The Kiss that Sparked it All

Regina, clutching her recorder and scribbled notes, marched back to the office only to be summoned by the boss the moment she stepped through the door.

“I hear you’ve been at it again with the veterans in the office.” The boss didn’t even look up from his paperwork as he spoke.

Regina, baffled, retorted, “What do you mean ‘at it again’? They’re the ones who’ve been on my case, okay? You handed me this mission impossible, and I nailed the interview. Isn’t that impressive? Just because I’m the rookie, I don’t even get a pat on the back, but instead, I have to put up with their sarcasm?”

“Look at you, firing off ten words for every one say! I’m not saying you should roll over and take it, but those folks are your seniors. You could show a little respect. Ever heard of playing nice? Instead, you have to kick off a storm right in the middle of the office, and they come running to me with complaints, even recording the way you mocked them. How am I supposed to deal with that?”

Regina couldn’t help but laugh at the antics of her slick male colleagues.

Yeah, those reporters sure love their recorders, always ready to capture the moment. Too bad Regina hadn’t caught their snide comments in her recorder.

“So how do you want to resolve this? You expect me to apologize to them?”

“Is that any way to talk to me? If you hadn’t let your temper get the better of you, I woul be in this bind.”

Regina snorted in disdain and crossed her arms. “Oh, so I’m the one making things. difficult for you, huh? You turn a blind eye to those seniors bullying the newbie, but the second they record me standing up for myself, you jump in. Boss, you’re a real disappointment.”

Regina had thought this boss, who had helped her before, would have her back through. thick and thin. Turns out he was just a pushover.

Her words seemed to hit a nerve.

“Enough. Drop the interview; let them handle the follow-up.”

“Why the hell should I? I disagree! I’m the one who landed that interview. How many times. did you guys reach out to Dahlia with no reply? Why should I hand over my work after I’ve done all the legwork? That’s not how it works!” NôvelDrama.Org exclusive content.

“Hmph, it doesn’t matter if you agree or not. I’m the one who assigns the tasks. I’ve already given you a big enough break by entrusting you with such an important assignment. You’ve got other fish to fry. Now, get out. There’s a meeting later, and don’t forget to send the materials to your colleagues in advance.”

Regina stood rooted to the spot until the boss looked up with a glance that clearly said, “Why are you still here?” Only then did she exhale sharply. “Just don’t regret this, boss.”

“What do I have to regret?”

As Regina exited, her silhouette was as defiant as ever. She was Regina Tanner, after all, and nothing could force her to bow.

Stepping out, she made a beeline for the desk of the male colleague who had provoked her earlier, slamming the stack of notes she had gathered onto his desk with a thud.

“You’re quite the sly fox, aren’t you? All those years in journalism sure taught you some tricks. Recording a spat with a coworker, are you that scared I’ll outshine you? But don’t worry, consider this interview a gift from me. Just don’t expect me to play nice in the future. Good luck!”