Chapter One
It started like any other Monday Morning.
Professionals buzzed around the Wiseman Marketing and Company building in their power casual attire. Nisa George walked confidently toward the security kiosk after stepping off the parking garage elevator, her hips swaying slightly in high heels. Her wrinkle-free lilac blouse, tucked into dark cuffed skinny pants and paired with gold accessories, perfectly embodied the calm sophistication she always projected.
Since childhood, Nisa has battled insecurities and anxieties but found control in her appearance. She believed that if her struggles were hidden, they didn’t exist. She felt her life was perfect as long as she looked perfect.
As security checked Nisa’s badge, she noticed some coworkers with stressed expressions while others whispered and pointed at their phones. An uneasy feeling crept over her as she waited for the elevator. She glanced back and caught suspicious eyes. Smiling at them, they returned to their conversations without acknowledging her. Though used to occasional attention as one of the few black women in upper management, this felt different.
Nisa stepped off the elevator onto an oddly quiet and empty top floor, which displayed beautiful views of the Colver skyline.
Where is everyone?
Nisa pulled out her phone and hastily rechecked her emails and text messages for any meetings or announcements she could have missed, but nothing new emerged.
“Mornin’ Nisa!”
Nisa’s assistant, Ashley, appeared seemingly out of nowhere with a hot cup of tea.
“Oh! Ash. Good Morning. You scared me.” Nisa walked around her to unlock the office door.
“Sorry.” Ashley grinned, placing the cup on her desk. “So, don’t leave ya girl in suspense. How’d it go? What did Mr. Wiseman say?”
Nisa froze, giving Ashley her attention.
“What are you talking about? Is Walton Wiseman here?”
Ashley frowned, confused. “Didn’t you get the email? Wiseman has a big announcement. All-hands is meetin’ in an hour.”
“What!?” Nisa shrieked before clearing her throat and quickly reclaimed some control. “What are you talking about?”
“Um, Mr. Wiseman is here. He took upper management out for coffee this morning. I thought you were with them.”
Nisa cursed quietly, turning her frustrations on her assistant. “Why am I just hearing about this, Ash? You’re supposed to remind me of these things.”
“I’m sorry. I-I don’t know. I assumed you already knew. Walton sent out an email last night to the entire company.”
Nisa tempered her anger and took a measured breath. It was an honest mistake. Beyond anybody’s control, even her assistant.
“No, I’m sorry, Ash.” Nisa quickly logged into her computer, puzzled about why she was missing important meetings and emails. Thankfully, Ashley had been there to remind her, but events were still disappearing from her calendar. “Isn’t this the fourth time I’ve missed an important email? Can you send another ticket to IT?”
Ashley nodded and pulled out her phone from her bra. “I’m on it. I’ll also send you a test email now and alert IT immediately to escalate this issue.” Instantly, a new notification appeared in Nisa’s inbox with the word ‘TEST’ in the subject field.
“I got it.” Nisa sighed, relieved. “Go ahead and submit a ticket, and we’ll deal with that later. So what did the email say?”
“He said he wanted to meet with upper management first thing in the morning because he had a big announcement, followed by a mandatory meeting with the entire staff at 10 a.m. sharp. Everyone is freakin’ out.”
“That explains the anxious coworkers and missing execs,” Nisa remarked.
Walton Wiseman rarely visits WM headquarters without notice, so Nisa was curious about the reason for his unexpected visit. She knew it couldn’t be bad news, as the company was financially thriving with deals planned for the next ten years.
“Well...You didn’t hear it from me, but...Becky may know what’s going on. I spotted her wearin’ that tacky, purple lipstick she smears on for special guests. That could only mean Walton brought someone essential.”
“Have you seen them?”
“Nope. But I can’t wait. A few people saw Walton with this man finer than the china in my grandma’s cabinet early this morning. You know I love me some eye candy.” Ashley grinned, twirling a strawberry blond lock between her fingers.
Nisa chuckled.“How would Teddy feel knowing his girlfriend was ogling other men?” She teased before taking a sip of tea.
