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CHAPTER FIFTEEN: A FRAGILE CONNECTION.
Last Updated:
2024-12-09 17:45:21
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BEHIND OFFICE DOORS CHAPTER SIXTEEN: THE CONFESSION.
Jerry was rooted to the door, his gaze fixated on the unexpected turn of events before him. It was something beyond his imagination. Not even close. A woman, wearing one of Fred’s shirts almost inappropriately, stood half naked looking for Fred in his other room.She didn’t seem to even notice, or maybe she just didn’t care, that Jerry was in front of her."Fred?" She called out, a high-pitched and indifferent voice as though Jerry wasn't standing there.The walls felt as though they were closing in on him. The air was trapped in his throat, fists were drawn, and the heart rate increased. What he was currently witnessing was incomprehensible.How could Fred have someone in his room at this hour? And still, come to talk to me like he really cared? What was happening?.“Excuse me?” Jerry’s voice was low and firm, though his body betrayed his rising anger. “Who are you? And what are you doing here?” His eyes fixed on the lady, unwilling to look away. Her presence pissed him off more t
Last Updated : 2024-12-10BEHIND OFFICE DOORS CHAPTER SEVENTEEN: SHATTERED HOPES.
Laura finally gathered the strength to steady her breath, the fluttering in her chest slowly subsided. With great effort, she managed to bring her trembling right hand to his face and touched Jerry’s cheek as she spoke. “Jerry…” She began, her voice quiet, shaking as if it were about to break. The sentence was daunting, quite literally. She never would have thought she would find herself in such a situation, definitely not like this and definitely not with him. “I… I can’t even express how conflicted I am at this moment, but I had no idea you liked me that way. All this time I thought you considered me as a friend, a colleague.”She had never intended to cause him any pain. He was her best friend and now she was going to let it all go and there was something she had to say that was going to be the most cruel. “But how could I let him down easily?” She wondered. “How do I explain to him, that even if he is a perfect man, and in every way I have no problem with him, I just don’t love
Last Updated : 2024-12-10BEHIND OFFICE DOORS CHAPTER EIGHTEEN: SHADOWS OF THE PAST.
“I had no idea I’d get to see you again,” the female voice continued, dripping with an eerie tone as she stood before Laura and blocked her path. The woman’s posture was confident, almost as if she were relishing the moment, and there was a sinister gleam in her eyes as she looked directly at Laura.Laura came to an abrupt stop, a bitter wave of familiarity engulfed her. This was one of the women who had conspired against her in her last workplace, the very same women who had accused her of stealing, resulting in her disgracing firing.It seemed incredibly cruel that they would have to meet again.The woman’s figure somehow interfered with the space that was supposed to be empty between them. She smiled with mischief all over her face, as if warming up to Laura’s discomfort.Motioning step with one foot forward, she studied Laura with unsettling intensity and narrowed eyes.“Did you have to stalk me again?” Laura lashed out her voice a little sharp, irritation painted on every word.
Last Updated : 2024-12-10BEHIND OFFICE DOORS CHAPTER NINETEEN: A SHIELD IN THE CHAOS.
“A coffee shop? Really?”, “Such a shame,” came the voice in an arrogant tone whether for the grief or mockery. The man smirked and glanced at the broken cup and coffee spill on the floor beside Laura.“And you should clean the mess you just made too. I’m not surprised you’re good at destroying things,” he added with a cruel laugh.Laura froze, her hands tightened into fists at her sides as the voice sent a shiver through her. She slowly looked up, her heart sank. It was him. The man who was her boss in the past and sacked her from her employment as a cleaner without affording her an opportunity to clarify herself was next to her. She could feel his unpleasant presence hovering over her.Jerry stood a few steps away, noticed the tension, and stepped forward, he placed himself protectively in front of Laura. His jaw tightened as he fixed the man with a firm, warning look.“Laura… who is he?” Jerry asked, his voice calm but with an edge of anger.“He’s the one I told you about,” Laura r
Last Updated : 2024-12-10BEHIND OFFICE DOORS CHAPTER TWENTY: INTRUDER IN THE SHADOWS.
