LOGINShare
CHAPTER THREE: IN THE GRIP OF HOPE AND DESPAIR.
Last Updated:
2024-11-20 00:54:01“Everyone please step aside!”. “She has now regained consciousness,” Laura’s boss ushered the others.
It was all disorienting as she gradually rose and noticed that she had passed out in her superior’s office.
She used her hands to support herself, but they were shaking partially.
When she looked around the room, her colleagues fixed her with such an incredulous look that she almost felt like a ghost.
The images of what took place at work not long ago started to come back to her memories just as they began to escalate the fear that was building in her heart.
In a fit of rage and disbelief, a contemptuous glare was directed at her boss before Laura stormed out of the room without a second look.
Laura, emotionally exhausted and struggling with dizziness, limped to her work section and quietly packed her things.
It was almost as if each item she stuffed into her bag was an artifact from her previous ill-treatment in that organization.
As heaviness overtook her, Laura walked towards the door only to see the security guard hurriedly walking in her direction with a kind of look that expressed both concern and regret.
He approached her, his voice low and apologetic. “I’m sorry, Miss Laura,” he murmured, his gaze shifting uncomfortably. “I tried to warn you.” His words hung in the air, deepening the ache in her chest.
She stared at him, the weight of betrayal settled around her as she realized how much had been hidden from her and how she’d been the last to know.
With a quiet nod, she forced herself to keep moving, her heart heavy with hurt and disbelief.
She strode to the gate, desperate to leave and never look back.
As she scanned the road for a cab, she spotted a vehicle pulling up and rushed toward it, her voice urgent. “Please! I need to get home!”.
The driver nodded, noticing her unsteady frame. “Come in, ma’am,” he said, helping her with the door as her vision blurred with dizziness.
Once inside, Laura whispered, “Please, let’s go,” her voice was a quiet plea as tears welled up again. She could hardly believe she’d lost her job over a false accusation.
The car ride was quiet, but Laura's mind was too agitated to enjoy it. She shut her eyes, hoping that when she opens them again this would have all been a bad dream.
The driver glanced back at her through the mirror and having assessed her silence, asked, “I hope you are okay, ma’am.”
“Yes, fine,” she replied stiffly, fighting back tears, still not wanting to speak. Her heart felt like it was shattering into pieces.
***
At last, the vehicle stopped in front of her residence, and Laura felt a weight lift off her chest. She struggled with her handbag, clumsily and incapacitated, before managing to find a few notes for the driver.
Releasing the driver’s hand, she stepped out of the car with a small mountain of things she had in her arms, work related and quite obvious to be heavy to her after a long day.
She walked towards the front door and saw that it was slightly opened. She felt something unpleasant across her back. Her heart started racing and fear came over her.
For a second, she lingered, closing her eyes and inhaling deeply to suppress the surge of panic. Then, she extended her battered hands and pushed the door.
As she advanced inward, the stillness of the house compelled her to slow their movement. Laura’s eyes remained alert and passive in the dim light, discerning every flicker of motion that warranted her careful approach.
The house was never this quiet.
Laura walked to her mom’s room and found it empty, it was unusual for her to be out this late. “Mom! Mom!” she called, her voice filled with fear.
She hurriedly searched the rooms again but found no one. Hands shaking, she pulled her phone from her bag and dialed her mother’s number.
After a few rings, a small, familiar voice answered, “Sis… Sis! It’s me. We’re still at the hospital,” her little brother’s voice quivered on the other end, triggering Laura’s memory of his earlier call. He had mentioned that their mother had fallen ill.
“Oh no… I’m so sorry,” she whispered, overwhelmed by everything. She forced herself to focus. “What happened to Mom? Is she okay?” she asked, her heart pounding as she headed back out of the house.
“The doctor said it’s critical, and he needs to talk to you,” her brother replied, his voice trembling.
“Stay calm, I’m coming,” Laura said, trying to steady her voice as she waved down a cab and gave the address to the driver. “New York Presbyterian Hospital, please. It’s urgent!”.
The driver turned to give her a skeptical look. “'Ma'am, you are going to have to settle 100 bucks,” he said without any emotion.
“Just drive, please. I’ll pay,” she insisted, exhausted by his demand. As the car started, she leaned her head against the window, lost in a fog of despair, staring blankly at the passing lights.
***
Shortly after they arrived at the hospital, she quickly reached out for her bag to hand over the fare.
As Laura took the money out, someone rushed past her, grabbed the cash out of her hand, and ran away into the darkness.
“No! Stop, please!” Laura cried, stumbling forward in vain.
The driver looked away, indifferent to her plight, only caring for his payment.
Furious and devastated, she handed him what little cash she had left before storming into the hospital.
She ignored the stares from people in the lobby as she went in.
“Laura! Laura!” Daniel’s voice echoed through the reception area.
Laura immediately turned and saw him rushing towards her.
She hugged him tightly, her voice shaking. “Whe - Where’s Mom? What happened?”.
