The CEO's Challenge

Chapter 5: A MOMENT OF VULNERABILITY

I wake up with a start, my heart pounding in my chest. For a moment, I'm disoriented, unsure of where I am. But then it all comes flooding back - the stress, the pressure, the constant feeling of inadequacy.

I sit up in bed, running a hand through my tangled hair. I feel like I haven't slept in weeks, like I'm constantly running on empty.

I stumble out of bed, my legs feeling like jelly. I can't remember the last time I ate a proper meal, the last time I took my medication. Everything has been so hectic, so overwhelming, that I've let my own needs fall by the wayside.

I catch a glimpse of myself in the mirror and hardly recognize the person staring back at me. My hair is a wild tangle, my skin pale and drawn. I look like a ghost, like a shell of my former self.

I force myself to go through the motions of getting ready, but it's like I'm moving in slow motion. I pull on the same wrinkled suit from yesterday, not bothering to iron out the creases. I don't even bother with makeup, too tired and dispirited to care about my appearance.

I grab my bag and head out the door, my stomach growling with hunger. I know I should eat something, should try to take care of myself. But I just don't have the energy.

I make it to the office in a daze, barely remembering the journey there. I stumble into my cubicle, collapsing into my chair with a heavy sigh.

I try to focus on my work, but my vision is blurring at the edges, my head pounding with a dull throb. I feel like I'm going to pass out, like I'm on the verge of collapse.

I hear a sharp knock on my cubicle wall, and I look up to see Damien standing there, his face etched with concern. "Ms. Raines?" he asks, his voice tight with worry. "Are you alright?"

I try to smile, but it comes out as more of a grimace. "I'm fine," I croak, my voice hoarse with exhaustion.

Damien frowns, his brow furrowing
with concern. "No, you're not fine," he says firmly, stepping into my cubicle. "You look like death warmed over. When's the last time you ate something? Or slept?"

I shrug weakly, not wanting to admit the truth. "I'm fine," I mumble, my eyes drooping closed. "Just tired."

Damien sighs, running a hand through his hair. "Nova, listen to me. You can't keep going like this. You're going to make yourself sick."

I try to protest, but my words are slurring together, my eyelids fluttering. The last thing I remember is Damien's strong arms catching me as I slump forward, my body going limp.

I wake up some time later, my head resting on something soft and warm. It takes me a moment to realize that it's Damien's lap, that he's holding me close, stroking my hair gently.

"Nova?" he murmurs, his voice thick with concern. "Can you hear me?"

I nod weakly, my eyes fluttering open. I'm surprised to find myself in Damien's office, lying on the couch. "What happened?" I croak, my throat raw and parched.

Damien reaches for a glass of water on the side table, holding it to my lips. "You passed out," he explains gently. "I had to carry you in here. You were out cold."

I feel a hot flush of shame wash over me. I can't believe I let myself get to this point, that I let my own well-being suffer because of my stupid pride.

Damien seems to sense my embarrassment. He sets the glass down and takes my hand, his touch warm and comforting. "Hey," he says softly. "Don't beat yourself up. This job... it's a lot. And I haven't been making it any easier on you."

I stare at him in surprise, not sure what to say. I've never heard Damien apologize before, never seen him show a hint of vulnerability.

He sighs, running a hand over his face. "I know I'm not an easy boss to work for," he admits, his voice low and rough. "I demand a lot from my employees. Maybe too much."