Offer To The CEO

Wednesday

As she rolled over on walking Anna observed Hou Yi was still asleep. She so wanted to wake him, but she needed to think about what had happened the last two days.

As she thought about her own actions, she realised that over the last two days she had made things so difficult for him, causing him trouble and fighting over the Human Resources Department request. It was only after Jodie confronted her at the end of the day, that she had a sense of perspective on her actions.

Jodie's words were still ringing in her mind even now. "Anna, I have worked as your assistant for so long. I know you. You forget about your health and wellbeing and martyr yourself for the job. That is all well and good for you along, but that is not your current situation. You have a husband, and if I am honest with you, he over-indulges you while treating you as a princess without calling out your behaviours."

"It stops here, and I am calling you out. Other than me, you have been snapping at everyone around, including Amanda less than an hour ago. I saw her walking out from your office on the brink of tears, upset about what you did simply because she asked you how you were. I would not be surprised if there is a complaint about your attitude. Being pregnant and the CEO's wife does not excuse it."

"And do not look at me as if I am evil incarnate. I am simply telling you what I see, not only as you are my superior but truthfully as your friend. You are overdoing things. You are not coping, and I have noticed day after day that by the middle of the afternoon you seem to be exhausted. Whether that is your pregnancy or everything else going on I have no idea, but other people are noticing it, hence why everyone wants to see you as early as possible in the day."

"I can see it from the Human Resources Department side, the baby you are carrying is no ordinary baby, it is an heir to Hour Enterprises, and they want to be overprotective to ensure nothing places you or the child at risk. You need to grow up. And let me remind you, as your work at ANX would involve court work at this time they would look to you going part time and going on maternity leave at seven months because it is a stressful job. It is no wonder then why the human resources department are insisting that you prove that you are fit to work."

"Anna, do not take it out on me, everyone else here in the department and I suspect the Boss. Be sensible and think of others, not just yourself."

As she finished remembering Jodie's tirade at her yesterday, Hou Yi stirred and turned to look at her without Anna realizing it. He realised that something was wrong, simply by the look on her face, and quietly asked "Sweetheart, what is wrong?"

"Yi, have I been a real b*tch about Human Resources requirement. Jodie told me I was and that I needed to look at myself?"

"Anna, you are just stressing out about everything. Since the day of our marriage you have been through a lot yourself, let along us as a couple. Personally, I would love for you to simply stay at home and rest. But I know that is not you. You need to be busy; you need to challenge yourself. But let us see what the obstetrician says at your appointment with what you can do. I had Assistant Wang clear my schedule to come with you. I will fight with him and Human Resources to at least allow you some part time work, but you still can work on the charitable initiative separate to that."

Hou Yi paused, as he knew the next words would not be appreciated by his wife. "But if you will let me be honest with you. I know this is true; I am too indulgent with you and allow you to walk over me. Many of our friends have told me this, and in some ways they are right. I love you so much and cannot see you upset so I will give in not only to keep you happy but to reduce your stress given you are pregnant. At the same time, I know you are capable. However, I am going to start being firmer with you, because in the end …"