Her Assistant

[35] A Hint of the Future

Lots of errors
—

"Stay, please," Chloe clung onto him, her head on his chest. Finally, a source of comfort after days of being ruthlessly stressed out by the executives. Phil made sure that she's tidy and fresh to help her sleep better before he brought her to bed. His fiancée was embracing him tightly, wanting him to stay in bed with her.

"I have to get back to Canada right away, baby," he wrapped his arms around her, then his heart broke when he saw her crying. "What's wrong?"

"I'm not even sure if I want the position. I can't do this anymore, Phil. I am miserable most of the time."

"Hey, you're not a quitter, right? I honestly don't want you to work there anymore because there's too much pressure on your shoulders," he told her. "But I understood why you're trying your best to stay."

"Stay for the night, it'll keep me sane," she hugged him tight, inhaling his scent. "I love you, Phil."

—

"Where were you?" Jesse asked, when Phil arrived at noon which was unusual because Phil has always been an early bird at everything. He also noticed that his assistant is gloomy and tired too.

"I was out last night and I have a hangover," Phil lied, handing some folders to Jesse. "I'm sorry."

"It's alright, I have business with some of my old friends this afternoon, please cancel all my other meetings scheduled." The boss started to scribble something on his notepad.

"Noted, Mr. Pike," Phil responded but instead of walking away after that, he wanted to ask his boss something so he was still standing there.

"Yes, Phil? Any concerns?"

"I don't think Chloe is ready to take your position."

"You said she was doing good and now, you're saying she's not ready. What's the matter?" Jesse stopped writing then focused at the man in front of him, patiently waiting for his next words.

"She's too young and it seems to me she's not okay."

"Phil, I am the CEO of Pike Industries since I was 24. Chloe is better and stronger than I am, trust me. Also, I know my cousin better than you do," Jesse explained with a smile that isn't comforting at all. "And what made you think she's not okay? She barely speaks to you."

"Some of the employees spoke to me and they said she's not as vocal like before. She's tired most of the time. Her assistant told me she forgets to eat and sometimes, she'd just lock herself in the office." Phil had a short conversation with Kylie. The young assistant was worried to, and asked if Chloe's recent passiveness is normal.

"I appreciate your concern, Phil. But, it's difficult at first, that's part of it, she'll be okay."

She'll be okay, it echoed in Phil's head. To him, Chloe Pike is definitely not okay. It's like she's robbed of the opportunity to live her life the way she wanted to.

—

A surprise party was held for Chloe's 25th birthday, a week after September 21. Some of the prominent businessmen were invited, a few of her acquaintances, and mostly Jesse's friends were there. Teddy set the whole thing at a convention hall in a hotel as requested by Jesse Pike.

"Look, I have shitloads of paper back at the office, Theodora," Chloe sighed as she walked along the hallway leading to where the party is. "I gotta leave before midnight, you'll be okay there."

"Alright, Cinderella, I have a strong feeling you will ditch your work tonight," Teddy playfully said, then signaled the bellboys to open the door for them.