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CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND THIRTY-NINE: ENTANGLED IN LOVE AND BLOOD.
Last Updated:
2025-03-21 20:15:31
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BEHIND OFFICE DOORS CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTY: THE COST OF MOVING ON.
Thomas parked at the side of the road as his heart throbbed in his ears and his palms sowed sweat on the steering wheel. An urge to thrill flowed through his chest. His fingers tightened on the phone. Maggie's voice was soft but hesitant and full of emotion."I still love you, Thomas," she said. "I always have." For a split second, Thomas hesitated, wondering if he had heard her correctly; waves of disbelief echoed in his head as with each syllable it seemed that something shook his body. His breathing was irregular now. "I…”. “I would be willing to try for a second chance," Maggie continued, her voice getting a little scratchy. "And I want us to try to be a real family together with you and Jack." With that bouquet of emotions, Thomas was completely devastated. His smile could stretch the walls now. He gripped tighter on the phone as he just felt his heart was going to burst with joy. "Maggie…" The emotions thickened his voice. "You cannot imagine how long I had waited to listen
Last Updated : 2025-03-22BEHIND OFFICE DOORS CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTY-ONE: THE ROAD TO GOODBYE.
Fred remained still, hands balled into fists as his mind swirled in a tornado of thoughts, that things had come down this way after what had happened last night. Thomas, the twin brother he had never known. The very thought of it seemed unreal, almost ridiculous, for here he had spent years thinking it was his lot in life to be alone with all his burdens when all the time the other brother was busy living out his version of the same things. And now, that man, whom he had just started figuring out for himself, was claiming the person Fred couldn't ever forget.Maggie.Just her name sent a sharp arrow flying through his chest. Thomas's voice, in raw, primal emotion telling him something about her, went on playing in Fred's mind. There had been no hesitation or doubt; Thomas really loved her. And Maggie? She chose him.Fred's jaw girded as he tried not to let the overwhelming loss tear the insides of him out. Always a puzzle he could never unravel, a wound that would not close despite l
Last Updated : 2025-03-23BEHIND OFFICE DOORS CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTY-TWO: THE HEART REMEMBERS.
Laura stood transfixed, air caught in her throat, staring at Fred standing at her doorstep. The jolt sent a mix of shock, anger, and something that she didn't know. Her heart hobbled such that it thumped violently, pulse drumming in her ears. Of all the possibilities, she had never pictured seeing him here, now.Why was he here? What did he really want?Her hands clenched into tight fists by her sides, aflame with memories of their last communication.The coldness with which he spoke. His cruelty all remained fresh, a wound that had not yet begun to heal. Yet he was standing there before her now as though none of it had ever happened. The sheer audacity of it pushed something hot and sharp within her, tilting her fury toward it and washing out her initial shock. She focused her glare and clenched her jaw. "What the hell are you doing here, Fred?". She hadn't meant for it to sound as harsh; her tone had been colored with anger. She didn't care. He had no right coming in like this, not
Last Updated : 2025-03-24BEHIND OFFICE DOORS CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTY-THREE: SHATTERED GOODBYES.
Fred stood frozen, every muscle in his body drawn tight with tension before Thomas, Maggie, and Jack. The very moment bore heavily on his shoulders as if under the pressure of some great strangling force; his heart thudded in his chest, throbbing with a chaotic mixture of rage, regret, and confusion. He had never felt so helpless in his life, watching Maggie prepare to walk out of his life, this time perhaps for good.Is this really what she wants? Does she truly love Thomas? Or is she simply leaving because there is no choice? Because she had lost everything? His piercing gaze slapped Maggie across the face, compelling a desperate search for her expression, anything that might tell him she wasn't doing this willingly. But all he could read was a mask that had become unreadable. The lady who once gave him everything, who once stared at him as though he was her entire world, now stood in front of him in silence. Doubt thrashed in his mind, sharp and relentless. Had she ever truly lov
Last Updated : 2025-03-25BEHIND OFFICE DOORS CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTY-FOUR: A FUTURE WORTH FIGHTING FOR.