“Miss Laura Wells?” A voice interrupted her thoughts and she spun around to see a doctor dressed in scrubs, and a mask over his face.
He waved at her to come along and she followed him through one of the corridors into a small room that had low lighting.
There, lying on a bed was her mother, thin and pale. Laura dashed to her and grasped her hand.
“Mom, I can’t believe this. I am so sorry. I had no idea. ” She spoke tearfully.
“It’s fine baby,” her mother said, her voice normal but low, to soothe her. “I will be okay. Don’t worry.”
But Laura’s heart sank. “Mom, what’s going on?” She asked, desperate to understand.
The doctor stepped forward, his tone grave. “Your mother has leukemia. It’s an advanced case,” he explained. “To start treatment, we’ll need a $1,000 deposit.”
Laura’s mind reeled, her vision blurred with tears.
“No… how… when did this happen?” She asked in fear as her knees felt weak and she gripped her mother’s hand, the weight of the day crushing her as she struggled to process the news.
Related chapters
BEHIND OFFICE DOORS CHAPTER FOUR: DESPERATE MEASURES.
Having come to terms that her tears and worries could not conjure the funds required for the treatment of her ailing mother; Laura was the first to interrupt the unsettling silence with a desperate appeal.“Sir, I don’t have that kind of money at the moment,” she began her sentence shivering. “Please, can you start the treatment? I promise I’ll pay as soon as I can. I just need some time to arrange it.”The doctor’s expression remained stern as he responded, “I’m sorry, Laura, but we can’t begin treatment without the $1,000 payment upfront. Our policy requires it before we can proceed.” His tone left no room for negotiation and signaled his unwillingness to bend the rules.Puzzled, Laura stared at her mother for a while before switching her attention towards the doctor and racking her brain for something to say. A flicker of determination kindled in Laura’s eyes as she sensed a chord tingling in her mind. I think I know what to do, she whispered, almost gingerly under the context of
Last Updated : 2024-11-20BEHIND OFFICE DOORS CHAPTER FIVE: SHATTERED EGO, NEW BEGINNINGS.
Panic surged through Laura as she fought and screamed, “Leave me alone!” in a burst of self-preservation, she raised her right hand and slapped him as she knocked him away.Fred stood shocked by Laura’s boldness, touched his cheek with his left hand, and stared at her in astonishment.Laura became the first woman to truly stand up to Fred; not only did she resist him, but she also struck back and shattered his ego for all to see.People passing by gazed at Laura as if she were a deity. The cafe’s customers hurried outside, forming a circle around them and watching in stunned silence.“Who do you think you are?” Fred demanded, visibly angry. “I am a woman who refuses to stand by and let herself be harassed by an uncivilized man,” Laura shot back, storming into the cafe in anger and leaving him standing there.Fred immediately followed Laura silently with a sinister grin spreading across his face as he vowed to himself that he would have her in his bed, even if it were the last thing h
Last Updated : 2024-11-28BEHIND OFFICE DOORS CHAPTER SIX: THE MEETING AT ACADEMY STREET.
The lowering of the fading sun cast a shadowy presence over the towering structures upon the street as Laura scurried on the pavement and her heart thumped and paced.She pressed her palm to her ribs as she gasped and was frantic. Laura reached out with her fingers to grab her handbag, which she knew contained money for a taxi to take her away from Fred and the troubling incident that had her head in confusion.Her hand met nothing but the fabric of her dress, and a sick realization washed over her. She’d left her purse on the counter, right there, right where Fred could still be lingering. Her heart sank like a stone. She couldn’t go back; the idea of facing him again filled her with dread. She looked around, feeling trapped as shadows crept across the sidewalks, swallowing the street in a dim, unsettling haze.In a hurry, she rushed to the sidewalk’s border and settled herself into a battered wooden stool placed outside a shut shop. Clutching the edges of her head, she attempted t
Last Updated : 2024-11-29BEHIND OFFICE DOORS CHAPTER SEVEN: THREADS OF TENSION.
Fred looked from Laura to Jerry, suspicion darkening his expression as he took in the scene. Laura’s breath caught in her throat and, without thinking, she pressed herself against Jerry, her trembling hands clutching her bag.“Laura?” He asked the question while stepping slightly forward, but a tone of mockery laced his voice. As Laura looked up at him and watched him take a step closer, she gripped on her bag so hard to avoid falling off, she felt like a prey being hunted, and wished the ground would open up and swallow her.“Back to upset me, I see,” Fred’s drawl oozed mischief as he moved forward, a smug grin spreading across his face. “Are you following me everywhere now?”.Laura took a small, instinctive step back, her pulse racing. The depth of his gaze was penetrating and almost teasing which made her feel uneasy.“Why are you in my house?” He demanded as he looked at her with surprising amusement.“Your...your house?” She repeated in a voice so low that only her thoughts c
Last Updated : 2024-11-30BEHIND 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 : 2024-12-05
Latest chapter
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
