Chapter 37

Chapter 37: Frustrated

I don't want Trevor to expect something from me, expect that I like him too. Even if he hasn't told me directly yet, I can feel that he likes me.

But I also don't want Mew to think that I'm protecting his feelings. So I let Trevor himself cut the kiss.

I shouldn't worry about Mew's feelings. He did not even think about how I would feel when he broke up with me. So why bother?

There was a trace of anger on Mew's face because of its redness. You can clearly see that he is trying to get his shit together.

He boarded the elevator. Trevor, on the other hand, straightened up. The elevator closed and only the three of us was inside as it descended to the right floor.

I am a little bit surprised. I was thinking that Mew would suddenly punch Trevor out of anger. But maybe he didn't feel jealous? Maybe it was just his ego explaining why he looked pissed?

But why are his fists clenched? I hugged the laptop bag I was carrying.

I felt the tension so I mediated between the two of them. My peripheral vision clearly told me that Mew clenched his jaw thrice.

I looked at our reflections at the stainless steel door. Trevor slid his hands inside his pocket. Mew moved to the side and leaned against the elevator wall. He faced us before beginning to speak.

"How about we have a fistfight, Trevor?" Mew spoke out of the blue. His voice was serious and obviously angry.

I turned to him and gave him a bored look.

What is he talking about?

Trevor faced him and was about to speak but I lifted my hand, signaling him to stop.

"Don't mind him, Trevor," I spoke without removing my eyes from Mew.

"Let him speak for himself. What are you? His spokesperson?" Mew hissed.

I was annoyed with what he said so I raised an eyebrow at him.

"May I know the reason why you're challenging me for a fistfight, Mr. Fletcher?" Trevor smiled at Mew. "Are you angry because Gulf and I kissed? Are you jealous?" he asked, one after another.

Gosh Trevor. I told him to just keep quiet.

How long will it take us to reach the 30th floor?

"Yes. I feel like I want to break your jaw," Mew answered, clenching his jaw.

I do not want to waste my energy trying to stop them from what they want to do. They're both grown ups so I'll let them do whatever they want. I'm not their baby sitter.

"I accept your challenge. Just tell me when and where. I'm just curious. Why are you jealous? I thought you and Tommy were a thing?" Trevor smirked.

I got more irritated by their conversation. Especially that I am involved. But I decided to keep quiet. Tsk. Boys and their egos.

Right now, I have to think about my first presentation in front of the board members.

Christmas is a few months away so the board asked me to prepare a presentation about my promo suggestions for the upcoming holidays.

Trevor and Mew's eyes were locked on each other, as if they were having a telepathic fight. Mew's stares were blazing with anger, triggered by Trevors words. Meanwhile, Trevor's lips curved, enjoying Mew's reaction.

I am surprised with Trevor's bravery and attitude. Has he forgotten that Mew is his boss? He can fire him any second and he will lose his job!

"Shut your mouth if you know nothing," Mew replied firmly, gritting his teeth.

Their conversation is getting more heated.

"Sorry. My bad. I just thought I once saw you guys fucking in your office one time. Maybe I was being delusional."

The playful tone of Trevor's voice did not escape my ears. I was slightly shocked by what I just heard.

Mew straightened up and fixed his coat. He was almost ready to punch Trevor, but he did not. He only gave him a deadly glare before he loosened his tie.

Pictures of Mew fucking Tommy inside his office started to fill my mind. I felt daggers piercing my heart. My lungs started to lose air.

Where did they do it then? On the couch in his office? On his table? At the pantry? Or on all of them?

I forced myself to stop thinking about it by taking deep breaths. I kept a straight face, staring at our reflections, as if I'm not bothered by what they are talking about.

"You lying bastard! That's not true, Gulf. Don't listen to him," Mew tried to defend himself but I ignored him and just kept looking straight at my reflection.

The elevator opened and I quickly went out of the lift. I left them there. It's up to them if they will fight!

My knees feel weak though. Now I'm not sure if it is because of my presentation later or because of what Trevor said about Tommy and Mew.

I hate myself because I really can't help but imagine it. My chest tightened. It was as if I wanted to scream and hit Tommy with this laptop.

Damn! They really did it in Mew's office?

