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CHAPTER SEVENTY-EIGHT: HIDDEN MOTIVES.
Last Updated:
2025-01-19 17:57:23
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After a long drive to Beekman Street, where Maggie lived, the vehicle came to a stop. Maggie held out her hand to direct the driver to her door while her gaze swept the road. Jack, meanwhile, became worried when he saw the car following them. His piercing eyes lingered on it, attempting to make sense of it. Maggie was too preoccupied with getting home and relaxing to see the danger that was right outside her. As the vehicle pulled to a stop, she pointed to her home and said, "Here." Jack's heart raced in increasing alarm. He gently tapped Maggie's shoulder as he leaned in closer. He muttered, "Mom," in an attempt to get her attention.Maggie, however, disregarded Jack's uneasiness since she was not aware of the tightness in his voice. She reached inside her bag and took out some money to give to the driver. "I understand that you're hungry, Jack. I am, too”. She led him out of the car while keeping her eyes on her front door. "Let's head in, and I'll look something up before we ca
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Laura felt as though a million irreparable pieces had been blasted from her universe. Mr. Tim, who had always seemed to understand her and with whom she had felt safe, now spoke to her as if he were a complete stranger. Although she wanted to be upset, she was unable to place the blame on him. All he was doing was what he thought was required to safeguard his company and its expansion. Nevertheless, Laura was unable to control her emotions as the pain of his words persisted. As she sobbed hysterically, they poured freely down her cheeks, heavy and hot. Feeling stuck, she had to decide between two unfeasible options: staying at her low-paying job as a waitress at the cafe or accepting the secretarial post at the clothes firm which she hadn't even applied for, but now desperately needed.She had little choice because of her mother's deteriorating health. Her only way to pay for the medical care her mother needed was to work as a secretary, which paid more. But she was troubled by the u
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After completing her bath quickly, Laura checked the wall clock to make sure she wouldn't be late for her interview. She hurriedly put on the sharp shirt and pants Jerry had picked out for her and picked up her phone and purse. She muttered, "My shoes," as she knelt down to get her wedges from beneath the table, where she had kept them safe ever since she got to Fred Walker's house. After a quick spray of her favorite cologne, Laura hurried from her room to the living room to see Jerry before she left.Jerry heard her loud footsteps approaching, and his heart began to rush. Knowing that their friendship might never be the same after this day made them uneasy. Laura was not aware of a secret Jerry had long withheld from her, which added weight to the interview at Fred's workplace. Jerry stood up anxiously as she emerged, his gaze fixed on Laura. He was astounded by her attractiveness, which was increased by her attire. He was momentarily engrossed in her beauty. “How do I look?” La
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Laura's heart thudded loudly, and she turned abruptly, only to freeze in horror as she saw her biggest dread just a few paces away. Time seemed to pause. She was startled by the background karaoke music, but it wasn't enough to stop the flood of emotions that washed over her. She felt like the floor beneath her was about to collapse and engulf her. Her lips trembled, her mind trying to process what she was seeing, and her body betrayed her. She let out a cry of shock and terror, screaming, "What? Fred? What are you doing here?”.Fred remained silent, barely broken by a sly smile that curled his lips. With measured, purposeful movements, he approached her, his sneakers clicking menacingly on the floor. She felt a chill run down her spine with every stride. Laura took a few unsteady steps backward out of instinct, her movements motivated only by terror. As her thoughts searched for solutions, an explanation, or a way out, her breath caught. Ben stood motionless close by, his forehe
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Fred's sharp eyes seemed to probe Maggie's soul as they fixed themselves on her. His voice, full of rage, ripped through the air as his hand fell to his side. "No! Listen to me!" he bellowed. "Laura will be working here, and there is nothing at all that you can do about it!".His remarks caused a sharp pain that made Maggie's breath catch. Fred had never angered her so much, let alone over a woman. The fact that he had never, ever reacted so strongly to her like that made it hurt much more. Something about Laura's presence appeared to ignite something dangerous in Fred, and she had an unusual hold on him.Maggie couldn't help but think of their recent chat in his office. Jack had claimed that Laura had rescued him from an enraged mob, and she had informed him of this. She had never witnessed Fred's behavior that day before; it was furious, defensive, and obviously triggered. Maggie's suspicions appeared to solidify before her, and they were no longer just conjectures. She snapped her
