I dialed Nana's number, desperate to share my frustrations with someone who would understand. As soon as she answered, I burst into tears.
"Nana, they ridiculed me," I sobbed, my voice shaking with emotion. "I was supposed to be the Marketing Strategist , but they gave me a lesser position instead."
Nana listened attentively, offering words of comfort and encouragement. "Susan, don't let them get to you," she said. "You're talented and capable, and this is just a minor setback."
I sniffled, feeling a bit better after talking to Nana. But I knew I couldn't share my disappointment with my mom or siblings just yet. They were so proud of me for getting the job, and I didn't want to disappoint them.
"They're already so proud of me for getting the job," I explained to Nana. "I don't want to let them down by telling them about the lesser position."
Nana understood. "Your secret is safe with me, Susan," she said. "But don't worry, you'll prove yourself to them. Just work hard and show them what you're capable of."
"Thank you," I said, my voice barely above a whisper.
"Hey, wanna hang out this weekend?" Nana asked, trying to lift my spirits. "I'll make that smoky jollof rice and roasted chicken you love."
I laughed heartily, feeling a bit better. "Is that a bribe to make me feel better?" I teased.
Nana chuckled. "Let's just say something like that."
I smiled, grateful for her love and support. "Thanks, girl. What would I do without you?"
Nana's response was immediate. "Absolutely nothing."
We both burst into laughter, and for a moment, my worries disappeared.
As we wrapped up our conversation, Nana said, "Alright, thank you. I gotta go now. I have a busy day tomorrow."
"I love you," I said, feeling a sense of gratitude.
"Love you too, girl. See ya," Nana replied, before hanging up.
I flopped onto my bed, letting out a deep sigh. I closed my eyes, took a deep breath, and prayed in my heart for things to go smoothly tomorrow.
As I walked into Aderiola and Co., I made my way to my desk, let out a deep sigh, and said a silent prayer. Chidinma appeared at my desk, dropping some files with a thud.
"You're late," she grunted.
I thought to myself, Late by 5 minutes, extra. But I replied, "Sorry, traffic was heavy."
Chidinma's expression remained unyielding. "Deborah wants you to review these files and take them upstairs to Mrs. Phillips."
I hesitated, unsure of who Mrs. Phillips was. "Who's Mrs. Phillips?" I asked.
Chidinma rolled her eyes. "Don't ask me silly questions. By now, you should know everybody here."
With that, Chidinma turned and walked away, leaving me feeling frustrated and confused.
But before I could dwell on Chidinma's behavior, a gentle voice interrupted my thoughts.
"Don't mind her, that's just how she behaves towards new people," a brown-skinned girl with beautiful full lips said from across my desk.
I turned to her, grateful for the intervention. "Hi, I'm Susan James."
"I'm Grace," she replied with a warm smile.
I asked, "How long have you been working here?"
"Three years," Grace said. "Chidinma behaved the same way towards me when I first started, but I stood my ground. I don't tolerate bullying from anyone."
I was intrigued by Grace's boldness. "How long has Chidinma been working here?" I asked.
"Seven years, I think," Grace replied.
I raised an eyebrow. "She must be a big fish here."
Grace chuckled. "She wishes. But she thinks she is because Deborah and Yinka always back her up. She's just like the rest of us on this floor."
"Please, do you know who Mrs. Phillips is?" I asked Grace.
"Yes, she's Mr. Christian's personal assistant," Grace replied.
"Mr. Christian, the co-founder of this establishment?" I asked, impressed.
Grace nodded. "You guessed right. To get to her office, just take the elevator to the 7th floor, go down the hall, and it's the last door on the left."
I smiled, grateful for her help. "Okay, thank you so much for your time and assistance."
Grace smiled back. "Anytime, girl. If you don't understand anything, just ask me. I'll be your guide."
I thanked her again, feeling happy to have found a new acquaintance and ally in the office. With renewed confidence, I headed to the elevator, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.
As I stepped out of the elevator, I marched towards Mrs. Phillips' office, my heels clicking on the polished floor. I heard muffled voices coming from inside, but I knocked anyway on the brown hardwood. "Come in," a feminine voice, which I assumed belonged to Mrs. Phillips, answered.
I took a deep breath, smoothed out my clothes, and pushed open the door. As I entered, I was immediately struck by the elegant decor. But what caught my attention was the fine, hot-looking man going through some files. He looked up, and his dark brown eyes pierced into mine before he returned to his files.
"Good day, sir," I greeted, trying to sound confident.
The man did not even acknowledge my greeting.
Here's a polished version:
As I stepped out of the elevator, I marched towards Mrs. Phillips' office, my heels clicking on the polished floor. I heard muffled voices coming from inside, but I knocked anyway on the brown hardwood. "Come in," a feminine voice, which I assumed belonged to Mrs. Phillips, answered.
I took a deep breath, smoothed out my clothes, and pushed open the door. As I entered, I was immediately struck by the elegant decor. But what caught my attention was the fine, hot-looking man going through some files. He looked up, and his dark brown eyes pierced into mine before he returned to his files.
"Good day, sir," I greeted, trying to sound confident.
The man barely acknowledged my greeting with a curt "Good day, ma'am."
I turned to Mrs. Phillips, who stood up from behind her desk to greet me. "Good day, ma'am."
"Good day, my dear," Mrs. Phillips replied warmly. "How can I help you?"
"I was asked to submit these files to your desk," I explained, handing her the files.
"Oh, Deborah sent you?" Mrs. Phillips asked, without waiting for my response. She turned to the handsome man, "Mr. Christian, this is the Silver Flames files. I think they're ready for you to sign."
My eyes widened as I realized who the man was – Christian Aderiola, the co-founder and managing director of the company.
He couldn't even be bothered to acknowledge my greeting properly, I thought, feeling a bit miffed.
"Mrs Phillips, can you reschedule all my appointments today? I haven't had any proper rest for two weeks, please don't kill me with files I need to sign" Mr. Christian said in a rich, sexy baritone.
Mrs Phillips laughed, " I will reschedule your appointments but make sure you review and sign the Silver Flames files before the weekend. You have a meeting with them next week."
With a curt "Sure," he walked out of the door without even glancing my way.
Mrs. Phillips smiled kindly at me. "You can leave now, dear."
"Okay, thank you, ma'am," I replied, feeling a bit relieved to be leaving.