Hearts On The Highrise

Chapter 18 : shadows and spotlights

Two weeks had slipped by since Charlotte and I returned from Seattle, yet her silence persisted, casting a shadow over my days. Each passing day only served to deepen the chasm between us, leaving me feeling foolish for ever daring to hope for something more.

Regret weighed heavy on my heart as I lamented the blurred lines we had crossed between employer and employee. I knew now that it was a mistake, one that I could never take back.

Entering the company's coffee corner, I overheard Tina and Heidi deep in conversation. Their faces lit up as they caught sight of me, offering warm greetings as their boss approached. I reciprocated their smiles, but beneath the facade, a persistent concern about Charlotte weighed heavily on my mind.

"Good morning, Ms. Waraha," Tina greeted me cheerfully. "Are you excited for the event tonight?"

"Absolutely," I replied with a nod, attempting to maintain a façade of composure. "Everything needs to be perfect."

Heidi chimed in, her tone equally upbeat. "It's going to be a fantastic evening for Waraha Corporation and Alonzo & Co Enterprises."

Despite their enthusiasm, I couldn't shake the nagging feeling about Charlotte. "Have either of you heard from Charlotte?" I inquired tentatively, my voice betraying a hint of apprehension.

The atmosphere shifted subtly as Tina and Heidi exchanged uneasy glances. Their avoidance of my gaze did not go unnoticed, adding to my growing sense of unease.

"Um, well, we're not sure if she'll be attending tonight," Tina replied hesitantly, her tone cautious.

"Yeah, we haven't heard from her lately," Heidi added, her expression mirroring Tina's uncertainty. "But hopefully, she'll show up."

After their hesitant response, I offered a polite nod to Tina and Heidi, thanking them for their updates before excusing myself from the conversation. Yet, their avoidance of my gaze didn't escape my notice, leaving me to ponder what they knew about Charlotte's whereabouts.

Charlotte's absence loomed ominously over tonight's event. Her presence was expected, not just by me, but by many others. She was a key figure, and her absence would be conspicuous.

I couldn't shake the memory of the invitation that had been sent to Charlotte days ago. It had been a professional courtesy, a gesture of inclusion. Yet, with no response from her, I couldn't help but feel a mix of anticipation and dread. Professionally, I hoped she would attend, delivering a speech that would bolster morale and reassure our partners. But personally, the thought of facing her filled me with apprehension.

As the event organizer and I went over the seating arrangements and final preparations for the evening, I scrutinized every detail with meticulous precision.

With esteemed and special guests in attendance, it was imperative that everything be flawless. However, despite my best efforts, my usual demeanor of efficiency and control was overshadowed by a simmering frustration that seemed to seep into every interaction.

"Are the centerpieces aligned properly?" I demanded sharply, my impatience evident as I scanned the room.

The organizer nodded nervously, sensing my dissatisfaction. "Yes, Ms. Waraha, everything is in place," she assured me, her voice trembling slightly under my scrutiny.

But even as I attempted to maintain a facade of professionalism, my irritation bubbled to the surface with each minor imperfection. "Well, it doesn't look like it," I snapped, my tone sharper than intended.

As I continued to inspect the setup, P'sun approached, his expression cautious as he observed my demeanor. "Is everything alright, Engfa?" he inquired tentatively, sensing the tension in the air.