"Hey! fûcking Son of a mother-effing biscuit eater" ... Sia yelled and swore as a car raced past her, splashing rainwater on her car in the process.

"Did you just cuss at me young lady" her mother shocked voice gasped through the receiver making Sia wince. She'd forgotten that she had answered her mother's call and that they'd been talking before the rude driver's incident. She exhaled, softening her voice to explain.

"That wasn't meant for you Mom, it was some...".

Her mother cut her off. "I don't care what you have to say, Sia, I didn't raise you to spit such words out of your mouth, if you had a man in your life, you'd have learned to filter your words and tone down that nasty temper of yours..."

Sia couldn't believe it, she hadn't even used any horrible words, yet she was being reprimanded, and how was getting a man in her life even related to her having a filthy mouth. The sound of the rain splattering on the car drowned out Sia's mother's voice on the phone, giving her some respite. She sighed, as she listened to her cutting words. They felt like nails driving into her coffin.

"You're not getting any younger Sia, you need a guy in your life, even if he turns out to be younger than you. You go around with those single friends of yours and that's why you can't get any guy to notice you. You glare at anyone that approaches you, but you spend money on those little brats you call your workmates like there's no tomorrow, you don't even care about me, you don't care about your mother's feeling, are you trying to send me to an early grave with worry huh, is that it".

Sia flexed her wrist on the steering, as she tried to sound like she was concerned about her mother's worry, but she knew she failed miserably.

"Mom, I do care about you, I'm always trying to please you, why are you doing this to me on a Monday morning?. What is it you want from me, I bought you that mink fur that cost a fortune right, also that Audi A5 you always wanted to add to your car collection so you could show off to your friends. I've been trying my best mom, can you just cut me some slack" she got out tiredly, trying to focus on the road ahead of her, she felt a migraine beaconing.

"That's just it Sia if you were married or had a man in your life, or even little kids to give your attention to, you wouldn't be spending like that".

Sia took another deep breath, counting to five before she answered.

"I'm driving right now, can we talk later, I'm going to get into an accident if we keep this up".

Her mother's voice got intense. "You're always running from having this conversation with me... Sia, this is honestly serious, all my friend's daughters are either married or getting married... "

Sia reached for a piece of nylon, she placed it on the mouthpiece of her phone, creasing it over to make a static sound.

"Hello... Hello...Mom...mom... I think I'm losing connection, let's talk later ok... Bye"

She ended the call, glaring at her phone before exhaling tiredly.

"Darn it! I'm so tired of this. Can't she give me a break for at least today, I thought we were making progress when she'd stopped disturbing my sleep at night... How wrong I was. It's like she doesn't have anything to do other than bother me. Should I just get a new phone? After all I possibly can't get a new mother." she mumbled to herself, as she drove towards the RSVP parking lot, she maneuvered to her usual parking spot only to notice a black Ferrari SF90 Stradale occupying her space. She drove around it, till she found a free spot. She parked, got her stuff, and came out of the car. She trudged towards the sleek-looking car, examining it.

It was breathtakingly awesome. Her eyes darted around the environment, checking for the installed security cameras. Finding no one that was pointed in her direction, She hit the car with her heels, leaving a dent.

"Serves you right for being in my space just because you're an expensive car. My auto is way much better" she huffed, then walked around the car, spitting at the mirror for good measures. She smiled, satisfied at taking out her frustration. Sia sauntered into the company in high spirit. Next time, the owner would find somewhere else to park. She grinned at the thought.

Sia's Mom made her depressed with her constant reminders that she didn't have anyone to call her own. Her mother wanted her in a relationship and had given her an ultimatum just the week before. Sia had thought that with the ultimatum in place, her Mom would stop bothering with calls, she was very wrong on those counts.

Her mother had threatened her to get a guy before the year ran out, or else she'd take matters into her own hands. Sia's friends had also been hired by her mom for that very purpose, so they were always trying to hook her up at the slightest chance. Her mother had been right about her spending, she could agree with that, but she only did it because she wanted her to have a good life. She also wanted her friends to enjoy any benefits she brought to the table. She was already rich, It was not like she could spend all her earnings on herself. She had everything she needed, except a man as her mother told her every other day.

Once she got into the company, she was met with friendly faces, saying their hellos and hi. They all liked her, mostly because she spent a lot at team dinners. She entered the elevator, punching the number to her department.

She adjusted her orange top, smoothing her black pencil skirt. She would have preferred sneakers, but heels gave a more cooperative feel.

