Chapter 41
"I've loved him for years, Years!" Alice sobbed, her voice trembling. "I kept waiting, thinking one day he'd finally notice me. But no—he noticed every other woman except me."
Natasha's chest tightened, jealousy prickling at her heart. The thought of someone else loving Drogen, left a bitter taste in her mouth. She squared her shoulders and replied firmly, "And who said I don't love him too?"
Alice's tear-streaked face twisted in anger. "How dare you claim to love him when you've clearly used him to get a promotion"
"Don't you fucking dare accuse me of that!" Natasha shot back, her voice rising. "I never asked for a promotion! I was just as surprised as anyone when it happened. Besides, weren't you promoted too?"
"That's different!" Alice retorted. "At least I earned mine through hard work.
Natasha arched a brow, a sly smirk tugging at her lips "You know, it's almost impressive how you've turned Mr Lee's good judgment into your personal pity party. He promoted me because I earned it—shocking, I know. But hey, don't let that stop you from blaming me for your lack of talent. Someone's gotta be the villain in your sob story, right?"
Alice's lip curled into a sneer. "So, tell me—are you guys dating, or was this just a one-night stand?"
Natasha hesitated, the words catching in her throat. But she refused to let Alice see her falter. Lifting her chin, she answered boldly, "I'm his girlfriend."
Alice's laughter was sharp and cold. "Girlfriend? Really? Well, enjoy it while it lasts. I'll give you one month—just one—and he'll dump you like he did with all the others. Don't fool yourself."
With those cutting words, Alice smirked and walked out of the bathroom, leaving Natasha standing there, fists clenched and emotions swirling.
The truth in Alice's words stung. Natasha did worry sometimes. What happens when Drogen eventually lost interest? The thought sent a pang through her chest, but she quickly shoved it aside. She was already prepared for this. No need to worry about what had not yet happened.
Turning toward the mirror, Natasha saw the red imprint of Alice's slap still visible on her cheek. She let out a shaky breath, trying to steady herself. She rinsed her face with cold water, the coolness easing the sting on her skin but not the ache in her heart.
She stared at her reflection, the girl in the mirror looking back at her with a mix of defiance and vulnerability. She couldn't let this shake her. She had calm her emotions, or Drogen would notice.
Loosening her hair, she let it fall over her cheeks, using it to hide the mark. With one final deep breath, she straightened her back and walked out of the restroom.
When she stepped back into the office, Drogen was still in a meeting with the executives. She busied herself with her work, trying to focus on the screen in front of her. An hour passed before he finally returned. She was so engrossed in her task that she didn't hear him approach.
The soft warmth of his breath against her neck startled her.
"You're diligent I see" she jolted and turned to look at him, then smiled realizing he was the one and let out a nervous laugh. "Could you maybe make some noise next time? You almost gave me a heart attack."
But Drogen's expression suddenly turned cold. His eyes darkened, his voice chilling. "What happened to your face?"
Her heart skipped a beat. "Nothing. Why?" she asked, feigning ignorance.
He moved closer, his gaze fixed on hers like a predator cornering its prey. "Who did this to you?" he asked again, his tone colder and more dangerous.
It was then she realized her hair was tied back again, exposing the faint mark, she had tied it back so she could concentrate on her work. She cursed herself silently and quickly untied it, letting it fall back into place. "Don't worry about it. It's nothing—I've already taken care of it," she said, forcing a smile.
But Drogen wasn't convinced. His hand was gentle but firm as he tilted her face up to meet his gaze. "Nat," he said softly, his breath brushing against her cheek, "tell me who hit you."
His voice wasn't loud, but there was something in it that made her chest tighten. She hesitated, knowing he wouldn't let it go.
"It was Alice," she finally admitted, her voice barely above a whisper.
Drogen's jaw clenched, his nostrils flaring as he inhaled deeply. Without another word, he straightened, his expression unreadable. "I'll be back," he said, his tone eerily calm as he turned and walked out.
Natasha watched him go, confusion swirling in her mind. Why was he so angry? It wasn't like he cared enough to be upset when she got hurt… right?
Minutes later, Drogen returned, adjusting his tie as if nothing had happened. He sat at his desk, his face calm, but there was a sharp edge to his silence.
"So… what happened?" she asked awkwardly, breaking the tension.
He glanced at her, his voice stern and unwavering. "She's fired."
Natasha's eyes widened, disbelief coloring her expression. "She's what?"
"Fired," he repeated, his tone final, as if the matter was already sealed and done.
Natasha stood abruptly, crossing the room to his desk, her emotions bubbling to the surface. "Why? I told you I've already handled it! You didn't have to do this."
Drogen's sharp gaze met hers, his voice steady but edged with resolve. "I had to," he said simply. "I told you—I wouldn't let anyone disrespect you and get away with it."
She blinked, stunned by his conviction. Her voice faltered as she pressed, "But… why? Why do you care so much? It's not like you love me or anything."
Drogen's eyes softened, just a fraction, but it was enough to send her heart into a spiral. He leaned back in his chair, studying her with a gaze that seemed to peel away every layer of her defenses. Then, his voice dropped, low and deliberate.
"And who said I didn't love you?"