Laura stood frozen at the door with her body formed by that warm sunlight pouring down the afternoon. Her expression was more unreadable than the rest, though her cutting gaze went straight through Jerry's soul as the air became thick with tension. "Who was it you were talking with, Jerry?" She asked in soft tones filled with a paradox of calmness and suspicion, as each syllable sounded like distant thunder predicting a coming storm.Jerry's eyes went round and his throat dropped. The sound in the air went dead, then as his heart raced he sprang abruptly to his feet, making the chair scrape against the floor with a sharp, jarring sound. He hurried toward her, his movements were clumsy, almost desperate.Laura’s brows furrowed slightly and her sharp intuition kicked in. “Jerry? Are you sure you’re fine?” She asked, her tone more probing now. Her gaze lingered on him like she was dissecting every word, every gesture, every hesitation.Jerry swallowed hard and nodded hastily. “Oh… ye
Last Updated : 2024-12-10BEHIND OFFICE DOORS CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE: THE PHOTOGRAPH.
“Miss Laura… is everything alright?” The man from the squad asked gently, his brows furrowed as he observed her reaction to the photograph.Laura's trembling fingers reached down, knees buckling slightly, to grasp the passport photo lying on the ground. Breaths came in short, jagged bursts, and her eyes widened in astonishment as that face stared back from the glossy paper."I-I know this girl," Laura practically stammered, voice at a whisper barely audible. "I can't believe this." She gripped the photo tighter, knuckles turned white as if the intention was to crush it."Why would she do this to me?" Laura muttered to herself, her voice cracked with emotion. “And how… how did she even know my address?” The words seemed to carry the weight of betrayal, and her gaze remained locked on the photograph as tears welled up in her eyes.The squad leader stepped forward, his presence commanding yet composed, exuding a quiet authority that seemed to anchor the chaos swirling around them. His e
Last Updated : 2024-12-10BEHIND OFFICE DOORS CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO: UNFORESEEN CONNECTIONS.
The cold air in Laura’s living room was thick with tension as she stared at Jerry. The photograph in his trembling hands seemed like a puzzle piece that didn’t belong. The emergency squad’s murmurs were a low hum in the background, adding to the surreal nature of the moment.“Wha–Wha… What’s going on, Jerry?” Laura’s voice cracked as she moved closer to him and her eyes scanned his face for any hint of explanation. Her fingers twitched at her side, unsure whether to grab his arm or snatch the photograph herself.Jerry’s face contorted with disbelief and anger. “I can’t believe this… Miss Mary did this?” His words came out as an incredulous whisper before escalating into a shout. He held up the photograph as though it might burn him. A look of disgust mixed with anger washed through him.“You know Mary?!” Laura’s voice rose in pitch, fueled by equal parts confusion and dread. Without thinking, she grabbed Jerry’s shirt, pulling him close in a frantic gesture that almost seemed like
Last Updated : 2024-12-10BEHIND OFFICE DOORS CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE: FRAGMENTS OF A SHARED PAST.
"Glad to meet you once more!" Laura exclaimed in great excitement and utter surprise as she rushed out of the room for a better look. She was beautiful, having bright almond-shaped eyes that told secret stories.A slim and moderately tall girl, she carried herself with a kind of elegance that seemed almost too sophisticated for someone of her station. Her hair fell into a short bob that made her neck perfect, and her bright, flawless skin gave her a glow. "Oh my! Laura!" the lady exclaimed as they rushed to one another for a warm embrace. "I can't really believe that I can find you here!" Laura said, stepping back slightly to view the features of the woman, as if to verify that the person whom she was seeing was indeed her.“You work here? For Fred?” Her tone was incredulous, as though trying to piece together how their worlds had crossed paths again.“Yes, Miss Laura,” the woman responded, her smile as bright as ever. “After I got fired from the company, I bumped into Mr. Fred on
Last Updated : 2024-12-10
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BEHIND OFFICE DOORS CHAPTER EIGHTY-ONE: A STEP TOWARDS FATE.
