The weeks following the incident with Peter passed in a haze of guilt and regret. Eunice tried to stay focused on her work at the bakery, but it felt like there was a dark cloud hanging over her every move. Every time Peter walked in, her stomach twisted with anxiety, and every time he spoke to her, she couldn't shake the feeling that something was being left unsaid.
Mercy, on the other hand, seemed to be oblivious to the tension between them. She continued to run the bakery with her usual efficiency, offering no indication that anything was amiss. Eunice found herself slipping into the background more often than not, silently working to avoid Peter's gaze.
But she couldn't escape the inevitable forever.
One evening, as Eunice was cleaning the countertops, Peter walked into the bakery just as Mercy stepped out to take a phone call. Eunice froze, her heart pounding in her chest. Peter, as always, was smiling, but there was a certain coldness to it now, a sharpness in his eyes that made Eunice uneasy.
"Eunice," he said softly, stepping closer to her. "We need to talk."
"I don't think there's anything to talk about," Eunice replied, keeping her voice steady as she avoided his gaze.
Peter's hand reached out, brushing her arm lightly. "Please. Just for a moment."
Against her better judgment, Eunice glanced up at him, seeing the intensity in his eyes. She swallowed hard. "What is it?"
"I've been thinking," Peter began, his voice low and serious. "I don't want this… whatever this is… to end. I care about you, Eunice. More than you know."
Eunice shook her head, stepping back. "Peter, this can't continue. It was a mistake."
Before Peter could respond, the sound of the door opening interrupted them. Mercy walked in, her voice full of authority as she spoke to someone on the phone.
Eunice's heart skipped a beat, but Peter didn't seem phased. He smiled at Mercy as she entered, his charm instantly flipping back on. "Hey, Mercy," he greeted her casually. "Just catching up with Eunice here."
Mercy nodded, still speaking into the phone. "Okay, I'll deal with that tomorrow. Eunice, make sure the place is clean before you leave."
"Sure," Eunice replied, trying to keep her voice neutral.
Mercy hung up the phone, her attention now fully on Eunice and Peter. "Peter, I'll be leaving soon. You're coming with me, right?"
Peter smiled, his eyes flickering briefly toward Eunice. "Of course, Mercy. I'll meet you outside."
As he left, Eunice felt a wave of relief wash over her, but it was quickly replaced by dread. Her heartbeat quickened. She had no idea how long she could keep this secret.
That night, as Eunice was finishing her shift and preparing to leave, Mercy came into the back room, looking more serious than usual. She closed the door behind her and crossed her arms, her eyes narrowing as she watched Eunice.
"You know, I've been noticing something strange lately," Mercy said, her voice sharp. "You've been… distracted. More than usual."
Eunice stiffened, her stomach dropping. "I'm just tired. Lots of work, that's all."
Mercy didn't look convinced. "Hmm. And Peter… he seems to be a lot more interested in you these days. Is something going on?"
Eunice's heart raced. She could feel the weight of Mercy's gaze, like a spotlight shining directly on her.
"I… I don't know what you mean," Eunice stammered, trying to keep her voice steady.
Mercy's eyes narrowed even further. "Don't lie to me, Eunice. I see it. You've been avoiding me, and I've seen the way Peter looks at you." She took a step closer, her tone now icy. "Is there something going on between you two?"
Eunice opened her mouth to deny it, but the words stuck in her throat. The truth, though painful and ugly, was that there had been something—something fleeting and reckless, but real.
"Mercy, I…" Eunice began, but she couldn't finish. The guilt was suffocating her.
Mercy's expression twisted in anger, her voice shaking with betrayal. "You… you slept with my boyfriend?"
Eunice's eyes widened, her cheeks burning with shame. "Mercy, I—"
Mercy took a step back, her hands trembling as she wiped away a tear. "I trusted you. You were like family. And you went behind my back and betrayed me like this?"
Eunice felt a pang of regret deep in her chest, but she couldn't bring herself to defend her actions. How could she? Mercy was right. She had crossed a line, and there was no going back.
Mercy's voice cracked as she spoke, her hurt and anger clear. "Get out. I don't want you working here anymore."
Eunice's heart sank. "Mercy, please, I didn't mean for this to happen. It was a mistake."
"Get out!" Mercy shouted, her eyes wild with rage. "I don't ever want to see you again."
Eunice stood frozen for a moment, the weight of Mercy's words crashing down on her. But when Mercy didn't move, Eunice knew there was nothing left to say. She gathered her things in a daze, leaving the bakery without a word.
The next few weeks were a blur of uncertainty. Eunice had nowhere to go but back to the guesthouse. She didn't have enough savings to live for long, and the thought of returning to her village felt like a failure. She wasn't sure where her life was headed anymore.
But then, one day, she ran into Joyce at the market. Joyce was the last person Eunice expected to see, but she was a welcome sight.
"I've been hearing about what happened," Joyce said softly, her eyes sympathetic. "But don't worry, Eunice. You're not alone."
Eunice looked up, meeting Joyce's gaze. "I've messed up, Joyce. I don't know what to do."
Joyce placed a hand on her shoulder. "You need a fresh start. I know a travel agency that helps women get jobs abroad. You can leave this behind, Eunice. Go somewhere else. Start over."
Eunice felt a spark of hope ignite inside her. Maybe this was the way forward. A new beginning. A chance to rebuild everything.
"I'm ready," Eunice said quietly, determination in her eyes.