I Too Had An Unrequited Love Story

4- A Lesson in Professionalism

"What on earth do you think you're doing here?" Arek's voice boomed across the room.

Veronica recoiled from the force of his shout, her confidence unraveling.

"I—I'm so sorry," Veronica stammered, trying to regain her composure.

"Is it that difficult to address me properly, Ms. Ray?" Arek's voice was harsh and unyielding.

Veronica was now visibly shaken. She had never been shouted at before, not even by her parents. The fact that Arek was reprimanding her for something she believed was not her fault left her feeling helpless.

"It wasn't my mistake. I was just about to knock when you bumped into me," Veronica explained, her voice trembling.

"Ms. Ray, do you have any idea where you are? This isn't a place where mistakes are easily tolerated," Arek said sternly.

Veronica remained silent, her eyes fixed on the floor.

"Do you think this job is a joke? Do you think you're here to amuse yourself? I've been lenient because you're new and this is your first foray into the business world, but it seems my kindness has been taken for granted," Arek continued, pacing furiously around his office.

His anger was palpable, and he didn't spare Veronica a glance as he continued his tirade. When he finally turned to face her, he was taken aback by the sight of her head bowed.

With a deep breath, Veronica found the strength to speak. "I'm truly sorry, Mr. Alden. I understand the importance of my role here and will strive not to disappoint you again. I apologize for the inconvenience." With that, she left the office, her resolve to remain composed wavering.

Outside, she tried to stifle her tears. "Don't let him get to you," she murmured to herself. "Don't let him turn you into a mess."

"Veronica, are you alright?" Lina approached quickly as soon as she saw Veronica emerging from the office.

"I'm fine," Veronica replied, her voice barely concealing her distress.

"You sound hoarse. Have you been crying?" Lina asked, her concern evident as she examined Veronica's face.

"It's nothing. I just need to clean up and get Mr. Alden another coffee. Can you explain the rest of the duties afterward?" Veronica said, forcing a smile.

"Of course," Lina replied, her concern still apparent.

Veronica tried to clean the coffee stain from her blouse but found it stubbornly resistant. With a sigh, she concluded that she would have to make do. "He's impossible," she thought bitterly.

She made a fresh pot of coffee and approached Arek's office door, careful to stand to the side to avoid another collision. She knocked gently.

"Come in," Arek's voice was calm but still carried an underlying tension.

Veronica entered and placed the coffee on his desk. She noted that Arek had changed into a new dark blue Armani suit, a brighter shade than the one he had worn earlier.

"He must really love blue," she mused.

"Your coffee," Veronica said, maintaining a neutral expression.

"Ms. Ray," Arek began, his gaze fixed on her. "We have a meeting in an hour, so you may not have time to get additional instructions from Lina today."

He handed her a stack of files. "These contain information about our investors. Familiarize yourself with these details before you meet them," he instructed.

Veronica nodded in acknowledgment.

"Why do you want to work in the media department?" Arek asked, his tone probing.