The elevator pinged open, and she stepped out to meet the familiar faces of her team. She was their leader and had been leading them for five years successfully. They designed pieces of jewelry, clothes, shoes, and accessories. She was in charge of making sure that everything was of quality, saving the higher-ups the trouble. She was a boss in her little corner. She had worked for nine years, painstakingly building up her profile, until the company felt almost helpless without her. Maybe a little bit of an exaggeration, but she felt it was that way. She approached her desk, surprised to see that it had been cleared. She paused, looking around at the curious faces of her team of ten designers.

"What's with my table. Are we renovating or something?" She looked around for an explanation until her eye landed on Rocky who was just stepping in.

"Miss Sia, Mr. Williams is asking for you in his office. He says it's an urgent matter"

"Urgent matter?" She repeated, before smiling. He had been hinting at a promotion for a weak. She guessed that was what he was referring to as an urgent matter. It was about time she got one tho.

"I think he's going to promote you" Zoya chirped, her bob haircut bouncing at her enthusiasm.

Sia's heart fluttered, but she played off Zoya's comment."Don't I wish". Sia couldn't stop her smile from getting wider at the confirmation of her thoughts from another individual. "Wish me, luck guys".

Rocky smirked. "Not like you'll be needing it. You're the best worker LC has".

Sia didn't want to appear too proud. "Oh please, it's not like am indispensable"

Zoya got up from her seat, all fired up."If he fires you, we'll go on a year strike, organize a huge protest for them to take you back" Zoya promised, all eager. Sia chuckled.

"That's the spirit guys. I'll go now, fingers crossed. Get back to work. Time is money".

They all took their seats, watching as she got into the elevator. Once it closed, they scampered out of their seats, rushing towards Rocky's desk.

Lara was the first to break the silence. "Spill Rocky, is she getting promoted or fired".

Rocky shrugged. "I don't know. Mr. Williams didn't give a lot away, he just asked for her".

Zoya's lips pouted in a frown. "Mr. Williams better not fire her. I don't want to work under a new boss. Sia is the best".

Ken nodded in agreement, looking skeptical. "But it's not up to Mr. Williams. He's not the director, he's just the manager. He doesn't have a say if the orders are from the higher-ups".

Zoya crossed her arms, looking thoughtful.

"You're right Ken. And there's nothing we can do to stop Mr. Williams, even the protest idea. I don't want to lose my job" she confessed. The others nodded in agreement.

"Well, no one would. Miss Sia is competent, a great teacher, she makes everyone wants to be their best. It's their loss If they let her go"

"Yeah. Her family is rich so she won't feel it" Rocky added to lift the heavy atmosphere.

"Ugh! I hate Mr. Williams. Sia's such a beautiful pure soul" Ken got out dreamily, earning an eye roll from Zoya.

"You like her don't you?" She asked staring at him. It was so sudden that he fidgeted in his spot, losing his ability at forming a reply. Zoya pressed on, ignoring his panicked reaction.

"Sorry to burst whatever bubble you're in but she'll never be interested in you, so stop dreaming. Let's get back to work. Miss Sia hates slacking off" she muttered, walking back to her desk.

The others followed suit. Ken dragged his heavy legs back to his desk, doing his best to avoid the gazes of everyone. He had always crushed on Sia, but he hadn't expected Zoya to tattle on him like that. It made color rush up his face, he got speechless, unable to take a decent breath. Love was a choked-up feeling for him.

Sia pushed the door walking back inside making everyone act more serious than they had been.

"Ken, I want your report on my desk once I get back... I've given you lots of grace, today is your last day ok," she told. Ken nodded quickly.

Sia chuckled at the blush spreading across his cheeks. He was younger than her, but her Mom doesn't care about their age right, should she just go with this guy since he clearly had a crush on her, Sia thought...

'No way, mom was probably just playing, she'd have a heart attack if I brought this guy home.'

Sia sighed, stepping out of the office. She hoped she got the promotion, at least then she'd have something to celebrate.

...****************...

Mr. Williams's office was interesting... Sia thought as she looked around the room, before refocusing her gaze on the man who occupied the office - her immediate boss.

There were paper wraps of chocolate everywhere, his documents pilled up to the roof of his office, slipping to the floor. He was an odd man, but he was an efficient administrator, the only problem he had was that his office was always a disaster, and so was his appearance.

