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CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND FIVE: THE TRAP IS SET.
Last Updated:
2025-02-16 01:38:51
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Jerry held the phone firmly while his shaking hands and fast heartbeat made him struggle to breathe. His beating heart made him grip his chest while he waited to hear from Laura on the screen. Time moved slowly with every second that passed.Then, the call connected. There was silence.Jerry swallowed hard. Without speaking, Laura remained mute to let Jerry take the initiative. He held the phone to his ear while grabbing the counter to stabilize himself when he smoothed out his collar under stress. The dryness in his throat did not stop him from moving forward.“Laura?” He spoke with a tremble in his voice because intense nervousness flowed through his body.“Jerry… you called me. What’s it?” Normally she reacted with a soft, caring tone but she spoke at a cool distance.His stomach reacted strongly to her shifting voice. Though she had treated him with tenderness before, he faced a frigid response from her. He endured more pain than he prepared for, which created an empty pain inside
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The sound of rapid footsteps approached Fred's office door with great volume. His eyebrows rose with curiosity as he wondered who could be rushing toward his office with such urgency. When the noise halted suddenly, Fred moved toward the door with narrowed eyes after his hand went for the handle. Laura lifted her right hand to knock while Fred pulled the door open with force.They looked at each other at once. Laura's hand was stuck in motion, hovering in midair. Fred noticed that she was out of breath, and his eyes flitted with worry. "Is everything alright? Why did you rush as if someone was after you?” His question was tinged with confusion.Laura hastily looked away, lowering her head a little as though she was trying to find the proper words. "Everything is okay; I just have an urgent matter to discuss." Fred studied her for a couple of seconds and then nodded. "Oh. I see." He uttered, "Come in," gesturing with his extended palm toward the room. After the briefest hesitation,
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Laura let out a deep sigh of relief as the doctor picked up the call. She began to struggle with the right words to use as her voice came out in shaky breaths. “Um… Hey, doctor." There was a little silence before the doctor answered, his voice soft yet worried. "How are you doing, Laura? You don’t sound okay. Is everything fine?”.Laura was nervous as she began to press her fingers to her forehead to ease her nerves. She only needed this to work out, she needed the doctor to give a positive response to her upcoming plea. She was desperate at that moment. Finally, she found the courage to speak. “I wanted to discuss something with you… concerning the payment.”The doctor didn’t rush her. “Okay. Remember, it’s due in a few days, but go on, I’m listening.”Laura bit her lip and looked up, whispering a silent prayer. Every word felt heavy as she finally said, “Please, I have 7,500 dollars right now. I want to make a deposit. Just… Please don’t take my home. Please.”There was an unbearab
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The car arrived at Fred's company, directed smoothly by Laura's direct instructions. As the car came to a stop, she exhaled deeply. To get some cash, she immediately reached into her bag."Thank you so much," she said in a calm voice to the driver. She placed the cash in his palm softly and pushed the door open. The refreshing, crisp air met her outside, its weight lingering on the surface of the pavement as her heels began to click.She gazed past the tall structure, and a feeling of serenity enfolded her. Towering and grand for as long as she could remember, today it pulsed with exceptional energy. The preparations for the anniversary were in full swing. Event planners squeezed in and out of the building, bringing decorations and supplies, their hurried steps and quick exchanges making sure the air was in anticipation.Laura paused at the entrance, her stomach churning with anxiety. Her fingers unconsciously went over the fabric of her dress as a vague doubt came over her. Was her o
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The hall buzzed with excitement as Maggie and Laura joined the guests in clapping, their applause blending into the metrical echoes bouncing off the grand walls. There was a sense of anticipation, and as if called by the collective energy of the crowd, Fred Walker also appeared. From the top of the staircase, he possessed an air of confidence as he stood in a most princely yet inviting pose. His sizable frame, which adorned itself in an imposing black suit cut to perfection, drew the onlooker's attention. Below all of this was a well-pressed white shirt laid across broad shoulders and the whole ensemble complemented by a flashy golden belt. His presence was intoxicating, like a fine glass of wine, smooth, rich, and insolvable to ignore. Stretching out his hands, he waved to the crowd with a confident smile. “Welcome, everyone”. “The love is massive, I can feel it”. “Thank you for gracing this wonderful event with your presence.” His voice, deep and sweet, carried through the room,
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Crawling back to Fred, who lay on the floor helpless, Laura shook her head frantically. Her heart slammed against her chest as the enormity of reality bore over her like a relentless wave. "No... no, this can't be happening, Fred!" she cried, gripping his necklace once more, with tears flowing down freely. Memories of middle school poured in; fleeting glances, shared laughter. That past which she had sealed in was coming back by mixing with the present. Her lips quivered as she pulled her hair scalp with ingrained fingers in a vain attempt to steady herself against the truth. "It's always been you, Fred," she whispered, barely loud enough and through the tears that blurred her vision.A sudden urgency seized her. Her eyes darted wildly around the office, searching for help.“Ben!”. “Ben, please come right now!” Her voice echoed through the empty building, but no response came. The silence pressed in, thick and suffocating.Her breath came in short gasps. She glanced at Fred, his st
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Through half-closed curtains in Laura's room, sunlight streamed vividly the next morning. Fred rather sat at the bedside, his elbows on his knees, gazing at the things quite lost. The dull, throbbing pain hammered behind his eyes, and he felt his body stiff and strained from a bed so different from his. He blinked a few times, eyes floating over to Laura, still fast asleep beside him. His mind was a haze, fragments of the previous night slipped through his fingers like sand. But he could not remember how he had ended up here. He knew he had been drunk, very drunk, but to what length his mind was a disembodied thing penetrating a mass of emotions, the stings of alcohol, and then nothing. He swallowed hard, his dry throat protesting as he attempted to make sense of things. Turning to Laura again, he followed her body with his eyes, watching for the soft rise and fall of her breathing. Peaceful she may have seemed, but there was something exhausting in her face. He was sure that she mu
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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
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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
