Focus. I had to focus.
I nodded, answered, measuring my words. “Perhaps we can bring up revisions in the next meeting with the rest of the team, since it’s just me here, I don’t—”
“Are you not the second project lead for the medcom team?” He interrupted, smooth and unbothered. His voice was deep, calm. “Then you deliver it to your team. I don’t know when I’ll have time for another meeting. The press conference is next week.”
The authority in his tone made my skin prickle. It was an aura—the kind that came from someone used to leading, directing, and commanding. His words left no room for discussion.
But this wasn’t right. This was a massive project, and I shouldn’t have made the decisions alone. Of course, if not for Aditya having pushed me into this role without asking, I wouldn’t even be here.
What about my team? Did they even agree to this?
I stayed silent, my palm pressed against my thigh.Think, Tshabina, speak!I screamed at myself, but my lips locked. His cold eyes burned into me, his sharp voice froze me, and his expressionless face drained me of courage.
Say something.
Say something.
My mind stalled—
“If it helps, Miss Sophia, perhaps you can simply note down Mr Zioh’s input for now. If he’s unable to attend thenext meeting, I’ll represent him and reconfirm with the rest of your team,” Natasha offered, her voice gentle like the angel she looked.
And just like that, I could breathe a professional smile again.
She was so kind. And later, I was going to kick Andi’s ass for calling her names.
I nodded, “Of course, Ms. Natasha. Thank you.”
“Please, just call me Natasha,” she replied.
So kind, so warm—
“Now open your phone and write my words down,” Zioh’s icy voice shattered it all.
The chill returned, and my nerves spiked again. With clammy hands, I opened the notes app on my phone.
“First, the video. I don’t like the idea of a voiceover. Show the real visuals and real sounds.” He tapped his finger against the iPad screen, and the warmth of his hand was so close that I could feel it against my skin. “Second, for the graphics, I don’t want this template for this project—” His eyes lifted from the screen to me, and I held my breath. “Every piece of content and reports during this project must be in two languages.” His words were steady, and his gaze locked on mine.
There it was again, that flicker. I forced myself not to blink, wanting to make sure of what I was seeing. His pupils widened for a second before he shook his head again, turning away.
I swallowed hard. “I’ve noted everything, sir—”
“Enough for today.” He cut me off and stood, sudden and sharp. His fists clenched at his sides as he pushed his chair back and strode out of the room.
Not a word. Not a glance back.
Once again,as if I didn’t exist.
I let out a trembled breath.
Natasha looked startled, gathering her things in a rush. She glanced at me with a stiff but polite expression. “I’m sosorry, Miss Sophia. We’ll arrange another meeting with your full team soon. Thank you so much for today.”
She offered a quick handshake before hurrying out to chase after him.
I sat frozen for a long moment. Then finally, I closed my eyes and rubbed them for a while, only to feel the dampness on my fingertips. My chest heaved with a long, weary sigh. I nodded to myself, pulling my things together with shaky hands. Standing, I slid my chair back, slung my bag onto my shoulder, and headed for the door.
I reached for the door, turned the knob, and pulled it open halfway—I nearly screamed. My best friend stood right there, blocking the doorway with his back to me.
“What th—ugh!” I smacked his shoulder before brushing my hand over my face, forcing myself to speak even though my throat went dry. “Seriously, Andi.” A weary breath slipped out of me. “What is wrong with you?”
