Hollow

Four | Habits

Walking inside the kitchen, I am hit by the strong smell of coffee. I drop my bag on the chair next to me before taking a seat at the counter. Luca smiles at me, motioning toward the coffee maker, silently if asking if I want coffee. I nod and he places a mug in front of me along with a plate with blueberry pancakes. I take a sip, welcoming the sweet aroma.

"You're up early and drinking coffee. Busy day?" Luca points out, sipping on his coffee.

"Busy day." I sigh.

He nods and we eat our breakfast talking about the most random things. Minutes later, I stand, grabbing my bag and keys from the counter and start making way to the door. Walking out, I debate on which car to take but I am shaken out of my little debate when I see Marcus already waiting for me.

Marcus looks at me, an amused expression on his face. "Surprise is such a bad look on you."

"Good morning to you too." I chuckle before stepping inside the driver's seat. He walks around the car and settles in the passenger's seat. When we are both buckled up, I step on the gas and speed off.

"Would you slow down? My little girl will never forgive me if I die." He mumbles gazing at the road with a horrified look.

"You have a daughter?"

"I won't have one anymore if you keep driving like this!"

<<·>> <<·>> <<·>>

Mondays are usually busy days here cause there's always a lot of work to be done, and meetings as well. I greet people as we step out of the elevator and walk down the halls of the executive floor. I come across Alex who hands me a cup of coffee before proceeding to walk with me.

"Thank you."

"You have a call with General Sanders at 11, the FBI AD left you a message, Bryce is almost done with the background check you asked him to do. And finally, everyone is ready for you in the conference room." Alex informs, handing his tablet. I sign and hand it back to him making my way inside the conference room.

"Good morning, I hope you're all well." I greet with a smile as I walk inside.

A couple of replies are heard through out the room and I take my seat, shifting my gaze to where statistics are being projected as Scott, the Production Head starts the meeting. At some point I tune out and look out the window. We're pretty high from here, I wonder if I'd die or have multiple fractures if I jumped. I've always been afraid of heights although I read somewhere that we're never afraid of what we think we're fearing.

"Zahra?" Scott calls, pulling me out of my thoughts.

"Thank you, Scott." I state, tuning back into the meeting. "As some of you might have probably noticed; one of our own is missing today. Roman Pierce has been relieved of his duties as the Head of Marketing. If I'm not mistaken, you signed an NDA or in simpler terms; a confidentiality policy when you were hired so I'd appreciate it you all remembered that because next time? I won't be so forgiving."

They all gasp and some look at me with horrified looks. I chuckle, shaking my head.

People want power but they are not willing to fight for it. Power is confusing but it's the sheer determination that some people have that is completely beyond me. Yes, power is something everybody wants whether it's about standing up to a bully, making your own decisions or making a kingdom run by your rules. The determination some have to get it makes me wonder if everyone is cut out for it.

<<·>> <<·>> <<·>>

Unknown POV

"I'm tired of seeing her everywhere." I whine, turning around to face him. He steps closer to me and starts to massage the rigid muscles of my shoulders.

"Take it easy."

"We need to work fast. If she finds out what you're doing with her guns, she'll have us all killed."

"Don't worry, she'll never know what hit her." He says, his soothing hands turning me around to face him. "She's slowly going to start making mistakes but luckily, we will be there to pick up the pieces."

"When?" I snap, all my patience running out.

He grabs my jaw, forcing me to meet his gaze. "Don't disrespect me unless you want me to ruin that pretty face. I made you a deal but I can easily break it off."

I nod slowly. "I'm sorry."

"You will get your revenge in due time."

<<·>> <<·>> <<·>>

I'm currently sitting in my office with the HR Head, Nova and Mila going through the list of potential replacements for Roman. None of these candidates will do the job like him but I do need someone to fill the position as soon as possible.

"Okay the next one. 28, graduated summa cum laude from Princeton, worked for Cisco as a financial analyst."

"26, Columbia, 2 years at the office of the Attorney General and h—"

"Put the Princeton guy on the list."

"But you didn't even let me finish! Are you sure that—"

A knock is heard on the door and Alex enters with a cup in his hands. He hands it to me before taking a seat on the couch next to my desk. I mouth a small thank you as I take a sip of my second cup of coffee today. I turn in my chair facing the window. The sun light coming inside the office is nice and warm today. A small gust of wind flies past my face through the open window making my hair flow in all directions. I groan in annoyance before turning back to face a frowning Alex.

"Guys, can we continue with this later?" The ladies all nod and clear the room, leaving me with Alex. I throw him a questioning look and he speaks up after a long peaceful silence.

"You refused Teruiz's deal."

"It turns out he's being investigated for some deal that went wrong. I don't want to be dragged down with him."

"That's the safer option."

"I guess but..." I trail off, looking up at him with a serious face. "I don't know what to do, Alex. I'm tired both physically and emotionally, I was literally contemplating throwing myself off the balcony earlier this morning."

Alex hums in agreement. "Maybe it's time for that vacation we always talk about?"

"Yeah, that's not happening."

"Why not?"

"Alex, no!" I state defiantly. He looks around as if thinking about something before standing to walk towards me. He lightly pecks my cheek and turns around, walking out the door, clearly excited.