The next morning, I arrived at the office early. The brown envelope Nayumi had given me yesterday was still inside my bag. I hadn't opened it yet—but curiosity gnawed at me.
I pulled it out and was about to open it when the office door suddenly opened.
I quickly placed the envelope on my desk and covered it with a pen. Then I turned toward the person who had entered.
"Ms. Akeshia? What are you doing here?" I asked, standing up immediately and helping her sit on the sofa. Her belly was already big, and it was obvious she was struggling to walk on her own.
She smiled at me. "Thank you," she said, placing her small shoulder bag beside her.
"By the way, where's L?" she asked. "I came here to see him."
"He hasn't arrived yet," I replied. "Would you like something to eat while you wait?"
"No need," she said softly. "Just please call him for me. I need to talk to him about something important."
I nodded hesitantly and walked back to my desk, my eyes landing on my phone.
Why am I so nervous?
I'm just calling my boss.
My boss… who happens to be her first love.
I took a deep breath and picked up my phone, scrolling through my contacts—when she suddenly spoke again.
"What's that brown envelope?" she asked, nodding toward my desk.
I lowered my phone.
Should I tell her?
"It's… for the meeting later," I lied. I didn't even know why I did. The words just came out.
She nodded slowly. "Forget Francis," she said. "Can you call Ms. Gada instead?"
I lowered my phone completely and left the office.
I went to Ms. Gada's office, but she wasn't there. I was about to call her when I realized I'd left my phone behind. I went down to the 20th floor and found her in the coffee room, sipping her drink.
I told her that Ms. Akeshia wanted to speak with her. She stood up immediately and followed me.
When we returned, Ms. Akeshia was standing near my desk. I rushed over, afraid something might happen to her.
"You should sit down," I suggested gently.
She smiled and thanked me as I helped her back onto the sofa.
They talked for nearly half an hour. Afterward, I assisted Ms. Akeshia into the elevator before returning to my desk.
The moment I sat down, my heart dropped.
Something was missing.
The brown envelope—
it was gone.
I searched under the desk, inside my bag, even on the floor.
Nothing.
"It was here earlier…" I whispered, running a hand through my hair.
I was sure I hadn't taken it with me.
A terrifying realization hit me.
What if someone took it?
But who?
Nayumi's words echoed in my head.
Someone inside the company is helping my dad.
Who could it be?
The afternoon passed in a blur. When it was finally time to go home, I stood in front of the elevator, listening to my favorite song through my earphones.
The doors opened—empty.
I stepped inside.
Just as they were about to close, someone entered.
My hands instantly went cold.
I avoided his gaze the moment our eyes met.
When the elevator doors shut, the space felt smaller. Tighter. I struggled to breathe.
The silence was unbearable. I could hear my heartbeat pounding in my ears. I stood frozen, afraid to move—afraid our skin might touch.
I stared at the floor numbers.
Please. Hurry.
The elevator stopped again, and five more people entered, crowding the space. I was pushed to the corner.
"Good afternoon, Mr. Locan," they greeted in unison.
Damn it.
I wanted to scream, to ask them to move. I felt suffocated.
They shifted again, pushing me further back—and for the millionth time, I wished the floor would swallow me whole.
I felt his skin brush against mine.
Even without looking, I knew it was him.
I recognized his scent instantly—his cologne surrounding me, overwhelming my senses.
🎵 Now Playing: "Rewrite the Stars" – James Arthur & Anne-Marie
My breath caught when the elevator stopped abruptly, causing him to bump into me.
People murmured, wondering why we'd stopped—but I heard none of it.
The world faded when our eyes met again.
I couldn't look away.
This is bad.
This is really bad.
My heart raced, betraying me.
Get it together, Gianna.
Someone asked if he was okay. I immediately stepped away, pretending nothing had happened.
Help was called. We waited.
When the elevator finally moved again, I exhaled deeply.
I wanted out. I didn't think I could survive being trapped with him any longer.
But my body betrayed me when I felt his warm hand settle on my waist.
I gasped as he pulled me closer.
I forgot how to breathe. His face was inches away. I was terrified he could hear my heart pounding.
I couldn't move as his hand slowly brushed my cheek, his eyes locked onto mine.
"Gianna…"
That was it.
The tears I'd been holding back finally fell.
I couldn't stand hearing my name from his lips—as if he hadn't shattered me. As if everything he did meant nothing.
Pain and anger flooded my chest.
I pushed him away just as the elevator doors opened.
I wiped my tears and rushed out without looking back.
I hated myself.
Even now, he still had power over me.
My heart was weak.
It refused to forget—even though it had been broken.
"Please… just leave my life."