Gianna's POV
I frowned as I walked through the hallway, noticing how unusually busy everyone was. People were rushing in and out as if the building were on fire.
"What's going on?" I muttered to myself.
"It's Mr. Locan's birthday," Ms. Gada suddenly appeared behind me, making me jump.
"Huh? It's his birthday?" I asked, bewildered. She rolled her eyes at me.
"Why don't you know? Isn't that supposed to be your job? You're his secretary, remember?" she said with heavy sarcasm. I forced a smile. Of course.
She walked off, and I resumed my steps until I crossed paths with Gael.
"You're late! How dare you! So unprofessional!" my cousin shouted dramatically, making me jolt.
"What is your problem?" I shot back.
"Hehe, I'm just rehearsing what Sir Locan is going to say. You know… since it's his birthday today," he said meaningfully. I stopped in my tracks. What?
"Huh? And what does that have to do with anything?"
"You don't get it, cousin…" He pulled me close and slung an arm over my shoulder. "When it's Sir Locan's birthday, this entire company turns into hell for us employees. Instead of being happy because it's his birthday, the complete opposite happens. Did you know everyone here dreads his birthday?"
My eyes widened. I pulled away and faced him.
"What? I don't get it."
"That's exactly the problem. Our boss is a walking contradiction. On his birthday, he becomes ultra-mega grumpy. The tiniest thing he doesn't like? He snaps. Last year, he fired three employees because they were 'too slow,'" he ranted.
I couldn't help but feel confused. Who gets mad on their own birthday? And why would he be angry today of all days?
"Speaking of the devil," Gael whispered, pointing forward. The entire floor fell silent as Francis walked by. Was it just me, or did the atmosphere suddenly darken?
"I'm out of here… good luck," Gael whispered before disappearing. I swallowed hard when Francis' eyes met mine. Was Gael exaggerating… or was this real?
"Good morning, sir," I greeted, but he didn't react at all. I could feel people watching me, waiting for me to mess up.
"Come with me," he said. My attention snapped to him. Without another word, he walked ahead. I swallowed and followed.
We stayed silent until we reached the office. I went to my desk to check his schedule. Once I had everything, I approached him.
"Sir, you have a meeting with Mr. Jerome at 9:00 a.m. And Sir Ryan is asking when you plan to visit Cebu—"
"Cancel all of my appointments today," he cut in without even looking at me.
"But sir, the meeting is urgent—"
"Just what I said, Gianna," he repeated, his voice cold. A small sting hit my chest. Was this what Gael meant? Why did it hurt?
"Yes, sir," I replied quietly.
"And also…" He finally looked at me.
"If anyone asks for me, tell them I'm busy and I don't want any distractions. Do you understand?"
I swallowed. His stare was freezing.
I forced a breath and managed a small smile.
"Copy, sir. Do you need anything else?"
"You can go now. I'm busy," he muttered, returning to his laptop.
I bit my lip as I went back to my desk. I wasn't used to him acting like this. I shook my head and forced myself to focus on my work. Every now and then I felt like he was staring at me, but whenever I met his eyes, he would immediately look away.
I spent the whole morning telling people to call back tomorrow. Some yelled at me — especially Rachelle.
"I'll just tell him myself—"
"Are you stupid? Just tell him to answer my call. Right now!" she screamed through the phone, making me flinch.
"But ma'am—"
"Ugh! You're annoying. Fine! Tell him I'm coming over so we can talk!"
"Okay—" She hung up before I could finish. I exhaled sharply. What was that woman's problem?
After a while, I stepped out to find Gael. I caught him gossiping with some coworkers. When he saw me, he approached immediately.
"Oh wow, look at your face. You got scolded, didn't you?" he teased.
He didn't exactly scold me… I just didn't like how Francis was treating me today. I nodded anyway.
"It's fine. Let's eat lunch. My treat," he said.
"Okay. I'll just get my things," I said before heading off.
When I returned to the office, I grabbed my bag and was about to leave when Francis called me.
"Where are you going?" he asked.
"Ah… I'm going to—"
"Okay. You can go."
I clenched my jaw at his tone. I hadn't even said anything yet. What was his problem? Why couldn't he just say what he meant?
I sighed heavily and walked out, irritated. He had been like this all day. Fine, if he was in a bad mood, that was his problem. It wasn't like he was my boyfriend.
---
But apparently, karma bit me because he somehow stayed stuck in my mind the entire time I was with my cousin. I didn't even notice I'd been poking at my food.
"Hey! What's wrong with you?" Gael snapped, tapping me.
"Huh?"
"Huh what? Stop stirring your food like that. You know it's bad luck," he said grumpily, taking my plate. He handed me a glass of water instead.
"What's going on with you, woman?"
"Nothing. Just tired," I lied.
"Yeah right. Tired from what?" he pushed. I ignored him and drank my water before picking up my bag.
"You done? I'm leaving," I said.
"Wait, wait. I'm done," he said and stood.
After paying, we went back to the office. The rest of the day was even heavier because my boss continued pretending I didn't exist. I was this close to snapping.
Late afternoon came, still no change. Eventually, he allowed me to go home.
I waited at the shed for nearly an hour with no ride in sight. I was exhausted, but what else could I do?
I was about to sit down when my phone rang. My heart jumped — then dropped when I saw who it was.
"Hello, Ms. Gada?"
"Where are you? Sir Locan wants you back at the company."
"Huh? Why?"
"I don't know. Just come back before he gets even more annoyed."
Still puzzled, I rushed back. Did I forget something? I didn't think so. Why was he calling me back?
As expected, the place was almost empty. I passed only a few people on my way to his office. But when I got there, he wasn't inside.
"Where is he?" I whispered.
I looked around, but he was nowhere. Seriously? Did he go home? It wasn't like I took an hour to return.
I was about to leave when my phone beeped. A message from Francis.
"Rooftop."
Huh?
Another message followed.
"Now."
Wait. What was I supposed to do up there? And what was he doing on the rooftop at this hour?
I went up, only to find the door slightly ajar. Light leaked out from underneath. My brow furrowed.
I pushed the door open slowly — and froze at what greeted me.