My body shivered.

My mood has now changed. I was happy earlier, but now I can't even force myself to smile. Fuck!

But not long after, I started to feel nervous as the board members arrived one by one inside the conference room. Tommy's friend, Silvestre, entered the room. Is Silvestre also a member of the board?

They were all in their business attires, like me. I was setting up my laptop when Mew and Trevor entered with a frown on their faces.

But I couldn't care. I just ignored them because the nervousness I'm feeling right now was overwhelming.

Tommy was the last to enter the room. He removed his sunglasses. He then smiled at Mew who only gave him a serious look.

Tss.

"Let's start," Mew declared who was sitting at the farthest corner of the table. He leaned back on his chair and stared at me seriously. He crossed his arms as he eyed my every move.

There are 15 board members, including me. Trevor is next to me. He is here to guide me.

Throughout my presentation, everyone just listened quietly. Instead of looking at the powerpoint, Mew's attention was all directed to me.

Tommy, on the other hand, was looking down on me but I just ignored him.

Luckily, my presentation went well. Amid being nervous, I managed to get through it. No one dared to interrupt me. Even Tommy whom I know is only preparing himself and waiting for his turn to take me down was quiet the whole time.

And I was not mistaken. The witch immediately started talking.

After my presentation, he was the first to speak.

"That's it? That's your presentation?" he made sure to sound very disappointed. We all turned to him.

My face heated, but I composed myself. I was not expecting him to outright mock me.

"Yes. That was the entirety of my presentation. Do you have any concern or questions?" I asked calmly.

You need to calm down, Gulf. Remember, you are in front of all the other board members.

"Concerns? Of course. Questions? I also have a few." He arched a brow and smiled wickedly.

I took a deep breath. This bitch!

Mew, on the other hand, is just seriously watching.

"Okay. What are your questions and concerns then?"

"Your presentation was ugly! The powerpoint design was clearly not exerted effort!"

I was surprised by his outright harsh comment. How dare he criticize the beauty of the powerpoint I made? Does he have no taste when it comes to aesthetics? Is he serious to not appreciate the minimalist and modern design of my powerpoint? And was that really the first thing he should criticize?

However, I still chose to answer him in a nice way. Just because he could not set aside his bias against me, it does not mean I should too.

"I'm sorry if you didn't appreciate my take on minimalist and modern powerpoint presentation. But could you instead go on the technicalities and content of what I just presented?"

"Well, first of all, I'm just concerned because all the ideas you have presented have already been used before. We've used them in the past years. There was nothing new. Really, Gulf? Piso fair? That's what our competitors would also be offering! Can't you innovate and think of something better? "

What is wrong with piso fair? A lot of people are enticed to buy tickets when on sale.

(Piso fair refers to plane tickets being as low as one peso. It's a common promo here in Ph. Note that one US dollar is equal to 48 to 50 pesos, depending on currency exchange rates.)

"Well, I think piso fair, no matter how many years pass, will always remain attractive to the eyes and pocket of the customers," I defended. "Especially to the non-elites."

"I know that. But I hope you have added new promos. What was your other suggestion? Early bird promo? Isn't that old too? Are those your only ideas?" he mocked me.

I began to feel embarrassed with what he said and the way he said it.

I turned to Trevor, asking for backup since he has more experience in this. But he was not looking at me. He was staring down at the floor. So much for being my executive assistant! Looks like I'm on my own now.

"I'm sorry. I honestly just based it on the proposals of the previous years with minor adjustments. Early bird promos are still very much loved by customers though. It's timeless."

"And other airline companies have that too! What will be our edge and advantage over them? Is there anything?" Tommy sighed. "I feel like you did not prepare and think about this presentation. I am very much disappointed." He shook his head, trying to prove his point.

Then be disappointed! Annoying!

Don't get me wrong. I accept constructive criticisms. But his comments are obviously insulting and destructive. He can just comment calmly and in a nice way, can't he?

I composed myself and remained calm.

"I am new to the position and I am still adjusting. If you would give me more time, I can redo the presentation next week with new promo suggestions."

"Being new is not an excuse for presenting to us a mediocre output. If you did your best and if you were really capable of handling your position, you might have done better." It was Tommy again.

