(Aliya's POV)
I paced around the manager's office, glancing out of the high window, unsure why he had asked me to wait in his office rather than attend to my team to ensure we achieved better sales this month. I felt unsettled, having no idea what had been happening outside for the past two hours. I stopped pacing when I heard footsteps approaching the office. I composed myself, not wanting to show that my time had been wasted. I take immense pride in my work and strive for perfection; I fear making mistakes.
"Aliya," the manager interrupted my thoughts as he opened the door, followed by his assistant.
"Yes, sir," I responded quickly, eager to be on my best behavior.
"Should I apologize for keeping you waiting?" he asked handing his coat to his assistant.
"You didn't, sir; I would never think of that," I replied calmly.
"I thought as much because you have the best interests of the company at heart. You have won the Best Staff of the Year award four years in a row. I'm impressed." As he settled into his seat, his assistant stood beside him.
"Thank you very much, sir; I couldn't have done it without your assistant," I smiled, expressing my gratitude.
"We have decided to promote you to a higher rank after your four years with us, moving from a front desk marketer to the team leader of the clothing stylist unit," the manager announced.
"Thank you very much, sir. Thank you," I said, tears nearly clouding my eyes.
"From now on, your responsibilities will be more challenging than those of a team leader. You will need to meet our top VIPs, assist them with their needs, and ensure they don't get offended. These clients bring in significant revenue for us, so you must not displease them," the manager explained.
"I will do my very best to serve them, and you will never regret this decision," I promised, determined to excel and contribute to the company's growth.
"You are dismissed," the manager said.
"Thank you, sir," I replied.
I quietly left the office and headed to the bathroom to wash my face, as I felt tense and my hands were sweating. This promotion had always been my dream, and I had worked hard for it. I had spent countless nights working late, taken on extra tasks, and stood up for my team as if they were my own. I had taken the blame for others and sacrificed my personal time, but now I was glad that I had done it. Smiling at my reflection while drying my hands, I suddenly noticed a familiar face entering the bathroom to touch up her lipstick.
She was the former clothing stylist team leader. Although we hadn't spoken closely before, we had always followed her directions whenever she called for specific wardrobe supplies or for us to meet with the designers when requested by the stylist secretary.
"G… Good morning," I stammered, realizing that I didn't even know her name all this time because I had been so focused on my own work.
"You're happy," she observed.
I wasn't sure how to respond, so I just smiled awkwardly. I noticed an injury on her lower lip; perhaps she had bitten it by mistake.
She stepped closer to me, placing her hand on my shoulder. "Thank you for setting me free; it has been a long time coming. I wished for this change. I wish you happiness as the new team leader," she said with a creepy grin.
Her words confused me, sounding both odd and like a genuine thank you.
"They always pick the weakest," she mouthed before walking out of the bathroom.
As I tried to process my mixed feelings, another staff member entered the bathroom.
"Aliya, I'm so happy for you!" she exclaimed, hugging me.
"Who are you again?" I asked, gently breaking free from her embrace.
"Oh, you must not know. I'm Emily. I'm one of your team juniors. I've always wanted to be close to you and have sent in good words about you to Miss Debra. I'm partly your savior," Emily said cheerfully, oblivious to my dazed expression.
"Information about me? Who is Debra?" I asked, curious.
"Are you serious? The previous stylist team leader who just walked out! She recommended you to the stylist group secretary months ago because she needed to travel urgently," Emily explained.
"What?" I replied, shocked by this revelation.
"Yes, so get ready to meet your new team members, our wonderful team leader," she said with a smile.