me: If that's your request, boss, I understand

Boss: Great. Starting next month, you'll move to my office and take over. I wish you all the best

With that, I left his office. I was upset that Pris wouldn't be my assistant anymore, and that I would see her less. But I wanted her to flourish and excel in her new role. I had to let her go. That night we spent together, I wished there could have been more of it.