Novel Sweet
Topic of Gossip
Chapter 56 Topic Of Gossip
X&J EMPIRE, NEW YORK. Nina flipped through the documents helplessly. Since she arrived at work, everything has been in disarray. Nina can’t seem to get a grip on herself, making her very frustrated. The rumors she had thought might die out in two days appear to have gotten more robust, and she is met with judgmental glares everywhere she goes. With her pregnancy out in the open, it makes her feel very exposed. She couldn’t help but blame Dani for the rumor because she was the one who had seen Xander kissing her on the forehead. And at the thought of Xander being the sole cause of everything happening, her anger heightened. She ruffled her hair restlessly. The product promotion was due by the end of the week, and her initial proposal had to be tweaked to make it work with the new budget. It had given her sleepless nights to bring everything together. Unfortunately, her hard work wasn’t enough. They need another idea, and none is coming forth at the moment. To cap it all, there has to be a preview play on the board in the next hour. Her eyes felt blurry. “You have something to offer, Dani. Why not show her?” Carlos asked in a hushed whisper as he nudged Dani on the side. At the same time, they all stared at Nina discreetly. They have all been wary of Nina since the beginning of the week, as she appears to be losing her temper at every turn. No one wants to be at the receiving end of her yelp. Mostly Dani. Nina seems hellbent on keeping her distance. “She won’t take it from me.” Dani gulped, feeling something itch her throat. Matilda sighed. “What happened between you two?” “I don’t know.” She replied hastily. Knowing it might only cause more controversy. Dani had kept the discussion between herself and Nina away from the others. Dani hoped Nina would discover the truth soon and realize she had nothing to do with the spreading spiteful rumor. Tired of sitting around, Joshua snatched the file from Dani and walked determinedly towards Nina’s table. He dropped it on the table with a thud and leaned towards her. Nina blinked at the proximity. “Listen, Nina. I know this is a hard time for you. It is for us, too. But you can’t keep refusing help and trying to carry the burden alone. It would help if you had us to help you do this. Right here is a plan that might help and save our asses before the board in a few minutes. Please put it in the form and ask for help when needed. Please. It is not only yours to do.” Nina glanced sideways at the rest of the team. They all seem to be in Joshua’s talk. She gulped and reached for the file, reading through its content. Her eyes widened when she realized it was just the icing she needed. A grateful smile spread on her face. “Thank you so much.” She mumbled. “Anytime. Let’s get on with this and show these folks that we are not to be messed with.” He urged, grinning at her. Thankfully, the presentation started with Dawn in their absence. Even though Nina doesn’t show it, she feels discomfort whenever Dawn is around. Thankfully, the board felt delighted at the presentation and gave the go-ahead for the promotion to start with immediate effect. Nina couldn’t believe her luck after announcing the outcome to the team. She went to the break room to mop alone after everyone went to lunch. She wasn’t sure what to expect from the board as they can be unpredictable. She had chosen to stay back instead of heading to the cafeteria to eat to avoid the sneers and back talks she would encounter, as it seems to have become an everyday torture. A reminder alarm came on, jolting her back to the present. It turned out to be her hospital appointment. As if on cue, she felt a kick in her belly. She has missed two appointments and only relied on her vitamins to keep her going. Every moment counts for her; she doesn’t think a weekly visit is necessary. “I am sorry, baby. Just hold still for Mama. I promise to make it right.” She said to her growing belly, rubbing at it slowly. “Having a word with the little one?” Carlos asked, peeking from the door. Nina sniffed, wiping off the tears quickly. “Yeah.” She said, laughing awkwardly. “Look what I found.” He grinned, raising a bag of chocolate cookies. “For me?” Carlos nodded, handing it to her. “Yes, for you. I thought you might like it. It was my sister’s favorite delight when she was pregnant with my nephew. Have you checked the gender?” “Not yet. Thank you. I will make sure to enjoy it.” Nina said with a smile. Silence reigned between them for a little while before Carlos cleared his throat. “Nina, I know I am probably considered the most insensitive one in the office. But I can assure you that I can be sensible occasionally. I know all of the things happening are tough on you. It’s not easy being the puppet. And these carnivores do not care what becomes of the person they are hell-bent on destroying with their horrible words. I got my fair share of it at a place I once worked. With your state, I wonder how you still come to work strong-willed and pulling through the day without fail. It’s a good thing to admire.” He inhaled, holding up a smile. “What I am trying to say is sorry. I apologize on behalf of myself and others for joining others in gossiping. The pain in your eyes is something that keeps me awake all night. Knowing you could have been my sister makes my heart clench. I would be mad if anyone thinks writing spiteful things about my sister is okay.” “Carlos, you didn’t do anything wrong. It’s not like you had any other choice.” “That is still no excuse to be like that. I am sorry. Stay strong, Nina. And I want you to know I will always be here if you need me.” Carlos mused. A smile crept up Nina’s face after Carlos left. If only he knew just how elevated he had made her.This is property © NôvelDrama.Org.