Sealed with a kiss (WomanxWoman)

24

Déjà vu. That's the overwhelming feeling I have as I sit here, waiting to enter the CEO's office once again. It's surreal how quickly Richard found another placement for me. I guess this is it-my official departure from Charlotte's department.

I can't deny it; I'll miss that place. I'll miss Claire and the rest of my co-workers, the ones who became my friends, even those who doubted me when I first arrived. We grew together, shared ideas, built something meaningful side by side. But more than anything-or anyone-I'll miss Charlotte. Despite everything, despite the hurt and betrayal she caused me, she remains a brilliant boss, an extraordinary mentor. She's funny, kindhearted, and exceptional in everything she does. My heart aches, but I still wish her nothing but happiness and success... even if it's with Jeffrey. That sleazeball.

The thought of him makes my skin crawl. And just as the image of his smug face flashes in my mind, I hear him coming. My stomach churns at the sound of his footsteps. He breezes past me, heading straight to Richard's assistant. He leans in close, his voice dripping with faux charm, attempting to flirt. She barely acknowledges him-smart girl.

Then, as if sensing my presence, he turns. His eyes scan me, traveling slowly from my head to my toes, lingering far too long on my chest. A disgusting smirk spreads across his face, and he licks his lips. A shiver of revulsion runs down my spine. This man is vile. He opens his mouth, and I brace myself for whatever crude comment is about to follow, but just then, Richard's assistant saves me.

"Mr. Feingold will see you now," she says.

Relief washes over me like a wave. I quickly rise and head to the office, hoping to put as much distance as possible between me and Jeffrey. But to my dismay, he follows me. I can feel his presence, hovering too close, as though he owns the space around him. The nerve of this man! Although, it seems by his expression that he's just as puzzled as I am by the joint meeting.

The two of us step into Richard's office, and Jeffrey, ever the opportunist, closes the door behind us. Richard looks up from his computer, his usual calm demeanor in place.

"Jeffrey, Jenny! Thank you both for coming on such short notice," he greets us warmly.

Jeffrey lights up with his trademark charm. "Of course, Richard! Your wish is my command. You know you can always count on me."

I suppress the urge to roll my eyes. The way this man sucks up is nauseating. How does Richard not see through it? Before I can dwell on that thought, Richard turns to me.

"I know it's probably a bit unusual that I've asked both of you here, but as we proceed with this meeting, you'll understand why," he says with a reassuring smile.

"Sure, Richard. I trust you completely," Jeffrey chimes in, oozing fake sincerity.

I might vomit. Truly. How does anyone take this man seriously?

Richard continues, his tone turning a shade more serious. "As you both know, I'm not getting any younger. Jeffrey, as my successor, it's time we discuss some upcoming changes in the company. Jenny, these changes include you, which is why I asked you to join us today."

I tilt my head in confusion. "Is this about finding me another department, like we discussed?"

"Well... yes and no."

His cryptic answer makes my stomach knot with anxiety. Jeffrey looks intrigued, but I feel a storm brewing.

Richard clears his throat, looking directly at Jeffrey. "After your wedding to Charlotte, I've been considering some adjustments. I believe Charlotte should take a step back from work, focus on the home, and perhaps... give me some grandchildren."

I stare at him, stunned. Did I hear him correctly? Richard, who I thought was progressive and supportive, has just reduced his daughter's career-her passion, her life-to something expendable. Charlotte told me he was old fashioned, but this is too much! My heart breaks for her.

Jeffrey's grin stretches wider. "I think that's a wonderful idea, Richard! Charlotte has been overworked for years. It'll finally give us time to focus on our future together."

His words are syrupy, but I can see the calculation behind them. He's thrilled at the prospect of sidelining Charlotte.

"Exactly," Richard agrees. "The only issue is finding someone to manage her department."

Jeffrey jumps in eagerly. "I already have the perfect replacement in mind!"

I clench my fists under the table, trying to steady my growing anger. Replacement? Charlotte is irreplaceable.

Richard holds up a hand, silencing Jeffrey. "That won't be necessary, Jeffrey. I've already chosen someone."

Jeffrey's brow furrows. "Who?"

Richard turns to me, smiling. "Jenny."

"What?" The word escapes me before I can stop it.

"I want you to manage Charlotte's department," Richard declares confidently.

I blink at him, stunned. "I don't understand."

Jeffrey's face twists with anger, but Richard remains unfazed. "Jenny, your work here has been exceptional. In a short time, you've brought in clients that others couldn't. Your name precedes you, and I know it's only a matter of time before other agencies try to snatch you away. I want to keep you here. And this also solves your request to transfer departments."

Jeffrey's chair scrapes against the floor as he leans forward. "Richard, you can't be serious! She's a child! She has no experience running a department!"

I take a deep breath, my fists still clenched. "It doesn't matter, sir. I refuse."

The room falls silent. Both men stare at me, shocked by my response.

"I won't take Charlotte's position," I continue, my voice trembling with emotion. "She poured her heart and soul into that department. It's hers. You can't just strip it away from her because she's a woman! This job is her life. You'll destroy her!"

Jeffrey scoffs, his tone dripping with disdain. "See? She's just a little girl who doesn't understand how the real world works. You want this running a department? This is madness!"

Richard exhales deeply. "Jenny, think about it. You could achieve so much, inspire so many people. You could do things Charlotte never even dreamed of."

His words ignite a fire in me. "No," I say firmly. "I won't do it. Charlotte is the best at what she does, and I think you're underestimating her."

"How noble of you," Jeffrey sneers, and points at me, his voice like poison. "But I don't get it, Richard. What do you see in her? She's nobody. Just a pretty face who got lucky-and maybe slept her way to the top."

His accusation hits me like a slap. I stare at him, horrified, as his words hang in the air.

Richard doesn't flinch. "Jeffrey, don't speak on things you know nothing about."

But Jeffrey leans back, his smugness growing. "Oh, I know exactly what I'm talking about. In fact, I'll tell you. She seduced my fiancée-your daughter-to climb the ladder. Do you really think a girl like her could accomplish everything she has on her own? It's laughable."

My heart sinks. He knows. He knows about me and Charlotte, and now he's just outed us both.

Panic floods me. This is it. I'm going to be fired. Charlotte is going to lose everything.

But then Richard speaks, his voice steady, calm. "Stop with the nonsense, Jeffrey. Jenny's achievements have nothing to do with her personal life. Her relationship with Charlotte is irrelevant."

My breath catches. Did I hear him right? He... knows?