Chapter 7: Miss Sebestain.

"Thank you for taking the time to meet with us today," Julia began, her voice low and steady. "I understand that your company is looking for a partner to help drive your advertising efforts to the next level."

The executive nodded, his eyes fixed on Julia with a steely intensity. "That's correct," he replied, his voice cool and measured. "But we're looking for more than just a partner. We're looking for a game-changer."

Julia could feel the tension mounting, and she knew that the success of her company hung in the balance. She took a deep breath and began to lay out her case, her voice growing stronger with each passing moment.

"Our company has a proven track record of delivering results," she said. "We pride ourselves on our unique approach to customer service, and we believe that our product is the best on the market."

The executives remained stoic, their eyes fixed on Julia as she spoke. But she refused to be intimidated, pressing on with her pitch.

"Of course, we understand that there are other companies out there offering similar services," she continued. "But what sets us apart is our commitment to excellence. We go above and beyond for our clients, and we always deliver on our promises."

The tension in the room was almost palpable, and Julia knew that the fate of her company hung in the balance. But she refused to let the pressure get to her, maintaining her cool and focused demeanor throughout the pitch.

Finally, she brought her pitch to a close, her eyes fixed on the lead executive. "So, I ask you, why settle for anything less than the best?" she said, her voice ringing out across the room. "With our company by your side, you'll be getting nothing but the very best."

There was a moment of silence, as the executives considered Julia's words. Julia felt her heart pounding in her chest, but she refused to show any signs of nervousness. Finally, the lead executive spoke, his voice carrying a note of finality.

"Thank you for your pitch," he said. "We'll be in touch."

With that, the meeting was over. Julia stood up, her heart pounding with a mixture of relief and anticipation. She knew that the fate of her company was still hanging in the balance, but she was confident that they had made a strong case. As she made her way out of the meeting room, she could feel the eyes of the executives still fixed on her, and she knew that the outcome of this meeting would be crucial for her company's future.

Julia felt a sense of relief as the meeting finally ended, but the euphoria didn't last long. As she made her way back to her office, she overheard her team members celebrating their successful deal in the conference room. She couldn't help but feel a sense of pride and satisfaction, but her happiness was short-lived.

As she was about to open her office door, she heard the sound of Mark's voice booming through the hallway. She froze, her heart racing as she listened to his sharp tone.

"What's going on here?" Mark demanded, his voice laced with anger. "Why wasn't I included in the meeting? I'm the leader of this team!"

Julia's team members tried to explain the situation, but Mark wouldn't have it. He dismissed their explanations and turned his attention towards Julia.

"Julia, huh?" Mark sneered, his piercing gaze locking onto her. "Who do you think you are, taking over my team and making decisions without me?"

Julia tried to remain calm, but she could feel the heat rising to her cheeks. She stood her ground, meeting Mark's intense gaze with a cool composure.

"Mark, I understand your frustration," Julia said evenly. "But the deal needed to be closed, and you weren't available. I took charge because that's what leaders do."

Mark scoffed, his face contorting into a sneer. "You think you're so smart, don't you? Well, I won't stand for it. This is my team, and I won't let you take over like this."

Julia could feel the tension in the room mounting, and she knew she needed to defuse the situation before things escalated any further.

"Mark, I'm sorry if I stepped on your toes," Julia said calmly. "But the deal is done, and we can move forward from here. Let's work together to ensure the success of your team."

Mark stared at her for a moment, his expression unreadable. Finally, he let out a derisive laugh.

"Work together? You and me?" Mark snorted. "I don't think so. I can't stand the sight of you, Julia. You're a snake, always trying to undermine me and take over my position or cheat on me! I won't let you get away with it too!"

Julia felt her heart sink at Mark's words, the pain of his constant accusations and insults chipping away at her resolve. She couldn't believe that he was still holding a grudge against her, even after all this time.

"Mark. Mind your words." Julia said in a slow but cold tone, her eyes were fixed on the ground, her fists clenched tightly at her sides. Her knuckles turned white as she tried to control the surge of emotions welling up inside her. She didn't want to look up, didn't want anyone to see the anger and frustration etched on her face. She could feel her heart pounding in her chest, the sound of it drowning out the noise around her. It was as if the whole world had come crashing down on her, leaving her alone and vulnerable

Mark sarcastic laughter filled the room. "Everyone here knows who you really are, Miss Julia Mark Sebestain," he sneered.

The people around them began muttering, and Julia could feel their judgmental gazes on her. "She's his wife," someone whispered.

Before she could say anything else, Mark turned on his heel and stormed out of the room, leaving Julia and her team members in a stunned silence.

As soon as the door closed behind him, Julia slumped into her chair, the weight of the situation bearing down on her. She knew that she had to stand up for herself and assert her position, but it was exhausting to constantly battle against Mark's toxicity and her past with him.

She took a deep breath and tried to push aside the hurt and frustration that were threatening to overwhelm her. She knew that she had to be strong, not just for herself, but for someone's sake, who gives her reason to live, She walked out of the room defeated. She could feel team member's eyes on her, they were silent just because of her position at the office, but when she is not in the room she knows what they will say. Not only that, but she knows what they think of her...

Julia entered her office, Her eyes wandered around the room, taking in the familiar surroundings. The walls were painted a serene shade of blue, her desk was tidy, and her computer hummed quietly in the background. Everything was the same as it always was, but nothing felt the same anymore.

Mark's words echoed in her head. She couldn't believe he had the audacity to come into the meeting room and treat her that way. She despised him, but a small part of her still loved him.

She heard a ping from her phone. It was a message from Maria, inviting her to come home early for a small welcome party for Alisha.