LIORA

"I feel like I'm on the brink of disaster," I confess to Zoe the moment I step into the kitchen.

She glances up from her laptop, concern etching her features as she slips off the bar stool to offer me a comforting hug. "What happened?" she inquires.

I let out a heavy sigh, munching on the chips scattered across the table. "He nearly caught me today, Zoe. It's only a matter of time before he discovers everything."

Zoe takes my hand in hers, offering a supportive gesture. "You're overthinking it. Nothing went wrong at the office. Okay, so you vomited on him accidentally and on his car too, but we apologized. He might just let it slide."

I arch an eyebrow at her. "Zoe, we're talking about Dexter here. You know how arrogant he can be. Do you really think he'll just let this go?"

She shakes her head, "He can be a real jerk. If he fires you over this, it's his loss. You're an incredible employee, and he'll regret it."

Zoe wraps her arm around my shoulders and guides me towards her room, a comforting gesture meant to lift my spirits. I force a grateful smile.

I appreciate Zoe's attempt to cheer me up. Losing my job is not an option, I've dedicated nearly six years to that place, and I cherish what I do too much to let it slip away so easily.

In Zoe's room, she opens her closet, pulling out a selection of dresses and laying them on her bed.

"Now, help me pick a dress for my dad's party," she instructs, heading to her dressing table for makeup.

Examining the array of dresses, all beautiful, I choose a blue ruffled dress. "I think this suits you, and it'll complement your blue eyes." I hand it to her.

"Thanks. I'll be staying at my dad's tonight, so don't wait up," she informs me, slipping into the dress and looking stunning.

"Have a great time!" I wish her as she exits through the door.

I settled onto the couch, eager to unwind with a movie, when a notification on my phone disrupted the calm. It was our team's group chat.

Sarah: Hey guys, did you hear?

Ben: Hear what? 

Sarah: Mr. Martinez fired our chief's secretary.

 A stunned silence fell over the group.

William: Why? 

Sarah: Apparently, the secretary took a sick leave on purpose, not the first time to dodge a meeting

Sarah: People were saying he looked so scary today. I got chills when I heard the news.

Chills crawled up my spine as I absorbed the revelation. A wave of uncertainty swept over me. Could I be next? I anxiously ran my fingers through my hair.

Attempting to quell my rising fears, I decided to call Zoe. Seeking comfort and reassurance, I dialled her number, momentarily forgetting she was at her father's party. The background noise on the call reminded me of my poor timing. Zoe, my pillar of support, was always there to calm me down. Ever since my grandmother's passing, she has been my unwavering presence through life's challenges. My mother, though supportive in her own way, was preoccupied with work. She has her own priorities which is her work. She acted more like a guardian than a mother. But Zoe is my family, who was there with me, when my grandmother died, when the children in my school used to bully me. She is my real family.

"Hello?" Zoe answered amidst the party hubbub. "Liora, why aren't you saying anything? Did you call to check if I reached safely? I got here just ten minutes ago. Don't worry, go to sleep, and don't stress—"

Her voice suddenly shifted, and she exclaimed, "What the heck is he doing here?" before abruptly ending the call.

Who is 'he' now?

I closed my eyes, taking a deep breath to regain composure. It dawned on me that perhaps it was time to face it by myself.

Tomorrow, I would confront the situation head-on and talk to him.

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With love,
flwenzi ♡