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CHAPTER NINETY: CHASING FORGIVENESS.
Last Updated:
2025-01-31 19:33:16
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BEHIND OFFICE DOORS CHAPTER NINETY-ONE: A RIVALRY BEGINS.
As he shut off the engine, Fred's deep rumbling faded, and he pulled up in front of his companions. The fresh morning air was accompanied by the faint murmur of city life. Laura paused for a second before continuing. As she carefully slid open the car door, she whispered quietly, "Thank you for the ride." She walked out, waiting for him to follow, her eyes still on the classy car. Ever self-assured, Fred opened his door and stepped out, leaving the sound of the door slamming reverberating over the silent parking lot. As he walked toward her with a knowing sneer on his lips, his ego was clearly visible. In a silky, quiet voice, he whispered, "You're welcome, Laura," before giving her a playful wink.Ben, the security officer, saw them from afar and came running over. He said, "Good morning, sir," as he extended his hand to grab Fred's work bag. His motions were quick and well-practiced, an unwritten habit. Fred Walker was fun for Ben to be around. He occasionally gave him large grat
Last Updated : 2025-02-01BEHIND OFFICE DOORS CHAPTER NINETY-TWO: THE FIRE OF POSSESSION.
Laura had already taken a seat in Fred's office, waiting for their chat to start with her fingers gripped together. She didn't know why, but there was tension in the air between them. Every few seconds, Fred's gaze shifted toward the entrance as though anticipating a distraction. Then footsteps reverberated down the corridor, loud and determined. Laura's heart beat in time with the footsteps that were approaching. Her stomach churned as she and Fred looked at each other uneasily, both of them automatically turning to face the entrance. Maggie suddenly burst through the door, pushing it open until it struck the wall behind her. She paced like an animal in a cage as she stomped deeper into the office, her eyes wild and her face enraged.“Seriously Fred?” Maggie spat, anger leaking into her voice. After glancing back and forth between them, she called out to both of them with a finger. “No one should enter your office until you're finished! I think that was an instruction?”. Tension
Last Updated : 2025-02-02BEHIND OFFICE DOORS CHAPTER NINETY-THREE: TORN BETWEEN TWO.
Fred stood motionless, staring at Laura while his fingers made soft strokes across her hair. Slowly and deliberately, as if committing every strand to memory, he touched, relishing the moment. He whispered, "You're... you're so beautiful, I must confess," in a deep, appreciative voice. His thumb delicately caressed her skin as his hand moved from her hair to her fingers. Laura's body shivered at the unexpected feeling, and she saw a strange weakness settling over her. One part of her tried to resist the allure of his presence, while the other part yearned to give in to the warmth of his touch.She could now see why so many women felt helpless in Fred Walker's presence. He exuded a seductive charisma that made it simple to get swept up in his charms. It took a strong-willed woman with sufficient self-control and determination to avoid adding her name to his lengthy list of victories. Laura, on the other hand, was not going to be another win for him. "Thank you," she said hastily, try
Last Updated : 2025-02-03BEHIND OFFICE DOORS CHAPTER NINETY-FOUR: A NIGHT OF SURPRISES.
Laura's lips moved as she mumbled the words to herself, squinting as she read the message on the screen. “Hello, Jerry, are you available tomorrow so we can see?” A beat skipped across her heart. "Diana is asking to meet Jerry tomorrow." Her voice was hardly more than a whisper when she whispered. As she attempted to digest the information, a mixture of confusion and uneasiness settled in her chest. Jerry's voice came from the hallway before she could finish thinking, and she heard his footsteps getting louder as he hurried toward the living room. "Laura! I'll be there now! Are you prepared for the moment of greatness?”.Laura was startled, and her eyes widened in fear. "Oh no!" she mumbled to herself. She crossed her legs and threw the phone onto the chair in a single motion, trying to look calm as though she hadn't seen anything. "Yes, Jerry! I'm prepared!” Just as he walked in, she gave him a fake smile in return.Jerry smiled, bowed playfully, and stepped forward, his right han
Last Updated : 2025-02-04BEHIND OFFICE DOORS CHAPTER NINETY-FIVE: TANGLED WEBS.
