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CHAPTER SEVEN: THREADS OF TENSION.
Last Updated:
2024-11-30 16:16:30
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BEHIND OFFICE DOORS CHAPTER EIGHT: A DANGEROUS WELCOME.
As much as she would like to shake off the persistence of the terrible feeling of fear she felt, Laura assuredly looked calm on the outside. Determined, she gritted her teeth, looked up at Fred, and equally bore the gaze of Fred’s eyes at her, refusing to be intimidated. She would not let him see how scared he made her.Fred broke the silence, his tone casual but his smile unsettling. “At least you could be polite enough to say hi, my lady.” He said as he tilted his head and studied her as though waiting for her to respond with something more than silence.Laura clenched her jaw, pushing down the urge to recoil. She forced herself to respond, her voice tinged with disgust. “What do you want from me, Fred? And how did you even know I was here?”.Fred’s smile deepened a glint of mischief in his eyes. “Walls have ears, darling,” he replied smoothly. “A little bird told me.”His gaze swept over her, lingering as though assessing every detail. “The dress suits you, though,” he added, r
Last Updated : 2024-12-01BEHIND OFFICE DOORS CHAPTER NINE: A CRY IN THE CROWD.
Laura and Jerry ran outside the cafe and looked for the cause of turmoil that had broken loose minutes ago.Pandemonium reigned in the street with a rise of voices, and even in that frenzy, Laura fixated on something across the road that was distressing.Across the street, within the mob stood a victim, no older than she predicted to be sixteen years. He looked beaten and helpless, he was their captive.This boy’s oppositional face was both dirty and frightened; Laura winced at the pure horror reflected in his eyes.“Do you see this?” Laura gasped, her voice tight with horror. She turned to Jerry, the disbelief and disgust clear on her face. Violence had never been something she could tolerate, no matter the circumstances. She felt her pulse quicken with an urge to intervene.“I’m going to stop them,” she said firmly, her gaze locked on the boy, empathy welling in her eyes. She took a step forward.“No, hold on. Don’t rush in,” Jerry cautioned, catching her by the hand. His grip was
Last Updated : 2024-12-02BEHIND OFFICE DOORS CHAPTER TEN: UNSEEN BONDS.
“Is Jack safe?” Laura’s voice was barely a whisper, the question slipped from her lips as if voicing it could ease the tightness in her chest. Her heart beat a frenzied rhythm.She took a deep breath and cast one last glance toward the street as she forced herself to step back into the cozy, softly lit cafe.Her mind raced as she approached the counter, her thoughts tangled and pressed. She needed answers.“Fred took the child away in his vehicle,” she finally said, her voice quivering as she locked eyes with Jerry. “Why would he do that?” The question lingered in the air, carrying an undertone of desperation that she couldn’t hide.Jerry’s brows shot up, his surprise evident as he turned to look at her. “Fred? When?” He asked, blinking away his shock. He glanced at the line of customers but didn’t seem in any hurry to attend to them; something about Laura’s expression held him in place.Laura clenched her hands, willing herself to stay calm, though unease gnawed at her like a rele
Last Updated : 2024-12-03BEHIND OFFICE DOORS CHAPTER ELEVEN: A DANGEROUS GAME BEGINS.
Maggie quickly fixed her outfit and hair, glanced in the mirror, and checked her looks for the last time. She had to make sure that she looked perfect. No one should suspect anything.Her heart still beat with the lingering thrill, but she forced herself into a calm expression as she quietly slipped out of the office, casting a final, playful look back at Fred. “I’ll be right back,” she whispered, her gaze suggestive, a silent reminder of the taste they’d just shared.Fred hurriedly buttoned his shirt and ran a hand through his hair, breathing deeply to steady himself. He adjusted his collar and settled into his chair, but the persistent knocking made his heart hammer even harder. Who could be at his door, pounding with such urgency? Fred thought to himself.Maggie’s heels clicked against the polished floor as she moved toward the entrance. She thrust the door open, only to have her expression hang. "Oh...it’s just you,” she said, clearly annoyed.The cleaner stood there, looking
Last Updated : 2024-12-05BEHIND OFFICE DOORS CHAPTER TWELVE: THE TRAP.