After completing her bath quickly, Laura checked the wall clock to make sure she wouldn't be late for her interview. She hurriedly put on the sharp shirt and pants Jerry had picked out for her and picked up her phone and purse. She muttered, "My shoes," as she knelt down to get her wedges from beneath the table, where she had kept them safe ever since she got to Fred Walker's house. After a quick spray of her favorite cologne, Laura hurried from her room to the living room to see Jerry before she left.Jerry heard her loud footsteps approaching, and his heart began to rush. Knowing that their friendship might never be the same after this day made them uneasy. Laura was not aware of a secret Jerry had long withheld from her, which added weight to the interview at Fred's workplace. Jerry stood up anxiously as she emerged, his gaze fixed on Laura. He was astounded by her attractiveness, which was increased by her attire. He was momentarily engrossed in her beauty. “How do I look?” La
BEHIND OFFICE DOORS CHAPTER EIGHTY: A PROMISE TO KEEP.
Laura felt as though a million irreparable pieces had been blasted from her universe. Mr. Tim, who had always seemed to understand her and with whom she had felt safe, now spoke to her as if he were a complete stranger. Although she wanted to be upset, she was unable to place the blame on him. All he was doing was what he thought was required to safeguard his company and its expansion. Nevertheless, Laura was unable to control her emotions as the pain of his words persisted. As she sobbed hysterically, they poured freely down her cheeks, heavy and hot. Feeling stuck, she had to decide between two unfeasible options: staying at her low-paying job as a waitress at the cafe or accepting the secretarial post at the clothes firm which she hadn't even applied for, but now desperately needed.She had little choice because of her mother's deteriorating health. Her only way to pay for the medical care her mother needed was to work as a secretary, which paid more. But she was troubled by the u
BEHIND OFFICE DOORS CHAPTER SEVENTY-NINE: WHEN HELP BACKFIRES.
After a long drive to Beekman Street, where Maggie lived, the vehicle came to a stop. Maggie held out her hand to direct the driver to her door while her gaze swept the road. Jack, meanwhile, became worried when he saw the car following them. His piercing eyes lingered on it, attempting to make sense of it. Maggie was too preoccupied with getting home and relaxing to see the danger that was right outside her. As the vehicle pulled to a stop, she pointed to her home and said, "Here." Jack's heart raced in increasing alarm. He gently tapped Maggie's shoulder as he leaned in closer. He muttered, "Mom," in an attempt to get her attention.Maggie, however, disregarded Jack's uneasiness since she was not aware of the tightness in his voice. She reached inside her bag and took out some money to give to the driver. "I understand that you're hungry, Jack. I am, too”. She led him out of the car while keeping her eyes on her front door. "Let's head in, and I'll look something up before we ca
BEHIND OFFICE DOORS CHAPTER SEVENTY-EIGHT: HIDDEN MOTIVES.
With his hands slipping into his pockets, the Sheriff moved with purpose toward Rose, his eyes unwavering and steady. The deep hush was broken by his strong yet low voice. "I'm really disappointed in you," he replied quietly, the calm tone hardly concealing the rage inside. Slowly, as though driven by some unseen power, Rose turned. She breathed unevenly, her hands shaking as she clasped her fingers together. She avoided looking, trying to regain her balance. "You pretended not to recognize me even though you knew I was Linda's father. Why?” With his arms folded across his chest and his eyes narrowed, he demanded a response in a sharp voice.Rose closed her eyes for a second and let out a long breath. "I apologize, sir," she said in a guilty tone. "I wasn't prepared to discuss Linda and myself. All that took place was horrific. I'm not proud of it, and I stayed away from anything that reminded me of those times. The sheriff examined her closely, evaluating the authenticity of her s
BEHIND OFFICE DOORS CHAPTER SEVENTY-SEVEN: THE PRICE OF DECEIT.
Mary was clearly enjoying the chaos as her scathing and taunting laughter reverberated throughout the room. She flourished in chaos, particularly when Laura was in sight. Mary looked at Rose and smiled mischievously. “So, Rose,” she said, her tone full of derision. "You're also a concubine of Fred Walker?" Mary got up from her chair and gave Rose a sharp look in a tone that was equal parts disdain and laughter. Everyone in the room grew silent as the realization weighed heavily on them. The sheriff remained motionless as his mind raced to comprehend the network of lies that was being revealed to him.But Sarah was unable to control her anger. She jumped up, her cheeks flushed, her hands clenched, prepared to meet Rose. She cried, her voice shaking with fury and betrayal, "How could you, Rose?".Mary took Sarah's arm and held her back before she could do anything. Mary snarled, trying to manage the growing tension with a tight grasp, "Calm down." Rose's voice cracked as she spoke, h
BEHIND OFFICE DOORS CHAPTER SEVENTY-SIX: THE RECKONING AT NASSAU STATION.
