chapter 3

It had been nearly a fortnight, a span of time that seemed to stretch on endlessly, since Adina's fateful encounter with that mysterious man. In these two weeks, she hadn't experienced any discernible improvement in her emotional state. It was as if her old self had become an elusive specter, perpetually just out of reach. Adina's existence felt incomplete, with an indescribable void that she was slowly learning to come to terms with, though it remained a distant prospect.

Externally, she donned a facade of well-being, pretending that all was fine, but internally, she was crumbling under the weight of her concealed pain. She couldn't help but lament that it had to be a complete stranger, someone she would never know or recognize, who had played a sinister role in that dreadful night. To make matters even more surreal, no one involved in orchestrating her horrific ordeal was aware that it had indeed occurred. The perpetrators who had carried out their heinous plan reported back that they hadn't found her in that vulnerable state, leaving Adina to grapple with her anguish in isolation.

Throughout these torturous days, Adina had been privy to hushed whispers and sidelong glances from acquaintances and colleagues. She withdrew into herself, distancing from the world with each passing day, forced to endure the insipid and grating fabrications she was regaled with. She couldn't help but question the sincerity of those who feigned concern, inquiring about her well-being when, in her mind, they bore a share of the blame for her current plight. Her inner turmoil was palpable as she battled the fresh, non-physical wounds that tormented her every waking moment. Sleepless nights and haunting nightmares had become her unwelcome companions, and the once effervescent, cheerful woman had vanished, leaving behind only the tragic vestiges of her former self.

It was during a moment of temporary respite, having just assisted a customer, that she was suddenly interrupted by her approaching boss. The unexpected request caught her off guard, and as he uttered, "Adina, can I please have a word?" her surprise was evident in her gaze. His abrupt follow-up, "In my office. Now!" left her with a gnawing sense of unease, as she could only hope that no new problem had arisen to compound her already considerable burden.

"Is there a problem, Sir?" He remained silent, his expression inscrutable, as he gestured for her to join him. Adina, still uncertain about the reason behind her boss's summon, obliged and took a seat in his tastefully decorated office.

"Adina, have you been faring well lately?" Her boss inquired, concern etched across his face. It was a rare display of genuine worry from a man typically reserved in his demeanor. As she glanced across the desk at him, she couldn't help but feel the weight of the past few weeks bearing down on her.

"Yes, I'm fine, why do you ask?" She replied, trying to appear composed, but her physical condition betrayed her words. The deep-seated exhaustion in her eyes, the heavy bags, and dark circles that had become her unwanted companions told a different story, one of sleepless nights and mounting stress.

"It's been troubling to notice that you've seemed more distracted and fatigued than usual," her boss continued, his voice laced with empathy. "You appear weary, as if you haven't been getting enough rest. Is there something bothering you?" He probed, genuine concern in his eyes, hoping to provide a safe space for Adina to share her burdens.

Internally, Adina yearned to unburden herself, to confide in her boss and release the emotional turmoil that had been consuming her. However, the knowledge that her secret was something difficult to articulate held her back. How does one reveal the painful truth that they are a victim of a heinous crime, and hope that they won't be stigmatized or judged? The uncertainty of finding someone who truly comprehends the depth of her suffering weighed heavily on her.

What troubled her most was the vivid memory of that night, when the man she was with showed no regard for her well-being, plunging her into a nightmarish experience. She questioned whether her own feelings of guilt and dissatisfaction with her first sexual encounter were contributing to her overwhelming emotional distress. Adina knew that she needed to confront these emotions, to navigate her way through the tumultuous sea of her feelings before they dragged her into the abyss of depression.

She was aware that her current emotional state was a burden, one that threatened her job security. So, in an attempt to buy herself time to heal, she feigned illness. "I'm sorry, sir," she whispered, her voice trembling as she forged a weak smile. "I just haven't been feeling well lately." It wasn't entirely a pretense, for she indeed felt like a walking catastrophe, her exterior mirroring the turmoil within.

Adina's inner torment and her desperate need to keep her job left her at a crossroads, where the truth remained hidden, and a facade became her only refuge.

"Why didn't you share this with me earlier?" Her boss inquired, his concern evident in the furrow of his brow and the tone of his voice. He couldn't ignore the visible toll that the strain was taking on Adina, understanding that her well-being was paramount, not just for her, but for the reputation of the company as well. He leaned forward in his chair, placing a hand on the desk as he spoke.

