STORY CHECK

Excerpt;

Erica, there's a distinction between your words, 'I left,' and 'I forgot,'" he calmly corrected me, gently dispelling my raised voice. Anticipating a scolding, I was surprised to find him in good spirits today.

"Kiss?" I muttered.

"Yes, Erica, kiss," he casually emphasized, clearly enjoying my bewildered expression.

CHAPTER FIVE

Stridha's PoV;

Sir, let's go. The meeting starts in half an hour," said one of the workers at Stridha Empire.

Let's go, Stridha replied.

As the man sat on the seat, he saw money. Feeling insecure, he reached for the money and said,

"Sir, here is the money."

Stridha, however, didn't pay much attention, assuming the man wanted to contribute to the ride since he had earlier asked for a lift, as they were both heading in the same direction.

Stridha simply replied, "Keep it."

"Thank you, sir!" he exclaimed, overjoyed by the unexpected money.

***

Now I have to go back to that yelling man. What is a way to earn money in this life? My life is in shambles. What will he think if I go back and ask for the same money again'? Captivating my face, I began thinking.

It won't make sense. I thought I had to come up with something that I'd take with me to see him again!

I remembered his advice about writing down my thoughts and putting them to better use. "Yes," I thought, "I'll write a story." But then I paused, wondering, "What should my story be about?"

Since I had watched many movies, I decided to create my own story. "Okay, that's exactly what I'll do," I thought. So, I began to write my story, which I later used as an excuse to approach Stridha and ask for my money back.

Three days later, I went to his empire, the Stridha empire.

I wore a simple knee-length dress as I headed to see him, but as I got closer, I remembered that Miss Shelly could be around. Even better, I thought, as this story was specifically for her to see. Stridha probably wouldn't be bothered about the money, so telling him wouldn't be an issue.

Summoning my courage, I entered the impressive building. It was truly grand, with its sky-blue walls and glass-sectioned offices. To the left was a secretary's desk, and I approached it politely.

"Hi," I greeted her.

She replied with a genuine smile, "Hi, how may I help you today?"

"I'm looking for Mr. Stridha's office," I explained.

"Is he expecting you, miss? Do you have an appointment with him?" she inquired.

"Yes," I replied confidently.

"Okay, wait a moment, and I'll let him know you're here," she said, reaching for the phone.

While she made the call, I kept my focus on a beautiful picture hanging on the wall. It was a picture of Stridha wearing a navy blue jacket, and he seemed delighted.

Accompanied by the smiling secretary. "What's your name, miss?" she asked.

"I'm Erica," I replied.

"Alright, sir," she said, concluding her call. She smiled and told me, "He's expecting you. I'll show you the way to his office right away.

"Follow this way," she instructed quietly. I trailed behind her as we made our way straight to the elevator. She pressed the button for the 7th floor. I couldn't help but wonder about his high-rise office and the empire he ran. The secretary didn't utter a word, but her friendly demeanor was evident on her face.

Soon, the elevator came to a stop. "This way," she directed. I nodded and followed her down a passage flanked by two large offices, both with transparent walls concealed by curtains. The one directly ahead had tinted glass walls and a handle on the door.

That was his office. The young lady knocked, then opened the door. "Good morning, sir," she greeted him.

"Where is she?" He inquired, ignoring her greeting.

"Please come in," she said, turning to me. I entered the room immediately, and she excused herself, saying, "May I be excused, sir?"

"You can leave," he ordered.

Sitting at the edge of the gleaming table, he offered a wry smile.

"Erica," he began, but I interrupted before he could utter those irritating words. "Sir, I left my money in your car the other day."

"By choice, I assume," he responded, his eyes glinting mischievously.

"No, sir, it wasn't by choice. Why would I choose to leave the money I came to collect?" I replied, my patience wearing thin.

"Erica, it's one thing when you say 'I left,' and another when you say 'I forgot,'" He calmly corrected me, making me feel foolish for raising my voice. I had expected him to continue scolding me, but it seemed he was in a good mood today, I thought.

I was surprised that he didn't seem taken aback by the fact that I had forgotten my money. Did that mean he understood why I had come in the first place? "Well, sir, are you going to give it back?"

"Is that the entire reason you're here?" he asked.

What did he think I would be here for? How special did he believe he was? I was here for my forgotten money, thanks to his uncontrollable temper. "Are you done thinking, Erica?" I realized I had spoken aloud. "Yes, sir, I'm here for that money I forgot," I stated clearly.

He chuckled and studied me from head to toe, as if I had puzzled him. "Erica, I see. I for one thought you're here for a job interview," he suggested.

"A job interview?" I echoed internally. What was wrong with him? Did he put up an advertisement and assume I had seen it? "Why would I come for a job interview?"

"If not, what's that file you're holding for?" he asked, directing my attention to the file I held.

"This is a story I'm writing," I stammered.

"Oh, my bad, you've come for a story check?" he asked. "Bring it; let me see how far your mind can create."

I handed him my file, and he sat down to go through it. He paused, as if something were amiss. "It's a nice story, Erica, but I think you should infuse some emotion into it. That way, it will attract readers like myself. Keep writing; I'll be checking your story every day."

"Every day?" I questioned.

Certainly, my dear writer, I assure you, Erica, I do so each day without fail. And as the characters intertwine in the upcoming chapter, grant them the sweet embrace of a kiss.

"Kiss?" I muttered.

"Yes, Erica, kiss," he casually emphasized, clearly enjoying my bewildered expression.

Without exitating I turned to leave his office, the environment turned really uncomfortable for me to stay, I don't why I felt embarrassed the moment he mentioned a kiss, I mean was he that shameless, could he get that shameless really.

I rushed out forgetting what I came in for.