Unexpectedly yours

Fractured Trust

The tension in the office was palpable, and Seda could feel it seeping into every interaction she had. It seemed that Kenan and Seda’s attempts at being civil were only putting a temporary bandage on the growing rift between them. The more they tried to be polite, the more their underlying frustrations bubbled to the surface.

That afternoon, they were assigned a joint project—a task that required them to collaborate closely. It was supposed to be straightforward, but the moment they started, the tension between them flared up again.

“I think we should start with the market research,” Kenan suggested, flipping through a stack of reports.

“Market research?” Seda echoed, barely masking her irritation. “We’ve already discussed the target audience. Why are we going over this again?”

Kenan’s jaw tightened. “Because you’ve overlooked some key data. It’s important we’re thorough.”

Seda’s eyes narrowed. “I haven’t overlooked anything. If you’d actually listened to my proposal, you’d know that.”

Kenan stood up abruptly, his frustration evident. “I’m just trying to make sure we don’t miss anything crucial. We can’t afford to make mistakes.”

Seda stood up as well, her voice rising. “And I’m trying to do the same! But you’re always so quick to dismiss my ideas. It’s like you think you’re the only one who knows what’s best.”

Kenan’s face reddened. “Maybe I’m trying to compensate for your lack of attention to detail. You’re too focused on what you want rather than what’s needed.”

The room was silent for a moment, filled only with the sound of their heavy breathing. Seda’s frustration gave way to hurt, and she slammed her hand on the table. “You know what? I’m tired of this. I’m tired of you constantly undermining me. If you’re going to treat me like I’m incompetent, then maybe we shouldn’t be working together.”

Kenan’s eyes flashed with anger. “Fine. Maybe that’s for the best. I’m tired of trying to make this work when it feels like nothing I do is good enough for you.”

Their shouting had drawn the attention of their colleagues, who watched from the doorway, exchanging uneasy glances. Seda and Kenan ignored them, their argument escalating.

“I’m not the problem here,” Seda shouted. “You’re so wrapped up in your own world that you can’t see how your behavior affects the people around you!”

“And you’re so caught up in your own anger that you can’t see how to actually communicate!” Kenan shot back, his voice harsh.

Seda’s face flushed with anger and frustration. “This is exactly what I was afraid of—constant bickering and no progress. If this is how it’s going to be, then I’m done.”

Kenan’s expression hardened. “Fine by me. I’m done too.”

With that, they stormed off in opposite directions, leaving behind an office buzzing with shocked whispers. Seda retreated to her desk, her heart pounding in her chest. The argument had left her feeling both drained and more resolute. If their relationship was going to be a battleground, she needed to decide if it was worth fighting for or if it was better to walk away.

As she sat there, her mind raced with conflicting thoughts. The day had been a mess, but perhaps this confrontation was a necessary step. She needed to reassess her feelings and figure out whether she was ready to keep pushing forward or if it was time to rethink her approach.