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CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO: UNFORESEEN CONNECTIONS.
Last Updated:
2024-12-10 07:28:56
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BEHIND OFFICE DOORS CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE: FRAGMENTS OF A SHARED PAST.
"Glad to meet you once more!" Laura exclaimed in great excitement and utter surprise as she rushed out of the room for a better look. She was beautiful, having bright almond-shaped eyes that told secret stories.A slim and moderately tall girl, she carried herself with a kind of elegance that seemed almost too sophisticated for someone of her station. Her hair fell into a short bob that made her neck perfect, and her bright, flawless skin gave her a glow. "Oh my! Laura!" the lady exclaimed as they rushed to one another for a warm embrace. "I can't really believe that I can find you here!" Laura said, stepping back slightly to view the features of the woman, as if to verify that the person whom she was seeing was indeed her.“You work here? For Fred?” Her tone was incredulous, as though trying to piece together how their worlds had crossed paths again.“Yes, Miss Laura,” the woman responded, her smile as bright as ever. “After I got fired from the company, I bumped into Mr. Fred on
Last Updated : 2024-12-10BEHIND OFFICE DOORS CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR: BETWEEN SAFETY AND DANGER.
“Well, look who’s here!” Fred's voice was deep and thundered as it sounded through the dining room, dripping with mockery he stepped into the room. His tall structure spread in the hallway, a figure that seemed to draw every drop of air in the room. The crisply cut lines of his fitted shirt completed the imposing aura he bore, and his sharply carved features set a mocking, authoritative expression. Laura froze mid-bite, the piece of chicken slipped from her fingers back onto her plate. Her body stiffened as if caught in an act of wrongdoing, her momentary comfort shattered like glass under the weight of his presence.Fred’s piercing gaze landed on her, making her feel like an uninvited guest rather than someone seeking refuge. Laura's heart raced in her chest. The blood rushed to her cheeks as she battled to compose herself, wishing she could disappear from his sight.His polished shoes clacked against the hardwood floor as he strolled to the table, with every step of his movement
Last Updated : 2024-12-10BEHIND OFFICE DOORS CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE: HEARTS IN THE CROSSFIRE.
Jerry, who had been trying to maintain peace, finally lost his composure. His patience snapped. The scratchy noise of his chair against the marble floor reverberated around the room. He stood there, clenched his fists tightly by his side, and looked most disappointed.“Fred! It’s enough! What’s going on?” Jerry’s voice broke the silence, sharp and commanding. He pushed the table away with an angry shove, stepping back, as though trying to distance himself from the chaos that had overtaken the night. His heart raced, a mix of exasperation and concern for what was unfolding.Fred, unfazed by the outburst, turned to Jerry with a smirk, his face twisted with a dangerous blend of anger and amusement. “Tell your little friend to mind her business around here!” he shot back, his words dripped with condescension. Fred’s eyes flicked towards Laura, who stood off to the side, clearly uncomfortable, but Fred’s cruel intentions were evident. This wasn’t just a disagreement; it was a power pla
Last Updated : 2024-12-10BEHIND OFFICE DOORS CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX: UNSPOKEN TRUTHS.
More light fell on the room from the bedside lamp casting soft amber light across the walls. "Laura?" Said a voice from outside the door as it made them startle. The soft, hesitant voice from the doorway cut through the quiet tension in the room like a blade, and both Laura and Jerry froze. They glanced at each other instinctively, the unspoken understanding between them prompted immediate action. Laura straightened her posture and brushed invisible creases from her blouse, while Jerry shifted on the bed, leaning back with an air of nonchalance that didn't quite match the flicker of unease in his eyes. Their hurried movements betrayed their surprise, the casualness they tried to project not entirely convincing. Laura's heart raced as she turned her head towards the door, her breath hitched slightly. The closeness they'd been wrapped in just moments ago shattered as reality intruded with a firm knock, accompanied by a familiar voice. "Laura... please, can I come in?" Hel
Last Updated : 2024-12-10BEHIND OFFICE DOORS CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN: THREADS OF SUSPICION.