He was in his fifties, his eyes a bit sunken with thick lashes that made them look unique. His nose had a little bit of crookedness to it, probably from fights while he had been a dashing young playboy...

'Maybe I should tell my Mom that he's the one I want to marry', Sia grinned at the thought, shaking her head to stave off how absurd it was.

He was too old, too disorganized to consider, plus he was getting bald, and the little hair he had, grew like a disease on top of his bald head. He wore suits throughout the season, even when it got extremely hot. Sweating was his second nature and dabbing at his face with his never-ending supply of wipes he owned was his motto of the day.

The sweating was a bit extra as she watched him squirm in his seat. She questioned if it was a good reaction, maybe it wasn't a promotion after all. She pushed it aside, smiling broadly to put him at ease.

"Rocky said you needed me urgently. Did I do anything wrong, Mr. Williams?" Sia raised her eyebrows, pursing her dry lips.

Mr. Williams jerked as if he had been daydreaming all the while that Sia spoke. He twined his fingers, placing them on the desk. His gaze became focused, his voice assuring.

"Nothing like that Sia. You've been our best worker this year, and also for the previous years. It would be a shame to let you go. I plan to keep you here until you retire".

Sia smiled, her worries subsiding. Maybe he was going to promote her after all.

"I'm relieved to hear that Mr. Williams and I promise to do better this year..."

"You have to quit the team" He announced, adjusting his tie which seemed to be choking him. Sia's mouth hung open in shock before she pulled herself together.

"But you just assured me that you'd keep me here until I retired...".

"I know, I know, but something urgent came up. We had a lot of candidates that we took into consideration, but I know You are the only one capable to take on this assignment, so I recommended you, and you got accepted."

Sia nodded, waiting patiently as Mr. Williams struggled with his words. "You'll become the assistant" he dropped.

"A what..." Her eyes widened in shock. Was he demoting her? He wanted her to leave her position to become an assistant, which was almost equivalent to getting fired. "Mr. Williams, are you demoting me... I don't understand what I've...". She stuttered, her heart burning in her chest.

He cut her rambling short with a wave of his hand. "You haven't heard everything, Sia. Don't worry about the paycheck because it's going to be doubled."

He got her attention enough for her to calm down. She was still skeptical of the whole thing.

"But I'm going to be just an assistant, why is my paycheck getting doubled." She queried, raising an eyebrow.

"You're not just going to be an ordinary assistant Sia. You'll be the owner of the company's assistant. You get to work on the very top floor. Think of all the connections you can make, but you'll have to last six months with him" he sold his pitch, line, hook, and sinker, getting her interested. He watched her, waiting for a decision.

She took her time to think about it. He was right, the top bosses were all at the top level. She had always been fascinated with those who worked above her. She wanted to know how they brought her ideas to life, how they knew exactly what she was trying to showcase through her designs, how they hooked their investors and those elaborate dinner parties she always heard of. Plus a double paycheck. She was in for that alone.

"Just for six months?"

Mr. Williams nodded.."Just for six months, then you'll get back to your little boss corner. During the duration of that six months, you'll have to adjust yourself to receiving orders, drink splashing, and verbal... The CEO is a very difficult man with a temper. You'll be running in a month if you don't have a backbone. You have to resume work by Five in the morning since that's the time he comes to the office to get things done, he likes to be ahead of everything and everyone. He prefers to have his way. Do you understand?"

Sia pondered it over. He was probably an old man so how hard could it be. She knew she could take verbal abuse due to solving conflicts in the sales department. Some customers were made to tick off anger buttons you didn't know you had, Mr. Ray couldn't be that bad.

"I'll do it, Mr. Williams. I can handle any type of difficulty for an increase in my salary. I'll do anything" she said, smiling as she pictured her shopping list, some items she had ticked off were getting back on.

"Great" he clapped, bringing out a document, and providing her with a pen. "Just sign here and it's done" he dabbed at the sweat that dribbled down his nose.

Sia took the pen, signing her scrawny signature onto the document. He stamped it with a flourish, looking pleased with himself. "When is he arriving?"

"He's already in his office" he deadpans in a manner that almost made Sia burst out laughing. She swallowed it tho, surprised at the information.

"That's odd, shouldn't I have been notified of this a week earlier".

"I was notified of his arrival yesterday. A piece of advice, inform your team members to be on their toes. He's a perfectionist who'd not tolerate any form of incompetence".

Sia nodded, he sounded like a douchebag to her. "I'll let them know to be on their best behavior."