"It's evident that you're not in the best of health, and that's not beneficial for our business or for your personal welfare. I don't want our clients to have the wrong impression, thinking that we mistreat our employees," he continued, empathizing with the internal struggle Adina must have been experiencing.

With a genuine concern for her welfare, he made a decision. "Take the day off, and extend your break to tomorrow as well. After all, it's the weekend ahead. I'll ensure we have someone to cover your responsibilities during your absence," he said, wanting to alleviate the burden of her choice.

Adina's financial situation was a pressing concern, and the thought of taking time off weighed on her. However, her body and mind were in dire need of respite. It felt as though death had briefly embraced her, and a break was no longer a luxury but a necessity. Grateful for her boss's understanding, Adina nodded, her voice carrying a hint of gratitude as she prepared to leave. The prospect of a brief reprieve from her daily grind brought a glimmer of hope.

Before she could depart, her boss called her name, and Adina turned to face him. "And Adina," he said, his eyes reflecting the sincerity of his words, "we won't deduct this time off from your salary. Instead, we'll simply subtract it from the allotted sick days you have per year. Please make sure to visit the hospital, and focus on getting better soon." His words were not just an assurance but a genuine wish for her recovery.

With a heartfelt "Thank you," Adina left her boss's office, her emotions a mix of gratitude and relief, knowing that a modicum of support and understanding had been extended to her in a trying time.

Adina's departure from the office was marked by a deliberate stride that carried her through the glass doors and into the staff break room, where her belongings awaited collection. The room's chilly air brushed against her skin, prompting the realization that she needed to retrieve her coat. It wasn't a garment of grandeur, rather a simple piece, yet it served as a dependable shield against the biting cold that often embraced days like today.

As Adina was on the brink of embracing her temporary freedom, a voice, sharp and unwelcome, sliced through the air. It was none other than her nemesis, Hellena, a presence she had been diligently evading. The query, "Heading out, Adina?" was accompanied by an insincere tone, an attempt at sympathy that fell flat.

Adina donned a mask, concealing her irritation behind a facade of false cheer. Her smile was an artifice, so exaggeratedly counterfeit that even the most oblivious observer could have identified its inauthenticity from miles away. She turned toward Hellena, affecting a saccharine, cheerleader-like voice, dripping with insincerity. "Why wouldn't I be okay, Hellena? I am positively radiant with joy. What can I assist you with? Oh, apologies, but I can't help you with that. Please, direct your concerns to the boss; he's the expert in such matters. As for me, I'm simply ecstatic about my impending day off."

With her bag in hand, Adina navigated her way past Hellena, purposely grazing her shoulder in the process. It appeared that she was on the cusp of her escape when, like an unrelenting shadow, Hellena managed to catch up with her. "Hold on a moment. There's something I need to discuss with you."

Adina's exasperation had reached a boiling point, her voice now elevated as she demanded, "What is it?" She questioned the very reason for engaging in conversation with this adversary, her patience stretched thin by the ongoing tension between them.

"Shh," she softly uttered, casting a furtive glance in all directions, an air of secrecy enveloping her as she leaned closer to her companion. "Someone's actively seeking you, lurking up ahead," she whispered with a subtle nod towards the guest entrance, her index finger discreetly pointing in the direction of potential trouble.

Maintaining her composure, Adina continued her stride, feigning ignorance. "Then kindly relay this message, if you would," she remarked calmly, her gaze never faltering, "It's my well-deserved day off, and they can patiently bide their time until Monday. If it's of paramount importance, have our esteemed boss informed; he's exceptionally adept at resolving such matters."

Her confidante hesitated before offering a response, her voice tinged with a note of concern. "I attempted to delegate, particularly the 'someone else' part, but they adamantly insisted on a tête-à-tête with you exclusively. By any chance, have you antagonized a client recently? The individual in question appeared both irate and conspicuously affluent."

Adina let out a resigned sigh, perceiving the covetous undertones in Hellena's words, which cunningly aimed to shift blame in her direction. Why must she be confronted by this exasperation at this precise moment? Her thoughts were already crowded with an assortment of other matters. "Kindly request the boss to intervene," she retorted with conviction, her pace accelerating as she approached the exit.