The sound of heavy footsteps approached the door, each one echoed ominously in the quiet hall. Laura’s heart pounded as she found herself face to face with Fred, his piercing blue eyes glinting with a hint of arrogance. She instinctively tightened her grip on the door.“I asked you, what do you want?!” She snapped, her voice was sharp and sliced through the tension like a blade. Her tone rose with a defensive edge, each word fortified by a mix of anger and exasperation. Her movements were deliberate, a subtle declaration of power and control, though her hands trembled slightly at her sides, betraying the storm raging within her.Fred stood his ground, his tall frame blocking out the light from the hallway behind him. “Laura… wait,” he said, lifting his hands as if to calm her. “I’m here for peace. Just listen to what I have to say.” His voice carried a hint of desperation, though his expression remained as smug as ever.Laura didn’t move. She wasn’t one to let herself be swayed by Fr
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Laura, who buried her head in her hands and trembled with silent sobs, lived through an agonizingly long moment in the room heavy with tension. Jerry, always around to help her, sat beside her with a gentle hand resting on her shoulder. “We’ll figure it out,” he promised, his voice steady but strained. He wanted to believe his own words but really couldn't help the gnawing uncertainty. How could they possibly make things right? How could he bring justice to Laura without plunging her further into despair?.Jerry stood, pacing the cramped room as helplessness washed over him. The walls seemed to close in, reflecting his frustration. Justice wasn’t just an option, it was a necessity. The consequences of Mary’s actions had to be faced by her. Her move of destruction was more than an act of vandalism. It had been an invasion of Laura's dignity, her sanctuary, and peace of mind.Laura's weeping became quieter across the room, and she shook her shoulders in grief.The echo of Mr. Tim’s s
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Jerry realized he wasn’t feeling Laura’s hand against his anymore. At that time, as he responded sharply, awareness jolted through him like a rising pulse. His darted gaze searched through the room beyond him and his breath seized when he sighted her.At that moment, she was not where she should be, which was next to him. Instead, she was crouched on the floor with Fred, their hands overlapping on her phone as if frozen in time, their gazes locked in an inexplicable connection.The sight unsettled him; it was completely unexpected.“Laura, what are you doing?” Jerry’s voice, low and steady, carried a sharp edge, jealousy unmistakably woven into his tone. He strode toward them, his movements brisk, as if compelled by something primal.His voice sliced through the quiet like a knife, breaking into a strange stillness. Laura blinked, surprised, as though just awakening from a dream.Her cheeks flushed, and she instinctively pulled her hand away, snatching her phone from the floor with tr
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Jerry stood frozen, feeling the wall dimly lit at the end of the hallway as his hand gripped the door frame for support as he tried to wrestle with what he had just seen. Helen had been sneaking away from Fred's room in the dead of night, it was Helen who had been with him.His breath stuttered in his throat as a pain in his chest shot up, flaring a gut-wrenching response of mixed emotions of shock and disbelief. For Fred, this wouldn't be out of the ordinary as he had typically behaved so carelessly, unrepentantly carrying a string of brief affairs. Jerry had lost count, really, of how many times he had covered for his cousin, Fred, or listened to him boast about some conquest. But this? This was different. This wasn’t some random woman Fred had charmed at a bar. This was Helen, modest, reserved Helen, the woman Jerry had thought was above such entanglements.Jerry leaned back against the wall and his thoughts raced. How could Helen, of all people, be involved with someone like Fred
Last Updated : 2024-12-11
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BEHIND OFFICE DOORS CHAPTER EIGHTY-TWO: THE GAME UNVEILED.
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
BEHIND OFFICE DOORS CHAPTER EIGHTY-ONE: A STEP TOWARDS FATE.
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
BEHIND OFFICE DOORS CHAPTER EIGHTY: A PROMISE TO KEEP.
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
BEHIND OFFICE DOORS CHAPTER SEVENTY-NINE: WHEN HELP BACKFIRES.
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
BEHIND OFFICE DOORS CHAPTER SEVENTY-EIGHT: HIDDEN MOTIVES.
