Chapter 2 Boundaries and expectations

Chapter two

"How's work going at the company?" Mr. Adam, Alex's dad, asked in a deep tone, feasting on his breakfast.

"Fine," Alex replied curtly, his straight face unreadable as he sipped his water.

"And how's the upcoming project progressing?" his dad questioned.

"Not bad," Alex replied, still stern.

Mr. Adam nodded. "Okay, then." He wiped his mouth with his napkin.

"By the way, your mother has set up a date for you with the Minister's daughter," he informed Alex.

His mom chimed in, her voice stern. "I'm sure you'll like her. And if things go well, she can be a great asset to you and the company."

Alex scoffed. "Thanks for breakfast. I'll take my leave now." He ignored their announcement.

"We're not done talking, young man," his dad said firmly.

"But I am," Alex countered. "I have nothing to say to you. Please stop making decisions for me. I'm old enough to handle my life. Cancel that date; I won't be available. Bye." Alex walked away.

Alex's relationship with his parents was strained, a result of years of neglect and emotional distance. His parents were always absorbed in their work, leaving him in the care of nannies. This absence had forged a deep-seated resentment within Alex.

Growing up, Alex felt like a mere accessory to his parents' successful lives, rather than a beloved child. His emotional needs were consistently ignored, leaving him feeling isolated and unloved.

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Alex stormed out of the mansion, phone in hand, and dialed Ethan's number.

"Pack up my belongings," Alex instructed, his voice firm. "I'm moving in tonight. I can't stay under the same roof as my parents anymore."

He hung up without waiting for a response and slid into his car, driving out of the driveway.

As he sped towards the office, Alex's frustration simmered. His parents' manipulation had reached a boiling point.

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"Go through the file and give me a breakdown by the end of today," Alex instructed Emily.

Emily gazed at the towering stack of files on his desk, wondering how she'd complete the task on time. But she knew better than to complain.

"Do you have something to say?" Alex asked, noticing Emily's distant expression.

"Not at all, sir," Emily replied.

"Then pack up the files and get to work, rather than standing there like a statue," Alex said impatiently.

"Sorry, sir," Emily apologized, gathering the files and hurrying out.

As she exited, feeling frustrated, she collided with Ethan, scattering the files across the floor.

"Oh my God, what the_"

Emily's outburst halted when she saw it was Ethan. "Hey, Ethan," she said softly, smiling.

"Hey, I'm so sorry about this," Ethan apologized, helping Emily gather the files.

Unlike her strained relationship with Alex, Emily had always admired Ethan's kind demeanor.

"How do you manage to work with him?" Emily wondered silently. Alex was notoriously difficult to handle.

Ethan teased, "I guess you're in another mess with Sir Alex?"

Emily chuckled softly. "Not really, he just needs help with some work."

As they stood up, Ethan smiled. "Okay, then. Later."

"Yeah, sure," Emily replied, watching him walk away. She wished she could work under Ethan's calm and pleasant leadership.

"Get over yourself, Emily," she chided herself. "You have work to do, not daydream about a guy."

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

Emily settled into her chair, dropping the files onto her desk. She leaned back and swiveled around, letting out a sigh.

Sarah walked over, concern etched on her face. "Hey, babe, what's up? What did you do this time to make Sir Alex call you?"

Emily rolled her eyes. "Seriously, why do you guys think that every time? Am I that bad?"

Sarah chuckled. "No one said that, come on. You know every time you're called to Alex's office, it's to get scolded."

Emily shook her head. "Wow, but guess what? I was called because he had some work for me." She gestured to the files.

Sarah raised an eyebrow. "I wouldn't call this work; this is punishment." She stared at the towering stack of files.

Emily's face contorted into a puppy-like expression, seeking sympathy from Sarah.

"Don't give me that look, young lady. It won't work on me," Sarah said with a smile, walking back to her seat.

Emily huffed. "Gosh, such a brat. What kind of friend are you?"

Sarah called back, "Help yourself, princess."

Emily muttered under her breath, picking up a file before immediately dropping it. "Haaa, fuck, I hate my life." She leaned back in her chair, frustration written across her face.

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

"Oh my God, I feel sleepy," Emily told herself, putting down the last file for the day. She stretched her body, noticing she was the last person at work.

"My back hurts, thanks to that brat," Emily cursed under her breath.

"Which brat?" a voice asked from behind, making Emily scream.

"Oh my God!" Emily exclaimed, relieved to see Ethan. "Sorry, didn't mean to startle you." Ethan apologized, "I didn't mean to scare you."

Emily smiled. "It's okay. What are you doing here? I thought no one was around."

"Alex is still around, so I'm waiting to take him home," Ethan replied.

Emily thought to herself, "That guy sure doesn't have a conscience, keeping a soul waiting for so long."

Ethan asked, "What about you?"

"I had to finish this to avoid a mess with your boss," Emily said.

Ethan reminded her, "My boss is your boss too."

Emily responded with a dull look, "I know, right?"

Ethan chuckled softly.

"What's funny?" Emily asked, smiling.

"Nothing really. You don't like Alex, right?" Ethan asked.

Emily explained, "I don't hate him; I just don't like the fact that he is not appreciativeof people."

Ethan said, "Alex isn't bad; he just needs someone who understands him."

Emily replied, "You think that's the issue, or does he just have a thick head?"

Ethan agreed, laughing, "He sure does have a thick head."

Just then, Alex called out, "Ethan!"

Emily and Ethan turned to see Alex walking towards them.

"What are you doing here?" Alex asked.

"Chit-chatting with Miss Emily. Are you ready, sir?" Ethan asked.

Alex replied, "Yes, I am."

Ethan handed Emily a coffee sweet. "For the busy days." He said then left to get the car ready. Emily smiled at the gesture, admiring Ethan more. Alex questioned, "Why are you still around?"

Emily responded politely but with attitude, "Finishing the assignment you gave me."Alex asked, "This late?" Emily rolled her eyes. "At least you noticed."

Alex said, "I thought I said before the day ended?" Emily retorted under her breath, "And it's not like the day has ended, or has it?"

Alex told her, "Working hours are over."

Emily responded, "Then be more specific in the future so I know how to fasten my seatbelt and work off my butt to meet your deadline."

Alex smiled evilly. "OK, then. Do the data entry for those files, and I hope to get it tomorrow before you start your work."

Emily exclaimed softly, "What?"

Alex said sarcastically, "I hope I was specific enough this time. Have a good night's rest, then." Alex walked away

"Should I blame my mouth for being lousy or my boss for being cruel to me?"Emily wondered.

Emily packed up her belongings and headed home, exhausted from the long day. As she settled into her cozy apartment, she couldn't shake off the feeling of frustration.

She dropped her bag onto the floor and trudged to her desk, where her laptop awaited. With a sigh, Emily opened the lid and continued working on the data entry task Alex had assigned. The only thing that dissipated her frustration was the joy of the coffee candy Ethan had given her. She found him so sweet. "I guess my busy day is here," Emily said, then took a piece of the coffee candy to stay awake.