“You have to learn how to stop reacting to every slight thing. You're definitely going to be hurt real bad if you keep up with this attitude.” Raymond said when Julia wouldn't stop frowning. Ever since she finished speaking with Stella, she had been like that and even when he tried to cheer her up, she wouldn't budge. “I hate her.” “You don't have to hate instead, you should tell her what you don't like, and trust me she will respect your boundaries. If you keep giving her attitude and pushing her away, it won't solve anything.” “So, what are you suggesting?” She asked, hands across her chest as she stared back at him. With a shrug, he said, “Put a call across to her and then apologize…” “Never. How could you even come up with that kind of idea.” She yelled, squirming on the couch she was occupying. “It's not a bad idea.” He shrugged. “It is a bad one. These are the same people who made you go through hell for months.” She yelled. “Hold, let's get this straight. Apart
A week later… Things were moving faster than everyone could comprehend. The sales, profit margins and recognition Dulo had managed to generate within a short space of time was too much that Raymond and his team were finding it difficult to handle. Everyone in the firm went on happily with their work, aiming for more wins since Raymond always made it a point of duty to celebrate his victory with them. Though they didn't say or even act, the Brooks were the only people who were unhappy with the achievement. They always grumbled about it but each time they saw Raymond, they applauded and praised him. Today, Raymond was going to be a guest at the national broadcasting station for an interview. This was going to be the seventh one he was going to appear at since when he returned from Dublin. As he was putting finishing touches to his work, Niko made his way into his office — it was the both of them that were going to appear at the broadcasting house. “You have another interview b
On his return to the company, Raymond made his way to the boardroom where the new recruits, the board of directors, and executives sat to give them one final interview before the induction which was set to commence by two pm. “Alright everyone, let's settle down,” Adam said, hitting his palms together to attract everyone present. While Raymond went to occupy his seat, Niko went ahead to meet with his team. “Everything ready?” He asked Adam who was in charge of the process. “Yeah.” “Then let's do it.” The oral interview lasted for half an hour after which Raymond was invited to the podium to speak to them. Impressed with the young minds, he didn't fail to commend them and when he was done with that, he cleared his throat and with a serious tone said, “The company already accepted you all, no doubt about that but I still have one more request before the induction takes place.” He said slowly, allowing his words to sink in. “Please give everyone a sheet of paper.” He said an
The next day after the induction, each department went ahead to reintroduce their new members. In the data analyst department, they got three new members, two males and a female and after Tyler had introduced them, they were assigned to some older members to tutor. Julia was asked to tutor Caleb, one of the males and Rina was assigned to Dina, the only female among them. During lunch break that day, Rina, who was always up to date with news, was quiet. He kept nibbling his food until Julia accosted him. Chewing on her fries slowly, she asked, “What's the problem?” “We are arc enemies.” He replied immediately. “Arc enemies? Who?” “Dina of course. That little fry ruined my childhood.” He scoffed. “Tell me about it.” “You don't need to hear the sad tale.” Leaning close, he said, “Let's switch interns.” “I don't have an issue with that if only the boss consents.” She said. “Okay, fine. I will talk to him myself.” He said and before the end of the day, they switched p
Not wanting Julia to have a glimpse of the picture he had received, Raymond quickly deleted it and then blocked the number. “I wish I could just get the culprit, a one-on-one conversation can go a long way to help.” He mumbled, rubbing his eyes with the back of his palm. An hour before closing, he decided to get a cup of coffee from the café. Just before stepping out of his office, he overheard some voices right behind his door. “Can't be Julia.” He muttered pressing his ear against the door so he would hear everything they were talking about. “Can you just listen to me? Fine, I will only give up if he tells me off directly, otherwise no way. I can't step down for you ever.” The first voice said with a huff. “Really?” The second voice asked. “Of course. If you think sending him an anonymous text will make him consider you, then you must be a joke. I tried it and it didn't work out for me so my next option was to start sending my half nude pictures to him. With time, he will
The next morning, Julia was busy stomping around the house, ignoring Raymond who was trying to speak to her. This went on until it was time to leave for work. Standing across the living room with her hands across her chest, she said with a firm voice, “Let's go.”“I want to say something.” “Another lie?” She asked, inching close. “It's not a lie. Please stop acting this way to me, it hurts a lot.” He groaned, trying to touch her but she slapped his hand off. “Stop acting, you're eager to get your new girlfriend.” She scoffed. Offended with her outburst, Raymond threw his head backwards, biting his bottom lips as he tried to calm himself down. “If you aren't leaving, let me know so I can board a cab.” She snapped. “Why are you acting this way? At this point, I need you to be by my side and not push me away. It hurts okay.” He said, cringing on the inside. “So what do you want to say?” She finally asked, hands across her chest as she stared above his head. “Niko and I would be h
“You can leave now.” Julia said to Dina who immediately fell on her knee and with her hands placed together, began to plead. “I'm sorry, I didn't intend to cause problems in your marriage. I had no idea that you were married until a few days ago and that was how I began to withdraw myself.” She cried. “I have no grudge against you.” Julia said, waving her off. “Thank you so much. Please forgive me.” Minutes later, Dina was out of the room, leaving the friends and Julia. With his hands resting on the table, Niko began to chuckle. He continued acting this way until Julia and the others couldn't out up with it anymore. “Have you gone insane?” Adam asked, slightly irritated. “Of course not.” He replied, clearing his throat, he said, “I have no grudge against you.” He was mimicking Julia who was already growing red with embarrassment. “You have no grudge against someone you have threatened to kill with your eyes.” He mocked. “I was livid, that's why.” She scoffed, rolling her eyes
“Ava isn't the culprit here.” Niko suddenly said the following day when he, Julia, Adam and Raymond were gathered around a table to decide on which way the party was going to go. “Really?” Julia asked, leaning close, eager to hear everything that he wanted to say. “Yeah. Thanks to the spyware installed unknowingly to them on their phones.” He said, gritting his teeth and seething with anger at the same time. For the next few minutes only Niko and Julia talked. Raymond and Adam on the other hand are just watching as they listen to their conversation. “So who's the culprit now?” Adam asked with a firm voice, hitting the butt of his pen against the table. “Dina of course.” Niko replied and immediately Julia slumped on her seat, all the while she was thinking Dina was the innocent one. The previous day, she even went ahead to share lunch with her, promising to help her find someone else. “This is crazy.” She said, shaking her head as she bit her bottom lips. “If you want, I can sho