In Love With My Bully-Chapter 33: Behind Closed Doors

I resisted the urge to see Richard before the meeting. I didn’t want to pressure him to influence the board in their decisions. I was going to accept the outcome with my head held high, but if I got fired, I guess Sam had won on the work front. He still had me to battle with at home.

I called my dad to get my mind off the situation. I didn’t tell him what was going on but, he seemed happier. Wita was getting more exposure and popularity and, he was swarmed with work. I promised to check on him during the weekend.

After I ended the call, my assistant, Sasha Bennett came into the office to drop off correspondences addressed to the office of Chief Accountant. She also brought me a cup of coffee,

"I thought you might need this," she handed me the cup and, I smiled wearily at her.

"Parting gift?"

"You’re not getting fired. Mr Numero Junior and Senior won’t allow it,"

I sighed, "I don’t think they will have much sway in that decision. I am sure it’s the current news that has sent the board on edge,"

"Do you really need this job? I mean you- are Mrs Numero," she asked, uncertainty in her voice.

"You are right, I am Mrs Numero but, I want to be more than that. I want to be Nita Williams Numero. I want to be known as a solid support for my husband and also- make my own way. I guess it’s useless working my ass off won’t prove to the board that I am capable of the job,"

"I’m sorry, ma’am. I wish I could help,"

I raised my cup of coffee to her, "You are helping. Did you submit the documents to Mr. Crawford last week?"

"I did ma’am. Alright, I’ll leave you to it,"

"Thank you, Sasha,"

"You’re welcome," she turned on her heel and walked out of the office, leaving me to go through the envelopes on my desk. I started with the reports from Numero Gas and Oil before moving on to the other reports. I found an envelope at the bottom that wasn’t company customized, just a brown unlabeled envelope.

I ripped it open and could feel the glossy paper in it. I pulled out the contents and my heart stopped for a moment. There; my husband was with Gwen outside the Numero Hotel in Atlanta. Did he go there with her?

No, it couldn’t be! I saw her a few minutes after Richard left leaving Sam’s office. Did he wait for her or -did she meet him there? My head reeled and, I could feel the tears welling in my eyes.

I would never be enough for them. For Richard, for the board, for Sam. I felt trapped and claustrophobic as I sat in the office, resigned in my seat. Why did I think I would have him to myself if we started having sex? It was entirely physical for him, with no strings attached.

I tried to rein in my emotions but, it was too hard. This felt different and hit differently. When Victor broke up with me, I couldn’t be bothered. Yeah, it hurts to be dumped but, I got home, hit the kitchen, and made myself a very satisfying meal.

I thought Richard at least felt something a little more than physical.

My assistant buzzed me and informed me that Mr Numero Senior would like to see me. Well, here goes nothing. I replaced the pictures in the envelope and dropped it in my bag. Time to get fired officially.

I headed to the tenth floor to the boss’ office; -both Numeros and Sam were seated.

"Hi," I greeted everyone, trying to mask my pain.

"Nita," Mr Numero walked over to me and kissed me on the forehead, "My darling, have a seat," he led me to the sofa. "I know you have been through the wringer this past week,"

You have no idea. I thought. Since I stepped into the room, I hadn’t looked at my husband; not once. I could feel his eyes on me though and maybe I should allow him to explain himself but, I was still hurt right now.

"First, I know you got the notification about today’s meeting, don’t lie. I did the setting myself, so you get it."

"If you are trying to find a not-so-cruel way of firing me, I don’t think there is one but, I will accept it," I said, venturing to make things easier for him.

He chuckled, the sound rumbling from his chest. "You’re not getting fired,"

"I’m not?" I asked, my eyes widening.

"Well... it’s kind of a long story but, the long and short of it was, the evaluator the board brought in; thinks it will be a terrible idea,"

"Really?" Did Victor stand up for me?

"Really, so there was no need for a vote anyway. My point is, being a Numero is tough; ask my wife," he said in a suddenly sad tone. "We have been through fire but, we came out stronger. So please, do not let this attack on your person sway your marriage. And you can throw Mary’s itinerary out the window, enjoy your marriage, don’t force it,"

I wish I could but, we barely have six months together. My marriage; a marriage Richard didn’t want with me. I wasn’t up to his standards. I wasn’t a bimbo.

"Will you join us this weekend at the house? Your parents are coming too,"

"Oh! I just spoke with my dad. He didn’t say anything about it," I said.

"Your dad is swarmed with work; I doubt he remembers he has a house anymore. I hear your mum complaining to my wife whenever she comes around..." he rubbed his thighs and stood up, his frame towering over every one of us. "I better head home to my wife. I will leave the rest of the day to you kids. Make me proud,"

I eventually looked at the other men in the room; Richard stood with an unreadable expression, and Sam with a scowl. I looked at Sam some more. Did he send me those pictures? If he did, he would be tempted to take credit for it.

I got up, "I better get back to work," I said and turned on my heels and left the office. I was almost at the elevator when I heard Richard call me. I didn’t stop, I didn’t move faster but, I hoped that the elevator would be available.

"Nita!"

Don’t stop, Nita. I couldn’t do this at work without breaking down. I was barely holding it together.

"Nita! Goddamnit!" I felt his fingers wrap around my wrist, and he pulled me in the opposite direction.

"Richard, let go of me!" He kept going until we were in the privacy of his office, the door slamming behind us.

"What the fuck is going on with you?"