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CHAPTER NINETY-SIX: A TIP AND A TRUTH.
Terakhir Diperbarui:
2025-02-06 20:46:12
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BEHIND 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
Terakhir Diperbarui : 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
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-02-08BEHIND OFFICE DOORS CHAPTER NINETY-NINE: TOO LATE TO MEND.
Fred pulled into his compound on Academy Street, and stopped the car. Laura was anxious and resolute, throwing the door open and jumping out before the engine had even completely died down. She wanted to distance herself from Fred as much as she could. She had no intention of allowing him to use words to control her because she was well aware of his abilities. Without giving him another glance, Fred saw her dash out of the car and into the house. His heart boiled with frustration. "Laura, you might hurt yourself!” He shouted after her, "Come on, slow down!" but she didn't slow down. She was clearly trying to avoid him.He tightened his jaw and held on to the driving wheel. The revelation at work had devastated everything once more, right when he had begun to mend his relationship with her. A wave of anger swept through him, and he smacked his palm twice against the steering wheel in rage. His roiling anger was reflected in the loud honking that reverberated throughout the silent com
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-02-09BEHIND OFFICE DOORS CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED: THE MOMENT IT CHANGED.
They reached Laura's house on Craft Street shortly after that. Jerry did not move after turning off the engine. His head fell low as shame and remorse weighed heavily on him, and his hands stood clasped around the steering wheel. Tears fell silently on his cheeks. Laura remained silent. Pulling her bag behind her, she pushed the car door open and headed for the front entrance. Every stride she took was heavy and tinged with grief she couldn't express. She hesitated as she got closer to the door. She stopped and wiped her eyes with her palms. Jerry gently raised his head, still fighting the tears in his eyes. As she turned and headed back toward the car, his eyes were fixed on her."I appreciate all that you have done. Thank you," Laura murmured quietly. She put her luggage down and reached up to her neck, her fingers shaking as she held the necklace he had given her. Jerry felt his heart tighten. He bolted from the car as soon as he realized what she was going to do. "No, Laura!"
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-02-11BEHIND OFFICE DOORS CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND ONE: A DANGEROUS BARGAIN.
Jerry entered Mr. Tim's office with purposeful steps, his hands clasped behind his back. As he glanced around the office, he soon found Sarah sitting in front of Mr. Tim. She had obviously come before their boss. “Hi, Jerry," Sarah said, smiling broadly and waving at him. In exchange, Jerry mustered a courteous smile. "Good morning”. He approached Mr. Tim's desk and said, "Welcome," in a neutral tone. But Mr. Tim hardly gave him a nod. He already understood why Jerry had come and was not interested in conversing, his focus stayed on the laptop screen in front of him.His chilly greeting did not deter Jerry. He was adamant about achieving his goals. "Good morning, Mr. Tim," he said confidently, taking a deep breath. He kept his eyes fixed on the man, anticipating a reply. At last, Mr. Tim nodded slightly and pointed to the chair next to Sarah. "Good morning, sit," he said curtly. After a brief moment of hesitation, Jerry carefully and deliberately lowered himself into the chair an
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-02-11BEHIND OFFICE DOORS CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND TWO: NO TURNING BACK.
Jerry's gaze shifted to the phone Sarah was holding, then returned to her. He nodded briefly after closely examining her face. "Deal," he said, concluding their arrangement. Sarah's face immediately lit up with a mixture of delight and mischief. Her delight was scarcely restrained as she slapped her hands together. “Fantastic! When are we going?” Her voice was full of expectation as she asked. Jerry let out a breath, his mind already planning his next move. "After I finish my work for the day," he made a clear decision. Sarah turned triumphantly toward the door and nodded in agreement. With a mischievous arrogance in her voice, she threw one last comment over her shoulder before leaving. "My work here is done." She spun dramatically and stormed out, leaving Jerry standing in silence. He was motionless in Mr. Tim's office for a considerable amount of time, his mind racing. His thoughts replayed the exchange between Linda and Rose that he had overheard. Are they trying to coerce Fre
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-02-12BEHIND OFFICE DOORS CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND THREE: BLOODLINES AND BETRAYALS.
Fred staggered back a little when Sarah jumped on him with an enthusiastic embrace. He let out a quiet groan and steadied himself by reaching for the door frame. With a hint of humor in his voice, Fred taunted, "I knew it was you." "Everywhere you go, anyone can always smell your perfume." His laugh was rich and deep, yet it had a sinister undertone. With a tight hold, he carefully pulled her hands away from his torso, causing her to shudder unexpectedly from the slight pressure. His piercing gaze, full of seduction and unsaid wants, fastened onto hers. He was reminded of their previous meeting in his office, which rekindled a passion that had not really gone out.In an attempt to withstand his intense gaze, Sarah twirled a lock of her hair anxiously. Every time, his gaze weakened her, removing her defenses with a single, lingering glance. She could not resist him no matter how hard she tried. Jerry cleared his throat quietly from the living room, clearly uncomfortable with the tens
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-02-13BEHIND OFFICE DOORS CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND FOUR: BETWEEN BLOOD AND DUTY.
With their eyes locked in wordless resolve, they hurried out of Fred's car and arrived at the station. The weight of unresolved facts weighed heavily on each of them, and they each carried their own problems. Fred said, "Let's go in," and he strode quickly to the entrance.Sarah and Jerry trailed behind. Jerry was deep in contemplation, struggling with the agonizing realization that he had been Jack's uncle for years without realizing it. How could Fred have withheld something so important from him? The treachery was painful. With a raging desire for vengeance, Sarah accelerated her pace to walk next to Fred. Sarah's only desire now was to cause them to suffer because Rose had kept Fred's existence from her for far too long.A voice behind them yelled, "Over here!" as they got closer to the sheriff's office. With a wave of his hand, the sheriff demanded their instant attention. Fred's breath caught as his head jerked in his direction. He yelled, "Sheriff!" and started to jog. Jerr
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-02-14
Bab terbaru
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
