AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Oh,” I muttered as I looked down at the completed article I was proofreading. The one that led me right into Ethan Beckett’s arms. Initially, I was grateful, but now all I felt was anger. I stood up. “I’ll so see him.”
“Yeah, you do that while I quickly read through this article that everyone says will skyrocket our ratings,” Naomi said, settling into my chair.
A sense of unease settled in my stomach. Everyone had high expectations for this article since we’re the first news outlet to cover Ethan Beckett after an in-depth interview. But I wasn’t sure I could meet those expectations, at least not in the way they were expecting.
Feeling my anger transform into hate and slight disgust, I made my way to Mr. Thompson’s office, fully expecting him to emphasize the deadline.
“I need the final version on my desk before the end of today, Miss. McKenna. I know I’ve seen your drafts, but since it is the main feature for this month’sMonthly Chronicles Magazine,I need time to review it before it goes to print,” Mr. Thompson said, his eyes still fixed on his computer screen. He quickly glanced up. “I’m counting on this article to keepThe Daily Chronicleat the top for months.”
“Trust me, sir, I have,” I said, awarding him a plastic smile.
“You can leave,” Mr. Thompson dismissed me absentmindedly, returning to his work
As I walked out of his office, I felt my anger toward Ethan and the ill-fated article escalating. Since everyone wasso concerned about an article that would boostThe Daily Chronicles’ratings, I’ll give them exactly what they want.
“Excuse me, Naomi, I need to work,” I said in a flat tone as I got to my cubicle.
Naomi raised confused eyes at me. “What’s with this mood?”
Ignoring her question, I sat down at my desk the moment she stood. I noticed Naomi was already halfway through the article I’d written. Becoming angrier with each word that portrayed the man I had once admired, I deleted the entire piece.
“What are you doing?” Naomi exclaimed, grabbing my hand. “Why are you deleting the article? It was the best piece I’ve ever seen from you. What are you going to submit if you delete it all?”
“I’m going to write another one, one that reveals the true nature of Ethan Beckett because everything I wrote before was a lie!” I exclaimed.
“No, it wasn’t. I listened to your interviews and read your notes. What you wrote was an accurate portrayal of Ethan Beckett. He is the man you described. And you know it is too late to submit and entirely new article. Mr. Thompson will be pissed.” I was no longer listening to her. Instead, I focused on giving a title to my new article.
Ethan Beckett, The Devil No One Knew.A smile formed on my face as I typed those words. This was it, Ethan! Watch your life crumble.
“Don’t do this, Olivia,” Naomi warned, holding my hand. “I already emailed the original article to myself, so you can still retrieve it. Don’t write things you’ll regret out of a moment of anger.”
“I’m not going to regret it,” I snapped, jerking my hand out of hers. “And you can delete the trash you emailed to yourself because I won’t need it.”
Naomi shook her head at me. “Olivia, you’re just angry right now. You don’t want to do this.”
“I do!” I snapped.
“No, you don’t. You sure as hell don’t want to do this to him because you love him.” I gulped as her words sunk in. I did love him, despite everything. “You love him so much hurting him will only hurt yourself.”
Although her words rang true, I wasn’t willing to accept them. I couldn’t be the only one who got hurt. Why should I sit back and watch him reunite with his ex after the pain he caused me?
“I don’t care, Naomi. I’m already hurting, and it can’t get any worse than this,” I said matter-of-factly, refusing to let her persuasive words sway me.
Naomi’s face fell and she stood up. “Do what you want, Olivia. Obviously, I can’t stop you when your mind is made up.” She turned on her heels, starting to leave my cubicle, but looked back and said, “But don’t deny me the joy of saying ‘I told you so’ when it all blows up in your face.”
“Yeah, whatever,” I said, waving a dismissive hand at her.
Her words nearly got to me and I briefly started second-guessing my decision. Yet the moment my eyes fell on the name Ethan Beckett once more, I felt my heart tighten in my chest as anger boiled through my veins.
I started writing with unprecedented fury, determined to replace the piece I have worked on with months with a new one in only a matter of hours. In contrast to the original heartwarming piece, highlighting a determined and successful man who built up his company from scratch, I crafted a more satisfying narrative, exposing him as a heartless, ruthless, inconsiderate CEO. I didn’t shy away from detailing how he inconveniences his employees and was willing to do anything to come out on top.
By the time I finished writing the new article, I felt a sense of relief and satisfaction about my situation and myself. After one final read, I submitted the article to Mr. Thompson, contrary to Naomi’s advice. I felt a strange sense of happiness and fulfillment. Getting the revenge I deserved must be the remedy for heartbreak.
I couldn’t wait to see Ethan’s reaction when he read this article in two days’ time. I may not witness it firsthand, but I’ll relish the thought and picture his face in my mind. I leaned back in my chair, wearing an evil smirk.
18
Ethan
