*****Lina's POV*****
I shifted uncomfortably in my seat, my eyes darting back and forth between Bella and Daniel as their argument escalated.
Their raised voices made my skin crawl, and I felt like I was trapped in a vortex of tension. It felt like I was caught in the middle of a storm.
As Daniel's fingers began to play with my hair, twirling strands of it around his fingers, I felt a surge of unease.
His touch was gentle, but it sent a wave of nervousness through my body. It made me feel like I was being pricked by a thousand needles.
I tried to brush his hand away, but he held firm, his eyes locked on mine with an intensity that made my heart race.
When his fingers traced the curve of my nail, I felt a shiver run down my spine. It was a subtle touch, but it made me vulnerable, like he was trying to calm me in some way. I didn't like being the center of attention, especially not in the midst of a heated argument.
As the argument continued to simmer, my discomfort reached a boiling point, and I just couldn't take it anymore - the tension, the touch, the feeling of being trapped.
I pushed my chair back, the legs scraping against the floor, and stood up. I felt both annoyed and embarrassed.
"Don't worry about me, okay?" I said, my voice firm. "I can take care of myself."
I didn't wait for a response; I turned and walked away. I could hear my own footsteps echoing through the hallway as I retreated to the safety of my room.
The door closed behind me with a soft click, and I let out a deep breath, which I didn't even know I was holding.
I leaned against the door, my mind racing with thoughts. Why did Daniel's touch make me feel so uncomfortable? Was it the argument, or was it something more? I couldn't quite put my finger on it, but his gentle caress had sent shivers down my spine.
It was as if his touch had awakened a part of me that I didn't know existed, a part that was both fascinated and terrified by his presence.
I stood there for a moment, lost in thought, trying to unravel the tangled threads of my emotions. Then suddenly, I felt a sense of resolve growing inside me.
I couldn't let my feelings get the best of me; I had to push forward, no matter what. I had to prove to myself that I was stronger than this, that I could rise above the confusion and uncertainty that threatened to consume me.
I took a deep breath, letting go of the thought, and made up my mind. I was going to the office no matter who tried to stop me.
I needed to get out of this suffocating atmosphere, away from the tension and the arguments. I needed to clear my head, to focus on something other than the strange sensations that Daniel's touch had awakened.
With newfound determination, I pushed off from the door and walked towards the bathroom, my feet carrying me with a sense of purpose.
I turned on the faucet, and the sound of running water was like music to my ears. I needed this, a moment of solitude to wash away the confusion and uncertainty that had been plaguing me.
As I stepped into the warm water, I felt my muscles relax, my mind calming with each passing moment. I closed my eyes, letting the water envelop me, and took a deep breath.
I was in control. I reminded myself that I was strong, capable, and determined.
I let the water wash over me, carrying away the doubts and fears that had been holding me back.
After my bath, I came out feeling refreshed and renewed. I wrapped myself in a plush towel, feeling the softness envelop me like a gentle hug.
I walked to my room, my feet padding softly on the carpet. I opened my closet door, scanning my options with a critical eye. I needed something professional, something that would make me feel confident and capable.
I selected a pair of dark blue pants, the fabric smooth and luxurious. Bella gave them to me as a present on my birthday, and damn, they were my favorite. A trusted standby that always made me feel polished and put together. One would never know Bella had such good taste.
I paired them with a crisp white blouse, the cotton cool and refreshing against my skin. The sleeves were long and fitted, accentuating my arms and making me feel strong and capable, not like I had strong muscles.
I added a tailored blazer, the navy fabric perfectly complementing my pants and blouse.
The fitted silhouette flattered my curves, making me feel feminine and powerful.
I slipped on a pair of low heels, the leather soft and supple. They added a touch of sophistication to my outfit, making me feel like a true professional.
And finally, I accessorized with a simple silver necklace and a pair of elegant earrings. They added a touch of understated glamour to my outfit, making me feel like a million bucks.
As I gazed at my reflection, I felt a surge of confidence. I looked professional, capable, and strong. Looking at my eyes in the mirror, they sparkled with determination, my jawline set in a firm line. I couldn't help but compliment myself a little, a small smile playing on my lips.
"Wow, Lina, you look amazing," I said, my voice barely above a whisper. "You're a total boss; your outfit is both fitted and flattering, and geez, your shoes are the perfect finishing touch. Girl, you're a total rockstar."
I felt like a total boss as I admired myself in the mirror. My hair was on point, my outfit was flawless, and my heels made me feel like I could conquer the world.
I grabbed my bag and phone from the bed and started walking towards the living room, feeling like a confident queen.
But as I approached the door, my strides began to falter, my heart started racing, and my palms grew sweaty. I could feel my confidence slipping away, replaced by a creeping sense of nervousness. So much for being a boss!
I thought about Daniel, Sofia, and Bella, all waiting for me in the living room. I knew they would try to stop me from going to the company; their doubts and words of concern echoed in my mind, making my doubts and fear resurface.
My pace slowed, and I felt like I was walking into a lion's den. My mind raced with worst-case scenarios, and I could feel my resolve weakening. I took a deep, long breath and tried to shake off the nerves, but they only seemed to intensify.
By the time I entered the living room, my confidence had vanished, replaced by a trembling sense of uncertainty. I felt like a small, vulnerable creature about to be devoured by the doubts and fears of those around me.