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Mr. Tim's broad chest rose and fell with each breath, and he stood tall and uncompromising. His anger radiated from his penetrating eyes like heat from a roaring fire. He had the appearance of a storm about to break. His words were ruthless and harsh, like a whip. He spat, "You went for the interview after I told you not to." "You're fired”. “Additionally, forget about your salary, as I previously stated”. “Get off my property right away”. Before Laura could reply, he slammed his office door, punctuating his last statement.As his words pierced Laura's chest, she stood motionless. He was so angry that it seemed like his heart was being crushed. She turned to Jerry slowly, her eyesight confused by the tears running down her cheeks. "I - I hate you!" she stuttered and exclaimed, her voice brimming with resignation. She left the café quickly, leaving tears in her wake, without waiting for a response. Jerry was motionless, and his whole body was shaking. Each stride she made cut into h
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Sarah chuckled, her tone full of derision, and walked with assurance over to where Linda and Rose were seated. Her eyes glittered with malice, her posture unwavering, her moves deliberate. "So sleeping with your sister's man isn't enough for you, Rose?" Sarah said icily. “You now also want to abduct his child?” Her tongue clicked, and she gave a theatrical shake of her head, the sound piercing the tension like a knife. Like someone had struck her in the chest, Linda felt the air leave her lungs. Sharp and merciless, the agony of her past returned. Her heart thudded, her throat constricted, and the memories she had fought so hard to suppress pushed to the surface.She jerked to her feet, her chair scuffing the floor as her sharp eyes focused on Sarah. "That's enough. Who are you?” Despite the chaos roiling inside her, she demanded in a firm voice. Sarah lifted her chin and examined Linda with an expression that was half amusement and half contempt. With pride echoing in her voice, s
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With her heart racing, Laura wrapped her fingers around the doorknob. Tightly closing her eyes, she began a silent countdown. “Three, two, one”. Quickly, she opened the door and threw the hammer into the air, ready to defend herself. "Hey! Hey! Slow down!” A man's voice, laced with terror, screamed. He dodged, raising his hands above his head to shield himself from the impending blow.Laura's breathing became slow as her eyes opened. The five men in front of her had terrified expressions on their faces. They stared at her with wide, confused eyes while holding brooms, boxes, mop sticks, and other cleaning supplies.A tidal wave of shame swept over her. She forced an uncomfortable smile across her lips as she swiftly lowered the hammer and tucked it behind her back. Though the heat of shame burned hot in her cheeks, she tried to regain her composure by rubbing her shaky hand over her face. The only sound in the oppressive silence that ensued was the slight rustle of the implements th
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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
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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
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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
BEHIND OFFICE DOORS CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY-ONE: UNSPOKEN DECISIONS.
Dr. Hayes broke through the thick silence in the room, his calm but authoritative presence demandingly freezing the mounting tension. It was not his role to mediate personal conflicts, nor was he, in this instance, in a position to deal with their personal matters. His only concern was with Laura and the child. "Come along with me," he said; his voice lacked any intonation to permit debate about this demand. Before they could say anything, he turned to walk down the hall toward his office.For a moment, Fred and Laura hesitated, thoughts of what this meant for them flashing through the airless space between them. But they had to follow. Their soft footsteps barely made a sound against the stark hospital floor once again. Each crunching sound blasted forth their uncertainty. The hallway stretched before them, a quiet course that led toward solutions, or perhaps more questions.Having arrived at his office, Dr. Hayes swung open the door for them to enter. "Please," he said, his hand rai
BEHIND OFFICE DOORS CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY: A FUTURE IN QUESTION.
Pulling her closer with all that he had, Fred lured Laura against him in a deep, lingering kiss. His touch was airy but strong, and the surrounding warmth of his body felt almost like a protective shield. Laura sighed against his mouth as her fingers wove into his hair, drifting into his embrace.The two hearts thumped in time, erasing the space between them and moving together so precisely that it was almost magical. Every word they whispered, every lingering caress, seemed to carry a meaning beyond mere language. With a gentle caress, Fred traced down her neck, dizzied by the glowing warmth of her kiss, while his hands flooded over the lines of her body, reaching, memorizing, and claiming every inch as if terrified it would escape his grasp. Across the muscles of his back, Laura kept sweeping her hands, fingertips teasing his skin while she drew him toward her. No guidance was ever needed as their bodies fit effortlessly together like instinct and desire, with a natural rhythm of t
