Thawing the CEO's Heart

Chapter 7: Unraveling Confusion

As Aoom retreated to the sanctuary of her office, a storm of conflicting emotions raged within her, each thought crashing against the shores of her consciousness with an unyielding force. Why did it bother her so much that Meena was cold towards her? Wasn't she just her secretary, after all?

That night, Aoom resolved to bury herself in work, hoping to drown out the intrusive thoughts that plagued her mind with their relentless persistence. Yet, even amidst the quiet solitude of her office, the echoes of Meena's icy demeanor lingered like a haunting melody, a constant reminder of the rift that had formed between them.

As the hours stretched into the night, Aoom found herself lost in a haze of exhaustion and confusion, her thoughts consumed by the enigma of Meena's sudden change in behavior. But just as she resolved to leave the office and escape the suffocating grip of her own thoughts, a surprising sight greeted her—Meena, slumbering peacefully at her desk, a portrait of unwavering dedication and loyalty.

Before Aoom could rouse her sleeping secretary, Meena stirred from her slumber, her confusion evident in the furrow of her brow as she glanced around the dimly lit office.

"Why are you still here?" Aoom's voice cut through the silence like a blade, her curiosity piqued by Meena's unexpected presence.

Meena's response was simple yet profound—a testament to the unwavering loyalty and dedication that defined her character.

"I was waiting for you, in case you needed anything," Meena explained, her gaze steady as she met Aoom's bewildered stare.

Moved by Meena's selflessness, Aoom extended an invitation for her to join her for dinner, a small gesture of gratitude for her unwavering dedication.

But Meena, ever humble and self-sufficient, politely declined, opting instead to make her own way home.

As the elevator descended into the depths of the parking garage, Aoom found herself grappling with the tumult of emotions that swirled within her—a kaleidoscope of confusion, longing, and unspoken desires that threatened to engulf her in their relentless tide.

But just as she resolved to confront the source of her turmoil head-on, a sudden realization struck her with a force that left her reeling—a stark reminder of the power dynamics that defined their relationship.

"Why should I be affected by how my secretary treats me?" Aoom muttered to herself, her voice tinged with frustration and self-doubt.

And yet, despite her attempts to rationalize her feelings, Aoom couldn't shake the lingering sense of unease that gnawed at her consciousness—a silent plea for understanding that remained unanswered in the depths of her conflicted heart.

The next day...

As Meena woke to the dull ache of her fever, she couldn't ignore the burning sensation that coursed through her veins, a relentless reminder of her body's weakened state. Despite her best efforts to push through the illness, she knew she was fighting a losing battle—a battle that threatened to consume her with each passing moment.

Determined not to let her fever derail her plans, Meena braved the morning rush, her steps faltering as she made her way towards the towering edifice that housed Aoom Corporation. But as fate would have it, her path collided once again with the very person she had been trying to avoid—their CEO, Aoom, resplendent in her aura of sophistication and wealth.

The awkwardness that permeated the confines of the elevator was palpable, each moment stretching into eternity as Meena struggled to suppress the wave of dizziness that threatened to overwhelm her. Yet, despite her best efforts to maintain her composure, Meena couldn't shake the feeling of unease that settled over her like a suffocating shroud—a silent testament to the battle raging within her own body.

Arriving at the office, Meena threw herself into her work with a fervor bordering on desperation, her fever-addled mind struggling to keep pace with the demands of her job. But as the hours stretched into eternity, Meena's strength waned, her vision blurring with each passing moment as she fought to stay upright.

It was only when Aoom's voice pierced the haze of her thoughts that Meena snapped back to reality, her senses sharpening as she rushed to fulfill her boss's request for coffee. But as she returned with the steaming cup in hand, Meena's world tilted precariously on its axis, darkness swallowing her whole as she collapsed at Aoom's feet.

Aoom's shock was palpable as she sprang into action, her concern outweighing any sense of decorum as she called for assistance. With Ice's help, they carried Meena to the sofa, Aoom's heart hammering in her chest as she watched over her unconscious secretary.

But as Aoom's gaze lingered on the unconscious form of her secretary, a pang of guilt pierced her heart—a stark reminder of her own failings as a leader and a human being. For in her relentless pursuit of perfection, Aoom had failed to notice the silent plea for help that lay hidden beneath the surface—a plea that now lay before her in the form of Meena's unconscious form.

"Why are you so stubborn?" Aoom whispered, her voice tinged with worry as she gently brushed a strand of hair from Meena's forehead. "You could have just called in sick."

(A few moments later, the sound of sirens fills the air as the ambulance arrives.)

Paramedic: What's the situation?

Aoom: Meena collapsed from exhaustion and fever. She needs urgent medical care.

Paramedic: We'll take care of her. Please step back and let us do our job.

Aoom: I'm coming with you. Take us to the best hospital in the city, and ensure she receives the highest level of care.

Paramedic: Understood. Please follow us to the ambulance.

And as they whisked Meena away to the waiting ambulance, Aoom's heart clenched with a mixture of fear and determination—a silent promise echoing in the recesses of her mind that she would not rest until her secretary was safe and sound once more.

To be continued...

Author's Note: How are you guys? Let me know how you think about my story so far. 😊