(This part of the story does not contain any sex. If you are waiting for sex, wait till the third part comes out.
This is a story of a strong career-oriented woman, who gives up everything, including her sense of responsibility to her husband, her duty towards her family and the security of her future to promote her own career. When she sees her mistake, she tries to make amends. But, is it too late?
Note that comments are more than welcome. You can comment on this story or send me an email via the link below.)
JENNIFER's SIDE
The decision was long overdue. A memo circulated by e-mail to all staff members, just confirmed the same.
American Corporation Bank had named me as their new Vice President – International Business.
When the e-mail was first circulated in the office, I was simply sitting in my cabin, working. I check e-mails every two hours. So I did not see the e-mail as other people did. However, I could see much movement in the office from my glass door, most of it directed towards me. People smiled and gave me two thumbs up when they passed my cabin. People huddled together, as if in a secret discussion, then they would look towards my cabin, all smiles. I credited it to some client we may have scored.
It was only when Shirley, my secretary of seven years, rushed into the room with a big smile on her face that I knew something was up. When she told me what happened, I could not believe it. I still did not believe when I read the memo. It was from Edwards Sterling III. He was the CEO and President of ACB (American Corporation Bank – in short) and did treat me like a daughter.
I got up and called Mary, Edward's secretary. When she congratulated me, before putting me on to Edwards, I understood that this was no fantasy. My dream had indeed come true. I, Jennifer Grace, 32 years old, had become the Vice President of a global bank after 18 years of giving it my blood, sweat and tears. I was grateful for the recognition. The position meant everything to me. It was my dream. I lived it every day. Any action I took in the last 18 years, was to further that dream. And today, I had finally achieved it.
When Edwards, a serious man, had a smile on his face as I entered the room, I knew the news was true. When he had taken me through the speech of how he and the board members found only me worthy of this position, I was running out of breath. My heart had stopped. I just could not believe it. Finally, in something totally uncharacteristic of me, I let out a small whoop. I could see Edwards grinning paternally towards me. I apologized for the loss of control, but he rubbished it with his hand, saying it was okay to let go once in a while. I could see that he was genuinely feeling happy for me. I had everything now. I had my dream in my hand. I was Vice President!
I literally ran back to my cabin, well, actually ran as far as my high heels would allow. The first people I called were my team in Asia, Australia and Europe. I spoke with each of them for half an hour to an hour each. Thanking them, I spoke with them as a team, and even individually. Everyone was so happy for me. I hoped that I had not let my excitement show when I spoke to them. But I think they noticed anyways.
I felt that this one time, in my entire 18 years, I needed to express how I felt. And I did. To my team, who had helped me reach where I was today. To my line managers who reported to me, without whose dedication I would not have reached here. To my different departments, who functioned as a cohesive whole, and raised the bar on international deliveries. God, I was so happy today.
Next were calls to all close family friends and relatives. Each one reacted positively. They knew how much this meant to me. Everyone congratulated me. They wished me luck and blessed me. I loved every moment of it. I had tried calling Mom and Dad, but they had left a message on the answering machine that they were out to a small local fair and would not be accessible on their cell phones. I'd call them later.
Now next were calls to all my important vendors and customers. Of course, they were only too pleased at the developments. They all felt that I would indeed make a good Vice President.
By the time I looked up from my watch, it was 2:00 pm. God, it was so difficult to figure out where the time goes by. I was late for lunch. I grabbed my coat and rushed out to get a bite to eat. Not so easy. Edwards stopped me midcorridor. He invited me for lunch, stating casually that a few board members would also like to meet you. He grinned at me, noting that my eyes were wide like saucers. And told me that I would have to get used to meeting important people from now. I was thrilled, nervous and excited at the same time. This was so perfect. Nervously, I excused myself from Edwards, rushed towards the women's room and freshened up. Then I was all smiles as we moved towards his chauffeur driver car, and towards the most expensive restaurant in town. Lunch was good, but brief. I discussed future plans with the board members and everyone seemed genuinely interested in my plans.
I rushed back to office around 3:00 pm and faced another barrage of congratulations and well-wishers. The queue of people who wanted to shake my hands and wish me luck over the phone just kept on growing. And I never turned down anyone. I took all calls, answered all queries, accepted all congratulations and kept on going tirelessly. It was so perfect.
It was late evening around 7:00 pm when I was finally free from all the meetings and handshaking. I was tired, but felt a warm fuzzy glow inside me. I knew I had my life exactly where I wanted. I thanked Shirley for staying with me extra late to help me dealing with the onrush of congratulations. She just smiled and said she would always be there for me.
Around 7:30 pm, I was caught in a traffic jam while returning home. I decided to make that time in the car useful. I called up my parents' house. This time, they were there. Mom answered and I just could not control my feelings. I gushed out everything. The Vice Presidency, the joy, the meetings, everything, it just came on and on like a flood. When I finished speaking I could make out Mom was crying. She composed herself and congratulated me, giving me a couple of kisses over the phone. Dad had been standing on the line too. He blessed me and said that his little princess had all grown up. I could tell from his voice that he was proud of me. I could tell he was trying desperately to stay in control, but was not able to stop the tears coming from his eyes. He knew how badly I wanted that position. He knew how much I had toiled and sacrificed for it. I could feel the tears in my eyes too. All the heartaches and working long hours finally paid off. I got what I wanted. And it was so good. It was the peak.
And then my Dad asked, "Honey, does Arthur know about this?"
I almost had an accident as I braked the car hard at that question!
