Trapped

Chapter 27

Chapter Twenty Seven:

A small talk with one of my colleagues.

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Throughout the years that I had lived and the moment I grew aware of people who only have bad intentions of me, I had always been wary. Maybe that’s why I had a hard time socializing with other people because deep down, I’m afraid that they would just end up disappointing me as soon as they already got what they needed with me.

And most of the time it was the connection that they needed.

The fact that I’m well known since my grandfather is a famous figure, people befriend me for the connections that they needed. Once they claim to be my friend and use my title in their gain, they were all quick to dispose of me. At first it had caused me a huge pain to know that I was only being used. But as time passed by, I had gotten used to it.

So whenever people tell me that I am a snob or that I am picky with who I wanted to be friends with, I know they were all aware as to why.

“You didn’t answer my question. Tell it straight to my face,” I broke the eye contact then glanced over to my watch and noticed the time. My sister must be looking for me already. I don’t want to waste another second with vague statements of a man that I barely knew.

“I overheard your conversation with Dianna, about your project proposal.”

My eyes automatically grew wide, “You eavesdropped!” I accused him.

Kevin let out a chuckle, “You had caused a scene in our office, Ms. Quinn. You don’t accuse others of eavesdropping when you and Mrs. Evans were bickering so loudly inside our office.” Yet again, he grinned at me. “Your accusations are invalid. Moreover, it had interrupted most of us who were actually busy working.” The way he had emphasized the word busy only added the annoyance that I feel for him.

“Just get straight to the point, Mr. Andrews. I don’t have all the time in the world for your nonsense.”

My words appeared to be quite harsh on his end that the grin on his face had vanished. He shakes his head, “My advice is not nonsense. You should think clearly of your actions. I’m merely looking out for you, as a colleague.” The sincerity in his voice was profound however with what happened earlier and how he dragged me here didn’t help with the situation.

I seemed to be not thinking straight.

“I don’t need you to look out for me. I can manage myself, Kevin. Now, what is it that you wanted to tell me? It looks like you know something that I don’t know of.”

He clenched his fist and gritted his teeth in response. I don’t care if I hurt him with my reply. If he really is concerned for my well being just as he claimed to be; he would’ve already told me what he intended to say to me. Knowing him based on my observations, he doesn’t want to waste time over unimportant things. In our workplace, Kevin is very much committed to his work and would only do tasks that are related to his job. He rarely even holds his phone during break times.

So why the hell is he taking too much time to confront me about something?

“Just like what I said earlier, Mrs. Evans might have a different purpose for your project proposal.”

That had caught my attention.

“What different purpose? Is she going to dispose of my proposal?” My heart began to beat erratically in my chest. I could feel the sweat starting to form on my temple. 

“Your proposal was anonymous, right? Hasn't it crossed your mind that Mrs. Evans would take advantage of that?” Kevin stated in a matter of fact voice. And I stood there, stunned and unable to form words because his statement had rendered me speechless.

“I…”

He scoffed, “You what? The thought didn’t cross your mind?”

I wanted to say that it did. However, I didn’t want to lie to myself. I was too engrossed with the thought that submitting an anonymous proposal would be beneficial for me; it didn’t cross my mind that it has its own cons. I wanted to believe that Mrs. Evans isn't capable of such things and as far as IK know she wouldn't even bother reading a single page in that project.

She doesn't have any ounce of care in what I do except for the fact that she always wanted everyone to know that I only got accepted in this company due to my grandfather's reputation and position in the company. 

After recollecting myself, I managed to shake my head in disagreement. "Mrs. Evans couldn't care less. I'm afraid you're assuming wrong. And what do you expect me to do? Submit the proposal to her superiors without her knowledge?" Letting out a chuckle, Kevin's eyebrows furrowed at my reaction. "The moment she'd known of that, she might have me terminated."

It was true.

Mrs. Evans is that dense. She prefers everything having her way but can't even do her job properly. Instead of guiding and helping us with our concerns; she'd much rather waste time on her stupid phone. And when superior praises us, she'll take all the credit for it. Saying that if it wasn't for her, our team wouldn't be successful and recognized for our capabilities.

