Seren sat across from Draven in the cozy, dimly lit corner of the café, the same place they'd met only a week ago. The air between them was tense, filled with unspoken words and heavy emotions. Seren's heart raced, his palms clammy as he prepared to spill the truth. He knew this was his chance to finally clear the air, to reveal everything that had happened in the days leading up to his firing.
"Draven, there's something I need to tell you," Seren began, his voice barely above a whisper. He could feel his throat tightening, the weight of the past week pressing down on him like a boulder.
Draven leaned forward, his expression attentive and serious. "I'm listening, Seren. Whatever it is, you can tell me."
Seren took a deep breath, steadying himself. "The last week before I got fired... it wasn't as simple as I made it out to be. That woman, the one from the rival company, she's the reason behind everything. She's the reason I lost my job."
Draven's brow furrowed, confusion and concern mingling in his eyes. "What do you mean? What did she do?"
"She came into the office one day and told my boss that I was no longer needed," Seren explained, his voice growing steadier as he recounted the events. "She said she would be taking over as your new assistant, and that I should leave immediately. I didn't even get a chance to clear out my desk properly. It was all so sudden, so unexpected."
Draven's jaw tightened, a flash of anger crossing his face. "Why didn't you tell me this sooner? I could have done something to stop it. I had no idea she was involved in any of this."
Seren shook his head, a bitter smile tugging at his lips. "I didn't know how to tell you. I felt so... helpless. And then, when I couldn't find another job, I had to move back in with my grandparents. I just couldn't keep up with my rent, and I didn't know what else to do."
He paused, his gaze dropping to his hands, which were clenched tightly in his lap. "I lied about that, too," he admitted, his voice barely audible. "I told you I moved in with them because I couldn't find a job, but the truth is... I just needed somewhere to go. Somewhere safe, where I didn't have to face anyone or explain what happened. I was embarrassed, Draven. I didn't want you to see how badly I'd failed."
Draven's expression softened, and he reached across the table, gently placing his hand over Seren's. "You didn't fail, Seren," he said quietly, his voice filled with sincerity. "None of this was your fault. That woman manipulated everything to her advantage. She wanted to push you out, and she succeeded. But that doesn't mean you failed. It just means she played dirty, and you were caught in the crossfire."
Seren looked up, meeting Draven's gaze. There was a warmth in Draven's eyes, a reassurance that made Seren's chest tighten with a mix of relief and regret. "I should have told you sooner," Seren whispered. "I should have trusted you to help me."
Draven gave his hand a comforting squeeze. "You're telling me now, and that's what matters. We can figure this out together. I won't let her get away with this. I promise you, Seren, I'll do everything in my power to make things right."
Seren nodded, feeling a flicker of hope ignite in his chest. For the first time in what felt like forever, he wasn't facing this alone. He had Draven by his side, and that made all the difference.
"Thank you, Draven," Seren said softly, his voice filled with gratitude. "Thank you for believing in me, even when I didn't believe in myself."
Draven smiled, a gentle, reassuring smile that warmed Seren's heart. "We're in this together, Seren. Whatever happens next, we'll face it together. I won't let you down."
As they sat there, hands clasped across the table, Seren felt a sense of peace wash over him. The road ahead was still uncertain, but with Draven by his side, he knew he could face whatever challenges lay ahead.
And for the first time in a long time, he felt a glimmer of hope for the future—a future that was now filled with possibilities he hadn't dared to dream of before.