Chapter 2 Embers of Fury

"Are you blind?" she asked.

The shock of the slap reverberated through his body as his head snapped to the side. He had been carried away and captivated by the beauty and decoration of the building, entranced by its architectural splendor, when he received the unexpected blow.

He couldn't help but take in the rich architectural aspects as he made his way through the hallways. The play of light through stained-glass windows created a mesmerizing spectacle, casting a kaleidoscope of colors upon the walls and floors.

Coming to a halt in front of a hanging painting, he was captivated by the meticulous brushstrokes that brought the image to life. The depth and personality conveyed by each stroke of the artist's hand fascinated him, leaving him with a sense of awe and a desire to immerse himself in the artwork's beauty.

"Fool," she said, pushing him aside as she walked away.

As he gradually regained his composure, a whirlwind of emotions swept through him, transforming his initial feelings of shame and embarrassment into an intense surge of anger. The fury within him grew like a blazing inferno, fueled by the audacity and nerve displayed in that brazen act.

"How dare her!" he seethed in his thoughts.

The impact of the slap sent waves of stinging pain rippling through his face, but it was more than just the physical sensation that ignited his fury. It was the audaciousness, the sheer insolence of her action that set his anger ablaze. Flames of anger surged through his veins, boiling his blood with intensity. His heart pounded forcefully against his chest, a thunderous drumbeat of indignation. His eyes, once filled with wonder, now narrowed into a fiery glare, fueled by deep-seated resentment. The muscles in his jaw clenched tightly, as if trying to contain the torrent of rage swirling inside him.

In that pivotal moment, his fists clenched tightly, his veins pulsating with each surge of adrenaline. His breaths grew heavier and more laborious, as if he were inhaling the very essence of his fury. The intoxicating mix of anger clouded his senses, leaving him consumed by an overwhelming desire to retaliate.

"Sorry, my dear, this is how she behaves," Amir said

Attempting to conceal his simmering anger, with an air of forced composure, he averted his gaze and extended a smile to the person standing before him. Yet, beneath that carefully constructed facade, an inferno of wrath raged unabated, akin to a smoldering ember etching its mark deep within his being. This emotional blend encompassed not only frustration and embarrassment but also an overwhelming sense of profound unfairness.

"I'm Amir," he introduced himself, extending his hand for a handshake.

"Nur," he replied as they clasped hands. He continued "Who is she?"

"She is Zulfa, the daughter of the CEO,"

"Is that why she thinks she can do anything?" Nur asked, incredulous.

"She is the director,"

"Are you serious?"

"Yes, I am,"

The weight of this realization pressed heavily upon him like a burden, as he processed the fact that the woman who had just slapped him was none other than his boss. This startling revelation had occurred on his very first day of work, leaving him disoriented and unsettled.

"Hmm, this is not a good start for me," Nur mused.

"This is just the tip of the iceberg in terms of what she is capable of and what she has done," Amir warned. "So, what brings you here?"

"I've just been employed here,"

"Oh, you're the new software designer?"

"Yes, and I just received a slap from my director on my first day," Nur chuckled wryly.

They shared a laugh, finding solace in each other's company amidst the chaos.

"Well, welcome to the team,"

"Thank you."

"If you don't mind, follow me, and I'll show you to your office." He said leading the way

Seated within the confines of his office, he immersed himself in deep contemplation, his mind consumed by the weight of the mortifying predicament. Never before had he experienced such an overwhelming sense of embarrassment, surpassing any previous encounter in his entire existence. Despite his concerted efforts to dismiss it from his thoughts, the humiliating incident persisted, resurfacing incessantly to torment his consciousness.

As he continued his meditation, a knock abruptly interrupted his introspection.

"Can I come in, sir?" a voice inquired from outside.

"Yes, come in," he responded, his gaze drawn to her beautiful face as she entered.

"Welcome to Exclusive Technology Industry, sir. The director wishes to see you,"

"Very well, I'll be there shortly,"

"Okay, sir," she acknowledged, and then departed from his office.

With resolute composure, he stood tall, skillfully endeavoring to reconcile the unsettling situation with a keen sense of fairness.

Knock, knock, knock...

"Are you expecting me to come and open the door for you?" she snidely remarked. "If you can't come in, stay there."

"You sent for me, ma'am," he stated, maintaining his poise.

"Yes, I know," she curtly responded.

A seething surge of anger coursed through him upon receiving her reply, yet he summoned his utmost restraint, swallowing the fiery torrent deep within, resolute in his decision to postpone its release for yet another day.

"Welcome to Exclusive Technology Industry," she began, her tone dripping with condescension. "I advise you to take this work as seriously as you do your life, that is, if you value it."

"She is not only rude but also lacks manners," he thought to himself.

Continuing her tirade "Because I won't hesitate to replace you if I find you unqualified."

"Very well, ma'am," he replied, maintaining his professional demeanor. "May I take my leave?"

"I'm done," she dismissively uttered.

********************

"Hey, dude," Amir greeted.

"Hey, man, thanks for the other time," he responded, turning towards him.

"Don't mention it," he continued. "How was work today?"