"Good luck Sia," he wished, swabbing at the beads of water droplets on his forehead.

"I can tell I'll be needing that, but are you sure you're alright Mr. Williams?" She asked in concern, his clothes were soaked through.

"I am perfect miss Sia. You may leave now, I have to get back to work".

"Ok, Sir". She stepped out of the office, closing the door gently behind her. She stared at the closed door worrying about Mr. Williams.

"I was going to tell him to take off his suit or turn on the AC but he might not take it too kindly." She sighed and shrugged dramatically as she walked toward the elevator.

Mr. Williams's office had been like a torture chamber. The other offices were so different from his, that you'd think you were in another dimension once you got into his office. He had been working there for twenty-eight years, so he was a bit old-fashioned. There were rumors that he was connected to Winston Ray, the owner of the company, more like he was a distant cousin, and that was the reason he was given so much liberty.

He was a good boss, so it never bothered her how he chose to run his affairs. But now that she was to work under a new boss, a CEO whose feedback was negative, nearly downright scary, she felt a bit disturbed. She squared her shoulders; I'm sure he's not that bad or was he? She took a deep breath and then exhaled dispelling all the negative energy surrounding her.

Sia promised herself to be the best assistant he ever had. Not that she would quit when extra money was involved just because of a bullying boss. How hard could it be to work for an old perfectionist?. She could take him.

"Let's go get that money."

...****************...

Sia's sweat trickled down her hairline as twenty pairs of eyes stared at her, all with an intensity that made her nervous. Her team stood around her desk, watching her without blinking. Sia had called their attention, but she hadn't considered how they'd react to seeing her go, so she hesitated, but they kept watching her until she couldn't bear it. Sia decided not to beat around the bush.

"I've been transferred from this team".

Their shocked gasp carried through the quiet room as they fidgeted at their spot, unable to decide whether to hug her in comfort or stay put. Zoya was the first to break the awkward silence, swaying slightly towards Sia.

"But why... Which team?" The others nodded, waiting eagerly for an answer.

"It's not another team... I'll be serving as an assistant to the top boss" she answered. Her team couldn't help their horrified gasps. Their worried gazes darted to each other in anger and anxiety. Sia knew they'd feel vindictive for her.

"A demotion?" Rocky got out aghast. Ken just stood in the corner like a scared mouse, not daring to open his mouth.

"Mr. Williams can't do this to you. Are you going to quit? You should have dragged his hair for allowing it to happen. Right guys?" They all nodded, murmuring their displeasure all at once. She reached out to silence them, getting their attention.

"It's just for six months. I'll miss you guys terribly, but this is better than getting fired right. I get to work at the top flour". She tried for enthusiasm, but their expression remained the same.

"But still, you're the best team manager we have. Mr. Williams can't just do this" Ken's small voice uttered from the back, drawing everyone's attention.

Lara quickly agreed. "You're right Ken. People at the top are just asshôles. They make decisions without thinking about our feelings. They push us around like pawns in a chess game... How can they just make..." Sia stopped her flow of words by glaring at her.

"What have I said about insulting the boss... Just let it go Lara". She chastised mildly. "I'm ok with this arrangement. The pay is good". She assured. Zoya ran into her arms, hugging her tightly.

"We'll miss you, Sia. You've been the best supervisor I've ever worked with" she cried into the embrace.

Sia patted her back, surprised by their actions. The others joined in too, almost tripping her. They finally let go, once the extended hug made everyone uncomfortable. She was quick to reassure them.

"Hey, none of that dull atmosphere in my team. You all have to be hyped ok. Treat my replacement the same way you treated me, and..." She paused, remembering the barbeque party her friends were throwing for her, another attempt of theirs to get her to hook up or find a potential mate. "You all are invited to a barbeque party at my friend's place tonight. I'll text you the address".

They got excited, giving each other a high five.

"You're the best Sia," Rocky said, giving her a thumbs up. Sia smiled, picking up her bag.

"Wish me luck at my new job" she got out, and they were all rushing to hug her again.

Sia managed to calm them enough to sneak out of the department. Her new workspace was on the top floor. The offices looked extravagant, the pieces of equipment all top-notch, but the workers she came across seemed a little stuck up. Everything felt too remote. Everyone was minding their own business, it was a clear contrast to her former department where they goofed around, listened to music, and shared ideas to get inspiration.

