Leilani.
The weekend ended as fast as it came and by the time I resumed at work on Monday morning, still stewing from everything that happened over the weekend and the fact that I still haven't heard a word from Jarek yet, I was shocked to find out that:
He wouldn't be coming to work today.
Because he'd gone on an impromptu business trip.
My rage knew no bounds… my frustration too, because for some reason, I couldn't help but feel like this was his way of avoiding me. But for what reason?
That I had no idea.
I spent most of that week buried in my job, creating new models, planning new innovations and creating something better… faster than CONNA, the programming language created by the Landrys whose technology I've been trying to beat for a while now.
And by Thursday, Jarek returned.
I had just finished with a meeting and was about to go for my lunch break when Yvette, Jarek's PA came to inform me of his return.
To most people in the company, Jarek and I had some sort of 'romantic' relationship going on, so when she found out he was back, she had automatically sought me out to tell me the good news.
I froze. "Jay is what?"
"Alpha Frostclaw is back!"
My eyes widened so much they nearly fell out of my eyes as I staggered to my feet, cleared off my table and rushed out of my office whilst ignoring the knowing chuckle that floated behind me as Yvette watched me rush out.
My heart raced as I ran, my breath coming in short painful gasps. By the time I arrived at his office, I pushed the door open without knocking and screamed; "Why the hell have you not been answering my calls?"
But as soon as the words left my mouth, I instantly wanted to take it back because sitting right in front of Jarek was none other but Chalice. Her hair was styled into a high ponytail and her blue eyes glinted with so much mischief it made me shudder.
For a minute, I simply stood there, my heart racing, my nerves coiling tight. Even my blood rushed so loudly in my ears, I could barely hear the words that Chalice said next, she glowered;
"Sister! It's so good to see you!"
My heart fell. Rage like no other rushed through my veins.
Goddess, I didn't respond to her. I couldn't even bring myself to.
My eyes stung as I watched the scene before me, Chalice's words at the boutique echoing at the back of my mind as her smile grew wider. For a moment, my eyes snagged at Jarek's to find him already watching me, his expression cold. Closed off.
But I couldn't help but notice how… different he looked. But not in a bad way.
There was a small scar running down his left eye and a corner of his lips. It looked like it wouldn't fade easily.
But it made him somewhat hotter.
I gulped. "I see you're both busy, I'll see you later!" I said slowly.
"Yeah, that's right. I'll have asked you to join in but the conversation is quite private." Chalice butted in, and I had to fight the urge to smack her head against Jarek's mahogany table.
"Okay."
With that, I turned away and left, shaking with both anger and betrayal and everything else in between.
For the first time in my life, I hated Jarek. I hated how much he knew about the feud I had with my family. I hated that he knew about the pain that's been caused by my sister; Yet, he was frolicking with her. Acting like he doesn't know who I am because she'd successfully batted her long lashes at him.
The tightness in my chest grew as I made my way to the cafeteria, and after helping myself to some food, I paid and left, heading back to my office to complete my task.
Soon the day came to an end but Jarek never sent a word.
He didn't even act like I existed anymore.
And I, on the other hand, buried myself in my work.
—
It was Friday afternoon when Jarek finally found his way into my office and because I'd been busy, I didn't lift my gaze when I noticed that he was the one who had come into my office.
Suddenly, he drawled; "I'm hiring Chalice."
I froze. Literally.
My head snapped up to meet his gaze and when I was met with that strange coldness. That dark abyss that he's been regarding me with ever since his return from his trip, a tremor ran up my spine.
I snapped; "What?"
"She seems somewhat talented. And I am not telling you because I'm asking for your permission. I'm telling you because I feel you ought to know."
"…he's promised to help me with another better one… but first, I need to go out once with him."
Chalice's words echoed in my mind and for a minute, I couldn't believe it. I couldn't believe that she had actually been telling the truth… that the man in front of me now was no longer the Jarek I used to know but a stranger altogether.
Tears burned at the corners of my eyes at that realization but I blinked them away, forcing myself to meet his steely gaze, my heart constricting in my chest with each passing second.
"You know what bringing her here would cause, don't you?" I whispered, my voice shaky—too shaky, I hated it.
He shrugged; "Whatever feud you have with her should be cast aside. If you cannot work without setting your grudges aside, then I don't see any reason why you're working here." He drawled and I froze.
That was harsh. So so harsh. My rage soared. Even my jaw dropped.
"And Leilani, I don't mean this in a bad way. What I mean is… is that you should give her a chance to work with you. She's your—"
"Shut up!" I snapped, interrupting him forcefully. "Shut your filthy mouth up!"
Jarek froze, his eyes widening, but I continued. "You don't get to tell me what she is and isn't to me. It is none of your business! And like I said before, I cannot work in the same space as her, but I see you've made up your mind about it."
"Leilani…"
"What made you suddenly change your mind?" I spat, "…was the coochie that good? Or did she manage to convince you that I had a boob job done and you believed it?"
"Leilani!"
"You know what? Forget it!" I snapped, throwing my hands up. "I am done with this nonsense between Chalice, you and everyone else! I quit!"
"What?!" His voice thundered around the room, and for the first time since the beginning of this conversation, I saw panic flash across his features. "You don't mean that, Leilani. You cannot!" He rushed out, coming to grab my arm, but as soon as his fingers grazed my skin, I instinctively pulled back as if he burned.
His face fell.
"I can no longer work in a space that's inconvenient for me. I quit!" I snapped, picking up my phone, my laptop and then brushing past him to storm out of the office.