As the clock struck 5 PM and the scorching sun cast its relentless heat upon the bustling street, they strolled along the pavement, feeling the warmth radiating through the soles of their shoes. A shimmering mirage danced in the distance, while the atmosphere buzzed with palpable energy. The day's activities were winding down, and the city was transitioning into its evening rhythm.

"It was fine, except that the air conditioner in my office seemed determined to freeze me,"

"Oh, sorry to hear that,"

"No problem, I'll get used to it," he continued. "How have you guys been coping with her?"

"With who?"

"The boss,"

"Haha, it hasn't been easy, my brother,"

"She is rude and lacks manners," he said expressing his frustration.

"You can say that again," his friend agreed. "She has only been in office for less than two months."

"Are you serious?" he exclaimed.

"Yes, I am," his continued "Her dad just resigned and made her the director."

"Two months in and she's already like this!"

"Within these two months, she has fired four people, including the former software guy."

"This is so irrational,"

"Yes, it is," he continued. "Do you want to know why she fired the former software guy?"

"Yes, please enlighten me,"

"Well, he had an emergency one day and had to leave work without informing her,"

"Is that all?" he asked, bewildered.

"She needed him for a project, and the client was present, but since he wasn't around, she became angry and sacked him," his friend concluded.

He was completely taken aback by what he heard, finding the justification provided utterly insufficient to warrant the termination of an employee. The magnitude of his surprise was profound, as he struggled to comprehend the logic behind such a decision. In his assessment, the given reason fell far short of being deemed acceptable, failing to meet the standards required to justify the dismissal of a valued member of the organization.

"Just because of this?" he exclaimed, his anger rising.

"Yes, my brother," he continued, "You have to be very careful with her because she is very fussy and aggressive," Amir said with a chuckle.

"Thank you, brother."

"Tell me about yourself if you don't mind."

Nur chuckled in response.

"What do you want to know?" Nur asked

"Anything that you wouldn't mind sharing."

"Okay," he continued. "I'm Nur."

Amir cast a bemused glance in his direction, conveying his unmistakable disinterest in learning his companion's name. It was evident from his expression that he was well aware of the identity being offered, rendering any introduction unnecessary.

"Is it your name I don't know?" They both laughed.

"I'm a graduate of Software Engineering from the University of Ilorin, single and not searching."

"Ok, that is good to know" he continued "I'm a graduate of Mechanical Engineering from Ahmadu Bello University, single and searching," he continued. "I'm Hausa from Maiduguri."

"Your accent tells it all, man," he replied. "I'm Ebira from Kogi State."

"Wow, you guys are so intelligent, and your ladies are so beautiful but rude."

"What do you expect? Everybody cannot be simple."

As they opened the car door and got in, silence fell upon the vehicle as the driver began to drive. The sun shone down on the pavement, causing the car's windows to reflect a blinding light. Nur found himself lost in his thoughts about his boss, while Amir focused on his phone. Suddenly, they were hit with the thumping beat of the music pouring out of the speakers.

The thrill of the music caused Nur's eyes to widen. He could feel the vibrations resonating throughout the vehicle, compelling him to move his body in time with the beat. He turned to look at the driver, a young man with a fashionable haircut and a proud expression on his face. The car began to shake even more violently as the driver grinned at Nur and turned up the volume of the music.

The music's tone and the motions of the car gave Nur the impression that he was in his own world. The beat of the music flooded his ears, and he couldn't help but smile and giggle as the wind rushed through his hair.

"I can see you're enjoying this music," Amir said after ending his call.

"Yes, I am," Nur continued. "I have an immense love for Simi's songs."

"Seriously?"

"Yes," he continued. "Her songs are so emotional to me, and it always feels like she is speaking directly to me."

"Yeah, Simi is a talented singer, and I feel like she is the one who made Adekunle Gold."

"Haha, I once had this argument with someone."

"What did the person say?"

"She is of the view that Gold was already at the top," he continued. "And I agree with her."

"Everybody has their own opinion, though."

"Yes, but that doesn't change the fact that Simi is a blessing to Gold."

"Yeah."

Nur's mind was consumed by a relentless desire-to make Zulfa experience the same profound emotions that had engulfed him. This notion, driven by a potent mix of longing, vengeance, and an insatiable thirst for reciprocity, permeated every corner of his consciousness. The intensity of his thoughts matched the breadth of his conviction, expanding like ripples in a vast ocean, resonating with an amplified and refined purpose. Nur yearned to orchestrate a moment that would penetrate the depths of Zulfa's soul, offering her a taste of the tumultuous journey that had etched its mark on Nur's own being. It was a craving so fervent that it consumed his every waking moment, propelling him towards an elaborate plan to craft an experience that would transcend mere comprehension.

"Please tell me more about our boss."

"What do you want to know about her?"

"Nothing. I just want to know her so that I can be very careful with her."

"Okay, she is Zulfa, the only daughter of the CEO, and the sole heir to the throne."

They both smiled.

He continued, "She is a graduate of Oxford University in London, where she studied business management. She lives with her dad because her mom is late."

"Eyyah."

He continued, "And, as you know, she is very stubborn and has no regard for anybody."

"What happened to her mom?"

"Driver, I'm getting off here," Amir said, turning to Nur.

"People said her dad killed her mom."