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#77 Why Today?
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2024-10-29 19:42:56"I can't. I'm sorry, Endo-san. I'm a bit busy tomorrow. One of my family members is visiting Tokyo, and I have to accompany them."
Without blinking or hesitation, Akiko made up the lie instantly. It was because she was truly panicking. Who could've predicted that Endo would still pursue her after the Hanami event?
Still with the same confidence, Endo suddenly approached her and asked her out. It was too bold.
When she ran into Endo, Akiko was on her way to her usual office, after stopping by HR to submit her leave documents. The man asked to speak with her privately, and the conversation that followed was a disastrous idea.
Akiko didn't feel like she gave Endo any green light to get closer. She truly didn't expect Endo to think she had enjoyed their conversation in Osaka. Akiko remembered that she had responded to Endo half-heartedly. The signals should have been clear.
“Really? What a shame. How about Sunday?” Endo wasn’t g
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Akiko woke up, but she stood up too quickly.“Aahh…” Akiko straightened her back. There was a sharp pain as she bent down. Endo’s rough handling still left her sore.And as she groaned, Akiko still felt the pain. Her cheek ached as she opened her mouth. The bruise still hurt.Akiko sighed, grateful it was Saturday. She wouldn’t need to apply heavy makeup to cover the bruise.Akiko frowned. She wanted to report Endo to the police for what he did, but it would cause a big scandal.Akiko couldn’t imagine how her coworkers would react. At worst, someone might call her a flirtatious widow who seduces men. That thought made Akiko doubt whether reporting him to the police was the right choice.Perhaps the evidence of abuse on her face and back could strengthen the case against Endo—especially with her uncle as a witness. But Akiko wasn’t sure she could handle the uproar her report would create.
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