As the tension in the room increased, Laura experienced a feeling of unease. She demanded, unable to contain herself any longer, "What's going on?". She protected Diana behind her and automatically drew her away from Fred's rage. Jerry turned to Diana, his words filled with fear and bewilderment, and his heartbeat raced. "Diana, talk to me. What's happening? Do you know my cousin?” He looked for answers in her eyes. Fred became enraged before Diana could reply. He spat, "Of course she does!". “One night, I took her home. This thief took my watch after we were both intoxicated and made out! Ten thousand dollars was its value”.Helen, intrigued by the noise coming from the kitchen, crept over to the doorway of the living room. Diana's heart was racing as she stood motionless. That night, she hadn't recognized it as Fred's house. Believing that the past would never catch up with her, she had stolen from him. She had no way out now, though. She cried out, overcome with shame, "Yes! I
Last Updated : 2025-02-05BEHIND OFFICE DOORS CHAPTER NINETY-SIX: A TIP AND A TRUTH.
Fred ushered them into his office, took a seat, and pointed to the two chairs facing him. "Please sit, Maggie and Laura. Let's get things done quickly before a customer arrives”. They sat down, Maggie and Laura watching him intently, waiting to hear his thoughts on the anniversary celebration. Fred spoke to Maggie first, leaning forward a little and folding his hands on the desk. “You're used to this, Maggie. We do it annually to honor this organization's accomplishments”. Maggie smiled at him and nodded. As usual, she was too preoccupied with ogling his face to pay much attention to what he was saying.Fred turned to look at Laura. "This will be the company's eleventh anniversary celebration, Laura. I only want a few friends, our employees, and a few customers, not a large crowd”. Laura listened carefully and replied, "That sounds amazing." Fred went on, going back to Maggie, "Going on." "Show me the expenses, refreshments, event coordinators, and anything else that needs money.
Last Updated : 2025-02-06BEHIND OFFICE DOORS CHAPTER NINETY-SEVEN: A PAWN IN HIS GAME.
Laura's whole body shook with anger and rage as she clenched the paper in her trembling fists. The day in the cafe, the day that everything changed, flashed through her head in a flurry of recollections. In her haste, she had abandoned her purse and fled into the streets without thinking to avoid Fred Walker. She could still hear him calling after her in a low, frantic voice. "Wait, Laura!".Fred had stormed out of the restroom, fumbling with his trousers as he rushed in her direction. His expression was strained, a mix of remorse and desperation. Laura, however, had already retreated a few paces and held out a quivering finger to prevent him from approaching. Her pulse was pounding, her breath ragged."Stop! Just stop there!” Her voice was rough with emotion as she screamed. "Don’t you dare come close to me." Her whole body tense, she backed away toward the exit, her vision obscured by tears. She felt disgusted by the sight of Fred. Laura didn't wait for Fred to take a step forw
Last Updated : 2025-02-07BEHIND OFFICE DOORS CHAPTER NINETY-EIGHT: THE SILENCE BEFORE THE STORM.
Laura and Maggie hurried into the reception area, looking around the room to see what was causing the disturbance. Ben was positioned squarely in front of a man in the middle of everything, his arms outstretched as though he were preventing him from going inside. His posture was defensive and stiff. Maggie moved forward and touched Ben's shoulder tenderly before yanking him back a little. "Wait, Ben. What does he want, and who is he?” Her eyes shifted to the man as she asked.Laura abruptly met the stranger's eyes as she followed Maggie's movements. Her face flashed with recognition, and her demeanor changed instantaneously. She rushed forward and pleaded, "Oh, please, let him in." "He's part of the maintenance and cleaning team." With a worried expression, she stepped closer to the man. She clasped her hands together in a begging motion and said, "I'm so sorry for the misunderstanding." Maggie scowled with perplexity. "Do you know him?" She asked.Laura gave a nod. “He's here to
Last Updated : 2025-02-08
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BEHIND OFFICE DOORS CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND SIXTY-FOUR: A HAPPY EVER AFTER.
