WHAT IF???

Chapter 7: The Rumors

As I stepped into the office, the scent of freshly brewed coffee greeted me, signaling the start of another day at work. Before I could even settle in, Yha approached me with a gentle reminder.

"Hey Mon, just wanted to remind you that Sam is waiting for you in her office," Yha said with a smile.

I nodded, feeling a flutter of nerves in my stomach. Taking a deep breath, I thanked Yha and made my way to Sam's office.

As I walked into Sam's office, I couldn't help but feel a bit nervous. It was just my second day at work, and Yha had told me to see Sam right away. Sam looked up from their desk and greeted me with a warm smile.

"Hey there, Mon! Welcome to the team," Sam said, motioning for me to take a seat.

As I sat across from Mon in my office, I couldn't help but wonder what had prompted her to apply at Diversity. It had been three years since our falling out, and I was surprised to see her name among the applicants. Taking a deep breath, I decided to broach the topic.

"Mon, I'm curious to know why you applied for a position here at Diversity. Does it mean you're no longer upset with me?" I asked, trying to keep my tone casual despite the underlying tension.

"Sam, I don't think this is the appropriate time or place to address our personal history. Let's try to keep our work and personal issues separate."

"But how am I supposed to focus on work when the girl I used to love is just outside my office? It's difficult for me to work peacefully knowing that," I replied, frustration evident in my voice.

"I feel the same way, Sam. It's not easy for me, knowing that I might run into you or Kirk in this office."

"If you feel that way, why did you still proceed with your application here, knowing there's a possibility of encountering me and Kirk?"

"I didn't know you were the CEO of this company. I only found out last week. By then, I had already completed all the requirements and signed the contract. It's too late to back out now. I could reconsider if you decide to terminate it."

"Mon, I am the CEO. The moment I saw your files on my desk, I decided to hire you immediately. Besides, after reading your profile, I believe the company needs your skills. So, I'm sorry, but I won't terminate your contract."

"But Sam, I don't think it's appropriate for us to be working together, especially since you're going to be my supervisor. Did you know that some of your staff are spreading rumors about you having an ex-girlfriend? It would be highly inappropriate if they found out who it was, Sam."

"I don't want to cause any trouble, Sam. Taking this job was a mistake. Maybe returning here was a mistake. Meeting you here was a mistake, Sam."

I listened intently, crossing my arms and struggling to believe what Mon was saying.

"Nothing was a mistake. You came back for a reason, Mon. You're here for a reason," I asserted.

"No, Sam, don't flatter yourself. I shouldn't have come back. So if you'll excuse me, if you have nothing for me to do, I'll take my leave, Ma'am," Mon retorted coldly.

As Mon stood up in tense silence, she abruptly left my office, leaving me feeling uneasy and unsatisfied with our conversation. I furrowed my brows and leaned back in my chair with frustration, wondering what had just transpired.

Meanwhile, Mon returned to her seat and released a deep sigh of relief. Chin, Yha, and Noi approached her, concern etched on their faces.

"Is everything alright, Mon? Did something happen in there?" Chin asked, her voice laced with worry.

Mon shook her head, trying to reassure her colleagues. "No, nothing bad happened. We just had a discussion as subordinates," she replied, forcing a smile to hide her true feelings.

Chin glanced at her skeptically. "Are you sure you're okay, Mon?"

Mon nodded, mustering up some courage. "Yes, I'm fine. Thank you for checking on me," she said, grateful for her colleagues' concern.

As Mon engaged in small talk with Yha, Chin, and Noi, I hurried over to her, feeling unsatisfied with the conversation I had just had with her. Fearful of my presence, they took steps back to make way for me to approach Mon, who was still seated in her chair.

Mon raised her head to acknowledge my presence in front of her. I cleared my throat before speaking, wanting to clarify things with her. "Mon, you know what's even more inappropriate? Talking about my past without even asking me what really happened," I said firmly, my tone tinged with frustration.

As my words hung in the air, I noticed Noi and Yha exchanging shocked glances. Noi leaned in to whisper to Yha, "Yha, what if Mon is the ex?"

Their whispered conversation sent a shiver down my spine, and I could feel they sense of dread at the possibility. But before I could dwell on it further, I called out Yha's attention.

"Yha," I called out, keeping my focus on Mon, "can you confirm if there are really rumors going around that I had an ex-girlfriend?"

Yha and Noi exchanged nervous glances before nodding in agreement. I turned to them, my gaze still fixed on Mon. "And how do you both react to those rumors? How long has it been going around?"

Noi answered with a nervous tone, "Well, it's been quite a while, Sam, but we don't mind at all."

I kept my gaze locked on Mon as I replied to Noi, "Well then, I want you to go spread it more. I want you to tell everyone that I still love my ex, even though I married my high school friend."

Noi and Yha were shocked by my response, their expressions reflecting their disbelief at my request.

As Mon and I locked eyes, the shock evident in her expression, she looked around to gauge everyone's reaction to my unexpected request. Sensing her unease, Mon whispered, "Sam! What are you doing?"

Ignoring her question, I placed my hands firmly on the table, leaning in toward Mon. In a hushed tone, I whispered, "If you still have questions about the past, you're free to come to my office anytime. We can talk about it."

With that, I turned my back on Mon, leaving her bewildered. Yha and Noi rushed to Mon's side, concern etched on their faces, checking if she was okay after the unexpected turn of events. Mon gulped, still processing the situation.