Starving and exhausted, I managed to get the PPT done and sent it to Jacob by one o'clock. The meeting was a disaster, but luckily, Jacob single-handedly managed to secure the deal. However, his face was anything but pleased. Instead of yelling at me, he led me to a nearby restaurant.
"What's going on with you today? You seem distracted," he asked, catching me off guard.
My emotions welled up and I started crying again, much to his surprise. He hastily handed me a napkin. "Stop crying, please."
People at nearby tables glanced over, curious. I had worked with him for five years, from when he was just a team leader to his current department head position. I knew him well enough to know he was the type of boss who pushed everyone to their limits, regardless of gender.
After a while, I managed to calm down. "Can you tell me now?"
I sobbed, "It's nothing, just some family issues …"
Jacob, showing rare generosity, ordered a lot of food. Maybe playing the pity card with a boss did work sometimes. "Are your parents sick?" he asked.
I shook my head. He paused for a moment before asking, "Your husband cheated on you?"
I fell silent, which was answer enough.
"Oh, I thought it was something serious. Eat up, there's plenty more if you need it. My treat today." He shook his head and smiling.
Seeing him acting as if it had nothing to do with me, I was so angry, but he is a big shot and I can't afford to offend him. "Mr. Elody, as an outstanding person like you, you can't understand the troubles of an ordinary person like me."
"Is that so? What kind of struggles do you ordinary people face? I got divorced before I joined this company because my ex-wife cheated on me. I couldn't stay there, so I moved here." When Jacob said this, I was drinking a drink and I almost choked to death.
I didn't expect this cold man was married! I was shocked.
"Don't get too excited," he laughed.
I felt like I'd just learned a massive piece of gossip. I wanted to ask if the other guy was somehow better than him, but held back. This composed, decisive leader had quietly endured his ordeal and walked away.
"My ex-husband tricked me into signing over our joint property to him and now he's married his mistress and transferred the property to her," I confessed. Since Mr. Elody was honest with me, I decided to told him the truth.