Chapter VII - Trouble

CHAPTER VII

CORA'S POV

I am walking down the corridor and saw three of my employees seemed to be on a serious meeting, and guess what, I am their main topic.

My life is indeed displayed like a tawdry soap opera and this is why everyone's busy gossiping about me.

They were really so busy that they didn't even notice my arrival. I silently lead the way and stopped behind them.

“Bago ka pa lang, di ba?” Employee 1 asked.

“Oo.” Probably, that's the newly hired employee.

“Ngayon pa lang dapat malaman mo na na isang dragona ang boss natin,” another voice from a woman said, so this must be Employee 2.

“Bakit kaya gano'n siya?” the newly hired employee asked.

“Ewan, basta kapag sinabihan mo siya na 'di siya maganda at matalino, o perfect, magagalit siya na parang wala na siya sa sarili. Nakakatakot!” Employee 1 replied.

“Ha? Eh, maganda naman talaga siya, pero nakita ko sa mga pictures na mas magaganda ang mga—” she stopped when I stamp my feet to command attention. This newly hired employee just crossed the line!

“Please continue speaking, no one would dare to interrupt you,” I said with a smile across my face. But she just kept silently staring at the floor. I glanced at the other employees and they're also looking at elsewhere. “Oh, hindi mo na kayang ipagpatuloy? Where's your confidence? Dali na, sabihin mo na habang mabait pa ako.” Hindi pa rin sila natitinag at parang hangin lang ang kinakausap ko. The sigh of aggravation I released came out as a hiss. “You are all aware that I really hate comparing,” I grimly said, then I continued speaking while pointing out the newly hired employee. “But you dare to compare the beauty I have to anyone else! Thank you, you've just ruined my day.” Shades of bitterness, sorrow, and anger darkened on my face. 

“M-Ma'am Cora, p-pasensya na po, hindi na po namin ito uulitin.” Nakadikit pa ang mga palad niya at konti na lang ay luluhod na siya sa harapan ko.

“Get lost!” I yelled at her, and that's it, she finally kneeled down. “Even if you cry blood and get hoarse voice begging for mercy, I'm still gonna fire you!”

“Cora!” Zella suddenly appeared from nowhere. “Anong nangyayari?” she asked. When I met her gaze, I saw the confusion that crossed her features.

In a normal voice, I said, “Firing an insensitive employee.” Nasanay na ako na araw-araw may napapatalsik akong empleyado kaya normal na lang ang ganitong pangyayari. 

“Kinompara ka na naman sa iba?” diretso niyang tanong.

“As usual.” I rolled my eyes inwardly. I am about to leave the scene and head to my office when Zella speaks again.

“If you will continue to be like this, you're gonna lose everything, Cora, your employees, your company, the fine life you have, and all the people who are on your side, including me.”

I was caught off-guard! What the hell is Zella telling me now? Sh*t, I just lose my virginity! And if I'm going to lose everything that I have by now, I'd totally get insane.

I expelled a heavy breath in vexation and glare at this woman who's still kneeling down in front of me. “Don't you dare do again the sh*t that you did today, but if you still have the courage to compare me with others, my company is wide open, you are free to leave.” I turned my back as quick as I can. I welled up as my tears are on the verge of falling!

Sh*t, don't let anyone see how weak you are, Cora!

I went straight to my office and open all the windows to catch some fresh air. Naramdaman ko ang paglapit sa akin ni Zella at tumambad ang isang bento box sa harapan ko.

“Breakfast?” She offered, but I just ignored her. “Oy, sorry na, ayoko lang naman kasi na may masaktan ka na namang damdamin, eh.”

“But you don't even care that I was hurt as well. Ganyan naman talaga kayo, laging ang nararamdaman ng iba ang inuuna ni'yo, pa'no naman ako?” This time, I had let my tears fall down, but I wiped it off as soon as I can. “Nevermind.” I get the bento box she made for me and sat in the swivel chair.

“Hihintayin ko kung kailan mo 'yan sasabihin, Cora, at kapag ready ka na, promise, makikinig ako,” she said and sincerity is written in her face.

“Salamat sa breakfast.” I swiftly change the topic. I just don't want to be so emotional this day. “You can now leave, you still have work,” I said.

“Sige, but please, don't stress yourself too much.” I just nodded and relief brought a smile to her lips. She then stood up, straighten her uniform, and bid her goodbye. “I'll take my leave now.” And I automatically lifted my hand in a short wave, giving her a brief smile.

As I am in the middle of enjoying my breakfast, Freiya suddenly called. “Hello?” I said as I hit the answer button. Hindi siya agad nakapagsalita sa kabilang linya kaya bigla naman akong kinutuban. “Hoy, don't tell me you can't make it up to attend the event this night?” Damn, this gay's making me feel really so freaking nervous by now!

I heard him let out a light laugh. “Chill, Corazon, gusto ko lang itanong kung kailangan ko bang magpagupit o hindi na?” he said, and that actually made me breathe calmly.