ZANIYAH’S POV
I was jolted awake by the sound of my phone ringing. I groggily reached for it and saw that it was Sir Mark calling. I quickly answered, my voice still heavy with sleep. "Hello, sir."
"Have you seen what's spreading on social media?" he asked, his tone measured but tinged with annoyance.
I was puzzled. "Po?"
"I sent you a link. Check it now. Then come to the office ASAP!" he said firmly before ending the call.
I was left in bewilderment as Sir Mark abruptly ended the call. Anxiety gnawed at me as I pondered the gravity of his tone. I quickly opened my messenger app, where I found the links he had sent me. With trembling fingers, I tapped on the first one and was met with a shock.
The image displayed a picture of Jackson and me at Nexus Painting. It was clear that someone had taken a candid shot without our knowledge. My heart sank further as I opened the second link Sir Mark had sent. The situation had taken a darker turn. There was a picture of me looking at Jackson with a caption that read, "Si Jackson at ang feelingerang PA niya." Scrolling through the comments, my heart shattered as I read the hurtful words.
"Wow, Jackson's personal assistant is quite bold."
"I used to admire Jackson, but now I'm disappointed. I thought he was loyal to Laarni."
"Wala naman laban diyan ang isang fashion model sa personal assistant lang."
"Jackson cheater!"
My eyes welled up with tears as I read comments aimed at Jackson. It was evident that our professional relationship was being smeared, and my heart ached for him.
Without wasting another moment, I rushed to the office. As I entered, I saw Sir Mark, his face etched with concern, pacing back and forth in his office.
Pagkapasok ko sa office ay nakita ko galit na mga mata ni Sir Mark, "Zaniyah, ano ‘yong kumakalat sa social media? Bakit nasa Nexus Painting kayo?" he barked at me.
I instinctively lowered my head, overwhelmed by Sir Mark's shouting. "Zaniyah?" he called again, his voice sharp with frustration.
Fear had gripped me, and I struggled to find the right words to explain. "Why were you at Nexus Painting?" he asked, this time with a tone that, although calmer, still held traces of anger.
I took a deep breath before I began to speak, finally looking up at him. "Kasi, sir, gusto raw po ni sir Jackson tumingin ng mga painting sa Nexus kaya pumunta siya do’n." mahina kong paliwanag
"Kaya kinonsinte mo ‘yon, dapat pinigilan mo!" giit niya na may halong galit "Hindi mo ba alam na maraming nambash sa kaniya? Masisira pa ‘yong pag nominate niya sa musical kingdom awards dahil sa punyetang kumakalat na picture na ‘yan!" sigaw niya
I took a deep breath, attempting to steady my trembling nerves. "I'm really sorry, sir," I began, my voice shaking slightly as I finally looked up to meet his gaze. "I didn't know it would turn out like this. I deeply regret my actions."
Sir Mark's anger didn't seem to lessen, but his tone became a touch calmer. "Hindi mo alam kung anong gulo ang binigay mo kay Jackson, day-off mo muna ngayon, huwag ka munang magpapakita kay Jackson." sagot niya "Umalis kana sa harapan ko."
As I stepped out of Sir Mark's office, I couldn't help but feel the weight of the situation pressing down on me. The glances and hushed whispers from my colleagues made me acutely aware that news of the pictures of Jackson and me had already spread like wildfire across social media.
I made my way to my desk, trying to keep my composure despite the humiliation and regret gnawing at me. It was as if the whole world was watching and passing judgment on my actions.
Ate Sab approached me, her expression a mixture of sympathy and concern. "Zaniyah, kumusta ka na?" she asked softly.
I managed a weak smile, feeling grateful for her support. "Okay lang po, Ate Sab, gagawan ko na lang po ng paraan ito."
She patted my shoulder reassuringly. "Huwag kang mag-alala, alam kong hindi mo sinasadya 'yon. Basta, sama-sama namin aayusin ito."
I nodded, her words providing me with some comfort. But deep down, I couldn't shake off the overwhelming sense of responsibility and guilt for what had transpired.
Throughout the day, I received sympathetic messages from my co-workers, but I also noticed some subtle judgment and gossiping. It was evident that I had become the center of attention in the office, and not in a positive way.
As the hours passed, I couldn't help but think about Jackson. I knew I had to reach out to him and apologize personally for the trouble I had unintentionally caused. Pero hindi ko muna pwedeng kausapin si Jacskon, baka kasi mas lalo pang lumalala ‘yong issue.
I left the office with my heart heavy with disappointment and regret. The shame and humiliation I felt were overwhelming. As I stepped out onto the busy city street, I found myself in a daze. I didn't know where to go or what to do next. My world had suddenly been turned upside down, and I felt lost.
I decided to head home, hoping that some time alone would help me gather my thoughts and figure out a way to make amends for the mess I had unintentionally created. The journey home felt long and arduous, and my mind was a whirlwind of emotions.
When I finally arrived, I sank into the solitude of my small apartment. I was surprised to find Alex and Athena waiting outside my apartment when I arrived. Their presence was a welcomed comfort in the midst of my turmoil. Athena approached me with a compassionate hug, and I could see the concern in their eyes.
"Zani?" Athena said softly, offering her embrace.
I leaned into her hug, feeling the warmth and support of my friends. It was reassuring to know that they understood that I hadn't intended for things to turn out this way.
"Okay lang 'yan," Athena reassured me as we held onto each other.
"Zani, alam na namin, syempre alam din namin na hindi mo intention 'yon," Alex added, his voice filled with understanding.
I nodded, feeling tears well up in my eyes. Their kindness and understanding were a balm to my wounded soul. "Salamat," I managed to whisper, my voice choked with emotion.
Athena pulled away gently and looked at me with a reassuring smile. "We're here for you, always."
Alex chimed in, "Yeah, and we'll figure out how to make things right."
Their unwavering support gave me the strength to face the difficult days ahead. I knew I had a long journey to make amends and rebuild trust, but with friends like them by my side, I felt a glimmer of hope that things would eventually get better.