I stormed out of the office, unable to bear the weight of Jamie's misguided judgment. How could he not see my perspective?
I had painted a vivid picture in my mind, a future filled with love and happiness alongside Luke. I dreamed of a proposal, of building a family together. But my dreams shattered when I discovered his betrayal. The pain cut deep, and the absence of remorse only intensified my heartbreak.
I endured five long years with that despicable man, who was merely biding his time to indulge in wealth and expose his true colors. Love had blinded me, preventing me from seeing the truth that lay beneath his facade. I turned a blind eye to all the warning signs, and what was my reward?
Jamie wanted me to play the role of the sweet and innocent one, but deep down, I knew the truth. I wasn't always kind or innocent. I had never felt the urge for revenge before, but this time, it consumed me. It became the only way to quench the fiery anger burning inside.
I was heading back to my office, lost in my thoughts, when suddenly, there he was. The very person I least wanted to encounter in that moment. It's true what they say, speak of the devil, and he shall appear.
Luke came to an abrupt stop as soon as his eyes met mine. Taking a closer look, I could see that he appeared utterly worn out. His complexion was pale, and the heavy bags under his eyes revealed a lack of sleep. He seemed like someone who had been through the wringer.
I didn't give a damn about where he had slept or how he looked. He was insignificant to me. I walked past him, completely ignoring his existence. He meant absolutely nothing to me.
My steps remained steady, but I couldn't hear his footsteps catching up to me. Eventually, his voice trailed behind, questioning me, "Why are you doing all of this?" he asked.
I came to an abrupt halt, pivoting on my heel to face him directly. "Did you seriously just ask me that?" I retorted, my voice dripping with disdain. "You're incredibly dense. If I were in your shoes, I'd be begging for a warning about what lies ahead."
"Do you really love him?"
"I didn't exactly ask you that question when I caught you in bed with another woman," I shot back, my words laced with a mix of anger and hurt.
I could see his expression change as he was transported back to that painful memory.
"He doesn't love you Emila, I'm certain of it. I haven't been able to have peace because I had nowhere to stay. Look at what you've done," he lamented, his voice dripping with self-pity.
"Why should I care?" I retorted, my voice dripping with sarcasm. "Why are you pouring all of this out to me, hoping for my pity? Let me tell you something," I continued, my tone biting. "Whether Benjamin loves me or not, it doesn't matter. In the end, I always get what I want."
I watched as his expression turned icy, his voice firm and resolute. "I'm the only family you've ever had since your despicable mother abandoned you. I've been there for you, and this is how you repay me?" he said, stepping closer to me.
As he approached me, something inside me snapped. Without hesitation, my hand shot out, delivering a scorching slap to his face. I heard him wince in pain as he clutched his cheek. "Don't you dare speak about my mother or family. I don't have any family," I trembled, my voice filled with a mix of anger and vulnerability.
He slowly uncovered his face, his anger evident in his expression. The old me would have been petrified, but now, I didn't even bat an eye at his reaction. I maintained my composure and stared back at him, unfazed by his display of fury.
He let out a hiss, his voice dripping with venom. "You've become quite audacious, haven't you? Slapping me like that, how daring," he sneered.
"I could do it a thousand more times, and you wouldn't lift a finger. Don't you dare seek me out or come near me ever again. I have no tolerance for any of this," I declared, my voice filled with determination. With those words hanging in the air, I turned on my heel and headed towards my office, leaving him behind.
I was seething with anger, still reeling from Jamie's hurtful words. And now, Luke had only added fuel to the fire. As I stormed into my office, frustration consumed me. I slammed my hand against the desk, feeling the need to escape from the suffocating atmosphere of the entire building.
This was my chance to head back home, to seek solace within the familiar walls of my house. With no pressing work at the office, I could take the remaining time to cool off and gather the things I needed. I didn't have to rely on Benjamin anymore to have someone bring them to me.
I stepped into the elevator and descended to the ground floor. As I made my way out of the building, the streets came alive with a vibrant energy. People filled every corner, their presence a testament to the anticipation of the upcoming Saturday. It seemed that everywhere was buzzing with activity.
I decided to hail a cab, not wanting to rely on Benjamin's driver or reveal my location. Unfortunately, the road was sparse with taxis, and those that passed by were already occupied, leaving me to wait patiently.
As I stood there, waiting for a cab, an uneasy sensation crept over me. It felt as though someone's eyes were fixed upon me. I glanced to my side, finding no one there. But when I turned my gaze across the road, there she was—a mysterious girl with flowing, jet-black hair. Her face was hidden behind sunglasses, making it impossible to discern the color of her eyes. Yet, her intense stare sent shivers down my spine.
As I caught her gaze, she swiftly averted her eyes and melted into the sea of people, vanishing without a trace. Who was she, and why did she seem so interested in me?