Woah! That's below the belt! He's crossing the line!

What he said pierced through me and I felt very embarrassed especially when the other board members started murmuring.

I started to feel small and could not do anything but bow my head and stare at my shoes.

"It seems like you only wasted our time, Mr. Chandler. And you still might just waste our time if we give you another chance to present."

"Enough, Tommy!" Mew's voice thundered inside the board room.

I lifted my head and saw that he was looking at Tommy seriously.

"No, Mew. He needs to--"

"I said enough! Shut the fuck up!" Mew's baritone voice echoed inside which shocked almost everyone by the sudden display of intense emotion. "Gulf's presentation was good and the things he mentioned are still appealing."

Tommy fell silent. I saw him gave a signal to Silvestre.

"I'm afraid that I agree with Tommy, Mew. Mr. Chandler's presentation really does lack more substance," Silvestre spoke, as if he was not afraid of Mew's voice and warning look.

Why do I feel like Tommy and Silvestre planned to do this? Why do I feel like they conspired?

"Me too," another board member who looks quite old spoke. "I was hoping that I'd hear new ideas since Mr. Chandler is new and young. Maybe I expected too much?" Disappointment did not escape his voice.

I felt even more embarrassed by what he said.

So there really was a problem with my presentation, huh?

"I said enough! Shut your fucking mouths or I'll remove you all from our company!" Mew threatened.

Okay. Why is everyone going below the belt?

Mew did not have to say that. What will the other board members think? That he sided with me because I am his husband? He's biased towards me?

"You should be able to set the limit between your personal life and work life, Mew," said a senior member. "Don't let your feelings take over your judgment."

"Gulf's presentation was the best I've heard so far compared to the previous COOs especially for this holiday season. But I also think he can do better. So why not give him another chance? I know that he has more ideas he can share. Let's give him two more weeks." A man butt in and gave me an assuring smile. He looks four years older than me.

Somehow, I felt relieved.

"Okay. Let's give Gulf two more weeks to improve the plan. Meeting adjourned," Mew said dismissively.

"We haven't voted yet. You can't just decide," Tommy complained. He was totally against the idea.

"Gulf and I own 49% of the company so of course I can decide. Plus, Mr. Morales who just suggested to give Gulf another chance owns 5% of the shares which gives us a total of 54%. Meeting adjourned!" Mew once again declared and the board members began to stand up and went out one by one.

Tommy and Silvestre walked out of the room, frustrated. I, on the other hand, was a little angry with Mew.

He did not have to defend me! I can defend myself.

I motioned Trevor to go out without me and go back upstairs. He immediately did as I wanted.

I began to keep my laptop and the other things I used for the presentation. Mew approached me. Now we're the only two left inside the room.

"Are you okay?" he asked, concerned.

I couldn't help but get angry!

"Why did you do that?" I asked angrily. "Aren't you ashamed of the other board members? What will they think?"

"What are you talking about? I was just trying to protect you. Your presentation was really great. Is it bad to defend you?" He said it with his voice full of frustration.

"Still! You should have stayed calm! I don't need you to defend me! I can defend myself!"

"What is wrong with you? I was only trying to defend you, protect you! And here you are accusing me like I'm the bad guy!"

"I never asked you to defend me! I would never!"

"I cannot believe you!" he shouted and turned his back on me and left the board room.

"I cannot believe you either! Fuck you!"

So annoying!

Now the other board members will think that I am not worthy of my position and I am only getting away because I am Mew's husband.

Argh!!!

---

Trevor's Point of View

"Good job," Tommy spoke as he approached me inside the comfort room after Gulf's presentation.

"Our agreement was that you won't overdo it. But why did you cross the line?" I asked angrily.

"Chill. I was just carried away. What about our elevator plan earlier? Did Mew see you guys kissing?"

"Yes."

"What about telling Mew that you once saw us having sex in Mew's office? Did you tell him that?"

"Yes. We even punched each other after that."

"Very good. Just take things slow. Stick to the plan and we will surely succeed. Gulf will be yours and Mew will be mine."

"Okay."

"Make sure that you are Gulf's date at the company party next month," Tommy said as he walked out of the comfort room.