Sia missed her team already. She approached the elevator leading to Mr. Winston Ray's space. He worked with only five people, with her as an assistant making it six. He was an old dictator, she thought throwing her advice of not insulting bosses out of the window.

Most of the workers had never met Winston Ray in person, probably due to his old age. But Sia imagined him as a man with salt and pepper hair, shaky wobbly fingers, he probably sweated like Mr. Williams too. Sia chuckled at the thought, getting into the elevator.

"Let's meet our old new boss, and kick him where the sun doesn't shine if he gets too harsh. If that doesn't work then I'll have to improvise... Maybe spit into his coffee, and watch him drink until I simmer down." She murmured to herself, grinning at the image it brought to mind.

The elevator pinged open, she stepped out, bumping into the hard shoulder of a guy at the entrance, the glass of drink he held spilling onto her dress.

Sia gasped, jumping back, before looking up at the culprit.

'Oh, my fu...freaking Zeus! Definitely, the type of guy to take home to Mom.'

The next events seemed to go in slow motion. He blinked in surprise, his long dark lashes fanning over a darker shade of eyeball, eyes so intense, it made her slightly breathless when they held hers... Sia was sure she drooled a bit from how perfect he looked, he could probably star in most women's fantasy if he decided to take his face to the filming industry.

He was like those models who looked so perfect, it was hard not to watch them because everything they did was enchanting. His whole face was flawless, but his dark eyes and dark long hair made him more intense, and intimidating.

He grunted at the impact, pulling back the glass cup. His eyes scanned for any spills on his shirt, irritation staining his feature. Sia cleared her throat, as she waited patiently for an apology, she guessed him to be one of the managers in the numerous department the company had.

He looked up at her, dark eyes probing. Sia eyed him too until he made to move past her. Sia scoffed at the audacity he was displaying, as her hand shot out to grab at his shirt, stopping him. He turned to face her with an incredulous look on his face, his gaze darting to the chunk of his shirt that Sia held onto. Sia knew his type, just because they were blessed with the face of an angel-arrogant much- they thought they could get away with anything.

"You spilled your drink on me, aren't you forgetting to say something," she asked, raising her eyebrows. His hands came over hers to pull it off, but she held on with vice. His voice came out raspy, as he tried to pry her hands off.

"Maybe next time, you should be more careful when stepping out of the elevator. Take this as a little lesson". Sia gaped at him, the condescending way he spoke had her temper rising.

He spoke like everyone was beneath him. Was everyone at the top level rude? Was this guy being disrespectful because he heard of her new assignment? Sia didn't want to know the reason. She wanted his apology. He had given up trying to get her to relinquish her hold.

"What did you just say? I should learn from this. You spilled your drink on me, and you dare to say that to me. I'm so shocked right now, wow, this is just the worst thing I've heard in all my years of existing " she said, earning her a disbelieving look from him. He stared at the hand clutching at his shirt.

"Let go, or I call security. And trust me, you'll not only be thrown out" he threatened, his gaze serious. Sia snorted as she let go, not wanting to get sacked on the first day of work.

Sia was going to let it go until he muttered a curse under his breath, he also looked exultant so she decided to wipe the smug look off his face.

'I won't be bringing him home Mom, sorry.'

Her hands left her side, striking the guy's face.

The slap rang through the quiet office, earning the shocked gasp of its occupants. Some of the workers got off their seats, looking pale, their mouths hung open in shock.

"That'll teach you to apologize when you're wrong, and also to speak to your colleagues respectfully. I'll be reporting you to the director because you're not fit to work here" she searched for his identity tag, roughly shoving her hand into his pocket as he watched her in surprise. She pulled out his wallet, yanking out his card...

"You didn't even bother to put on a tag. You think you're some big shot huh, Mr..." She turned the card, her face draining as she read the name, her voice barely audible. Her hands shook, as she squinted at the writing.

"Winston Jr. Ray."

She lifted her gaze slowly towards the dark eyes that loomed over her. They were furious. It was almost as if they would engulf her if she so much as breathed a word.

'How do I salvage such a situation?'

Her mouth dried up, making her lick at them nervously. Her brain was blank as she replayed the last few minutes. It seemed everyone held their breath with her, waiting for the director's verdict. She looked back at him, clutching his card, attempting to apologize. Sia didn't get her chance.

"In my office. Now" he grounded out, strode away from her, rubbing at his cheek.

Sia stared at the other workers who just shook their heads pitifully, she knew she'd screwed up.

Big time.

...****************...