Amy

They say, "Being confident is good, but being over-confident is not." And they are so not wrong there. Three nights ago, Aaron had told me that I was being over-confident about this coffee shop project. I had thought that he was just being absurd and trying to demotivate me. But, after spending two hours with our client, Mrs. Brown, I am seriously beginning to doubt myself. She is not inclined to cooperate like at all.

"No, no, no. That is not the correct design. It doesn't have anything even close to what I am looking for!" Mrs. Brown said again as I showed her one of the previous designs she had rejected.

"Mrs. Brown, I already know that. I am just trying to understand what are you looking for. Could you please tell me any colors that you have in mind?" I pleaded.

"What am I paying you for if I have to suggest everything? It is your task not mine. If I had such great artistic skills, I would have been a designer myself."

I sighed as I said, "I understand that. But, I am just trying to understand what you can see in these designs that none of the other architects could see. I am trying to see it from your perspective so that I can help you better."

"Help me? Oh please! You all just think of me as a huge problem. I am sure you all just want to gain the payment as soon as possible so that you can be done with me for infinity. You and your collogues will be done with a difficult client, get your payment and save yourselves from being fired and your boss, Aaron Kingston, will have one more massive place in the city to brag about", she scoffed.

I lost my patience at this point. What does she even think of herself? Aaron is not like that. I mean yes I know he is arrogant and I hate him too at this point, but he never boasts about anything. This lady here doesn't even know him and she has no right to speak about him like that.

"No, Mrs. Brown. You are not correct. Mr. Kingston never brags about any of the projects that he or his employees have ever designed. His work speaks for him. And even if he did brag about it, he very well deserves it. He and his employees have worked hard to achieve what he has. If it was not for his hard work, his company would have never reached the position it has today", I argued.

"You talk as if you know him very closely. I am sure he has used some tricks here and there. Some ways to impress his clients and their families. You know what I mean", Mrs. Brown said.

"I am just appreciating the hard work that he has put into it. Not everyone necessarily has tricks up their sleeves. Some people are just genuinely hard working."

"Really? So, you are telling me that working hard is all that is important? Was that all that took him to reach this height? It is that easy for people? Do you know how many people in the world work hard everyday? Do everyone reach to the heights? Working hard is not the only thing required to crack the rock, miss", she said haughtily.

"Yes, it may not be the only thing. You may need a lot of brains, huge amount of planning, correct decision making and a tinge of luck too. Not all people reach those heights not just because they don't have the luck or resources, but because everyone does not have the same dream to reach those great heights. Some people find pleasure in slightest of things. The definition of success is different for all."

"You think everyone reaches their own definition of success?" she asked looking at me intendedly.

"I don't think it is always easy or straightforward or even slightly same for everyone. Some people make more mistakes, some people make less ones. But, you know what's most important? It is to keep trying. If you keep trying, eventually, you will be there", I said honestly with a shrug.

"So, what's your definition of success? What position in the company or how much money it is that you aspire?" she raised her eyebrow in question.

"Not everything revolves around money, Mrs. Brown. I do not want to be rude as you are my client but I do not work for money. My work is my passion. I work because I love what I do. My aspirations have nothing to do with the money or a higher position in the company. I aspire to give my one hundred percent effort while I am drawing designs and keep doing so until the client is satisfied", I said angrily.

"So, you will continue trying even if I reject all your designs until the end of the month? Until the deadline is up?" she narrowed her eyes.

"Even after the deadline is up, I will not leave it until I have understood what exactly it is that you want. You may not pay me or the company for it but I will continue asking you or at least anticipate the opening of your café so I can finally understand what you expected from us. If nothing, it will help me improve my skills", I shrugged lightly. I thought she will ask me more stupid questions but instead, she finally smiled at me.

"I like your spirit and admire your passion for your work. Your honesty is appealing to me. You are wiser beyond your age and really down to earth. This is what will help you reach great places, child."

This woman is officially super weird. She called me 'child' after arguing with me over off topic stuff and literally not answering a single question about the design she wants so far. To top that, she just gave me an analysis about myself like a professional psychologist.

"So, you will help me trying to understand what you want?" I asked hopefully.

She rolled her eyes and sighed, "Like I have said before to every single one before you and you too, I am not looking for anything specific. All I want is a place where I can make coffee and host a few people who are looking for peace from their daily issues or some lone time from the world or wanna hang out with friends. There should be something that keeps them hooked to the café and make them want to come again and again."

"So, what is it exactly in these that makes you not like anyone of them?"

"I don't know, to be honest. It is just that there is just something in them that makes me cringe. All of them have something lacking in them which makes the coffee shop different from what I am looking for."

"Okay. So, no specifications at all? Just something appealing. That is it?"

"Yes."

"Fine, I will work on a few designs and get back to you next week?"

"Works fine. Don't forget that is the last day of the month. It is your last chance."

I smiled at her and left. But, as soon as I sat in my car, I banged my head against the steering wheel. I really do not know how this will work out. I did say it confidently to her that I will give her a good design but I do not even know where to begin in the first place let alone giving her what she wants.