Fred lifted his eyes at the very mention of his name. Tension entailed in every part of his body under the pressure of conflicting emotions pressing down upon him. His heart was heavy from an image of Maggie, Thomas, and Jack driving away from him when he stood there amidst revelations he was not ready to face; things like betrayal, painful years of deception, and a son he felt he had. And just when he expected to grab a moment of breath, another person from his past showed before him. Helen was standing a few feet away, observing him with an expression marked by sadness and some fuzzy emotion he could not place, pity perhaps. Her appearance was unexpected, as he had been expecting her to be busy in the kitchen, or with house chores, but somehow he was not startled. Maybe he was too worn out to be surprised anymore. With warm and knowing eyes, Helen moved closer, her slow and steady tread bridging the gap between their two worlds. The world around them felt muted, and time itself s
Last Updated : 2025-03-26BEHIND OFFICE DOORS CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTY-FIVE: A CONVERSATION LONG OVERDUE.
Laura's voice startled the silence, and Fred was pulled out of his thought process. "Fred?".His eyes darted in her direction before he said anything. His jaw tightly set and shoulders stiff, something unreadable lingering in his eyes. Anger, perhaps? Jealousy? Laura could not quite tell. She sighed and inched closer. "Fred, what's wrong?".He didn't answer for a moment. His face was well-guarded, fingers twitching at his side, and then he muttered with a slow shake of his head, “Nothing, you can go,” then quickly added, “just be back before customers come in.”Her breath caught something in his tone. It wasn't casual dismissal but colder, serrated with something he couldn't quite place. Still, she agreed not to push it. "Alright". "I won't take long."Fred didn't reply but gave her a curt nod and turned toward his office, his back rigid as he disappeared inside.Laura stood there for a second, watching the closed door as the unease settled in her chest. Fred was not one to act all
Last Updated : 2025-03-27BEHIND OFFICE DOORS CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTY-SIX: A MESSAGE UNTOLD.
Jerry just stared at the message on his cell phone and grinned widely. His fingers wrapped firmly around the device, completely fixated on the words running through his eyes over and over again as if relishing each letter. He was so glued to his phone that he could not hear Laura shouting his name over and over again. Her voice, growing more impatient with each repeated call, could hardly reach his ears. She stood near him, arms folded and brows knitted in disappointment. "Jerry," she called a little more loudly now.Still no response.She pressed her lips into a line and strolled very close, watching as reality disappeared for Jerry, leaving him glued to that screen. She was hurting below the surface, and the fury had curled her fingers tightly at her sides. It was so unusual of him to ignore her when she was right there.No response. The sharp breath escaped her lungs as she changed positions from one foot to another. Was he intentionally ignoring her? Her face clouded over as s
Last Updated : 2025-03-28BEHIND OFFICE DOORS CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTY-SEVEN: AN UNEXPECTED ARRIVAL.
Laura's heart raced as she ran behind Fred, her heels clicking sharply against the polished office floor. Something in the way he'd called her had unsettled her. Fred never sounded like that unless it was really important. Now, her mind raced with worrisome possibilities, most of them terrible. She threw the door of his office wide, walked in, and froze. There was little air left to breathe. Across from Fred's desk, an attractive woman was sitting there. She imparted an eerie, calm self-confidence. Posture upright. Expression blank.Laura's belly twisted. It was a sinking feeling spreading through her chest.Who was she?The silence felt utterly unbearable in the room, extending and amplifying each beat of Laura's heart. The intrusion of the woman felt not only unexpected but also slightly illicit. Fred hadn't said anything about meeting someone. If it had to do with work, why had he called her so urgently?Her eyes jumped at Fred, looking for answers, but his face gave nothing away
Last Updated : 2025-03-29
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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