Fred's vehicle sped into the yard, the ground beneath it scattering gravel in all directions and he made a swift halt.Not because he was scared, but because he was happy with how things were going according to his elaborate plan, his heart was thumping.He looked at the time on his watch and oh well, it was still early. In one hour, Jerry would be back home, which was just the amount of time Fred required to complete his mission.There was a pause in the car as he looked around to check if anyone was looking. The compound was utterly quiet with the only sound being leaves swaying in the wind.Pleased with his environment, Fred's hand sneaked into the vehicle's glove compartment from which he retrieved a worn-out paper. It was Laura’s resume, detailed, precise, and the perfect bait for his plan.Fred placed the document on the passenger seat, smoothing out its creases with a sly smile. “Desperate women are the easiest to manipulate,” he muttered, recalling Laura’s helplessness and he
Last Updated : 2024-12-06BEHIND OFFICE DOORS CHAPTER THIRTEEN: A DELICATE TRUTH.
“Jerry… Jerry, wait!” Fred’s voice rang out in the dim hallway as he jogged after his cousin. His tone was desperate, edged with panic, but Jerry didn’t slow down. His broad shoulders were tense, his pace brisk, and in his hand, he clutched Laura’s resume, the damning evidence of Fred’s manipulation.Fred caught up and grabbed Jerry’s arm, spinning him around. “Jerry, come on, bro! Let’s talk about this. You can’t tell her!” Fred pleaded.Jerry’s face contorted in anger. “Fred, what is it now? Haven’t you done enough?” His voice rose, echoing off the walls. “You flirt with every woman in this town like it’s some kind of game, and you’re still not satisfied?”.Fred shifted nervously, his usual cocky demeanor faltering. “Jerry, listen, she was too stubborn. I just wanted to get her attention. That’s all!” His voice cracked, betraying his unease.“Too stubborn?” Jerry’s laugh was bitter, humorless. “Fred, not Laura! She’s been through enough already. She doesn’t need you messing with
Last Updated : 2024-12-07BEHIND OFFICE DOORS CHAPTER FOURTEEN: A DEBT TOO HEAVY.
Laura was overwhelmed. Her head was plagued with conflicts, insecurities, and a pain that wouldn’t go away. Waves of emotion had struck her, and as her body sank against the sink in the restroom, tears began to flow freely from the corners of her eyes like drops of rain falling from the eaves of a house.Laura faced the mirror in front of her as if trying to find something. In that state, however, she didn't want to be seen and wished to stay like that for hours.A loud bang on the restroom’s door brought her to a sudden halt.“Is anyone there?” An impatient woman’s voice reached her, followed by more banging.Laura hastily dried her face with the sleeve of the uniform and coughed to mask her voice. ‘Um… Yes, yes, I’ll be out in a minute!’ she said, making sure her voice sounded as calm as possible.She gave her reflection one last glance and opened the door.The customer stood there with an annoyed expression but greeted her nonetheless. “Hello there.”“Good morning, ma’am,” Laura
Last Updated : 2024-12-08BEHIND OFFICE DOORS CHAPTER FIFTEEN: A FRAGILE CONNECTION.
“Uh - um, I - I’m sorry” Laura broke the silence and awkward situation as her voice trembled and she gently pulled away from Jerry’s firm grip. Her cheeks burned red, she avoided his gaze and fumbled to straighten her dress and regain composure.Jerry hesitated, feeling the heat rise to his own face.He could feel the quickening of his heart in ways that he could almost hear it pound in his ears with every heartbeat. He coughed, averting his gaze from her. “Um - yeah, didn’t notice the floor was slippery too,” he mumbled, his voice unnaturally high.The air between them felt charged, heavy with unspoken words and emotions neither was ready to confront. The faint sound of the cafe’s clock ticking was the only noise cutting through the tense silence.“We, sorry, I - I think we should close right away, it's getting late” Jerry stammered as he stylishly took out his phone from his pocket to distract himself from the uncomfortable stares Laura gave him while she readjusted herself too.“O
Last Updated : 2024-12-09
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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
BEHIND OFFICE DOORS CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY-FIVE: SHADOWS IN THE SALON.
