Daisy’s Secret Crush

***Daisy’s POV.***

The next four days were hectic as we had many things to do. First, we had to set up the office and boost the new employees’ spirits up. They were really energetic and loved the decor. Some of them were from Clara’s firm and were a little judgey towards me as I got the partnership.

But Clara warned me about this and told me to handle it in my own way without firing them as they may be a bit bitter but they have good talent which turned out to be right. The one thing I found most difficult with them was the way they behaved with new people, which was not good.

I tried my best to make everyone feel involved and gave them some good news. I told them in a month whoever shows that they are best at what they do, they will work exclusively for our first-ever client. It would be a team and there would be benefits to this thing.

The venue where the party is being held has been going well thanks to Kathy Williams, who took time from her busy schedule and helped me because she knew me. Emma helped too, and I had fun with their kids.

Theo, who was usually busy with his work as the time for opening would come soon, calls me every night and we talk for hours about silly things. Sometimes he would flirt, sometimes I would. We argued too about silly things like cats and dogs, both are cute. But Theo only wants a dog in the future.

But we had a major fight on Wednesday night when Theo broke the news that he was not coming back till Sunday. And on top of that, I saw news of him with a girl in London who was hanging on his arm elegantly, not in the clingy way I do. If it was Olivia, I would not have thought twice about it, but this lady even beats her in elegance.

“What do you mean? Why? What happened? Is there any problem?” I ask.

“No. There isn’t anything wrong. I had to entertain some investors and also had to help with the publicity of the hotel. Even though I am the mysterious owner, I have to see these things first-hand.” Theo says.Property of Nô)(velDr(a)ma.Org.

“Who is she, Theo?” I ask before I can stop myself. I don’t want to doubt him and I know he is not the type of man who would two times anyone, but I don’t know anything about that girl and what she would do to my Theo.

“She is one of the investors’ daughter.” He says, understanding who I am asking about.

“Why do your investor’s daughter after you?” I ask.

“I don’t know. But I am sorry that I won’t be there. Sylvia’s birthday is coming up and her father wants me present there. He is the second largest investor and I have to be there. I hope you can understand.” He says.

I feel a stab at my heart. Well, as I said before I am not old Daisy who would stay silent about things she wants. I want to be assured that Theo is mine and will not be swayed from my side. And if for that I have to guilt trip him, then that is what I am going to do.

“Well, it is so good to hear that my boyfriend is skipping my big day for some random girl’s birthday. I feel so adored.” I say sarcastically.

“Daisy, I am sorry. You are very important to me. But if I don’t go to his party, he would think that I am insulting him and I can’t afford that right now. If he takes his steps back the whole thing would fall down and along with it your and others hard work too. So please try to understand. I promise when I am back, I will spend a week with you.” Theo says, and it feels like I am some kind of responsibility he has to look after.

“No need. I have to work too. Also, I hope you are not taking me for granted or as your responsibility because I don’t want to be either of them. I am your girlfriend and want to be treated like one. Not your mistress or one of your one-night stands to whom you don’t feel obliged to tell anything. I know something is going on with your life and I am not talking about that woman. I am talking about business. But you never share. I asked you yesterday why you sound so down and if is everything okay. I asked that day before that too. But you don’t want me to be involved in that part of your life. You know what? I am tired. Goodbye.” I say and hang up.

I throw the phone on the couch and open a bottle of wine and sulk. I am jealous, upset, angry, and concerned at the same time. I am jealous because of that woman. I am upset because Theo would skip my birthday and the new firm’s opening party for her. I am angry at myself for saying those words. And I am concerned for Theo because of that investor who is standing over Theo’s head to come to his daughter’s party.

I asked Theo about it, but he refused to say anything. So I had to go behind his back and contact Olivia to know more about it. And apparently, the word is that the big shot second investor has his eyes set on Theo to be his successor after he marries his daughter away to him. He underhandedly threatened my Theo that he has to meet up with people and do as he has.

Even Olivia is worried about Theo. She said that not until the hotel starts working and Theo pays off every penny would he be able to be free of him. Only if someone else helps him with money, he would be able to save the whole project if in case that investor backs off.

I kind of feel guilty for talking to him like that but I want him to share his tough times with me along with his happy times. When he doesn’t, it feels like he is hiding it because he thinks I will think less of him or that he is becoming a pauper or poor businessman, which is so not true.

I can never think less of him like ever. He is the best in my eyes, always. But his refusal to share even that is making me feel that what we have is trivial in his eyes.

Thursday was the worst day, and that is because the old employees almost created a scene by saying that they all should be in that team, not newbies. They would go on strike or give their resignation letter. I told them if they are not scared of competition, then they should prove themselves by participating.

They just nodded and left, but I knew the battle was far from over and I was right. Because the very next day they were just sipping coffee in the conference and not lifting a finger to help. Some of the employees told me they are on strike in the office and want their demands to be filled.

Enough was enough. I told my secretary to call them in my office and some newbies too. I talk with them for a while when they enter. Before I could tell them to take a seat, they were already seated, showing their attitude.

We are at the conference table. Newbies are on one side and seniors are on another side. I ask them if they can solve a few things, I will make them a team here and now. They were reluctant at first, but then agreed with a smug smile towards the newbies.

I gave them some situations in which they argued, but the newbies maintained their calmness like I asked them to and answered everything correctly. When I declare the seniors they lost, they become angry and demand for the contract either way.

“Please leave us alone and also not a word of this should go out. Even though we are moving forward with new trends, respect them because they have experience in some fields.” I say and they nod and leave.

“So, give us the contract.” One of the ladies says.

“I won’t.” I say and fold my arms.

“Fine. Then we would resign.” She says.

“Fine.” I say with a shrug and that staggers them.

“But Clara won’t be happy with it. You can’t fire us.” She says.

“I am not firing you. You all are resigning. Remember. And there is no clause to that.” I say.

“Fine. We won’t resign, but we won’t work either.” She says.

“Fine. It is not like I have to pay you.” I say.

“But we are coming to the office.” One of the other men says.

“Yes. But as you all said, you won’t work it means you won’t get any projects. So how would you earn without working?” I ask.

“This would all be solved if you would just give us the contract. You are new to this, obviously, you and those newbies can’t handle it.” The head says.

“I won’t. And if you are forgetting, I am the boss here. You all may have worked hard and gotten where you are and could have used that seniority to your benefit, but obviously you made a ruckus of yourself because of your jealousy and ego. The people out there, newbies, know hard work and earning things through that, think you are nothing, and that’s all your own fault. So handle yourself with the little dignity you left and fight fairly, otherwise I could still fire you all for your misbehaviour towards the staff. I can do that.” I say in a warning and go out.

I call in a staff meeting to hand out invitations for the party tomorrow and see seniors entering the room with flushed cheeks. I see Clara in the distance and she nods at me and I nod back. They take the card from me with a small smile and guilt in their eyes. Clara must have put some sense into them.

I hope in the future they will help others and others will forget their mistakes. I don’t want my firm to start on the wrong foot.