CHAPTER TWO

Sarah entered as the doors were about to close, her radiant smile lighting up the room. "Yooo!..., I exclaimed as I chucked.

"Hey, girl!" Her perfume clung to my cheeks as she gave them an air kiss. "Good morning, Sarah! I said with a smile.

Sarah's glance widened. "You got me breakfast, huh? "What an angel!" She took a look inside the bag. "I was in a hurry and forgot to eat." I laughed. "This is for Mr. Ethan and I, but we can share." Sarah's face smile faded as her face fell. "Mr. who?" She arched an eyebrow, arching her lips awkwardly with disgust. "He's no longer your boyfriend, Anna; he's just your boss. He has chefs prepare meals for him. Even if you offered him the food for free, I'm sure he wouldn't tip you, so save your meager salary."

Sarah waved goodbye as the elevator doors opened and she made her way to her desk. "Later, girl!" As I made my way to Ethan's office, I was met with warm grins and good morning greetings from other staff. The shiny floor made my shoes click, and I received some admiring looks for my composed posture.

The atmosphere this morning was cold. Ethan's eyes were frigid as he looked up from his phone. "You're late." My calmness wavered. "At 8:10am?, I looked at my watch.

I was ten minutes late. I stumbled, "I tried getting coffee for you," and held out the cup of coffee.

Ethan's eyes become lethal. "What is this?" "I thought…", he cuts me as I tried to explain "I don't need your coffee." his voice pierced through. Feeling hurt by his rejection, I picked up the tray. "We have a new plan," he declared in a harsh voice. "We'll leave the office by 11am for a business meeting." I gave him a nod without making eye contact and hurried out of his office.

The work from last night was waiting for me back at my desk.My throat dried up at the idea of seeing Ethan again. I was hesitant because I remembered his rejection, but I wanted coffee. I sighed loudly, and coworkers in the vicinity stared at me.

"There are rumors regarding Ethan's business activities. Some believe he is involved in dubious activities. My curiosity caused my eyes to expand. "What kind of stuff?" Sarah leaned closer. Later, I'll tell you. Not in this place." I could feel the tension building in the workplace, and I knew something was about to happen. I motioned towards the coffee and sandwich, and Sarah's eyes glistened. "Yay, looks delicious" with excitement, she clapped her hands.

She laughed and asked, "What did your evil CEO do this time for you to give me his coffee?" I sipped my coffee and laughed as she teased.

Our peace did not last long as Sarah received files from coworkers to look over. She moaned, "Oh, here comes work." After gathering my belongings, I made my way back to my workstation. I still had the files I needed to provide to Ethan.

With my heart pounding, I grabbed them up and proceeded to his office.

I knocked twice, but he didn't answer. A woman's laughter and a seductive voice greeted the third knock. When I recognized the voice, my curiosity gave way to shock. Ethan was flirting with Lillian, a billionaire's daughter. Was he trying to buy Favour or what?

With my hand on the handle, I froze.

It was too late, I shouldn't have gone in. Lillian sat on Ethan's desk, wearing a short, tight dress and an exposing mesh that accentuated her slim body. Her . Her lipd formed an evil smile.

Normally calm, Ethan appeared pallid. His normally piercing brown eyes appeared lifeless. His black hair was mussed, and his well-tailored suit, while fashionable, seemed elegant in comparison to Lillian's lavish clothing. They appeared paralyzed by my presence. Lillian's amused eyes glistened as she fixed them on me. My thoughts were racing as I stood upright. My ex-boyfriend Ethan was sitting in front of me, completely engrossed in another woman.

My veins were flooded with adrenaline. I felt deceived, I didn't Know why but it hurt.

My heels clicked as I approached Ethan's desk without saying a word. The etched words "Ethan Felix, CEO of Biira Scents" clattered when I pushed his nameplate aside. I firmly stated, "These require your signature and approval," as I placed the files on his desk. I didn't wait for an answer before leaving.

I was filled with determination as I left his office. For this transgression, I would hold Ethan accountable for wasting my time. With renewed focus, I turned on my computer and started working at my desk. I glanced at my to-do list, my gut tightening.

The business meeting with Ethan came next. I checked the time and it was 10:20. Only 40 minutes to go. Do I have to be the one to accompany him? What if he wants to go with Lillian? I dislike her. I'm now regretting sticking with this work; earlier, it was just us, holding hands and chatting throughout the trip. I miss Ethan.

Gritting my teeth, bracing myself for another encounter with Ethan. And Lillian. I did not knock this time. As I pushed open the door, I was overcome with an uneasy sense. "Meeting at 11 a.m., Mr. Ethan," I stated, my voice hard yet laced with a phony smile. Lillian was still sitting. Her eyes were fixed on mine, filled with hatred and misery, as she sat at his desk. Ethan's expression remained gloomy, and his eyes avoided mine. I did not wait for a response. I turned on my heel and exited the office, the door closing softly behind me.

"Lover girl," Lillian taunted, her voice was almost audible above a whisper. I grinned with a hint of mischief. aware that your journey will be incredibly dull.

The chauffeur-driven vehicle pulled up as I was leaving the office building, and the driver got out to open the rear door. I paused, knowing that I was no longer Ethan's girl friend.

I went inside and took the passenger seat after opening the front door myself. She followed, her eyes glimmering with laughter, echoing Lillian's.

With a lovely smile, Ethan motioned her inside first. With a smile of her own, Lillian got into the backseat. Ethan trailed after, his gaze fixed on hers.

Lillian's flirtation and laughs filled the trip. Her voice annoyed me, and she was unrelenting. As a bystander to their cozy couple, I felt alienated.

Like a lifeline until Sarah's text message arrived. "Hey, young lady! "What's going on?" she enquired in her worried message.

I blushed, experiencing a range of feelings. In an attempt to sound light-hearted, I answered, "Just stuck in a car with Ethan and Lillian,"

Sarah's reaction came right away. "How unfortunate you are! However, I want to share some juicy rumors. In the underground realm, Lillian's father is Ethan's godfather, and he is involved in some dubious activities. That explains why she is obsessed with him.

As I read the message, my eyes grew wide. Ethan, engaged in illegal activities? To increase his revenue? It made me shiver to think of it.

I felt a wave of revulsion as Lillian's laughing rang through the air. Was she also complicit?

The anxiousness inside me increased as our car ride appeared to go on forever. I was eager to leave the place and the poisonous environment behind.

I felt a sense of relief when we reached our destination. However, the day was not yet done, and I suspected that things would only worsen.