As soon as Helen and Laura entered the salon, the atmosphere changed drastically upon meeting the gaze of Sarah. The light background chatter and hum diminished into a smothering silence; the air seemed to grow thick with tension. Sarah's penetrating stare, almost sharp enough to cut, focused on Laura. She scanned her up and down, stopping at her waist. Slowly, a knowing smile graced Sarah's lips, and it seemed to drip with malice. "Laura..." Sarah said in a mocking drawl, tilting her head slightly. "Why is your tummy looking a little... bigger than usual?".A paralyzing chill gripped Laura; an instinctive tension seized her body; before thinking, her hands went to her stomach as if to shield it from scrutiny by Sarah. A warm flush crept up her neck. It was not only in the words of Sarah's question that the weight was carried; it was in the implication that went with it.Helen felt an immediate tension in the air. She stepped in front of Laura protectively, clenching her jaw, her vo
BEHIND OFFICE DOORS CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY-FOUR: BEFORE THE BELLS RING.
The air was heavy within the tailor's office, burdened by a silence that appeared to drag on forever. Sheriff Jones stood silently with his weathered gaze fixed on Fred and Laura, his face revealing nothing. He remained silent, yet the tension in the room resounded louder than any spoken word. Fred drew a shaky and tentative breath, clearly wishing to ease this uncomfortable tension that Laura would rather avoid. "Well, Laura and I are getting married, and we came to have our outfits measured," Fred said in a low, nervous voice.Sheriff Jones blinked slowly, as if trying to absorb what had just been said; the words hung there like smoke."You're getting married?" He spoke at last, low and thick with disbelief. Fred straightened his back and gripped Laura's hand tightly. "Yes, Sheriff. On Monday, Laura and I are getting married."The silence filled the room, while everybody inside the room breathed shallowly. No one said a word; the sheriff stood his ground, the lines on his face de
BEHIND OFFICE DOORS CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY-THREE: UNINVITED SHADOWS.
Fred was sitting on the edge of his desk, arms crossed, sharp eyes fixed on Laura as her phone vibrated insistently on the polished surface. The name that lit up the screen sent a ripple of unease through the room, it was Mr. Tim. Tension thickened, invisible, suffocating. The steady hum of that phone became deafening against the heavy, surrounding silence. Laura seemed to be in a state of indecision, with her fingers hovering just over the screen. She looked uncertain. She could already guess what was waiting for her on that call. It was not going to be good. Fred maintained his calm, studying her otherworldly reaction to it. It was an unwavering embodiment of the quiet, cool force of control even at moments of uncertainty. He further tilted his head slightly, his voice calm yet firm. "Pick up," he urged. "Let's find out why he's got her calling." Laura swallowed hard, steeling herself. She couldn't avoid this. She breathed sharply and reached for the phone to answer, tappin
BEHIND OFFICE DOORS CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY-TWO: A WEDDING IN MOTION.
He squeezed Laura's hand as a source of reassurance. His warmth calmed her, keeping her grounded as she struggled with the mention of Maggie and Thomas. The interference of the past rested heavily upon her, and Fred leaned in, low and soothing, whispering, "It is our day, Laura. Let's not let the past ruin it." With a measured exhalation, Laura let his words sink into her thoughts. True, they were right. This moment was for them, their future, their happiness. She held his gaze, the depth of his confidence calming the storm brewing inside her. A slight nod of acceptance from her and a tightening of her fingers around him, told Fred everything she was thinking. "You are right. This will be about us." Mrs. Charlotte watched through the closed-up atmosphere and witnessed Laura's choice. A small, agreeable nod from her gave Laura the reassurance that she had made the right decision. Of course, these events left Jerry and Helen unimpressed and were thrown into silent opposition against
