LIGHTNOVELONLINE Chapter 23: Chapter 23
The office felt tense in the days following the rumors about the new boss. It wasn't just the anticipation anymore—it was something deeper, something tainted. Alex noticed the shift in the atmosphere almost immediately.
"They say the new boss is related to one of the directors," Jane whispered as she leaned over Alex's desk one afternoon. "Up in the corporate offices in the States. Can you believe that? Nepotism at its finest."
Alex frowned slightly but didn't respond immediately. He had heard similar things from Rick earlier that day. Rick, in his usual gruff manner, had all but confirmed that the new boss was a relative of someone high up. The entire floor was buzzing with the news, and people were already speculating on what kind of leader they would get.
"It's no wonder they're bringing him in so quickly," Jane continued. "Everyone thought we'd have a proper selection process, but nope. He's been handpicked."
Rick walked by, adding his two cents. "That's how it works, kid. Doesn't matter how good you are; if you've got the right connections, you're golden. We'll be lucky if this guy even knows how to do the job."
The whispers about nepotism were spreading, and Alex could see how it was affecting the morale of the team. Some people had already started complaining about it in hushed conversations, while others seemed resigned to the fact that they couldn't do much about it. Alex, however, wasn't too bothered by it. He had his own set of problems.
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His biggest challenge these days wasn't at work, but at home. His younger sister had been spending more time around the house, and while Alex loved her dearly, her presence had disrupted his usual routine. Finding quiet time to meditate had become increasingly difficult. His sister's chatter, the TV constantly playing in the background, and the general noise of family life made it almost impossible to get any peace.
At work, it wasn't much better. Since word had spread about his newfound focus on meditation, his colleagues had taken to joking about his "new antiques," as they called them.
"Hey, Alex, you're not going to float away during break, are you?" one of his coworkers teased as they passed him in the hallway.
Alex just smiled. He didn't mind the jokes—it was all harmless banter, and he knew they didn't mean any harm. In fact, he found it mildly amusing. If anything, it was just another small challenge, like everything else in life.
They'll get used to the new me, Alex thought, shrugging off the comments. He wasn't going to stop meditating just because of a few jokes.
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Later that week, the group of friends gathered for a small farewell party for Mia. She had recently received a promotion and was moving to a new city for the role.
The party was lighthearted—just a few drinks and some snacks in the break room, with people making small speeches and wishing her well. But as the night wore on and the crowd thinned, Mia pulled Alex aside for a quiet conversation.
"You know, Alex," she began, her voice serious, "you should really think about getting out of here someday. I mean, this place—it's comfortable, sure. But there's a whole world out there. Different cities, new opportunities. Don't get stuck in one place for too long."
Alex nodded, but he didn't say anything right away. He had heard similar advice before, but hearing it from Mia—a close friend who was actually leaving—hit a bit harder. She was right. Maybe there was more out there than just the familiar routine of his job and his small circle.
"Thanks, Mia," he said quietly, clinking his glass against hers. "I'll think about it."
As the party wound down and the lights in the office were dimmed, Alex found himself lost in thought. He hadn't realized just how much he had settled into his current life. The idea of leaving the city, trying something new—it seemed almost foreign to him. But maybe it was something worth considering.
Maybe one day, he thought as he walked out into the cool night air.
For now, though, he still had his small challenges to deal with. Whether it was finding time for meditation or navigating the office gossip, Alex was learning to roll with the punches. The new boss, the jokes at work, his sister's constant presence at home—it was all part of life. But something in Mia's words lingered in the back of his mind, a quiet reminder that there was a bigger world out there waiting for him.