I sigh, exhausted but don’t complain. “Now?”
He nods. “Yeah, he said it wouldn’t take long.” Then he shrugs and points a thumb at the elevator. “I can go tell him that you already clocked out if you want?”
“It’s fine. I’ll go.”
“Certain?”
“Yeah, I’ll have to go either way, be it tonight or tomorrow.”
Offering me a friendly tap on the back, he takes his leave, and I head up to the last floor.
I don’t know why the boss wants to see me now out of all times. Maybe I made a mistake and he’s going to bite my head off for it? Or maybe Alex complained about Linda and I chatting during work hours? Either way, I’m about to find out.
“You called for me?” I ask, shutting the door behind me.
The room is dimly lit as he sits at his desk and peers up at me. “Aoi, take a seat.”
“I’m fine here, sir.”
He stands up and slowly walks up to me, the sole of his shoes clacking against the floor. My heart beats at the same rhythm as his march and stops when his rough palm cups my cheek.
What the-
“You weren't at the office yesterday,” he says gravely, and I shut my eyes, wincing.
My absence. Ugh, I should’ve known.
“I apologize, sir. It won’t happen again. I just had a lot-” I freeze, a shudder running down my spine as his thumb caresses my cheek. “S-sir? Why are you…uhm rubbing my cheek? Is there something on my face?”
As though he’s in a trance, he doesn’t reply. Rather, he grabs my arm with his free hand and squeezes it.
“My dear Aoi,” he whispers, closing the gap between us.
As though a thunder bolt strikes me, I slap him across the face. I retreat at the door, disgusted and astonished by his behavior.
“Don’t ever do that again,” I say, sensing a tremble on my lips.
Without awaiting his response, I rush out of the office and out of the building, reveling in the sensation of the chilly evening breeze crashing against my face.
It’s fine.I’mfine.
I’ll just go home, see Visha and I’ll be fine. But when I get home, no one is waiting for me.
“Visha?” I call out but only silence echoes.
I pull out my phone and call him but instead of the usual click of the call going through, I hear a beep beep beep.
“He hung up?” I mumble to myself, confused and unsettled. “That’s not possible.”
I dial his number again and the same three beeps slap me in the face like a huge fuck you. Staring at the screen, a message pops up.
Visha
I’m staying at Olivia’s place tonight. I don’t know when I’ll be back.
ME
Okay, have fun!
