Chapter 48
Melissa
My stomach churned and I tried my best to act like I didn’t feel used. No no, I can’t feel that way.
I’m the one who wanted him and had him right? Yes, that’s it. I kept consoling myself mentally as I stood in front of the man who had to iota of emotion on his face as he blurted those word
He was cold…
I don’t know how to feel knowing he just summarized those memories and called it two nights of lovemaking. Two damn nights.
“What’s going on in your mind?”
Marcus looked over the monitor and I suddenly regained consciousness and swallowed hard. “Nothing,” I responded hastily. The last thing I wanted him to see was how my color was washing from hearing him say that.
He must not know how I feel.
“In case you’re wondering,” he started. “You didn’t do bad.”
I swallowed hard. This man is a fucking asshole and he needs someone to tell it to him.
Actually, I very much enjoyed the moments and I’m sure you did too. It was a little more intimate than most women in the past.”
Of course. I’m so stupid to assume that Marcus Hills of all people has been celibate. Call me dumb, crazy and of course, naïve.
What was he hoping to achieve with this? I should jump up and be glad that I happened to be one of his play things too.
A lot of thoughts coursed through me making me regret moving to New York. I should have just stayed back with my grandma in Old Town and burned her pancakes in the name of trying to make them.
I suddenly felt nostalgic for moments when I didn’t have to try too hard to get anything done or try to feel fulfilled by thinking of a revenge plan.
I wanted to be ten again. Without fear, worries, or anxiety kicking in. I have no idea how I’ve come this far but just hearing Marcus talk about the same moments I’ve cherished since it happened as just a random event broke my heart to pieces.
This wouldn’t have happened if I didn’t go out with Helena on the day I met Ian. I’d have never met that boy who made me get into all of these all of a sudden.
I know this is my response to hurt; shifting the blame and being unaccountable but I can’t think of anything else. I can’t even think of any other way to process what this man just told me.
“So, Miss Kane. From here on out, this is strictly professional.”
I quirked my head to the side. “I’ll keep that in mind.”
“You can get back to work,” he responded most dismissively ever Without any more words or will to stand and get insulted, I unlocked the door and swung it open.
Returning to my cubicle without showing any emotion was one skill that needed to be studied. As soon I got to my chair and sat down, I exhaled audibly.
14:43 Thu, Dec 5 GO
Chapter 48
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Even Chloe did not know of this stunt I just pulled off and I’m glad she didn’t. How could I have explained that I walked into the Boss‘ office with a resignation letter and walked out with a task to do before the end of the day?
No, I wouldn’t have been able to give a reasonable explanation.
It’s crazy, how one scenario had me playing back all the times I’ve been hurt. Starting from my teenage days to finally ending things with Ian and now, watching Marcus turn cold.
I tried hard to not think of it but each time I acted like it was nothing and I wasn’t thinking of it, I found myself thinking so hard.
It was even crazier that I didn’t care about lan— to know if he was taking it well despite being the one who hurt me. I should still think of him, maybe check in? but hell no, my mind has been clouded with Marcus. His touches, his voice groaning in my ear while his tongue nibbled my earlobe, and how our sweaty bodies fought for more than we were allowing it to feel.
“Are you alright?”
I shook my head back to my reality and found Chloe standing right in my front with her phone in one hand and her other hand in a wave–like she’s been trying to get my attention.
“Hey,” I blurted, tugging back some strands of my hair. “Have you been standing there for long?”
“Yeah. You know? If I didn’t know you, I’d have thought you were straight–out ignoring me. Girl, you were staring at me but not responding.”
I scoffed. “I’m sorry Chloe, I was just lost for a second.”
“Forty–five seconds actually and no, I wasn’t counting.”
I gave a small chuckle and she tilted closer to me. “You keep saying it’s nothing but you’re literally blacking out at work.”
“That was just a second, Chloe.” I rolled my eyes and she laughed grabbing her purse from the table beside me. “Lunch? I’m starving.”
Well, I wasn’t starving but anything to get me out of here is very welcome. “Sure, let’s head out,” I told her swiveling around and standing to my feet.
We walked to a nearby bistro and between ordering some food and waiting for our order, Chloe threw me a glance.
“Did you live with your parents?”
I almost choked on my saliva but I didn’t. That was the last question I expected during a lunch getaway.
“I’m sorry, is that a wrong question?”
“No no,” I answered shaking my head. “I lived mostly with my grandma. My parents died when I was quite young”
“I’m so sorry to hear that,” Chloe told me. I nodded stiffly.
“It’s okay. Been a long time, anyway.”
“Doesn’t make the pain any less,” she told me and I gave a nod. Yeah, it didn’t.
“I see why you’re such a strong lady, Mels. You’ve strived all your life.”
Strong.
Was that really the word to describe me cause I sure as hell feel nothing like a strong woman.
Chapter 49