With his hands slipping into his pockets, the Sheriff moved with purpose toward Rose, his eyes unwavering and steady. The deep hush was broken by his strong yet low voice. "I'm really disappointed in you," he replied quietly, the calm tone hardly concealing the rage inside. Slowly, as though driven by some unseen power, Rose turned. She breathed unevenly, her hands shaking as she clasped her fingers together. She avoided looking, trying to regain her balance. "You pretended not to recognize me even though you knew I was Linda's father. Why?” With his arms folded across his chest and his eyes narrowed, he demanded a response in a sharp voice.Rose closed her eyes for a second and let out a long breath. "I apologize, sir," she said in a guilty tone. "I wasn't prepared to discuss Linda and myself. All that took place was horrific. I'm not proud of it, and I stayed away from anything that reminded me of those times. The sheriff examined her closely, evaluating the authenticity of her s
BEHIND OFFICE DOORS CHAPTER SEVENTY-SEVEN: THE PRICE OF DECEIT.
Mary was clearly enjoying the chaos as her scathing and taunting laughter reverberated throughout the room. She flourished in chaos, particularly when Laura was in sight. Mary looked at Rose and smiled mischievously. “So, Rose,” she said, her tone full of derision. "You're also a concubine of Fred Walker?" Mary got up from her chair and gave Rose a sharp look in a tone that was equal parts disdain and laughter. Everyone in the room grew silent as the realization weighed heavily on them. The sheriff remained motionless as his mind raced to comprehend the network of lies that was being revealed to him.But Sarah was unable to control her anger. She jumped up, her cheeks flushed, her hands clenched, prepared to meet Rose. She cried, her voice shaking with fury and betrayal, "How could you, Rose?".Mary took Sarah's arm and held her back before she could do anything. Mary snarled, trying to manage the growing tension with a tight grasp, "Calm down." Rose's voice cracked as she spoke, h
BEHIND OFFICE DOORS CHAPTER SEVENTY-SIX: THE RECKONING AT NASSAU STATION.
Laura wanted desperately to stifle Fred's inflated ego, even only once. She had grown weary of losing every argument to his uncivilized haughtiness. She inhaled deeply, braced herself, and clenched her hands before answering calmly and purposefully. Fred, nobody is envious. Could we just have dinner and head to bed?.Jerry's eyes got bigger. He knew Laura who usually stormed off in tears, defeated, but this was not her. Her calm answer confused him. Laura resisted the need to cry or become angry for the first time. Even though Fred had previously made fun of him and Diana, Jerry couldn't help but respect her newfound fortitude.Laura's eyes changed to Jerry's, showing something fresh, acceptance, instead of rage or surrender. She had no more energy for pointless disputes as she started to understand the tension dynamics of Fred Walker's household. As they ate in reluctant silence, a thick hush fell over the room. Helen whispered softly from the door of the dining room, "Goodnight,
BEHIND OFFICE DOORS CHAPTER SEVENTY-FIVE: A COLLISION OF EMOTIONS.
However, the moment was short. Their intimacy was cut short by the sound of approaching footsteps, and then the delicate mood between them was broken by a playful laugh. The warmth of their shared moment dissipated into anxiety as they automatically separated in surprise. A playful voice chimed from the doorway, piercing the tension like a dagger, "Dinner's ready, lovebirds." Their assumption that they had been overheard was confirmed when the lighthearted comment landed heavily. Once brimming with unsaid emotions and vulnerability, the space now brimmed with awkwardness. Laura and Jerry exchanged a quick, agitated look and then turned their heads away, both fighting the flush that was starting to appear on their cheeks. Words failed them, and the weight of what had just happened hung heavy in the air.Helen laughed once again. Evidently, she had overheard enough of their talk to put the pieces together. Jerry and Laura were unaware that their voices had penetrated farther than th
BEHIND OFFICE DOORS CHAPTER SEVENTY-FOUR: WHAT THE HEART WANTS.
Jerry stumbled, his voice cutting through the heavy tension in the room, "I - I… um, Laura, I'm sorry." He quickly retreated from Laura's hold while averting his eyes. Not just yet. He couldn't look into her sharp eyes. They were in charge of him and constantly made him feel insignificant, exposed, and unprepared. Laura struggled to maintain her composure while she stumbled over her words. With a voice full of feelings she was unable to control, she asked, "Um, what are you doing here?"."Please give me a chance, Laura”. Jerry murmured, "Let's talk," in an imploring tone as he gingerly extended his hand to take hers. He could sense her anger radiating from her, and he proceeded cautiously, caught between his need to make amends and his dread of being rejected. Laura noted the twitch of his hand as their gazes locked. She paused, uncertain whether to draw away or remain motionless. Something deep inside her was awakened by that brief interaction. Her determination softened as the r
