Chapter 53: Side Story 1 NOTE!
Side Stories will not affect the main story so you can just skip it. This is a filler Chapter that doesn’t advance the plot. I just have to write it or I won’t be at peace 🙏
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The Usual Day
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As the morning rush began at Fey Corporation’s Tower One, Evelyn hurriedly made her way through the bustling office, clutching her breakfast sandwich and coffee in one hand and a stack of files in the other. She knew her boss needed these documents for his important meeting later that day.
When she reached the elevator, she was met with the usual sight –– it was packed with people.
There was enough space for everyone inside the elevator, but today was different. The atmosphere inside one of the available elevator was tense and quiet, and Evelyn could sense the unease in the air.
Her eyes quickly landed on the back of the elevator, where she spotted the unmistakable figure of Mr. Fey. He stood there with an aura of authority, and there was a noticeable empty space around him like no one dared to get too close.
Most of the people inside were in higher positions, including some managers and senior executives. They all had stern expressions on their faces and seemed to be holding their breaths, creating an almost suffocating feeling inside the confined space.
The air inside felt heavy, and Evelyn could sense the tension among the passengers. She hesitated, taking a step back to give them some space.
Her coworker inside noticed her reluctance and asked, "Aren’t you going to get in?"
Evelyn smiled politely and shook her head. "No, you can go ahead. I’ll wait for the next one."
The others outside the elevator car seemed to share her sentiment and also refrained from entering the elevator though there was still enough space for four more inside.
Mr. Fey’s commanding presence seemed to fill the small space, making it feel even more suffocating.
Tower One had over a hundred floors, with ten elevators designated for regular employees and five private elevators for high-ranking executives.
Evelyn wondered why Mr. Fey chose to use the regular elevators instead of the private ones, but she knew better than to question the decision of someone of his status.
"Uhm . . . Okay then," her coworker responded nervously, pressing the close button.
As the elevator doors closed, Evelyn sensed the tension from her coworker. It was as if there was an invisible pressure bearing down on her.
The elevator ascended, carrying its passengers to their respective floors while Evelyn patiently waited for the next one.
Due to the influx of employees arriving at the same time, the elevators were usually crowded during this hour. Evelyn had grown accustomed to this routine, and she didn’t mind waiting for a less congested ride.
However, she was surprised when the elevator from before descended to the ground floor not even a minute before it went up.
Suddenly, the doors opened, and all passengers rushed out in a flurry of excuses.
"I forgot to buy coffee," one of them said, even though he already had a cup of coffee in his hand.
"I forgot my breakfast," another claimed, holding a lunchbox right in front of him.
Her coworker chimed in, avoiding her gaze, "My boyfriend suddenly came, and I had to meet him."
Evelyn knew that her coworker had broken up with her boyfriend a week ago and was now single, which made the excuse even more bizarre.
Evelyn couldn’t make sense of the situation, but one thing was clear: they all seemed eager to escape the elevator and its sole remaining occupant, Mr. Fey.
When Mr. Fey turned to her and asked, "Aren’t you going to get in?" his voice sent shivers down her spine.
Feeling the pressure of the Big Boss’s presence, Evelyn quickly stepped into the elevator. She glanced at the others, expecting them to follow suit, but instead, they all avoided eye contact and scattered away, making various excuses.
"Man! I forgot to take my vitamin C. I need to sunbathe outside first," one employee said, rushing off.
"I suddenly had the urge to go to the bathroom," another mumbled and hurried away.
"That café nearby has a delicious salad. I have to get that first," someone else exclaimed as they disappeared.
Evelyn found it all quite amusing. Just moments ago, they were all impatient to board the elevator, and now they were inventing absurd reasons to avoid it.
Left alone with Mr. Fey, Evelyn swallowed her nervousness and held her ground. It was essential to show the same level of professionalism that she always did in front of the Big Boss.
As the doors closed, the elevator began its ascent, and a heavy silence filled the small space.
Evelyn was acutely aware of Michael Fey’s presence behind her, and for some reason, it made her feel conscious of her appearance. She mentally chided herself for not styling her hair properly, as she usually did when coming to work.
The haphazard up-do she hastily put together that morning wasn’t up to her usual standards of professionalism.
Looking presentable was essential, especially when facing the CEO of the corporation.
Evelyn took pride in her job, and maintaining a polished appearance was part of her responsibility.
Breaking the silence, Michael Fey spoke with his deep and commanding voice, "Xin is going to take the exam today, isn’t he?"
Evelyn nodded, even though she couldn’t see him from behind her. "Yes, he is. I hope he passes."
"Where are you headed, Mr. Fey?" she asked to keep after a short silence, ready to press the elevator button.
Mr. Fey’s morning routine often included visiting the President or Vice President’s offices, so it was best not to assume that he was going directly to his own office on the same floor as hers.
However, instead of responding to her question, Evelyn felt his presence behind her. A warmth emanated from his proximity, and it caused a slight flutter in her chest. She couldn’t help but wonder why he was standing so close to her.
Michael Fey’s warm breath brushed against Evelyn’s head as he reached out and pressed the button himself. The scent of his masculine perfume enveloped her, and she couldn’t help but feel a sense of luck that he was her boss.
"Evelyn . . ."