A puny cry gave its echo through the corridor of the hospital, sharp against the heavy silence, as a sudden sprinkle of light in the darkness. Short, yet long enough to create a ripple of emotion in the waiting room.Fred raised his head, his eyes wide in disbelief. "What... was that...?".Helen gave a gasp and within a moment her hand flew to her mouth, and her eyes were filled with tears. "Oh my God, that’s the baby! That’s Laura’s baby!" Jerry sprang up from his seat, almost toppling his chair. "She did it!”. “She really did it!".And for a moment in Presbyterian Hospital, time came to a screeching halt. The coldness of the white corridors was stifled with raw, unfettered emotion. Fred, Jerry, and Helen stood utterly still, their hearts thumping, while the set of double doors at the end of the hallway held their attention.With that, the doors flung wide open, and the doctor emerged, his face blissfully lit up with joy and pride. Tension snapped in an instant."Congratulations!" h
BEHIND OFFICE DOORS CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND SIXTY-THREE: THE UNEXPECTED LABOR.
The sky was deep gray when Fred, Jerry, and Helen reached the hospital. The car with headlights sped through darkening spaces, spilling brassy rays onto the glimmering glass entrance of the hospital. As he screeched his tires, Jerry drove the car to an abrupt stop. "Here!”. “We are here!" shouted Jerry as he jumped from the car, running to the rear door. Fred held Laura in his arms, a mask of horror and concern.“Hold on, Laura. Just a little more”. "We are at the hospital," said Fred, hopeful, his voice straining, almost breaking under the burden of panic. Laura wrung her face as she shed tears. "It hurts… Fred… it hurts so badly… I can't...". A voice trampled by agony held in her throbbing, swollen tummy.Moments to spare, Helen dashed toward the hospital entrance and shoved open the glass doors. The sound of her voice arched in desperation through the reception area as she yelled, “We need help here! She’s in labour!”.Responding instantly, two nurses sprinted down from behind the
BEHIND OFFICE DOORS CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND SIXTY-TWO: A NEW BEGINNING.
A soft golden sunlight fell across the driveway, bathing it beautifully as Fred's car gently rolled to a stop in front of the house. The trip from Laura's family house was quiet, really quiet, as though it spoke volumes in silence. Fragments of thoughts inhabited Fred and Laura, offering their thinking as they were trying to build a new life and future together. Fred turned his face toward Laura and noticed that her expression was calm and almost radiant. With one hand resting on her bulging belly, she was a silent but very potent reminder of the new starts ahead of them."Home sweet home," Fred said tenderly, with an affectionate smile as he turned toward her. Laura gazed in return, lips curling in a gentle smile of her own; though there was a sparkle in her eyes, one of wonder, hope, and just a hint of nervousness. "It feels... different now. More real." Fred gave her hand a squeeze before going on to add, "We will make it our home together."Out of the car they stepped, with warm a
BEHIND OFFICE DOORS CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND SIXTY-ONE: THE MORNING AFTER I DO.
The soft morning sun filtered gently through the curtains; it fell into the bedroom with a mellow light. It warmed the tumbled sheets and stillness of the room, bathing everything in gold, in a hush. Fred stirred first to awaken slowly from the very deep slumber that had followed yesterday's clutch of emotions and celebration. When his eyes fluttered open to adjust to the sweet light, the first thing that came into sight was Laura.She looked serene, her features were calm and composed, yet some signs of fatigue hung heavily on her features. The previous day's joyful nerves, tears, and chuckles left nothing for her to hide under the restful appearance of sleep. Somehow, Fred could tell that the day had not been easy for Laura, physically and perhaps even more emotionally. He gazed at her for an unusually long moment, physically taking in her look, he had now possessed her as a wife, a woman who carried his child.He reached out gently and brushed Laura’s cheek. The gesture was silent,
BEHIND OFFICE DOORS CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND SIXTY: WE MADE IT HOME.
Jerry smoothly navigated the car into Fred's driveway; the tires barely made a sound crunching on the gravel under the soft evening light. At the gate, the security guard immediately recognized the newlyweds. With his face glowing with happiness, he quickly jogged towards the vehicle; his accession was respectful and yet openly thrilling."Congratulations, Mr. Fred, Miss Laura," he greeted them sincerely and graciously opened the car door with a courtly bow from the others. "It is an honor to welcome you home as husband and wife."Fred was the first to alight from the car; his movements were slow and deliberate. He turned towards Laura and extended his hand as she reached out and placed two fingers gingerly into his. As she stepped out of the car, indirectly from the porch light, that soft glow bathed her face, capturing those quiet, lovely smiles. Behind them, Helen and Jerry walked out of the car and gazed at each other, sharing a silent happiness reflected in their eyes.With a voi
BEHIND OFFICE DOORS CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY-NINE: A WEDDING OF SECOND CHANCES.
