OFFICE CONVERSATION

Asher left early so I am alone inside the office. I arranged the things that needed to be fixed first so that I would not have to worry about going home.

Suddenly the door opened and Carmona, Asher's secretary, entered.

"Oh, what happened there?" She pointed to my sore lip and seat in front of me.

"It's called stupidity." I laughed at my answer that strained to invigorate the voice. Stupidity because I let him hurt me even if I can fight back. But I remain quiet and let him punish me.

"Did your boyfriend bite that? He is a sadist huh!" She laughed while saying.

'Boyfriend? It's my husband. A husband that is very sensible and loving but I made a monster because I left.'

"Anyway, I've already scanned those files you give me and send them to your mail." And she handed me the papers. "This is all you need?"

"Yeah, and thank you," I said smiling.

"Anyway, Ashley, do you know the gossips here in the office about boss and Paula?" I stopped what I was doing and then looked at her.

"No," I replied. "And I think I don't need to know."

"Well, I will tell you. It seems that Paula Collins is boss mistress because our boss is already married. Rhea said the old secretary that I replaced said that boss loved his ex-wife so much but she left him." Rhea was Asher's secretary I knew.

"Really?" I asked dead maliciously and continue what I was doing.

"Actually, that's why Rhea left boss because she said that he had changed a lot. Well, I didn't know our boss's behavior back then because I was only here recently. All I know is based on what Rhea told me. She told me that boss was jolly, always smiling and joking even with a bit of seriousness. Always greeted everyone and asked them if they're okay. But since his wife left, he has changed. Always irritable, lackluster, and always poker face. So the other office workers are no longer here and have left. Because they are the ones who are more affected because boss changes."

I sigh after hearing what Carmona said. I thought only Asher was the only affected by what happened to us. Now I know that even the people around him were also affected.

Sometimes you really can't say that only you are affected by what you have done and you have nothing to lose. Because there are people around you who are affected by what you have done and the people around them are also affected. You don't even mean it but they are affected because of you without your knowledge.

"But you know, Ash, when I started here, our boss is always not here. I guess it was only once a week if he came in. Then, sometimes he always came drunk. But it's been a miracle since you became his PA, every day his here. I guess you're the lucky charm here."

'Is it true what Carmona said that since I was Clifford's PA he attends every day? Probably Ash, because he wants you to have a hard time.'

"Maybe it's just a coincidence."

"Maybe, but I hope one day I'll see boss's jolly side as they say or even if he's just smiling. He's so cute, isn't he? He's always had a poker face but you can see that he is cute."

"You know what Carmona, you're talking too much." She laughed and then looked at the clock.

"My time is over. It's past five PM. Why are you still here?"

"I have to finish something,"

"I see. But you know, Ashley, I feel that boss like you."

"Huh?" I immediately let go of the ballpen I was holding and looked at her but also recovered immediately. "What are you talking about?"

"Yes, I really feel that Sir likes you because I can see it in the way he looks at you that there is malice. When you are late, he keeps on asking about you. Sometimes he asks what time you left the office. Maybe he just can't tell it because he's still a prisoner of his love for his wife."

I was speechless at what Carmona said but so as not to be awkward I just laughed.

"But if I were you, don't get involved in him. You will be his only option. I feel like he really loves his wife. He wouldn't change that way if it didn't. Then you notice there is still a wedding ring. He is still a proud husband. Then you have a boyfriend, don't you? "

"I have a priority, Carmona, and you are right his wife is lucky but she left sir," I told Carmona.

I was not only lucky but very lucky. If you only knew how he treat me like a Queen when I was in Asher’s life back then.

"Yes, but we don't know the real story. Sometimes, no matter how much we love someone, or let's say, no matter how much we love each other, destiny strikes. Who knows, his wife is going through something, and because she loves boss she doesn't want to hurt him so she just chose to stay away. Sir probably wouldn't be like that if he didn't feel that his wife loved him. He became like that because he is confused by what happened. There was that question in his mind, asking WHY? But he can't get an answer."

I feel I am weakened. I want to cry. But I don't want Carmona to notice.

She was right, we love each other. But I left without giving enough reason. I lacked a reason and I did not tell him the truth.

I can’t blame Asher for why he’s like this to me. I was the one who motivated him to be like that.

"Maybe they really love each other. Because if not, boss Asher will quickly accept what happened. Oh wait, I'm going home. You also, finish that you have to finish so you can get home or you can leave that by now and finish it tomorrow," she said goodbye then stood up. "I'll go, take care."

I just nod at her until she left.

When Carmona goes out, I just let out my tears. Carmona is right, we love each other. I loved him so I knew even Asher was confused about why I left him. She is also right, even though you love each other very much, sometimes fate is at war between the two of you.

I just wish now that Asher would forgive me one day and understand me.