The weekend arrived, and Zion took us to a fancy restaurant, the kind that made you feel like you were in a movie. The dim lighting, the soft music, and the elegant decor all combined to create an atmosphere of sophistication and glamour.
I decided to make it a big celebration and invited Tia, Gabriel, Beatrice, and Marcus. They all arrived, and we were seated at a big table, laughing and chatting like we'd known each other forever.
As we perused the menu, Tia turned to me and asked, "So, Sharon, how did you land the job at NovaTech?"
I smiled, feeling a sense of pride. "I just applied, and they offered me an interview. I think I nailed it."
Gabriel chuckled. "You're always so humble, Sharon. I'm sure it wasn't just luck."
Beatrice nodded in agreement. "Definitely, Sharon. You deserve it. You're one of the hardest-working people I know."
We chatted and laughed, enjoying each other's company, when suddenly, I noticed a familiar figure across the room. My heart skipped a beat as I saw Ace, sitting with his wife Diana, his father and stepmom.
I felt a pang of discomfort, but I tried to brush it off, focusing on the conversation at our table. But I couldn't help sneaking glances at Ace's table, wondering what they were discussing.
Zion followed my gaze and raised an eyebrow. "Everything okay, Sharon?"
I nodded, forcing a smile. "Yeah, everything's fine. Just enjoying the company."
Maxie leaned in, her voice low. "You sure? You seem a bit...distracted."
I shook my head, trying to shake off the feeling. "No, really. I'm good. Let's just enjoy the evening."
I didn't want anyone to notice me staring, so I forced myself to look away, trying to join in on the laughter and chatter.
But my eyes kept flicking back to Ace's table, like a magnet drawn to its source. I wondered what they were talking about, what kind of life they were living now. It was like I was watching a movie, one that I wasn't a part of.
I couldn't help feeling like I was stuck in a moment, one that I couldn't escape. Ace was living his life, and I was living mine. We were two parallel lines, never meant to intersect again.
I excused myself, heading to the restroom to collect my thoughts. As I walked, I felt a mix of emotions swirling inside me. I pushed open the door and stepped inside, the soft glow of the lights enveloping me. I approached the mirror, looking at my reflection, trying to reassure myself that everything would be okay.
I took a deep breath, trying to calm my racing heart. I splashed some water on my face, feeling the coolness soothing my skin. As I patted my face dry, I heard the sound of footsteps outside, followed by murmurs of conversation.
I froze, my heart skipping a beat, as I recognized Ace's voice. I peeked out of the restroom, seeing Ace helping Diana adjust her dress and necklace. Diana's eyes sparkled as she smiled up at him, saying "Thanks, baby."
I felt a wave of discomfort, my eyes darting back to the mirror. I didn't want Ace to see me, not now, not like this. I quickly hid back into the shadows, holding my breath as Ace turned his head, his eyes scanning the hallway.
For a moment, I thought I was caught, but Ace's gaze passed over the restroom door, and he continued walking with Diana. I let out a sigh of relief, feeling a mix of emotions swirling inside me.
I took another deep breath, trying to calm myself down. I reminded myself that I was here to celebrate my new job, to be surrounded by friends and positivity. I didn't want Ace's presence to ruin it for me.
I walked back to the table, trying to compose myself, but I could feel my emotions still running high. I sat down, forcing a smile, but it was clear I wasn't my usual self. I was quiet, my responses short, and my eyes darting around the room.
Zion noticed the change in me immediately. "Hey, Sharon, everything okay?" he asked again, concern etched on his face.
I shook my head, trying to brush it off. "Yeah, I'm fine. Just a bit...tired."
Maxie wasn't convinced. She got up and pulled me aside, outside the restaurant. "Sharon, what's going on? You're not yourself," she said, her voice low and worried.
I took a deep breath, trying to explain. "I just...I saw Ace. He's here, with Diana and his parents."
Maxie's eyes widened. "Oh, Sharon. I'm so sorry. Do you want to leave?"
I shook my head. "No, I'm fine. Really. Let's just go back in and enjoy the evening."
She smiled "that's it B, he does not get to ruin your day"
We went back to the table, and Beatrice immediately brought up the topic. "Oh my God, I think I saw Boss Ace and his family. They're having dinner here too."
Maxie shot her a warning glance, but it was too late. The mention of Ace's name brought back the emotions I was trying to suppress.
I forced a smile, trying to change the subject. "Yeah, I saw them too. Let's just focus on celebrating my new job, okay?"
The conversation continued, with Tia and Gabriel jumping in, reminiscing about the day Ace's father terminated the workers. They spoke about how Mr. Langley had come to the company, his authoritative presence commanding attention, and how he'd let go of the employees, including me.
"...and I remember Mr. Langley's words, 'You're all let go, effective immediately,'" Gabriel said, his voice laced with a mix of anger and sadness.
Beatrice nodded, her eyes clouding over. "I was so shocked. I didn't see it coming. One minute they were working, the next...boom!"
Tia chimed in, "I know, right? It was like they didn't care about the people, just the company's bottom line."
I sat quietly, my eyes cast down, trying not to let the conversation affect me. Zion noticed my discomfort and tried to steer the conversation in a different direction, but the others didn't pick up on it.
They continued talking, oblivious to the fact that their conversation was stirring up painful memories for me. Zion's eyes met mine, and he raised an eyebrow, as if asking if I was okay. I gave him a slight nod, trying to reassure him, but my eyes betrayed me, shining with unshed tears.
The conversation flowed around me, a gentle current that I tried to navigate, but it was getting harder by the minute. I felt like I was drowning in memories, the weight of them crushing me.
Zion's voice cut through the chatter, "Hey, guys, let's change the subject. We're supposed to be celebrating Sharon's new job, remember?"
The others finally noticed my silence and looked at me with concern. "Oh, Sharon, sorry, we didn't mean to bring up bad memories," Tia said, her voice softening.
I forced a smile, trying to brush it off. "It's okay, really. I'm fine."