She's always so full of herself.

One thing that I can't possibly stand. 

"You never know what might happen." Kevin said, voice laced with worry. "You need to be prepared." He advised, fist clenched on his sides.

I nodded at him, "I appreciate your concern and advice. However it is not necessary. I don't need you looking out for me. I can take care of myself." Offering a soft smile, I added. "Now, if you don't mind. I'll be heading out."

Not even bothering to wait for a reply, my feet were quick to walk towards the door. And even though he was blocking the handle. It didn't faze me to reach for it then pulled the door towards our direction. The ere action had caused him to stumble forward as he was in front of the doorway. 

Soon after, I was away from him and I didn't bother to look back at his expression.

For all I care, I just want to spend lunch time in a peaceful way. Something that is becoming hard to achieve these days.

I wanted to keep my mind off of work for a meantime. I needed to rest my mind.

.

.

.

“What’s bothering you?”

I craned my neck then casted my eyes and my attention to the owner of the voice. I can already sense the worry and concern laced in her voice. 

I’m quite unsure if I’m easy to read or she automatically knows when something is up. I mean, it didn't bother me before but now, it makes me think twice if I wanted to share anything with her. She already has a lot on her plate. Maxwell’s workload is all over the place and the last thing I want is to be a nuisance to her.

“Just pondering on what I’ll be having for dinner.” I answered as I munched on my caesar salad then sipped my mango shake. Both are my favorite comfort food that would make me feel reenergize and calm.

From all that had happened earlier, this is the one of the solutions that I think could help me feel at ease.

I was opting for an iced coffee earlier but I’m mindful that it will only make me more anxious than I already was. And that would be on the last thing that I wanted at this moment. There is no room for another relentless feeling every passing second.

Forgetting what happened earlier between me and Mrs. Evans was already a pain in the arse. However, my colleague, Kevin Andrews decided to barge into my life then confront me with things that I didn’t want to hear.

Truthfully speaking, what he had disclosed to me had caused me so much distress.

“Chandy,” Maxwell muttered in a warning tone. Obviously not liking my response. “Now is not the time for your silly answers. No matter how hard you try to deny it, just by looking at you; I’m aware that there is something that is bothering you.” She had released a sigh as she drank a glass of water.

“It’s actually no big deal.” I began, “Uhm, just kind of nervous about the whole project proposal thing.” The words that slipped out of my mouth weren't the whole truth but it also wasn’t a lie.

It is true that I’m nervous of the feedback for my proposal, I had always been ever since I began the project a month ago. However, my sister didn’t need to know about the whole argument between me and Mrs. Evans earlier. It is my own business to deal with after all. She doesn’t concern my work related agenda.

She sighed, “You’re going to greet, kiddo. You always had been.”

I offered a soft smile to my sister then eventually nodded at her. 

Her words made me forget the event earlier. 

Her words soothed the worries inside my head.

.

.

.

Loud chattering and exclamations can be heard as soon as I have entered our office.

However, as soon as my colleagues grew aware of my presence; they lowered their heads and avoided meeting my gaze. Which I found weird and utterly awkward. Every time my co-worker's eyes landed on mine, they would immediately glance away as if they were children that had been caught doing a bad thing.

It was very... alarming.

As soon as I reached my chair, I noticed that Dianna wasn't in her place even though she's an early bird. In which she usually arrives earlier than me. When I felt like someone was staring at me, I instantly scanned the room and my eyes landed on Kevin who was looking back at me.

He was giving me a look of pity. Something that I knew ever since I was young.

I raised a brow at him but it immediately vanished when Mr. Albert Martin, an engineering manager who is Mrs. Evan's superior, entered the room with a big smile on his face. We all greeted him as a sign of respect in which he returned.

Mrs. Evans walked towards him ever so carefully. 

He smiled at her widely. "Congratulations Mrs. Evans, your proposal has been accepted."