Chapter Four; Why are they staring?

The next morning I'm woken up by a wetness on my cheeks, cracking my eyes open to find Chelsea licking my face thoughtfully.

“Good morning, Your Highness.” I greet her with a bright smile, my hands combing through the silky tendrils of her shiny fur.

Chelsea meowed in contentment, jumping off the bed and strutting out of the door in a graceful sweep, seeing as she'd fulfilled her goal of disrupting my sleep. I giggled lightly as I watched her go, Chelsea always gave the impression of a guardian taking care of her underlings.

I let out a soft yawn, imitating my cat as I stretched my limbs. There was nothing like a good night's rest, my senses felt refreshed and ready for the day ahead.

“I have a good feeling about today,” I say to no one in particular as I slide out of my blanket and swing my legs off the bed with a delighted hum. My eyes roamed to my wall clock and I paled visibly, my smile going stiff as the peace I had felt earlier quickly dissipated into thin air.

It was a few minutes past eight. Not seven, the time I usually get up for work.

I whipped my head to the alarm clock sitting on the headstand just to make sure, and my eyes round in shock.

I had missed my alarm, and now I was twenty minutes away from being late to work.

Now I understood why Chelsea had stepped in, damn she really was a guardian angel.

“Oh shit!” I cursed under my breath as I sprung to my feet, sprinting to the bathroom to get ready.

I was out of breath by the time I rushed out of my apartment building, and a string of curses left my lips. I quickly ate my declaration of today being a good day. The roads were jam-packed with heavy traffic and several lines of waiting cars that stretched over to the highway that led to my workplace. It was rush hour, and the ever-busy streets of New York were definitely not to be reckoned with, and I was out of luck.

My phone kept ringing in my purse but I hadn't gotten the chance to attend to it yet. Finally, after what seemed like a lifetime, I arrived at work.

I gulped my spit as the sleek glass and steel facade of the building soared above me, its modern design cutting a sharp contrast against the sky. The reflective surface shimmered in the sunlight, giving the impression of a building reaching for the future. Despite feeling small in its shadow, I quickly regained my composure, straightening my posture as I walked through the revolving door.

I couldn't help but notice the looming stares and pointed gazes that hovered over me like an ominous dark cloud, so I wondered if I had made a clothing malfunction in my hurry to get dressed.

I looked down at myself, but I couldn't find any mistakes in my outfit. My tailored navy blue pants hugged my legs perfectly, elongating them and giving me a confident stride. Paired with a crisp white button-down shirt, tucked in just right, and a slim black belt cinching my waist, I felt ready to conquer the day. A sleek silver watch adorned my wrist, adding a touch of elegance to the ensemble. Completing the look, my black leather pumps clicked against the floor with each step, echoing as I avoided the stares with hasty steps.

As I reached up to adjust my hair, I remembered the effort I had put into styling it. My reddish curls cascaded down my back in soft waves, adding a touch of whimsy to my appearance. A few strands framed my face, giving me a slightly tousled but still put-together look. The style was neat and professional, framing my face elegantly.

Maybe it was all in my head.

But as I stood outside the elevator, my ears perked as a group of women strolled past me, whispering discreetly to each other.

“Isn't that her?”

“The one who made the post.”

“Yes it's her, she's bold, isn't she? Making such a declaration on the company's platform.”

I pretend not to hear them, shifting uncomfortably in my spot as I glance anxiously at my watch.

Post? What post?

The elevator doors slide open, and I quickly hurry inside. But it was no different, I felt even more suffocated in the cramped space.

Everyone eyed me with contempt, some with disgust, and others with surprise. It was a whirlwind of emotions I could hardly comprehend.

I lowered my head under the scrutiny of their gazes, my grip tightening on the strap of my handbag as I mentally counted the seconds that passed.

Why were they staring?

Why the hell were they looking at me like that?!