A bizarre expression crossed Ashley’s face. “What he doesn’t know won’t hurt him. Anyway, speaking of significant others...Happy Anniversary!” Ashley congratulated her boss. “I confirmed your dinner reservations for tonight at Howard House.”
Nisa nodded stiffly, remembering the plans she had set months ago.
What was meant to be a happy day filled Nisa with dread. She and her husband, William, did not celebrate the occasion; he came home late yet again. Nisa initially thought William’s workaholic tendencies were due to his new business. She hoped he would have more time after hiring his best friend as co-owner. Instead, they felt like roommates rather than newlyweds, leaving her lonely. Nisa thought a nice dinner for their anniversary could reignite their marriage, but she began to question if her efforts were worth it, as she seemed to be the only one trying.
“Uh oh, What’s with the long face? Don’t tell me you’re havin’ issues’ with Willy.” Ashley frowned, sitting in a chair facing the desk.
“No, I’m good. William is good. We’re all good.” Nisa smiled, but Ashley’s face indicated she didn’t believe her.
Ignoring her assistant, Nisa started her workday. She refused to mix her personal life with work. “Thanks for everything, Ash. I will catch up on things before the meeting,” she added, eyes glued to the monitor.
“Okay...I’m leaving,” Ashley chuckled, getting up. Do you need me to set a reminder? Becky wants all the executive assistants to help set up refreshments, so I won’t be around.”
“No, I’m–”
“Please! Don’t make me go!” Ashley pleaded, falling dramatically on the desk. “I think I will barf if I see that horrid lipstick on Becky’s teeth again,” she grimaced.
Nisa grinned.“Well, how about you do the right thing and tell her she has lipstick on her teeth.”
“Ha! And miss out watchin’ her embarrass herself? I think the hell not. Why do you think no one says anything to her? Because you and I both know she’s a bitch. Just because Walton banged her 5 years ago at the Christmas party, she thinks she’s better than everyone else.”
Nisa understood Ashley’s hostility toward the HR Executive, as she had faced unfair treatment during her first year at WM. However, she chose to remain respectful, fearing repercussions. As a Black woman, she realized she couldn’t express her thoughts as freely as others.
“The executives should be back any minute. I bet Becky will be in that meeting with lipstick all over her teeth. Honestly, I might just ask her where she got that tacky shade. You’d think someone like her would own a mirror,” Ashley said, crossing her arms.
Nisa just shook her head, not trying to get involved.
“Remind me never to get on your bad side,” she smiled as Ashley grinned mischievously. “Now go. I don’t want Becky bitchin’ at me for keeping you longer than necessary.”
“Ugh, fine,” Ashley groaned, dragging her feet to the door. “I’ll save you a seat.”
After reviewing reports, Nisa regretted not taking Ashley’s reminder seriously when she saw the time. She rushed to the main conference room, entering as one of the last people amidst a sea of anxious coworkers. After awkward glances, Nisa sat beside Ashley, who smiled before focusing on her phone. The tense atmosphere made Nisa wish she had her phone to distract herself.
“Oh my gosh, Sally. He’s looking at me!” A woman whispered behind Nisa.
“Girl, please. You look like a big toe. That fine man is looking at me!” another woman whispered back harshly.
“Oh...you know what...I think you’re right. He probably can’t stop staring at that giant booger hanging out of your nose.” the woman replied snidely.
The women continued bickering as Nisa looked for the man they were fighting over.
Nisa was instantly captivated by a pair of intense yet familiar cornflower blue eyes. She was puzzled by how she hadn’t noticed him before, but now she couldn’t look away. His soft, dark brown hair gelled stylishly, complementing the neatly trimmed beard that lined his sharp jawline. Her gaze naturally fell to his smooth, dusky pink lips, which looked incredibly kissable. Absentmindedly, she nibbled on her bottom lip, and the man responded with a smirk.
Did he catch that?
Overcome with embarrassment, Nisa glanced down, her cheeks burning with shame.
