Chapter 4

Aspen's POV

"Ms. Williams to my office please." A curt voice says on the other end of my office phone. I groan and drop my head on my desk.

"Ow." I rub my nose and get up, making my way to his office. I knock this time and a "come in" is heard.

I meekly go in and stand there with my head down.

"Close the door." He demands and I oblige. "Look at me" I cautiously look up and he looks pissed.

"What were you thinking?!" He all but yelled. "Just walking into my office. Who do you think you are?"

I feel the tears prick my eyes at how harsh he sounded but I held them back.

"I-I'm so s-sorry." I stutter looking back down.

"I told you to look at me," he says but this time he's closer. I snap my head up to find him towering over me with a murderous expression. Oh, floor please swallow me.

"Don't forget who runs the place, Aspen. I am not my father and I do not tolerate anything from anyone. Especially someone like you, so get your act in order and stop with your disrespect." He spat and by then tears were flowing down my cheeks. "Oh and these files on how to improve surveys. Irrelevant." He then took the files and flung them at me like money to a stripper. I clench my jaw, tightening my fists.

"If you wanna work here produce quality work. Nobody asked for your input." He closed off. "You may leave."

I stood there in shock, while the tears ran freely.

"Out Aspen. Go make yourself useful." He yells and I flinch. Quickly walking out nearly tripping on my feet. I ignored the weird and sympathetic looks and quickly entered my office. I closed the door quietly and sat on my chair.

Someone like you.

Irrelevant.

Make yourself useful.

I place my head in my hands and cry. I feel so stupid

"Aspen?" A voice calls out and I jump. I didn't hear the door open. Damien stands before me with a worried expression. He locks the door and in two long strides, he's kneeling in front of me.

"Hi," I say quietly staring at my hands.

"What's wrong?" He asks softly

"Oh, its nothing. I can handle it." I say giving him a small smile. He reads my face and doesn't seem to be convinced but thankfully he doesn't push it.

He wipes some remaining tears from my eyes.

"Ice cream?" He says randomly and I can't help but laugh.

"Can't. I have work." I say with a frown.

"Pssh. Co-owner right here." He answers sassily. "Or did you forget?"

I think about it for a second and decide what could go wrong?

"Okay sure." I grab my belongings and lock my office.

"Ready?"

"Yea," I reply with a nod.

Like I said. What could go wrong?