I wished I could live in Europe and write articles on location… After all, I was a journalist, even though no one believed in me.
They kept saying I had to give up my foolish dreams and focus on marrying well, but I got what I wanted, right? Theodora smiled at the thought.
I needed to get back to work. Blowing a stray lock of hair away from my forehead, I started writing my next article.
Time passed slowly, and finally, the workday came to an end. Almost all the staff had already gone home.
"It's time to pack up, but first, I need to get my draft to Mr. Kraus," I muttered to myself.
I walked up to the editor-in-chief's office door and raised my hand to knock, but the sound of my boss's voice stopped me in my tracks. He seemed to be on the phone with someone.
"Yes, I understand. God knows what's going on in Europe right now," Mr. Kraus said.
A moment of silence followed before he suddenly exclaimed, "What?! Are you serious?
I turned back, hesitating, but then I reminded myself, I still needed to show him my draft.
Knocking lightly, I didn't wait for an answer before pushing the door open.
"Mr. Kraus, I wanted to…
What do you think you're doing, Avery?"
Mr. Kraus took the phone away from his ear and glared at her, clearly annoyed. "I never said you could come in.
"I just—"
"Please leave my office," he interrupted firmly.
"Yes, sir." She apologized and hurried out
Once outside, Theodora took a deep breath, letting the fresh evening air fill her lungs. She was about to head home when, out of the corner of her eye, she noticed Norman Hope stepping out of the building.
Not him," she muttered under her breath, quickly turning in the opposite direction. But it was too late—Norman had already spotted her.
Hey, Avery!" he called after her.
She sighed, turning around reluctantly. "How can I help you, Mr. Hope?
Her tone wasn't particularly friendly, nor did she make an effort to hide her resentment toward him.
Norman smiled, unfazed. "Are you heading home?
No," she replied dryly. "I'm going to the circus to water the African elephants.
Norman chuckled. "Witty as always."
She rolled her eyes but took a step closer, folding her arms across her chest.
Listen," Norman started. "This whole predicament we're in—
Which one?" she interrupted. She paused for a moment, then let out a short laugh. "Oh, you mean the part where we spent the night together, and in the morning, you suddenly remembered you're married? No hard feelings. It happens to the best of us.
Why are you like this, Theo?
Anger burned in her throat, and her hands instinctively clenched into fists.