AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Yasmin turns and gives me her brightest smile, although I notice it doesn’t reach her eyes. “Vincent and I are having a baby. So, we’re going to move into the apartment ourselves. My lease is up, and well, it seems silly to look for somewhere else when Vince already has such a beautiful apartment.”
I watch her hand graze its way down Vince’s chest, her eyes probing mine as she tosses her hair back and smirks.
Vince flinches, and I choke against the vice-like grip, squeezing my chest and heart.
“A baby... congratulations,” I splutter out. My eyes go to Vince’s. Guilt and something else flash across his features. “Are you sure it’s yours?”
The words are out of my mouth before I can stop them.
The rest of the conversation is a blur. The sting on my cheek, the screaming. I grabbed my bag and left.
I look up and realise I’ve reached the office. A numbness has descended over my body. I push my way through the revolving door and into the main lobby. Its chandelier lighting glistens off the marble and tiles. I make my way to the security gate and flash my card. The security guard gives me a brief glance as the light turns green.
“Evening, Ms Walker,” he says.
“Evening, James,” I say, pushing through, not wanting to stop, needing to find a space to let go.
I push the call button on the elevator multiple times.
It finally arrives, and I fall into it, resting against the back wall.
“Shit, shit, shit!” I say, my voice hoarse.
My hand flies to my chest as a wave of pain envelops my heart.
My breath hisses out as I reach my destination, and the door opens.
The floor is dark.
I stagger out, the automated evening lighting coming on, dimmer than usual but enough to light the pathway to my office. My ankle twists, shooting me into the corner of one cubicle, pain lancing through my hip.
“Fuck!” I scream, glad no one is on the floor to witness my meltdown.
I rub the throbbing area hard with the heel of my palm. That’s going to bruise.
I yank off my shoes, dangling them from my hand. I’m glad I haven’t added a twisted ankle to the list of disasters racking up this evening.
I walk barefoot to my office, pushing open the door and flinging the offending footwear into the corner. They hit the wall with a satisfying bang. I sink onto the sofa in the corner of my office. I drop my head into my hands as the choking sobs I’ve been swallowing down finally make it free.
“Damn him.”
My voice echoes around the empty office as I finally give way to the tears.
The elevator pings, letting me know I’m no longer alone.
CHAPTER 6
GABRIEL
Icatch up with Leah at the end of the street but hold back. Hoping no one is watching and thinks I’m a stalker. Her body language clearly shows that whatever happened is taking its toll. She enters our office building, barely acknowledging the night security before making her way to the bank of elevators. I watch through the window as she frantically calls the lift, her shoulders sagging in relief as it arrives. When she disappears, I allow myself to enter.
“Evening, Mr Frazer.” I jump as a voice breaks my focus.
“Evening, James,” I say, acknowledging the man behind the desk. I keep moving, following Leah, not wanting to get caught up in pleasantries.
James takes the hint, instead hitting the button, allowing me through the security gate.
“Thanks,” I call, pressing forward.