The threshold was almost within reach when Hellena called out her name, leaving Adina feeling frustrated by the lack of anonymity and a lingering sense of dissatisfaction with the situation.

She continued moving forward, her pace unbroken. In her peripheral vision, a figure in a sharp suit suddenly caught her attention, and for a fleeting moment, she questioned whether it was a tuxedo. However, time was a luxury she couldn't afford. Conversation with anyone was far from her mind, and instinctively, she executed her escape plan, dashing up the staircase. Although she successfully exited the building, her getaway was brief, leaving her unable to secure a taxi in time.

"Excuse me, miss," a voice intercepted her path. Adina, preoccupied with retrieving her phone from her pocket, gradually lifted her gaze from the pavement to the immaculate Italian leather shoes before her. Her scrutiny ascended up a set of exceptionally long legs, ensconced in what appeared to be exquisitely tailored trousers, denoting a fabric so luxurious that it had to be hand-stitched. A matching jacket and a pristine, chalk-white shirt adorned this enigmatic figure. The presence of cufflinks intrigued her; after all, who actually wore cufflinks unless they harbored pretentious egos and an unwavering need for validation?

The man possessed an undeniable handsomeness, characterized by a chiseled jawline, a nose that harmonized perfectly with the contours of his face, and hazel eyes that could only be described as captivating. His well-coiffed hair seemed to bear a price tag of several hundred dollars, reflecting his meticulous grooming. A smile graced his features, adding to his allure. "Have you finished your visual assessment?" he quipped with an air of confidence that bordered on arrogance. "You still haven't answered my question. Are you, by any chance, Adina Lois Kenan?" His audacity was apparent, making him appear nothing short of an insufferable, demanding individual.

"Who's inquiring?" Adina decided to employ a playful tone, not willing to yield too much to the stranger's demand.

The mysterious man persisted, "I am. Do you recognize who I am?" Her mind raced with incredulity; why on earth would she be expected to identify this stranger? His presumption was baffling, to say the least.

"Should I be acquainted with you?" she retorted, her patience dwindling in the face of his persistence.

His response dripped with an unsettling confidence, "You see, there's no need for pretense. Everything in life has a price tag. So, what's your price? How much do you desire?" The meaning behind his words remained elusive to Adina, who couldn't fathom what he meant. What price? Why did he accuse her of pretense? She had never encountered this man before, nor had he been present at the restaurant or engaged in any transaction that would explain his cryptic questions.

Growing increasingly exasperated, Adina attempted to disengage from the situation. "Excuse me, sir. You're obstructing my path," she calmly stated. "As you can observe, I'm in the process of leaving, which regrettably leaves me unable to assist you. If you're pondering what to order from the restaurant menu, it's right there." She pointed over her shoulder with her thumb. "They provide menus, you know, those sheets of paper or booklets that list the food along with their prices. This should obviate the need for inquiring about prices from unsuspecting individuals. I have a prior engagement to attend to, and you're impeding my progress." Despite her polite request, the stranger obstinately remained in her way.

"I am Asher Crayson," he declared, as though his name should have held some significance to Adina. However, the name meant absolutely nothing to her.

"And why, pray tell, should I know you?" Adina responded with an incredulous shake of her head. Of all the individuals she could have encountered on this less-than-fine day, it seemed like she had stumbled upon one of the most aggravating.

His next words only deepened the bewilderment. "We've shared a bed together, so you should remember me." Adina had been contemplating the best way to express her annoyance and quickly exit this bizarre encounter, but this statement caught her off guard and demanded her full attention.

"Listen, sir," she retorted, her frustration seeping through her words, "I'm tired, stressed, and frankly, quite pissed off right now. I have no desire to engage in mind games with anyone. I have never laid eyes on you in my life, so I don't recognize you." She made another attempt to sidestep him, but this time he caught her hand, preventing her escape.

"You are Adina. I overheard your coworker addressing you," he whispered into her ear. Adina mentally cursed Hellena for inadvertently giving this stranger her name, as she could think of a million ways to exact revenge on her coworker at that moment.

"I'm neither confirming nor denying anything," Adina responded firmly, pulling her hand free from his grasp. In a protective gesture, she wrapped her arms around herself, not due to the cold but to create a barrier between herself and the mysterious man.

