TBTS#1: She Dated Me for Character Development [GirlxGirl]

chapter 5 - Without you

Over the course of four years, Ashley walked with her head high as she entered her office. Each and every employee greeted her with warm smiles, full of respect for her. After all, Ashley Kay was the youngest to climb from Marketing Associate to Regional Senior Marketing Executive. She had focused all her efforts to climb the ladder of Highway Malls, owned by the Bluesky Corporation of the famous Villers Family.

"Good morning, Ms. Ashley!" an employee called.

"You are as pretty as ever!" Another praised.

In the specific office in Mahatik City, all genders of employees were excited and happy. Finally, they had a stunning Regional Senior Marketing Executive and not those old married executives. In the minds of the employees, their dreams might come through! They might have a chance to experience what it's like to have an attractive young executive overseeing them.

Ashley simply flashed a smile before entering her office and looking through the piles of paperwork.

Her secretary came in with her daily black coffee and bread prepared for her.

"Thank you, Nilla," Ashley said before sipping her coffee, "Please bring this to Sir Gazon. Tell him to proceed as planned. The document's been approved."

"It's my job, Miss Kay," Nilla smiled as she grabbed the document and headed outside Ashley's office.

Ashley smiled remembering her former superior, Sir Fredrick. He was the one who helped her ask for a promotion and helped the company to find a hidden jewel within the company.

If it were the others, they might have felt threatened. She really owes him a lot.

After the breakup with Brooklyn, she was a wreck. The only good thing was her career.

The office was silent when the clock struck nine. Everyone went back to work like robots.

Ashley didn't have it easy the past few years. Climbing up the ladder exhausted her and almost drained all of her life's energy. It wasn't easy.

She had to almost always bail on her time going out with her friends. It's been two years since she last saw Jewel, Zahra, and Rain. She had to crawl her way to the top even when she was bleeding.

Ashely leaned on her desk chair and cracked her neck. Her desk was piled up with documents that the sales department and marketing department wanted to implement such as promotion plans or events. Ashley sat there focused as she signed the approved documents while placing the rejected documents on the other side.

Ashley looked up and called Nilla, "Miss Nilla, please give this to the sales and the marketing team. I've already segregated them. The blue one's for the sales. Green one for marketing."

Nilla politely received the heavy paper works as she made her way toward the elevator.

Ashley sighed after Nilla left and looked at the time. It was already time for lunch. Ashley grabbed her phone and played a soothing song. She had been having headaches recently. Closing her eyes, Ashley tried to maintain a slow and steady breathing meditation.

After a while, someone knocked. Ashley opened her eyes and saw Nilla opening the door.

She slowly stood up and got her purse.

"Lunch is on me, sorry for having you work despite the lunch break." Ashley apologized.

It was already half-past twelve. No worries. Nilla worked under her. She could always give Nilla extra time to finish her lunch.

"Thank you!" Nilla squealed.

"And, you're free to finish lunch until half past one. It's my fault," Ashley made her way through the door.

"Nice! You're the best," Nilla said, fist-pumping her hand in the air.

They walked towards the cafeteria, all eyes on them. Ashley had always caught the attention of several employees after she got promoted last month. The fact that she's nice towards her secretary made many envious of Nilla's position.

There was one time when Nilla worked overtime and was sleepy the next day, Ashley allowed her to take an hour's nap. Lucky her! Many were crying inside as their head wasn't that considerate.

Ashley gave Nilla a few hundred dollars before ordering herself a salad and milk tea.

After Nilla ordered, she sat beside Ashley with her eyes shining.

Ashley chuckled, "So how's the date yesterday with that banker?"

She sipped her cold milk tea that sent shivers down her throat. Refreshing!

"He's sweet! I agreed to see him one more time," Nilla blushed.

Ashley bit her last bit of salad and swallowed, "Well, I hope he won't be a dick," she then rolled her eyes.

Nilla shook her head slowly and exaggeratedly, "Miss Kay, not everyone is an asshole like your ex. She did you dirty. If I were you I would have slapped her tenfold!"

Ashley laughed, "I appreciate that, Nilla."

"No problem, boss!"

"Well, I'll head back first, enjoy lunch," Ashley said as she bid goodbye to Nilla.

There's no time to waste. Not a single second.