Laura wanted desperately to stifle Fred's inflated ego, even only once. She had grown weary of losing every argument to his uncivilized haughtiness. She inhaled deeply, braced herself, and clenched her hands before answering calmly and purposefully. Fred, nobody is envious. Could we just have dinner and head to bed?.Jerry's eyes got bigger. He knew Laura who usually stormed off in tears, defeated, but this was not her. Her calm answer confused him. Laura resisted the need to cry or become angry for the first time. Even though Fred had previously made fun of him and Diana, Jerry couldn't help but respect her newfound fortitude.Laura's eyes changed to Jerry's, showing something fresh, acceptance, instead of rage or surrender. She had no more energy for pointless disputes as she started to understand the tension dynamics of Fred Walker's household. As they ate in reluctant silence, a thick hush fell over the room. Helen whispered softly from the door of the dining room, "Goodnight,
BEHIND OFFICE DOORS CHAPTER SEVENTY-FIVE: A COLLISION OF EMOTIONS.
However, the moment was short. Their intimacy was cut short by the sound of approaching footsteps, and then the delicate mood between them was broken by a playful laugh. The warmth of their shared moment dissipated into anxiety as they automatically separated in surprise. A playful voice chimed from the doorway, piercing the tension like a dagger, "Dinner's ready, lovebirds." Their assumption that they had been overheard was confirmed when the lighthearted comment landed heavily. Once brimming with unsaid emotions and vulnerability, the space now brimmed with awkwardness. Laura and Jerry exchanged a quick, agitated look and then turned their heads away, both fighting the flush that was starting to appear on their cheeks. Words failed them, and the weight of what had just happened hung heavy in the air.Helen laughed once again. Evidently, she had overheard enough of their talk to put the pieces together. Jerry and Laura were unaware that their voices had penetrated farther than th
BEHIND OFFICE DOORS CHAPTER SEVENTY-FOUR: WHAT THE HEART WANTS.
Jerry stumbled, his voice cutting through the heavy tension in the room, "I - I… um, Laura, I'm sorry." He quickly retreated from Laura's hold while averting his eyes. Not just yet. He couldn't look into her sharp eyes. They were in charge of him and constantly made him feel insignificant, exposed, and unprepared. Laura struggled to maintain her composure while she stumbled over her words. With a voice full of feelings she was unable to control, she asked, "Um, what are you doing here?"."Please give me a chance, Laura”. Jerry murmured, "Let's talk," in an imploring tone as he gingerly extended his hand to take hers. He could sense her anger radiating from her, and he proceeded cautiously, caught between his need to make amends and his dread of being rejected. Laura noted the twitch of his hand as their gazes locked. She paused, uncertain whether to draw away or remain motionless. Something deep inside her was awakened by that brief interaction. Her determination softened as the r
BEHIND OFFICE DOORS CHAPTER SEVENTY-THREE: TORN APART.
Laura's hasty footsteps reverberated around the cafe, becoming more audible as she hurried to the bathroom. Her thinking was as rapid as her legs, and every breath made her chest tighten. She was desperate to get out because she felt suffocated. It was intolerable to be around Jerry. This was not what she had anticipated happening. Jerry followed hard behind her, his right arm outstretched in a fruitless effort to halt her. His lips were shaking, and he was unable to speak clearly, but his eyes were on her, silently begging. "Laura, hold on!" he said, his voice cracking with urgency. "Please!” Allow me to explain. He accelerated in the hopes of catching her before she vanished into the bathroom.She said, "Leave me alone!" in a piercing, agonized voice. She quickly locked the bathroom door after pushing it open and slamming it behind her. Jerry froze, staring at the door in helplessness. No matter how serious the situation appeared to be, he was unable to pursue her because it was
