Never Just Him

♡LENA♡

I walk into the boardroom straightening my dress a little more. It's a good thing I had my hair appointment yesterday. I think to myself taking a seat on the far end of the table as per the guidance of Mr Richard, the owner of the Salford publishing. "Lena Hart right?" He asks simply. The rest of the board members seat quietly, observing. Almost as if they were told to.

"Yes, that's my name," I reply. My head held high because everything I've done, I've done right not to be intimidated.

"Well as you know Juliet has offered her resignation and it's no secret her seat is empty now. She nominated you and the board and I seem to be in agreement that the position is yours," he narrates.

It takes a second but my mind registers what he says. The position is mine. The editor in chief position is mine. For eight years this felt so far out of reach.

"Umm thank you sir..that means alot,"

"It does so we are open to discussing any adjustments to have you start as soon as possible."

"Adjustments?"

Richard pauses.

"This positions comes with alot of responsibilities and discussions on an expected income are open...ofcourse if none then this will be the first and last time it is discussed."

"I would like to get paid more by 40%. Seeing as I am younger than any editor in chief you've ever had that will also gain traction. It is also not news that the former editor in chief is starting her own publishing company–"

"You have yourself a deal, young lady," a smirk grows on his barly wrinkled face. That was too fast. Miranda, my mentor and former editor in chief did point out that if it's fast, there's a catch.

The board shares glances.

"What's the catch?"

He laughs. "Miranda always said you're a smart one." He leans forward holding his hands together. "We're on a budget cut. HR will brief you about the layoffs,"

"With all due respect sir, if I'm firing employees I was among I'd need more than a budget cut excuse,"

The room feels quieter than usual now. Everyone's eyes peirce my skin like UV rays.

"Productivity hasn’t increased, and some employees are dragging the company down."

"Thank you for your honesty. However, if I am to lay off employees, i would like to be a part of the hiring process for my team," I say firmly and he nods approvingly.

"Gentlemen, i think we just found our new Miranda," the rest of the board members clap standing up after Richard does. He walks over to me stretching out his hand and I take it. A few flashes hit our direction before he lets go.

He really isn't as scary as I pictured him to be. No trace of old age or exhaustion. Just him enjoying his old age. They all follow him out the door.

The photographer walks over to me displaying his camera screen. "Tell me which one you're comfortable using for the press release,"

He flips through the first and second and I choose the second one and he runs off after the rest.

I finally did it. I chuckle lightly at the empty boardroom two floors above the floor that has shaped me.

I give the room one last look before closing the door behind me and heading to the elevator.

The sound og keyboards hits me as soon as the doors open. Murmurs follow with barely discreet glances. If it was how they thought, then I'd been fired.

My heels clack against the office tiles as i get to my office.

"Sooo......" Sadie, my friend says spinning in my seat.

"You do know you're the social media marketing director right?"

She scoffs.

"This is important too. I have a cake for celebration and drunk karaoke for sulking,"

"Cake would be better, " I say and Sadie squeels. Lucky for me these offices are soundproof.

"Okay I'll get back to work but congratulations miss Editor in chief,"

Her excitement is what makes me feel more appreciative. I still feel like i don't have enough time. Like things are working out for me this fast because i won't be here for long.

My phone rings the same time the door shuts and i let out a breath before answering.

"Yes John?"

"The doctor has been convicted of falsifying your diagnosis. And malpractice for putting you through a clinical trial you shouldn't have been on. He's been ordered to compensate you in the amount of 50 million dollars,"

My breath catches. A tear rools down my cheek freely. I didn't think he'd be found guilty because he's one of the best.

"Thank you so much John. I owe you,"

"No thank you for trusting me with your case. No amount of money can ever take away the lie you've lived but i hope it can provide comfort," he says genuinely.

I hum in response before the call ends.

Eleven years of preparing to disappear.

"Lena, you're needed outside," my assistant says pulling me out of my thoughts.

I straighten my dress nervously watching the rest of the floor move closer to the pitching area.

The applauds grow louder as I walk over to the front centre next to the Head of HR. Couldn't wait a few hours huh.

"As you all have heard I am your new Editor in Chief. But not so much has changed." They chuckle.

"Miriam here is the head of HR department and as such there will be lay offs for the next two days. There will always be better opportunities out there, trust me. I value each and every one of you and I cannot wait for the next chapter." I finalise and once again they are all clapping.

I'm pulled aside by Miranda's former assistant, Sean. "Your gala us in a week's time to introduce you to the world as Holloway's new Editor in chief. We need to work on your dress and look like yesterday, "

"Wait you're my assistant?"

"If you'll have me. I already put in an application to the fashion department if not," I chuckle.

I'd be a fool to lose him. He's always been someone I admired. His work ethic and attention to detail is impeccable.

"Yes ofcourse yes,"

"Then lets make magic, boss," he says before my phone lights up and he walks away with his ipad in place.

The day goes by painfully slow with different faces I've grown to know walking in and out of my office. One that will soon belong to someone else.

My phone rings as I make my way to the parking lot.

"I got the cake and I'm on my way to yours," Sadie says.

"No fancy night out?"

"John told me he won the case. So I figured you might want some space,"

"You're the best Sades, I mean it,"

She and John have an on and off relationship that I don't wish to understand. They're perfect for each other but swear their careers would clash.

"I'm gonna need that on your Instagram caption miss Hart," she teases before the call ends.

I drive down to my apartment in Manhattan. I left home all those years ago because I didn't want to die without becoming the person I dreamt I'd be. But here I am now, living the life I wanted and all I can think about is how much of a lie its been.

Would I have been this successful if I didn't get diagnosed with brain cancer?