With a bewildering twist, he handed her a bag she hadn't even noticed he was holding. Adina accepted it cautiously and peered inside, discovering the blue dress she had worn to a party two weeks ago. Her mind raced with questions. How had he come into possession of it, and why did he choose to return it now?

"Why do you have this?" Adina's voice carried a mixture of anger and curiosity as she held the delicate dress in her hand. Her eyes bore into Asher's with a searching intensity, a deep-seated confusion swirling within her. She couldn't help but suspect who he might be, and the turmoil of emotions within her demanded answers, confirmation, anything to dispel the growing unrest in her heart.

With a hint of apprehension, Asher broke the tense silence, smoothly producing a checkbook from the inner sanctum of his pocket. He hastily scribbled something onto a blank check, extending it toward Adina. There was an evident reluctance in his eyes, as if he were avoiding the weight of her unspoken question. "Since we have that out of the way, I want you to tell me how much you want," he stated, his voice laced with a calculated nonchalance. "Everyone has a price."

Adina couldn't help but be taken aback by this unexpected twist. Was he trying to buy her out, as if she were a mere commodity? Did he assume that she desired to exchange her dignity for material wealth? Her mind was entangled in a web of suspicions, and she resolved to get to the bottom of this baffling situation.

"So it was you," Adina's voice trembled with a mix of rage and disbelief. Her accusing words hung heavily in the air, laden with the gravity of a profound revelation. "You raped me. Do you understand the enormity of your actions? Are you still so arrogantly blind to the heinous act you committed? You preyed upon someone who was incapacitated, utterly defenseless. What kind of person does that make you? You're far more twisted than you appear." The depth of her anger and pain was evident in her words.

Asher, however, responded with a chilling laugh, a genuine, full-throated laugh. "You were the one who was in my bed," he retorted, his tone steeped in defiance. "So stop playing the innocent victim. You were the one who cast yourself into this situation, so cease this charade. What's your price? A lavish diamond necklace, a mansion, an extravagant trip to any corner of the world, or perhaps a sizable sum of money? How much?" His arrogance and belief in the power of wealth to resolve any issue shone through, painting a disturbing portrait of his character.

Adina recoiled at his audacity. The nerve of him to think he could buy his way out of the darkness he had created. Her contemptuous scoff at this revelation echoed the tumult of emotions within her, marking the beginning of a confrontation that would unveil the true depths of their characters and the challenges they faced.

Adina's emotions were in turmoil, and the overwhelming urge to release her pent-up sorrow was nearly unbearable. But she summoned every ounce of inner strength to maintain her composure, for a few more moments at least, until her interaction with this obnoxious individual reached its conclusion. With deliberate and measured movements, she inscribed the specified amount onto the blank check in her checkbook.

Her action elicited a self-satisfied smirk from Asher, who seemed convinced that he had successfully asserted his dominance. However, his triumphant expression soon transformed into one of bewilderment as Adina promptly ripped the check from the book and handed it to him along with the checkbook. "Here," she uttered with a steely resolve.

Initially flummoxed, Asher soon found himself on the receiving end of a verbal tirade that was as fierce as it was well-deserved. Adina's words sliced through the air like a razor, laying bare the extent of her contempt for him. "You can use this to buy yourself some manners, a modicum of respect, and perhaps even a manual on how to deflate that colossal ego of yours," she declared. "You, sir, are an egomaniac who appears to believe that the entire world orbits around your inflated self-worth. I have no use for your money, and if I never cross paths with you again, I will have the peaceful existence that you, sir, do not deserve."

Though she yearned to unload more of her pent-up frustration, Adina opted to keep her words concise, fully aware that he might be incapable of comprehending the depth of her disdain. With a dismissive flick, she flung the now-worthless check at him, ensuring that her name was thoroughly canceled out.

Adina departed without a backward glance, refusing to grant him any satisfaction or acknowledgment. Her emotions were still shaky, a cocktail of irritation and relief coursing through her veins. For nearly two weeks, she had been tormented by an elusive, nameless tormentor, but now, at last, she had laid eyes on him. Despite his handsome exterior, the ugliness of his character was all too apparent.

Preferring solitude, Adina chose to walk home, allowing each step to serve as a means of catharsis and mental reconfiguration. The world outside became her sanctuary, offering her the space and solitude she needed to regain her emotional equilibrium before returning to the sanctuary of her own home.