I know now why exactly was he so confident that night three days ago. It is impossible to please someone when you know literally nothing about what they want. I can imagine Aaron doing a happy dance a week later and escorting me out of the office building.

"Aaron, you bastard!" I yelled in my car.

I rubbed my face and took a deep breadth to calm myself and started driving to the office. I will have to go to office and try to look at the designs again to understand the problem.

"Hey, Amy", Luke called as I got out of the car.

"Hey, Luke," I said.

Luke has been so busy past three days that we hardly meet in the office except over the phone. We have managed to catch up on a lot of things and I have also told him about how I married Aaron and our so called love story. I haven't told him about the whole revenge part just yet as I do not want him to worry about me. I have also managed to make him promise that he will not disclose this on purpose or accidentally to anyone else. I like my life the way it is and I would like to keep it like that for as long as possible.

"How's it going?" he asked.

"Just came from meeting a client." I gave him a tired smile which said it all.

"Difficult one, I guess?" Luke laughed.

"Don't ask. My head is literally hurting so bad. I will need to have two coffees today." I ran a hand through my hair messing them up a little.

"Ouch." He gave me a smirk.

"Anyways, how are you so late today?" I asked.

"I had some personal work so I had told my manager that I would start late today."

"Keeping secrets, are we?" I asked him with folded hands.

"No, nothing like that." He looked away. I know him too well to know when he is lying.

"Ouch and here I thought I was a close friend too. I never thought you would lie to me." I feigned hurt and pouted.

"Amy, there is nothing like that, okay? I will tell you later," he said.

"Okay," I smiled.

"Let's go?" he said and I nodded as I turned.

"Amy, one second," he caught my hand to stop me and turned me around.

I looked at him confused. He pointed at my head and said. "Your hair. It is in disarray."

"Really?" I asked touching my hair.

"Wait." He took his hand behind my head and removed a hair pin. A strand of my hair fell on my face and before I could react, he pulled the strand behind and pinned it up again.

"There you go." He said and smiled at me.

"Thanks, Luke." I smiled back and we walked in.

I greeted everyone as I reached my desk.

"Where have you been?" Jason asked me. Jason sits at the cubical beside me.

"I was meeting a client. Why?" I asked him curious.

"Boss is looking for you. He sent for you three times already."

"Tony?"

"No, not Tony. The Boss. Mr. Kingston." he said eyeing me carefully.

Why is he looking for me now? What does he want?

"Amy, boss is asking for you." Peter called behind me.

"Morning, Peter. Let's go." I smiled at him.

"Morning, Amy", he smiled back.

"So, what number is it today?" I asked him as we got into the elevator.

"Five, I think." Peter laughed.

"Shit!" I exclaimed.

So, while I was dating Aaron, I used to often call Peter before calling Aaron whenever I knew that Aaron would be in a bad mood. We had a secret chart of the levels of Aaron's mood. The best mood was one and ten was worst. One was happy, two was excited and three was calm. Anything beyond three meant I was in trouble. Yep, I know I am in big trouble if it is five. But, why?

"Wish me luck", I winked at Peter as I walked to the devil's lair and he laughed behind me.

I knocked on the door and heard a soft answer before I walked in. Aaron was sitting at his desk. He was wearing a black suit and continued working on his computer. He was looking at the screen with complete focus. I was not sure if he even realized that I walked in already. So, I coughed a little. He looked up from above his spectacles and when he realized it is me, he leaned back on his chair.

"May I know why were you late to the office, Amelia?" he asked with raised eyebrows.

"I was still working. I was with Mrs. Brown. Also, I would appreciate if you call me Ms. Lawson instead, Mr. Kingston." I said flatly.

"You met her? Great! So now you can finally accept that this project is beyond your capacity and resign from office earlier than expected. Why do you want me to call you Ms. Lawson? You are my wife and I can call you whatever I want." He said with a sugar sweet smile. Note the sarcasm.

Wife, Aaron? Really? As if you even consider me one. I clearly remember your words and how much you hate me. No need to keep reminding me all of that. I will not let you get to me.

"Sorry to break your dreams, Mr. Kingston. I am not going to resign so fast. I am not gonna give up on Mrs. Brown until I can give her what she wants. I know I am capable enough to design something satisfying her needs. You cannot call me Amelia or Amy. I am your employee here, not your w-wife." God, I can't even say the word without stuttering. Thanks a lot, Aaron.

Aaron just smiled in return and said, "We shall find out about your capabilities by the end of the month. And if you being just an employee is the reason why I should call you Ms. Lawson, then even better. I am your boss and I can call you whatever I want."

"I am sure you will be licking your wounds by the end of the month. But, presumably, shouldn't you be more worried about loosing a good client instead of being happy about me failing? Doesn't look like you care a lot about loosing clients. Customer is god for business, Mr. Kingston. You should value them. Also, do you refer to all your employees by their first name? No, right? Then, I would prefer to not be an exception."

Aaron got up from his chair and walked to the front of his desk as I spoke. Leaning on his desk, he gave a light chuckle and said, "I am worried about loosing my clients, Amelia. I do value them. Hence, I have already made a design according to what Mrs. Brown wishes to have. When you fail, I will give it to her. That way, I will have you out of the office without loosing a good client. I do call many people by their first name. For instance, Peter. So, you are not the exception."

