ENVY

CONFERENCE HALL

The meeting went on and on with various discussions concerning the company's growth, investments and contracts. Finally, the long awaited point was here. Prince stood up from his chair with a long list in his hand. Albert adjusted himself on his chair, cheerfully. Gazing at him with rapt attention.

Finally, we've come to the very crucial point of this meeting. First of all, I'll like to thank you all for your hard work and endless support for this company. We really appreciate you all.

Some of you will be promoted and others maintained but don't be hurt if your name doesn't appear in the promotion list. We are still a team.....", Prince stated.

Everyone nodded, applauding. Prince raised his hand and the hall went silent.

" Thank you.....Now, Mr. Patrick Dolton is now moved from assistant marketing officer to the head of marketing department. Congratulations, sir...", he announced and went on and on.

Everyone listened with rapt attention. Soon, it was time to announce the position of the assistant manager. Prince gave a sigh and smiled.

" The position of the assistant manager goes to a very noble and trustworthy person of this institution. Although he had not been with us for such a long time but had really proved himself worthy of this position ever since he joined us. He is in the person of Mr. Mart Ross....."

Mart sat in his chair, bemused.

" What...? Me....?", he muttered.

Prince nodded with a smile and beckoned him to come. Everyone applauded, cheerfully except Albert who sat, glaring at him furiously.

" How dare him.....I'm supposed to be the one standing there now not....not you, Mart.....( smirks). I won't rest till I get you out of my way, Mart...Wait and see...", he cursed underneath his breath and dashed out of the hall without anyone's notice.

" Congratulations... Mart, you really deserve it", said Prince as he shook hands with him.

" Thank you.....", he smiled and hugged him, out of words.

Everyone applauded, chanting, happily. "Congratulations... sir...."

" Thank you all. Thank you so much for the support. You were all part of my promotion today. I really appreciate it. I promise never to disappoint the trust you all have in me, Cheers to our victory..."

" Cheers.....", they chorused.

**********

Lilia drove aimlessly through the whole town, ranting. Just then, she saw her phone ringing. She glanced at the caller ID, it was Aims. She snorted and ignored.

" She's now calling? Huh....who does she think she is? ( screams) I hate you, Aims.....", she shouted, immediately pulling the break.

The car stopped right in the middle of the road almost causing an accident.

" Eii....watch it !!! Why did you pull over all of a sudden without a signal? There is no traffic light here anyway.....you almost caused an accident...", the man in the car behind shouted, blowing his horn.

She sat in the car without uttering a word as tears drop down her cheeks. The man kept blowing his horn for her to move but to no avail.

" Hey....what's wrong with her? Move it girl....I'm not in the mood for all these....", he shouted, gliding towards her car.

He stood speechless by the car, caught in the beauty of the girl. He knocked on the glass to draw her attention.

" Hey.....what is wrong with you? why are you crying?", he queried.

" Oh, so sorry for that, sir.., Never mind....I'll move now...."

" Oh, no, wait...Can we talk? I want to know you", he stated.

" Me? Do you mean it.....?", she queried, shocked. Ever since she returned from prison, no man had ever approached her so she was a bit surprised by his sudden interest in her.

" Yeah.....if you don't mind...."

" Sure....."

" Alright, choose a place, I'll follow you in my car, okay...."

She nodded with a smile. He turned to leave but paused.

" Sorry, I forgot to ask your name....."

" oh, my bad, I'm Lizzy and you? "

" Albert...."

" Nice to meet you, Albert....shall we go now?"

" Sure....., take the lead, I'll follow"

She nodded. He rushed into his car and they sped off together.