Please note:-
1) Isolated character names are P.O.Vs. Example, beginning of the story you see "Kristina Delarosa"
2) There is a conversation that takes place between Clara and Kristina through text messaging in Clara's POV. The read messages were sent by Clara and the ones without the label 'read' are from Kristina.
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Kristina Delarosa
It's almost been an entire day since I've seen Mr. Bayek. The only think I know is that he declined my resignation. My plan was to come extra early today to pack up the items that belonged to me. I did just that but when I came there was a note on my desk with the resignation letter under it. It said-
Declined. Thank you for your understanding and we hope to continue working together. I sincerely apologize for whatever mishap happened that pushed you to want to resign.
- Kind regards,
E. Bayek
Founder and Owner
I stared blankly at the piece of paper for almost ten minutes wondering if this was still a bad dream. I hit myself across the cheek semi softly. My skin swells easily so I have to be careful.
"Owww." I whined as I could feel my cheek already swelling. Can he even do that? Better yet, the fact that I had the note on my desk at 4:54 in the morning meant I wasn't the only one here. He was here as well. I began chewing on my thumb as my brain summed up the worst case scenarios. I am so not now showing my face in front of him again.
I flipped off my boss who denied my resignation letter. He is so going to make the rest of my life a living hell. But who said I'm going to stay here forever? But what if he continues declining my letters. I just want to not-exist anymore. And let's not forget the crying. Ohmypeppernickle!!!
I checked my wristwatch to see that I had about 30 minutes until lunch time and with the excessive work, I don't think I'll be out of here anytime soon. Leonard called in a few hours ago to say that he wouldn't be able to make it. I began chewing on my thumb once more until it bled a little this time. The worst part is that I have to go to "who shall not be named" office to discuss a few things.
Especially since Leonard bailed. Is it too late to escape my problems now? I rubbed my temple in frustration before laying my head on the desk and mumbled some incoherent words under my breath. As soon as I did that my doors busted open and Clara entered with a warm smile on her face. As usual.
For some reason I couldn't help but smile even though I also wanted to break down. I really am a bad friend. How could I judge her when she's engaged and has a son for her fiancé. I felt bad on the inside for quickly judging her a second time. I really need to fix that flaw.
Struggles of an overthinker. I'll make that a novel when I get married to Ezio and have our ten kids.
"Good morning beautiful." Clara's smile widened even more as she chirped her morning greeting. At least one of us is happy.
"Good morning CC." I groaned out as she sat in front of Leonard's desk that I proudly took residence at the moment. Since he isn't here I might as well. Now that I think about it...the lady in Ezio's office had a beauty spot on her left breast. So if I get to see Clara's chest then that means I can prove her innocence.
"Wanna go to the beach this Friday?" I say as nonchalantly as I possibly could. Maybe she has a twin or she's a lab experiment and they cloned her. Or it could be a close relative since the resemblance is quite uncanny.
"Ouuu...it's been a while since I've been to the beach." She squealed in excitement as she spun the office chair she was seated on. "But haven't you heard the news?"
News? I looked up until our eyes met and tilted my head slightly with my eyebrow cocked. "What news?" I tried not to sound too surprised and masked it with a more calm yet curious tone. Being extra is just my thing. I mentally slap my hand on my forehead. The day will come when my brothers will have no choice but to assign me to the psychiatric ward.
"About sharks."
Sharks? Did she just say what I think she just said correctly. Not accusing, just asking. I continued staring at her but with my eyes squinted this time. I really should start watching the news. Taking the puzzled look on my face as a hint she decided to continue. Smart woman.
"There were some pods in the area recently that have been attacking anything they could come across. Left their natural habitat et cetera."
I think my hearing keeps going in and out. Maybe she didn't say that right. Or maybe it's just an excuse to not-
No. No no no. No judging nor any assumptions. Develop trust. I inhaled and exhaled depply yet quietly. "What about the p-"
"Public pool water makes me very itchy."
I don't know if it was just my conscience but that reply seemed a bit too hasty to me. I couldn't help but think that she's up to something. I guess we have to just call it a day. I sighed in frustration as my brain still racked up some ideas.
"You have a pool at your home right?"
I looked back to my files and continued writing. "I do."
"Then we can go there. I'll bring Aj along and we all have some fun." She smiles too brightly for my liking. Just what is she up to? What if she's trying to set me up in my own home. I gasped internally as I looked at her.
"How about this Friday since it's an office holiday?"
"...Sure." I say a tad bit unsurely. Now I'm beginning to hate these office holidays. Ezio decided to treat his employees but giving use office holidays and day offs. Most times it lasts for two to three days depending on your work area.
"Then I'll see you Friday." She smiled before exiting my office.
Clara Evans
As soon as I bid my farewell I left her office and went to mine. I could feel the burning stares as I entered the elevator but I decided not to pay attention to it. My main focus was that I get to see what her house is like. I did some background research the first day she came here and found out she's the daughter of Kendra and Kade Delarosa.
