5: Stella

There they were again.

Liana clutched on her bag, showing a sign of uneasiness. Everyone's eyes are on her and she doesn't like it. She couldn't simply be in the building because when they catch her, they put their attention to her.

"Why can't they just eat peacefully and let me fall in line for my food in peace too?" Liana said in her mind with a little forehead crease.

"Wonder why they're always staring?"

Liana almost jumped in her place when someone from her back whispered. Liana looked back and that's when a long wavy haired girl at her age smiled.

"I'm Pat, an employee here,"

"I'm–"

"Liana. I know. Almost everyone knows you already," Pat butted in on Liana's introduction.

Unsure what to do or say, Liana only nodded with a small beam.

Pat laughed at Liana's wordless response. "Don't worry, some might, but not everyone hates you,"

Liana remained silent. It may be connected to their jealousy, like what Raven said.

Pat wanted to say something and she was about to when she noticed Liana's next in line already. "Take your food first and I'll tell you something," Pat gave Liana a single nod. 

"Okay…" Liana replied and faced the server. Because of Pat, her mind became clouded with thoughts that she only picked random dishes just to be fast.

"Will you sit with me?" Liana asked Pat who's talking to the server. She's standing beside, holding her tray of lunch.

"Yeah, wait," Pat replied without giving Liana a single glance. The girl was busy picking her food. When done, they walked to an unoccupied table together.

"What is it that you want to tell?" Liana put her hands on her lap. Pat was staring at her and it made her uncomfortable.

"You look so much like her," Pat said in a serious tone. She's studying Liana's each feature. There are differences, but a lot of similarities.

"Like who?" Liana tilted her head, now more curious than ever.

"Stella,"

Liana clashed her brows. Stella? Was it the name Kai moaned when they were in bed?

Liana started feeling nervous. A bucket of questions poured on her. Who is Stella? Is she connected to Kai?

"Stella is sir Kai's ex-girlfriend," Pat added. Liana started feeling more confused. Kai's ex-girlfriend looks a lot like her. Is it a coincidence?

"T-tell me more," Liana mindlessly said.

"They were together for four years. We really thought they'll end up together… but Stella left Kai a few years ago. Stella's the only girl Kai loved that when they broke up, Kai never dated anyone again. Even flings, none!"

"She looks like me?" Liana slowly looked up at Pat.

Pat nodded. "Wait, I'll show you her photo,"

Liana pursed her lips. Why would Kai hire someone who resembles his ex? Kai still loves Stella? If so, is Liana just there to remind Kai of his ex?

Liana closed her fist. Her realization hit her like a ton of blocks. Kai's not only rude, bossy, and annoying. He's also a user for his own gain.

"Here, take a look at your twin," Pat giggled. She put her phone on the table and shoved it to Liana.

Liana eyed the phone. Stella looked seriously like her. Stella is whiter compared to her, and her hair is long blonde. Liana has wider eyes compared to Stella. They have different moles too but other than that, they share the same features. It's like they're twins.

"Wow–I mean, how?" Liana breathed, not leaving her eyes on the photo. She only looked up at Pat when the phone closed.

"Amazing, right? Amazing how sir Kai found another Stella," Pat chuckled. She had started eating and Liana hadn't touched a single utensil yet.

"But wait! How did you two meet?!" Pat suddenly added in a loud voice.

Liana scoffed realizing Kai had only approached her because she looks like Stella. "We met in a club. He approached me and after a few minutes, we kissed–"

"You kissed?!" Pat exaggeratedly cut off.

Liana nodded. "We kissed and he brought me to a hotel–"

"You fucked?! Oh my god!" Pat dropped the spoon and fork, covered her mouth with two hands and went wide eyes.

"Almost. But we didn't because I left when he moaned another girl's name, which happened to be Stella,"

Pat laughed. "He did that? Man, that must be awkward!"

Liana nodded. "I know. It was when I was dressing up. Anyway, now I know I was only hired because of Stella," She ended with a sigh.

Pat pouted. "Yeah, maybe that's really why. The old secretary got fired mysteriously–or it was until we saw you,"

"I feel bad," Liana sadly said, thinking about someone suddenly losing a job like what happened to her.

"Same but Kai doesn't. You know, someone like him easily throws people out if he finds them unuseful anymore," Pat replied, shaking her head in disappointment. She continued eating afterwards.

Liana felt the same disappointment Pat felt. Kai's attitude is really trash.

Both talked about Kai and a little about his relationship with Stella until the lunch break ended. Liana wasn't able to finish her food because of her thoughts.

Liana attended the meeting Kai asked her to show up to and fortunately, she made her work just fine.

On the way back to the office, Liana hoped Kai wasn't there. She doesn't know how to react to Kai's presence after what she discovered.

"Should I confront him?" Liana asked herself. Some people she's with in the elevator looked back at her. She bit her lower lip. Too spaced out, she forgot where she was.

Will Kai get mad if Liana confronts him? Will he be ashamed of what he did? But he's Kai with a bad attitude. There's no way he'll feel guilty. More likely mad.

"I shouldn't tell him, then. I need this job," Liana murmured before she stepped out of the elevator.

If Kai wants something in exchange for the job, Liana will do it. She just had to keep her eyes on the prize and everything will remain fine.

"Had to please the monster for money. For my family," Liana took a deep breath as she walked inside the office.