Gasps rippled through the crowd, like waves crashing upon a still shore. Slowly, every head turned towards that sudden sound coming from the road. A hushed silence draped over the ceremony. Laura's breath stuck in her throat as the doors of the first vehicle flung open.Thomas stepped out first, calm and composed, and next to him was Maggie, her face unreadable. It was the second car that stole the moment. The doors opened, and three figures stepped out that Laura hadn't seen for what felt like forever: Sarah, Linda, Rose and Mary. Time seemed to halt. Every eye widened in disbelief. As if that weren't enough, Mr. Tim followed behind them, walking steadily. Then came the sheriff, his presence commanding even in silence.Laura felt her knees weaken. Her fingers clutched at Fred's arm for support. Her voice trembled as it slipped from her lips in a whisper only he could hear."Fred... who invited them? Linda and Mary... what are they doing here?". Fred's eyes were narrowed and confusio
BEHIND OFFICE DOORS CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY-EIGHT: INTERRUPTED VOWS.
The early sun caused a golden glare over the town, still sleeping against the softly glowing rays indicating the heaviness of that day. In her own little cozy bedroom, Laura stood at the window while a gentle breeze curled the curtains. She held her phone to her ear, while the presence of flutters in her chest showed excitement.And then his soft, warm voice fluttered in on the line. "Good morning, my love. I hope you slept well.""Yes," Laura replied, twirling a strand of hair between her fingers shyly, "though not without dreaming about today." A gentle chuckle came through the phone. "Guess what," continued Fred. "The event planner is on her way with everything you need: shoes, dress, and a few little extra touches." For a moment, her heart skipped a beat, dissolving into gales of giggles while she shook her head and pressed her fingers to her lips. "Fred, I cannot wait to see you"! She declared with all the joy she could muster."Same goes, beautiful; I want our day to be that p
BEHIND OFFICE DOORS CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY-SEVEN: THE CALM BEFORE THE VOW.
Thomas picked up the call after a few rings, his voice calm but laced with curiosity. "Fred? What's up? Been a minute." Fred did not answer immediately. His eyes strayed towards Laura, who sat at the edge of their bed, fingers knotted together tightly, nervously. The evening light softened through the curtains, catching the shiny anxiousness in her eyes. On the call, Fred could hear possible laughter, a comical chuckle of Maggie's blended with Jack's lighthearted voice. It painted a picture of peace, a home filled with warmth and healing. The sound stirred something in him. Was it guilt? Regret? He couldn't name it, but it was heavy inside his chest. Fred tried to focus, coughing in an attempt to clear his voice. He reckoned: "I know it's all so sudden." "But Laura and I are getting married... in a few hours”. “Monday morning. Rockaway Beach." There was a pause at the other end. Not static, not silence, just a long moment that tied emotions in the quiet. "What?" Finally came from
BEHIND OFFICE DOORS CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY-SIX: ARMS THAT WAITED YEARS.
Time unraveled, his breath slightly impeded, and his chest suddenly tightened with the apparent new stiffness of the atmosphere. For a split second, his legs were rigid and would not allow him to advance. The reverse of time seemed to be in action. Unending photographs flashed through his mind: dusty photo albums, grainy pictures taken in hospitals, the gentle voice of his parents telling bedtime tales, and the image of a woman who had become a treasured legend enshrined in the folds of memory. No, surely, not. It could not have been her. But the contrary was undeniably true. Years had conspired to inscribe their stories on her skin; once dark hair turned lustrously silver, but her eyes had remained constant. Kind and wise, Fred had never forgotten them. Even if time had sculpted her features, everything those eyes stood for was untouched. An agonizing heartbeat followed, and he took a step in her direction. There was another woman beside her, probably her daughter. The family rese