I grinned happily as I finally reached my office and sat around my desk. It was enough lying about a fiancé. Will I be able to make it big out there? Her house must be huge. Sadly, that's the only information I could find on her. I guess she's really good at keeping things secret.
How long, though, will I have to pretend being friends? I popped a gum in my mouth as the elevator dinged and Elena, my cousin, stepped out.
"Sissss." She chirped as she held a bag in the air with a logo saying Luthors Bakery and with a cake printed below.
"Don't call me that. How many times do I have to tell you that?"
"You aren't mad at me are you?" She pouted.
"I told you not to get caught. You almost ruined our chances." My chances but I can't tell her that.
"I couldn't help it."
"You better be careful from now on." It was hard enough getting her into Ezio's bed. I found out that Kristina had a huge crush on Ezio and if I want to ruin her then I have to start there. If you can piece everything together then I really don't have to say much. I chuckled quietly as I though about how she avoided me after I told her to meet me at my office.
The most puzzling thought is the fact that Ezio declined her resignation letter. Elena left the cake on my desk as she bathed into Ezio's office. She locked the doors behind her and they got into it.
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Friday
Krissy ❤️😘
What time should I pick you up?
You can pick me up around 9:30.
Read 7:56
Are you crazy woman 😐
Who gets ready by then? Most definitely not you.
😂
And what is that supposed to mean?
Read 7:58
No offense but I wouldn't be surprised if you wore makeup 😭
Who in their right mind does that 😩
Read 7:59
You maybe 👀
Can't say until I see for myself
😞
Read 7:59
Why are you coming so early tho 🤔
I told Aj about it and he wouldn't stop jumping around. He even woke me up this morning 😞
Read 8:05
Alr go get ready. See you at 10.
See you at 10 👋🏽
Read 8:15
I threw my phone on the bed as I took in a deep breath. I really wanted to go earlier. Maybe explore a little while she's busy taking care of Aj or handing him to a butler for all I care. Snobby rich people. I gagged as I thought about how she'll start acting like a complete b*tch when I'm around. Trying to flaunt her family's success in my face.
If we can be one best friends then she might start sending me gifts for absolutely no reason at all. Let's keep it natural for now and also let's pray she doesn't suspect a thing.
"Aj!!" I yelled my son's name as I looked around my bedroom. He actually did come wake me up this morning all elated. I entered the bathroom to find him already stripping himself of his clothes. "What are you doing sweetie?" I smiled warmly and kissed his cheek as I assisted in removing his shirt.
"Pool." He said while smiling and caused a dimple to form. The doctor said he had some slight signs of autism but I don't necessarily think that's true. Good things take time. After successfully removing his clothes and placing him the bathtub, I washed his body at least twice to make him smell extra fresh and clean.
I picked him up with his towel and took him to his room to get him dressed. I have never allowed my 3 year old to sleep without me. Maybe it's just me being paranoid but I need to have him with me at all times. Except when I'm at work. Most times he's at his aunt's house or my grandma's.
I got him dressed and sat him on the bed as I too wanted to get dressed. I gave him his favorite toy and headed into the shower. When done I dried myself and stepped out before putting on my black one piece swimsuit. The straps joined together on my right shoulder, which meant my left shoulder was bare.
I packed a few necessities in my beach bag before getting my phone and purse, ready to head out. I checked the time and had about 30 minutes left. I took Aj downstairs and made his formula before handing it to him. The bag was already packed with diapers, toys, snacks, and now some extra formula.
We don't know if Kristin is kind enough to spare us water nor food so I added that to the bag.
There was a knock on the door and as I opened it, Kristina stood there in all her curvaceous glory. She wore a lilac purple spaghetti strapped one piece that covered her entire body and a mesh overall with a beach bag.
I'm not gonna lie when I say this but she's always doing the most. I laughed genuinely as she pulled her sunglasses down and stared back at us with a smirk. As soon as Aj saw her he ran away from me and stuck to her leg.
"My lil cutie pie." She picked him up and kissed him all over his face which he succumbed to, filling the living room area with countless giggles. I picked my bag up and exited as I pulled up the door and locked it. I placed my bag in her car trunk and entered the passenger side. I looked around the back to see Aj places comfortably in a car seat eating Doritos.
"When did you buy that?"
"Buy what?"
"The car seat."
"Thursday evening."
Was I really wrong about her?
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Soooo....
What are your thoughts on 1) Clara's POV 2)Her betrayal and 3) the fact that Kristina may have been right about her along.
And the sudden appearance of the mysterious lady who's been keeping Ezio busy 😏
Leave your thoughts in the comments section and don't forget to like and vote. And my sincerest apologies for the chapter delay. Wasn't feeling any inspiration but now it's done.
Hope you enjoyed~