The Merger

Chapter 44

Talia Nassar

"I'm sorry, but do you mind repeating that?" Heat radiates through my chest and my hands start to tingle.

"You won, Talia! You got the CEO position." Bill and Cora are beaming at me, seated in front of my desk, in my office.

"Oh, my God! I got it!" My insides start vibrating as my pulse picks up speed. I shoot up from my seat as my mind races. Yet, my smile falters when Lucas comes to mind. "And Lucas did well on his presentation? Did he look like he gave it his all?"

"Of course! It was such a tough decision and a very close call. You both had similar strategies but we ultimately decided you'd be the best person for the position with your skill set." Bill clears his throat, stands up, and brings out his hand. "Amazing job, Talia. I'll be in touch with the transition details."

Oh my God, is this really happening? I didn't know what to expect. A part of me wondered if Lucas would go back on his word and forfeit, but he didn't. I actually won this thing and would be the Chief Executive Officer of a multi-million dollar company. After shaking Bill's hand, I settle back in my seat. Something twists in my gut.

Once Bill exits, I turn to Cora who remains seated with a pensive look on her face. "Cora, you swear to me Lucas did a good job on his presentation? Like he didn't try to sabotage his chances of getting it or anything?"

"Why does it matter, Talia?"

"I need to have won this fair and square."

"Why?"

"Because I need to know that I controlled this outcome."

"Does it matter if you controlled the outcome or not? You forget that when you got back on your feet twelve years ago, I handed you a job when everyone else rejected you. You had zero control over my decision and yet you still took the position."

"That's different. You saw something in me because of my experience. Because of what I'd done."

Cora shakes her head slowly. I've never seen her look so melancholic before, with her relaxed posture and shallow sighs. "I saw a woman with ambition. It could have been any woman, but you fell on my doorstep."

I shift my lips to the side. "Well, whatever. Please just tell me. Did Lucas really do a good job?" My skin prickles as Cora sighs.

"I swear to you, Talia. Lucas did an amazing job on his presentation. The way that man speaks and carries himself is truly unlike anyone I've ever seen."

My palms grow slightly damp, and I shift in my seat, picturing Lucas. What was his reaction when they told him he didn't get the position? My stomach clenches. What did Charles do? What did he say to Lucas?

"You have the same look Lucas had, you know?"

My gaze comes back into focus. "What look?"

"Sadness."

I straighten my back, hoping it will help stuff down the feelings that have been swirling through me for the past couple of weeks. In addition to sadness, there's also been a constant cycle of anger, bitterness, and guilt.

I'd usually start with anger. Angry at our circumstances. Angry that Lucas was the one to start the rumor. I can never look at him the same, and that makes me slam things like doors, cupboards, and drawers wherever I am.

Then bitterness. Bitterness towards the way he lives his life. As much as he can try to deny it, he truly does have everything handed to him on a silver platter.

And then there's sadness, my current state. I just got my dream job, but the elation I had after hearing the news has already vanished like mist in the air. My heart still aches as I think about the distance between Lucas and I, physically and emotionally. And to think he gave it his all but didn't win. That was my worst nightmare for myself. My throat grows heavy.