There were plenty of attractive men at Wiseman Marketing, but this stranger made her feel like a teenager with a crush on the star quarterback. She felt a wave of shame wash over her; just moments ago, she had teased Ashley for ogling other men, and now she found herself doing the same. Purposefully, she shifted her gaze around the auditorium to distract herself as his intense stare became almost unbearable. When she glanced behind her, she noticed that the two women who had been arguing were now giggling and subtly waving at Mr. Handsome.
She rolled her eyes, facing the front.
“He isn’t looking at you,” Nisa murmured, justifying why the stranger would even look her way.
In his tailored navy suit, his muscular frame and light blue eyes epitomize a playboy. He only dates models, leaving a trail of broken hearts behind.
Even if I weren’t married, a guy like that wouldn’t want me.
With her self-esteem bruised, Nisa looked listlessly in his direction and regretted it immediately.
Mr. Handsome unmistakably observed Nisa. She nervously smiled back, and he reveled in their connection. A lazy smile spread across his face as he extended their silent communication, allowing his gaze to convey everything he couldn’t express in the crowded room.
Nisa shifted uneasily in her seat as she nervously adjusted her hair, catching a glimpse of the ring on her left hand.
“Okay, quiet down, everyone!” Becky shouted from the stage, with Walton close behind, adjusting his clothes. “Please ensure all phones are silent or turned off before we begin.” She pointed at Ashley.
“Dusty bitch...” Ashley mumbled, stuffing her phone back into her bra.
Walton cleared his throat while confidently striding toward the podium on stage.
“Um... Thank you, Ms. Summers. Good morning, everyone. I apologize for the delay. I appreciate everyone coming together on such short notice. As you all know, I’m not getting any younger...”
“But he’s gettin’ sexier. Up there looking like Pierce Brosnan,” Ashley whispered to Nisa, making her chuckle.
“I have spent over 20 years working alongside all of you, helping to build this company into its great success today. However, I believe it’s time to exchange my cufflinks for golf clubs permanently. I have decided to retire at the end of the year.”
The crowd audibly gasped at the news.
Nisa is uncertain about her feelings. Walton is the best boss anyone could ask for; he hired her despite her lack of experience and paid for her classes and seminars to help her advance. Though he rarely visited the office, they connected virtually, and he always offered wise advice. She will miss him but understands his desire to retire.
“Therefore, I’ve decided to bring on someone I know will continue my legacy in the right direction. I want to introduce our new Chief Operating Officer in training. Let’s give a big WM welcome to my dear nephew Samuel Wiseman!”
The conference room filled with applause as Mr. Handsome got up from his seat on stage. He shook Walton’s hand tightly before replacing his spot at the podium.
“Thank you for the warm welcome. I am very excited to be here.” Samuel addressed the crowd bashfully with a deep cadence. “As my uncle stated, this was all short notice, but I want to formally introduce myself to everyone before I transition to this branch. Walton has been telling me all the phenomenal work everyone has achieved here for years, and I’m immensely impressed....”
Nisa glanced around the silent auditorium as people ate his praise, especially the women in the crowd. Becky Summers couldn’t stop eye-fucking him from her seat on stage. She smiled, and a large dark purple stain appeared across her teeth.
Nisa cringed and nudged Ashley, motioning her head at Becky.
Ashley grinned and mouthed, ‘Pay me my money.’
“...My door is always open. Please feel free to talk to me. My title says COO, but this company wouldn’t be where it is without each of you. I want to help out in any way I can. My only personal goal is to give Walton peace of mind that his company is in great, capable hands before he retires,” he joked, patting Walton’s back, and the crowd erupted in boisterous laughter.
“I bet his big hands are capable...if you know what I mean?” The woman behind Nisa quipped. Ashley offered a hand over her shoulder for a sly high-five, and all four women giggled. Becky scowled at them.
“I look forward to working with each of you,” Samuel finished, staring at Nisa. Those eyes made her feel exposed. She couldn’t understand why he kept looking at her that way. She looked around to see if anybody else noticed how the man stared at her, but everyone remained oblivious.
Walton ended the meeting, and employees swarmed Samuel. Nisa decided to skip the pleasantries and return to her office. Since Mr. Handsome was the new COO, she figured she would cross paths with Samuel soon. For now, she needed to get her emotions under control. Her guilt and that faintly familiar pull toward Samuel unsettled her.
