Guns & Roses

One week Later

Mike arrived in the office. He saw a lot of hustle-bustle in the office. He saw few media executives running here and there and the manager instructing them to work on the script. Confused he went to his department. David was already sitting.

"Hey, David. What's the chaos and all hustle-bustle in the office today?"

"You don't know?"

"What?"

"Lucas is giving an interview clearing the name of XYZ events."

"Didn't Catherine already gave one?"

"Yes but this one is different. A lot of money and efforts are involved in this one. He has also invited a few A-lister actress whose events were handled by XYZ company."

"But why those A-listers will agree to what Lucas says."

"They don't have any choice dude. Lucas is mafia king and a lot of money is been given to these actresses for being a part of this interview."

"But doesn't the digital transaction will show this?"

"Do you think Lucas will be using his own account for these activities? Also, the receiver accounts belong to a different person."

Mike remembered Catherine bank statement and her saying that Lucas operates through her account.

The sensational interview was scheduled for the afternoon. Mike was wondering if Lucas is going to clear Catherine name as well or he is just saving his company.

Three Days Later

Mike arrived at the office and went to the cafeteria. He saw Catherine. He went to Catherine and greeted her.

"Hey, Catherine. How are you? It's a pleasant surprise to see you in the office."

Catherine looked at him in a way as if he is some stranger.

"Hey, Mike. I am good."

She looked at her watch and said

"I will catch with you later. Gotta run. Lot of work to do."

She left from the cafeteria. Mike wondered what is she doing in office. He then remembers that yesterday was an interview scheduled with the A-lister actress.

Mike didn't get a chance to see the interview so he wasn't sure what has happened. He quickly finished breakfast and went to his department. He opened the laptop and saw the interview. Lucas was also a part of the interview where he is talking with the A-list actress and they all were telling Lucas how good XYZ company is and how professionally they have handled their works. Catherine was also appreciated in interviews for her work. Apparently, XYZ company and Catherine's name was cleared.

Is this the reason Catherine ignored me in the cafeteria because she doesn't need me? Mike wondered. He was immersed in his thoughts when David made his entry into the room.

"Hey"

"Hey David. Morning."

"Morning. So did you hear the latest news? Catherine is back at the company.

"Ya. I saw her in cafeteria some time back. She seemed to be in rush so couldn't talk to her properly."

"And from now you will find her in rush itself with no time."

"What are you talking about?"

"Catherine is being promoted as Head PR Manager."

"What? All of a sudden?"

Mike just recalled his conversation with her a week back where she was miserable and tense about paying bills and EMI and now she is being promoted as Head PR Manager?

David noticed his tense and confused expression and asked

"Hey, Mike are you ok?"

"Ya. Just a bit confused...Like one week back Catherine was all over the news. No one wanted to work with her and now... what has changed in a week?"

"Well, the interview surely had an impact. But I wonder why Lucas will do something like this for Catherine without any personal benefit. I know for a fact he is a scumbag and will not do anything unless..."

"unless??"

David sighed and then spoke "Unless he is being forced or blackmailed. But I wonder what can Catherine have against him since he is the CEO."

Mike remembered Catherine's bank record. Did Catherine blackmail Lucas? But the digital evidence shows her details only unless those account creditors have not invested any money in XYZ company.

He opened the browser and went to XYZ company website and checked their history & partner lists. He saw one name "Edward Kelarins". He closed his eyes and lies my head back at his chair. He remembered seeing a similar name while he was checking Catherine's bank statements.

Damn, she really did blackmailed Lucas and got back not only this job but cleared her name and got the high position. Now she is ignoring me as well when she has everything. Fuck... I felt like being used and manipulated. My brain went numb. I felt like slapping myself for being a lovesick idiot. Mike accidentally slapped himself.

David looked at him shocked.

"Hey Mike. What's wrong?"

" I am not feeling too well. I am taking a half-day leave."

"Sure. Don't worry about work. I am here. Just mail Alandra."

He opened the outlook and drafted a mail to Alandra for half-day leave for not feeling too well. he closed my laptop and exited the room. He came down to the office and book a cab to his apartment.

He came back home and threw his bag on the couch. He went to his room and lied on the bed. Jeff was out of town for 2 days for an event. Generally,heI wouldn't have minded being alone but now he was feeling lonely and sad. He took out my cellphone from the pocket and dialled my mom.

His mom picked the call.

Mike's Mom: Hey Mike... What happened? Are you ok?

Mike: Hey Mom.Yes.I casually called you.

Mike's Mom: oh ok. Listen, dear, I am at work now so let me call you in the evening.

Mike: Sure mom.

I completely forgot that I am calling her in mid of the day when she will be at the cake shop baking. I looked at the phone contacts and then realized that I don't have any friends in New York apart from Jeff and David.

He opened the Instagram and browsed through random pages where he came across a page for the solo traveller.

Solo travelling. I guess this is what I need now. Some day away from the office, manipulation. Some days away from Catherine. Maybe this trip will help me clear my head. He checked the website link and then browsed their site. He read all the details and testimonials from the traveller and this sound like fun. He checked out for their office address in New York which was like 15 mins from my place. He thought of visiting them. He also checked various holiday destination where they arrange the trips and finally settled for France.