Chapter Seven: Missing Becky

The days passed by, quickly. The day I was supposed to settle my own part of the deal drew nearer. I couldn't help but wish I wouldn't be in this position. If alone I had an understanding boss…

'Oh no!'

It's Friday, my last day in his office, as his secretary. My very last day to have a will of my own! I knew that after today, I'm fully sold out. Sold out by myself, to the ruthless billionaire!

I wish I could turn back the hands of the clock, and perhaps rescue myself from this mess. Well, I wasn't actually regretting my decision. It was indeed the best thing to do, for my mum. But not for me. But anyways, I'm glad to do this!

I was to begin being his mistress next week, but he insisted I move into his place tomorrow, while I got ready for my job there. He also said that he would have to get me some new supplies, within the weekend.

As the day went by, I counted down my freedom from days to hours and then perhaps, minutes. I had this feeling of being a lamb that was led to the slaughter, without opening its mouth! After all, how would I have opened my mouth, knowing fully well that my mum's life was at stake?

My hours in the office were numbered. I'd have to say a final goodbye to Becky, and to every one of my colleagues at work. My heart hurts deeply, at the thought of that. 

'Oh, Becky! I will always love you and miss you!' 

I thank God I had her phone number already. At least we could communicate through calls and messages.

A thought made its way into my mind.

'Have I told Becky about my ordeal with my boss?' 

To be honest, it really skipped my mind. I should have told her this before now. I should have let her know that Mr Bernard didn't give me the money freely. It was only given to me for some services to be rendered.

Anyways, she was supposed to know. She should have known by now that Mr Bernard doesn't run a charity organization. After all, everyone knows.

I recalled that Mr Bernard mentioned that the deal was confidential. I dare not to spill out any details about it to anyone! I wasn't wrong not telling Becky, after all.

I thought about so many things I could help myself do, other than waste my time, thinking about how fate has brought me here.

This is my fate. I should just have to accept fate the way it is!

My thoughts went to the files Mr Bernard asked me to organize earlier in the day. Oh no… I haven't touched any of them!

I didn't want to get on his nerves these few hours or have to spend here. I quickly grabbed the file system and began working on it.

I worked as fast as I could, so he wouldn't get mad at me, if I didn't finish up before the stipulated time he needed it. He said he has some clients to attend to by 4pm and he has to sign on those files before then.

It was 3pm when I finished with them. I rushed to his office to give them to him.

"Come in, Alice!" He said, just before I pressed the doorbell. 

"Okay, thanks sir." I replied.

I advanced into the office, my eyes running over the grandeur and colorful arts and flowers that made his office splendiferous, probably for the last time.

I imagined what his house would look like, if only his office was this magnificent and beautiful. Perhaps, its floors would be made of gold!

I didn't allow myself to be carried away by my thoughts. I knew what I was here for.

"Sir, here are the files you told me to work on," I began.

"You are to sign here," I continued, as I pointed out the sections where he was to sign.

"Okay then," he collected a pen from his table and signed them.

"Nothing else, I think?" He peered at me, questioningly.

"No sir. Nothing," I answered, nodding my head.

"You may leave now," he ordered and handed over the files to me. 

As I made to leave, I won't lie, I could notice the smirk on his face. I wonder what that meant. Or maybe, I was the one being so sensitive. It might mean nothing at all.

I got to my office soon after. There isn't really much to do today. I prayed earnestly for 4pm to reach quickly, so that Mr Bernard would leave to see his clients, and I could slip out of my office to Becky's. We needed to talk and it was against the office rules to leave one's workplace during working hours, under normal circumstances.

After some time, I heard some steps receding from my boss's office. Possibly, he must have left. A cheerful smile displayed on my face.

I gave him a few minutes to leave the premises completely, and then I led myself to Becky's office.

"Hi girl!" I greeted, my voice lowering down, so as to avoid notice from anyone, whatsoever.

"Hi Alice! He has left?" She questioned.

"Yeah, he just did." 

"And you did the same. Bad girl!"

We both chuckled. 

"So, what brings you here?" She asked.

"There's something I'd like to tell you," I replied, my mood changing, slowly.

"What's that?" She besieged me with her two large expectant ears

"I… I will be leaving work soon," I said with a lump on my throat.

"Why, please? Did you get yourself fired?"

"No, not at all."

"Then, what?"

"I decided to."

"How? I don't get it."

I kept mum.

"You found a better job somewhere else?" She continued.

"No. Well, kinda," I regretted mentioning that.

"What sort of job?" 

"I wouldn't like to say."

This ignited suspicion in her eyes.

"Is there something you're not telling me?"

I hid my smile with my hands.

"Come on, girl! Tell me about it. Who knows, I might be interested too." 

The last sentence set me into uncontrollable fits of laughter. I noticed she joined me too.

"Yeah, who knows," she said.

"Well yes, maybe. I can't be too sure," I teased her. 

"Whatever. You have to tell me what you're up to, Alice." 

"When the time is right, I'll let you know about it."

"Okay girl. I wish you good luck!"

"Thank you so much, Becky. I love you so much."

"I love you too, Alice. I will miss you so much, girl!"

"Me too."

Tears gathered in her eyes. I could see nothing but genuine love in her eyes. 

I came closer to her and gave her a passionate hug and a kiss on her cheek, the last I'd ever give her, maybe.