Chapter8
1412 Words
The next day, Georgiana approached Arthur's office, her heart racing with a mix of stress and determination. She took a deep breath, reminding herself that despite her feelings toward him, he was a good boss. She knocked and stepped inside, finding Arthur deeply engrossed in his work.
He glanced up, his brow furrowing slightly.
“Everything okay, Georgiana?” He asked, his voice steady but concerned.
“I… I wanted to run something by you,” she replied, her nerves evident as she glanced toward the cluttered desk in front of him and a frown on his face. He looked to determined and focused.
“But if you’re busy, I can come back later.”
Arthur held up a hand, stopping her mid-sentence.
“No, no. If it is this important you can sit right in this office and finish it. If you need my input.” He gestured to the large table and pointing to the chair directly opposite him.
Georgiana hesitated, feeling like she would be intruding on his space. “I don’t want to disrupt you,” she said, trying to keep her voice light despite the weight of her anxiety.
Arthur’s tone softened, yet remained firm. “We’re both working on the same project. It’ll be more efficient this way Miss Georgiana.” He said
She studied his expression, sensing the sincerity behind his words. With a reluctant nod, she stepped closer, her heart pounding as she caught a glimpse of his intense gaze. He was tall and imposing, but there was something unexpectedly kind in his demeanor today.
“Alright.” She said, her voice barely above a whisper.
“I’ll stay here.”
Arthur stood up and moved to pull the chair out for her, a surprising gesture that made her heart flutter.
“Here you go.” he said, his voice warm yet professional. He was really intimidating with his large body and tall self. Although, that was only him, intimidating but she also felt at peace to be standing so close to him as he was right behind her.
“Thank you.” She replied, trying to mask her surprise. Georgiana sat down, feeling a mix of apprehension and curiosity. Why was he being so accommodating?
As Arthur returned to his seat, he focused on his work, leaving Georgiana to ponder the unusual situation. She couldn’t help but steal glance at him, recalling all the times she had loathed him for his aloofness. But now, they were sitting together in silence, a strange peace enveloping the room.
An hour and a half passed in relative quiet, the only sounds being the soft tapping of keyboards and the occasional rustle of papers. They exchanged words only when absolutely necessary, but each time their eyes met, a flicker of something unspoken passed between them.
Every now and then, a colleague or partner would walk by, casting curious glances at the scene unfolding in Arthur's office. It was a sight they had never witnessed before. Arthur's office doors were open and everyone were shocked to watch what they were watching all because Arthur who usually liked to work with his own peace and focus was now sharing his space with someone else. This was not like him at all.
How over, that beautiful moment was destroyed when Valentine walked into the room unnoticed. She had a large smile on her face as she was ready to see Arthur. But when her eyes landed on georgiana her smile dropped and glare at Georgiana like she was doing to kill her.
The tension in the air shifted. Valentine was known to be disliked in the office, and Georgiana had grown accustomed to her presence.
Valentine approached Arthur's desk with an air of grace.
"I thought you were already gone," she said, casting a glance at Georgiana who was already gathering her things because she was done already.
"I was just about to leave," Georgiana responded curtly, gathering her papers with a tight grip.
Valentine’s eyes sparkled immediately.
"I heard there’s a party being thrown by you Arthur. Quite a surprise." Valentine said
Georgiana’s eyes flicked to Arthur. He avoided her gaze, shifting his attention to Valentine.
"It wasn’t my idea," Marcus said bluntly as he walked into the room.
"It's not a formal event, it’s just a casual gathering." Marcus added lying to her, correcting her,
"It’s more of an informal party, really."
Georgiana’s face tightened as she remembered her past experiences with Arthur and a party. She was sure to never do that again.
She struggled to keep her emotions in check, her grip on her papers becoming tighter. Arthur noticed her distress but said nothing.
Marcus, sensing the tension, asked,
"What about you, Georgiana? Are you coming?"
Georgiana hesitated. The memories of her last party experience were still vivid, and she didn’t want to relive that discomfort. Slowly, she looked away, her face reflecting her internal struggle.
Arthur’s eyes softened with understanding as he observed Georgiana’s distress.
"I have a lot of work, so... ," She said gently.
Marcus tried to lighten the mood.
"It’ll be a chance to meet new people," he suggested cheerfully.
Georgiana forced a smile.
"I’ve never had a problem meeting people, but I prefer to keep my personal and professional lives separate. I’d rather stay away from the office when I’m not working." Georgiana said.
Valentine’s eyes narrowed, clearly displeased with Georgiana’s response.
"It’s a missed opportunity," she said sharply.
"Attending Arthur’s party could have been a good way to meet with new connections."
Georgiana looked directly at Arthur, her voice firm but polite.
"I appreciate the invitation, but I think it’s best if I pass this time."
Valentine’s disapproval was right there, but Marcus looked genuinely supportive.
"Not a problem at all." He said, moving his chair aside to let Georgiana pass. She nodded gratefully but tried to not look at Arthur. Working with him was getting hard.
Immediately, Georgiana walked out of the room, never looking back and leaving behind a tense atmosphere.
As Georgiana left, Valentine’s voice was icy.
"You know, a party should be for people who actually want to be there. If she doesn’t like crowds, it’s better not to force her."
Arthur watched Georgiana’s leaving figure, feeling disappointment. He was unsure if he wanted to attend the party. Yet, he knew the event was important, and he had planned to use it as an opportunity to talk to Georgiana. Face to face.
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"Georgiana, you have to go to the party! It’s not just any party, it’s a chance to break out of this rut you're in. You work too hard, and you can’t let your job be the only thing that defines you. You need to enjoy life a little!” Maya’s voice pierced through the phone line.
Georgiana’s frustration was right there.
“Maya, I really don’t want to go. I’d rather stay home. I just can’t deal with that. I need to avoid that whole scene.”
Maya’s voice grew more insistent.
“i know why you aren't going. You can’t let one person dictate your life! You deserve to have fun, to mingle. You can't just shut yourself off from the world. Get out there, enjoy a little bit of life. It’s not all about work.”
Georgiana sighed heavily.
“Maya, I appreciate you trying to help, but I’m really not in the mood. I’d rather stay here, alone, where I feel comfortable.”
Maya’s voice softened but remained firm.
“Please, Georgiana. Just try it. If it gets too uncomfortable, you can leave. But don’t let this fear control you. You need to experience life outside work.”
Georgiana hesitated. “I’ll think about it. But I’m not promising anything.”
Maya, sensing she might not win this battle, relented.
“Okay, I hope you reconsider. Stay safe, and remember, work isn’t everything. See you soon,"
After cutting the call, Georgiana sat back on her couch, reaching for a cookie from a plate on the coffee table. She picked up the remote, switched on the TV, and began to eat, though her mind was elsewhere.
Despite Maya’s encouragement, she felt trapped in a routine. But going to the party was overwhelming.
"No... I am not going to go. Doesn't matter what anyone tells me. I have decided."
Georgiana said. Eating one by one all cookies. Forcing herself to believe she was doing the right thing.
"I am all great here."
- Writer
