2 Turn

Chapter 2 | The Turning Point

***

What was this? I couldn't think properly. I did not know what to think.

My mind went blank. It was not like I need to think or process any thoughts. Still, what should I do from now on?

It was hard to breathe. No, I can't breathe. I felt numb.

Calm down.

I exhaled and tried to recognize this emotion. Maybe I was astonished, surprised, overwhelmed. With a new feeling, hurt, it was getting painful.

What wondered me more was I felt like crying if I had been given more time. Thankfully, there was no time. I was a mess and mercifully alone but there was resolution forming behind everything I am now.

A lot of things were needed to take care of and I'm needed there. I should move. I'm obliged to act and perform the model daughter of respectable Mr and Mrs Iliff.

"Milady, wake up. There are new papers that must sign."

Mr Rue

"Sorry, I fell asleep."

"It's alright young miss. After class is done, milady immediately makes way here. Likewise, plenty is going on and miss had improper rest."

"Thank you for staying beside me and for the guidance all this time."

I was grateful. After the unfortunate events, it was tough to take a single step. I was blessed I had him.

"Milady is aware that I treat miss as my granddaughter. Especially right now, the young miss is the only family this subject have."

"Right. I'm genuinely favoured then."

Because of him, I could remain collected to continue. If not for him, even Mom was still alive, it would be really hard to take a feat forward. If not for him, everything falling apart would come true.

"This one said that take everything easy but milady needed to settle a bountiful amount of matters.

The young miss was aware of the escalating issue against miss taking the president's position now that the board of directors met thou. Milady is no longer hidden. Next, an uproar will be filled concerning miss.

It should be dismissed as soon as possible.

The human resource's performance is declining to cause the company to take a larger emotional blow than what we anticipated because of Mr Iliff unexpected retirement.

Favourably, the operations are earning and the opportunities are coming constantly."

"I understand. Let's have an emergency conference with everyone. Every unit should watch and listen within the country's domain."

Coping with all of this was times up, I guess. I finally needed to face all of this properly. I couldn't stay behind the scenes forever.

***

I wore my disguised mature corporate attire. My short natural golden hair was arranged neatly. Without my glasses and contact lens, my amber eyes were shown. I breathed deeply.

"In 5, 4, 3, 2... and set!"

I stared at the lens directly. Could my voice reach every single person waiting to see and hear me? I hoped it would.

"Good morning. Thank you to everyone for accommodating this short noticed meeting. I decided that this is the right time to face all of you who truly supports the conglomerate.

First of all, thank you for the condolences shared with Mr Iliff's family. Your sincere woes are highly appreciated.

It has been a year since the surprising news. It has only been one year of sorrow. We lost someone great, a good man and one of the best fathers.

I called you all today to state my resolution.

My name is Sola Iliff, the eldest daughter of the family name Iliff. I am the legally and qualified heir of the Iliff Group of Industries and I officially sitting in the president's position of the parent company. Moreover, I am formally the new appointed CEO from this date and time.

I understand that it is difficult trusting me without properly knowing me in the past year leading the group. At this moment, only my past, present, and further actions and decisions are all you need as the basis to ease anybody's worry.

I accept everything that anyone can say. In condition, if it is too much believing me, believe the memories I have with the former president and CEO. In all my life with his side, I receive what I need to learn about the business directly from a genius.

I don't plan to become like him and manage everything the same way he did. My aim is farther than what he reached. I plan to surpass him and attain his goal.

Furthermore, I will not ask for you to be loyal to me. I will make sure to gain the loyalty you have in Mr Iliff.

For my first official extensive order, the internal matter regarding my existence kindly keeps silent for the meantime. I have faith in every one of you. Nonetheless, remember the consequences are for betraying the company. That's all.

Thank you and have a nice day."

***

"Good job milady." He handed a drink.

Woah! It was my favourite iced coffee. "You think Uncle Rue?"

"Yes. This one didn't see the easy-going, playful young girl. There is only a confident, mature and strong-willed woman. It immensely leaves this subject in awe."

"It's an exaggeration." I'm sleepy again. Seems like coffee didn't have any effect on me anymore.

"Not quite Sola. You did great. For now, take a nap for a while."

"That's pleasant to hear."

***

It was dark. The lights were turned off. Still, the moonlight illuminating the office was delightful.

7:51 PM

All the employees were probably left. Then, I'm done for today. I should call Mr Rue.

"Uncle Rue? I'm out of the office. I'm heading to the parking lot."

"Do you want me to drive you?"

"It depends, are you in the building?"

"I'm at a café, 7 blocks away."

"It's a no then. Enjoy your stay there Uncle Rue. I'm leaving first."

"Will you pay a visit to yo--"

"Yes."

"Sola..."

"Please don't worry about me. I know it is impossible, however, I'm fine. I'm being fine, doing better, am I not?"

"Yes. Yes, you are. Dear, I'm so sorry you need to experience this kind of circumstances. I... no, we, we only want the best for you, for you to be happy. No one ever foresaw this coming."

"Of course and I know. I understand. Everything already happened. They say there are reasons but I don't bother to think why anymore. I'm inside the car. See you later, Uncle Rue."

"Okay, see you. Take utmost care."

"Yep. Sure. Bye."

"Bye, Dear."

I had quite a lot of text messages. This was amusing. I guessed they were all from her.

"Where are you?"

"You suddenly went..."

"I searched for you..."

"Why are you not replying?"

Most came from Penelope, a worrywart girl indeed. There was one not from her, an unknown number. It can't be.

"Surprise! I'm coming back, Sol. Did you miss me? I'll return this evening. Wait for me at home.

Yours, Rhys."

He was coming back? This sure was a surprise. It took you so long, dummy.

Now, that you were here, could I rest for a while? Would this suffocation lessen a bit? Would I finally breathe better?

I hoped I could see you in this instant. No, you should not depend on others too much, Sola. Simply be happier that you knew there was another person who would support you no matter what.

Nevertheless, you could lean on him a little bit, right?