Once she closed her office door, it shut out handsome executives and all the distractions unrelated to her work or marriage. After several hours of virtual meetings and conference calls and trying to avoid Ashley’s attempts to gush about Mr. Handsome, she sighed with relief, glad to have reached what was arguably one of the best times of her workday.
Lunchtime.
After William advised her to reduce her carb intake, Nisa had followed a strict diet for the past few months. However, after this morning, she decided to treat herself to an emotional cheat meal of delicious fried cheesy goodness. Her mouth watered, thinking about the piping hot mozzarella sticks dipped in cool, tangy marinara sauce. Appetizers like these had been her comfort food since childhood, helping her cope with stressful situations.
Nisa picked up the phone to invite Ashley out to lunch when there was a knock at the door.
“Come in,” she called out anxiously, not expecting anyone.
Walton walked in, followed by Samuel. Nisa stood quickly to greet them.
“Good Afternoon, Nisa; I hope we didn’t interrupt anything,” Walton inquired.
“Not at all, Mr. Wiseman, I was um...about to take my lunch break.” Nisa smiled politely, feeling Samuel’s intense gaze again.
“Excellent! Since we missed you this morning, I invite you to join Samuel and me for lunch.”
Nisa inwardly cringed. “Oh...how nice of you. I appreciate it, and I wanted to add that I’m deeply sorry for missing the–”
Walton raised his hand. “No need to apologize. Ashley told me everything.” He winked, placing a sly smirk on his lips. “I was married twice, so I know how hot and heavy it was during those first five years. Just make sure you’re getting plenty of sleep.”
Nisa’s eyes widened in shock. Although she appreciated Ashley’s attempt at covering for her, she needed to talk seriously with her assistant about professionalism.
Samuel cleared his throat loudly.
“Oh, please excuse me.” Walton turned to Samuel. “Nisa, have you had a chance to meet my nephew?”
“No, unfortunately, she left before I could say hello.” Samuel smiled and offered his hand.
Nisa professionally accepted it, but his warm, rough touch arrested her like finding the final piece of a forgotten puzzle. Samuel took Nisa’s stunned silence as the opportunity to leave a soft, feathery kiss on her fingers. The sensation trickled down to the seat of her panties.
Nisa swallowed thickly.“Um, you seemed occupied with our team. I didn’t want to impose.”
“Nisa...,” Samuel said, her name reverently. He held her gaze and hand like he didn’t want to let go. “As I said this morning, don’t hesitate to contact me. I’m always available, especially for you.”
Jesus, be a fence.
Samuel released her hand reluctantly. “Walton has told me so much about you. Your reputation is remarkable. Starting from an entry-level position to Operations Executive in three years is no easy feat.”
“Samuel requested working beside my top-performing employees during his transition, and you were at the top of my list given your experience,” Walton added. “I want you to work closely with Samuel as he becomes accustomed to how things work around here. If anyone is goin’ to get this knucklehead here straight, it’s you. Please join us for lunch to get to know each other.”
“Pleaase,” Samuel begged playfully, stuffing his hands into his tailored pants confidently.
“Sure,” Nisa yielded uneasily. “Let me just grab my purse, and I will meet you outside-”
Walton’s loud ringtone interrupted.
“Oh shoot, I gotta grab this. I will meet you all downstairs,” Walton rushed out of the room. Nisa turned to grab her purse.
“So beautiful..”
Caught off guard, Nisa turned back to see Samuel staring at her and biting his lip.
“Excuse me?”
Samuel glanced at a framed photo on her desk. “This photo...It’s so... beautiful. How long have you been married?”
“Um...three years. Today is our anniversary.” Nisa added, reminding herself.
“Wow,” Samuel said plainly, following her out of the office.
Nisa looked back and saw Sam, his face marked by worry, with a furrowed brow and distant eyes that revealed his deep concern.
Meya Kaye:
Thanks for reading!
Apologies for any grammar/spelling mistakes
