CHAPTER 28

Juliana's pov

"Have a good day at work today babydoll," Marcus says. He is about to kiss my cheek but I move my head and he kisses me on the lips instead. My body comes alive the moment our lips connect. I always feel alive when Marcus kisses me.

"I have to go, have a nice day Marcus," I say getting out of his car. I hear him chuckle when I start walking towards my work building. As I reach the entrance I turn around and find his car is still where I left it. I lift my hand and wave at him, and I see him reverse the car and leave.

"Good Morning Jules, you look different today." A smile breaks on my face, there is only one person who calls me by that name, Jude my coworker and former college coursemate and my friend.

"Morning Jude, how are you?" I greet standing next to her In the elevator. She presses the number of our floor and the elevator starts moving.

"I am good thanks Jules, how are you?"

"I am great." 

"You are different today, you look happy the way you were in college. I am happy to see the bubbly Jules again." She says giving me a side hug.

"I am happy, Jude. Things have been going well lately," I reply, giving her a genuine smile.

"So, what is been going on with you? Any special reason for this newfound happiness?"

I can't help but smile, feeling a surge of excitement as I think about Marcus. "Well, you know, I have been seeing someone. His name is Marcus, and he is amazing." I feel a little bit guilty that I have not told Jude about Marcus.

Jude's eyes widen in surprise, and she playfully nudges my arm. "Oh my goodness, Jules! Why didn't you tell me sooner? How did you meet him?"

I chuckle, recalling how Marcus and I met. "It was actually on the day I went on a date with Mike. We started talking that night, and I haven't been able to stop thinking about him since. He's just so... special."

She grins mischievously. "Sounds like you are head over heels, girl! I am happy for you! But wait a minute, did you just say the day  you went on a date with Mike?"

"Yes, that same day. Remember I told you that my date with Mike was a disaster."

"Yes, you told me that."

"Well, so I got frustrated with his talk and told Maggie to save me but as I was coming out of the bathroom I found Marcus outside. And he kind of told me that he had been watching me the whole time. And that he liked me."

"Wow, girl, that's some romantic shit. I am so happy for you."

"Thank you, Jude I will tell you the details at lunch,"  I tell her when the elevator reaches our floor and we get out.

"Good morning ladies," Lizzy the receptionist greets us.

"Morning Lizzy, how are you?"  we greet her.

"I am good thanks,  Mr. Bwalya came early in the morning to the office today but he has gone out to meet a client and he is in a very bad mood so be careful," Lizzy warns us

 Mr. Bwalya is our manager and he is in charge of our branch. Phiri Logistics has three branches in Lusaka and our branch is the second-biggest.

"Oh, great, now my bad day has turned into a nightmare," Jude says, touching her forehead.

I can't help but feel a pang of anxiety at Lizzy's warning. Mr. Bwaya is not known for his pleasant demeanor, and if he is in a bad mood, it usually means trouble for everyone else. I take a deep breath, reminding myself that I can handle whatever comes my way.

As we walk towards our desks, I can feel the tension in the air. The usually bustling office feels eerily quiet as if everyone is holding their breath, anticipating Mr. Bwaya's arrival. I try to shake off the negative energy and focus on my work, but it's hard not to let it affect me.

I take a seat at my desk and begin going through my emails. The sound of hushed voices fills the room as my coworkers discuss the possible reasons for Mr. Bwaya's foul mood. Rumors about layoffs and company restructuring float around, fueling the anxiety that already lingers. I glance at Jude, and she gives me an encouraging smile. She is also trying to stay positive despite the impending storm

I open an email from a client, hoping to distract myself from the impending doom. As I read through it, my phone vibrates on my desk. I pick it up and see a text notification from Marcus.

"I miss you already. Can't wait to see you tonight," the text reads. I smile at his message, feeling a warm sensation in my heart. Marcus has been a rock for me lately, supporting me through every step. His love and encouragement have been instrumental in bringing back the old happy Juliana.

"I miss you too. Can't wait to be in your arms," I reply.

As the day progresses, I try my best to stay focused on my work. The constant whispers and occasional bursts of laughter from my coworkers only serve to heighten my curiosity about what is happening. The tension builds, creating an atmosphere that is almost suffocating.

Finally, after what feels like an eternity, the office door swings open and Mr. Bwaya strides in. He is a tall, imposing figure with a stern expression on his face. He exudes an aura of power and authority, causing the room to fall into an uneasy silence. He glances around, his eyes landing on each employee for a moment before walking towards his office. As he walks towards his office, he glances around the office, his eyes searching for any signs of slacking or incompetence. The fact that he has not

said anything to anyone makes things even worse in the office.