"Wait, so you already know what she wants? Then why didn't you give it to her directly instead of making me deal with her?" I asked bewildered.

"Do you really want me to answer that?" he laughed.

Damn it, of course. An excuse to fire me.

"Don't worry. There shall be no need for it. She will love what I have in mind." I lied. Even I don't know what I have in mind.

"So confident, are we now?" He took a step toward me and I took one back.

"Y-Yes." I said.

"Why are you stammering then?" He took a step towards me again and I took one back again.

"B-Because you are entering my personal space."

"You mean I am intimidating you?" He took another step towards me and my back hit the wall.

"N.No, I mean you are entering my p..personal space, not scaring me." I gulped. To be honest I am a little intimidated right now. He is acting very unpredictable and I can never tell what's going on in his head.

"Tell me something, why do you not want me to call you anything but Ms. Lawson?" he suddenly asked.

"Because I am your employee and I would like to keep it professional." I said and tried to move past him but he stopped me with his hand.

"And does everything have to happen the way all of you want it?" he asked again.

I didn't understand what he meant and I just ignored him and tried to walk past him from the other side but he stopped me again.

By this time, he had me cornered between his arms on both sides of my head and the wall behind my back. He was staring into my eyes as if trying to search something. His gaze shifted to my forehead, then my cheeks and then lingered on my lips. Finally, he took a deep breadth sucking his lower lip between his teeth and took a step back.

What is he trying to do? He can guess what's going on in my head from anywhere. What is he looking for in my eyes then? Is he..Is he going to kiss me? Like hell he will. What is our relation now? Nothing. He has no right on me whatsoever. I will kick him in the shin if he even tries to do anything.

"So, if you have it figured, it shouldn't take you more than tomorrow to put it on paper, correct?" he asked bringing me out of my dazed state.

"Yes." I muttered before my head could process what he was saying.

"Great! Then, Why wait until next week? I am scheduling a meeting with Mrs. Brown for day after tomorrow. Get your designs ready by then or you are fired." He said as he set back on his chair.

"Day after tomorrow?" I almost shouted. I don't even know where to begin yet. I will be dead if it happens day after tomorrow.

"Yes. You are already ready with the idea and it will take only tomorrow to put it on paper then why wait. You will get the meeting invite soon. You can leave now," he said it with finality and literally left no room for arguments as he restarted working on his computer.

I walked out of his office mentally scolding myself. Why did I have to act so confident. I am totally screwed now. I will be fired in two days. Bye, Bye, my dear dreams of getting back at Aaron!

I sat at my desk with a pout and stared at the screen. The idea of getting fired was so depressing that I literally didn't want to work anymore and just sit and sulk. I was just looking at the screen and scrolling blankly through the designs of Mr. Brown's project.

Why, Mrs. Brown? Why did you reject all of these? Why were you -

Wait a minute.

Two Days Later...

"This is just perfect. It is exactly how I wanted it to be!" Mrs. Brown exclaimed as I completed the presentation.

Hearing those words come out of her mouth, I had a big proud smile on my face, Aaron's face was expressionless and everyone else was utterly shocked. Aaron turned his head towards me and our eyes met. I was doing a mental dance right now and I am sure he knows it.

Ha, Ha. I won. Oh my god. I won. I can't believe it. I actually won. In your face, Aaron. I ain't going anywhere.

"Thanks, Mr. Kingston. I will make the complete payment by the end of the day. Thanks, Amelia." Mrs. Brown actually fucking smiled at us.

"You are welcome, Mrs. Brown. I was positive that Amelia was the perfect person to help you. I am glad it worked out for all of us", Aaron told Mrs. Brown.

Sure, my foot. He was rooting for me to loose and now he is eating his own words. Bloody Liar. I was slightly glaring at him right now. But, anyways, I won.

Soon Mrs. Brown left and so did everyone else. I didn't realize soon enough it was only Aaron and I who were left in the conference room. I was packing my stuff when he spoke.

"So, how did you figure it?"

"Figure what?" I asked confused.

"How did you figure the design that she would like?"

"I told you I had talked to her and I knew what she wanted", I lied avoiding his gaze.

"Liar. You were as blank as a white sheet the day I spoke to you in the office. So tell me, how did you figure that what she wanted was nothing extravagant but a simple small homely place", he gave me a challenging look.

"You knew?" I asked shocked.

"Didn't I tell you that I had the backup plan prepared? You thought I was bluffing, didn't you?" he crossed his right leg over the other and folded his arms across his chest as he leaned back on the chair.

I just bit my lip and looked down.

"By the way do you wanna see what I had designed?" he asked and opened his laptop. I walked behind him as he opened his files.

To say I was shocked would be an understatement.

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Hello Readers,

I am extremely sorry for late update. Due to family emergency and other issues I couldn't write properly in the past few weeks. I tried my best and finally had something good to post.

Do vote, comment and share if you like.

Let me know how the chapter was.