Chapter 67
RAINA
I was tired of it. Of him. Of Alex’s constant hovering, always showing up where I least expected, or wanted, him to be. It felt like every time I turned a comer, there he was, lurking like a shadow. He was everywhere, and the worst part was… it was starting to get to me. Not in a good way
By the time I got to my office, my head was spinning with frustration. Before I could even drup my bag onto the chair, Nathan was there. His hand reached out gently, brushing against mine, his touch steady and deliberate. His eyes, soft and full of understanding, searched mine as he said, “Calm down, Raina.”
The warmth of his voice melted some of the tension in my chest. He didn’t crowd me, didn’t push, just waited. I didn’t realize what I was doing until I wrapped my arms around him in a hug. My face pressed against his shoulder, and I mumbled, “Thank you For some strange reason, you’re always there when I need someone.”
Nathan pulled back slightly, his hands resting on my shoulders as he smiled at me. “If you really want to thank me,” he said, his voice teasing yet serious, “then go out with me. On a proper date
My breath hitched, and 1 blinked at him, startled. He chuckled softly, his smile never faltering. “This is me showing my intentions, Raina. I like you. I want to pursue you date you if you’ll let me!
For a moment, I couldn’t speak. My heart skipped a beat, the words sinking in. Pursue me? Dete me? It had been so long since anyone had said something
and moant it
ike that to
Slowly, I nodded. It was time. Time to move forward, time to take a step out of the shadows of my past. If nothing else, maybe this would send a clear message to Alex: I didn’t need him.
Nathan’s eyes lit up at my response, and for a brief moment, it felt like the weight on my chest lifted. But, of course, that peace didn’t last.
The office door slammed open, and Dominic stormed in, his expression thunderous. “Raina,” he backed, his tone sharp and furious, “we’ve got a problem.”
I frowned, stepping back from Nachan. “What’s going on?””
“That psycho found a way to get a job in my department,” he seethed, his fists clenched tightly at his sides.
“Who?” Lasked, though deep down, I already had a sinking feeling I knew the answer.
“Vanessa,” he spat, his voice dripping with disgust.
Of course. Alex’s meddlesome sister. My hands balled into fists as anger surged through me. First Alex, now Vanessa? Faith didn’t deserve this nonsense, and neither did Dominic. I wasn’t about to let her destroy another marriage–not after what she’d already done to mine.
Without hesitation, I marched out of my office, my blood boiling. Nathan followed a step behind, his presence steady but quiet.
When I reached Dominic’s department, it wasn’t hard to spot Vanessa. She was seated at a desk, humming to herself as she happily set up her space like she belonged there. The sight made my blood boil. The audacity.
She didn’t see me coming until I was right in front of her, grabbing her arm and yanking her to her feet. The smug smile on her face vanished as I swung her around and slapped her
- rp. “You’re not working here.”
“Pack up,” I snapped, my voice cold and sharp.
Vanessa’s hand flew to her cheek, her eyes wide with shock. “You can’t fire me,” she sneered, trying to regain her composure. “I’m not leaving ”
Before I could respond, Dominic spoke up from behind me. “Actually,” he said, his voice calm but firm, “you haven’t signed any contract yet, which means you can be dismissed without cause. And even if you had signed, this company reserves the right to terminate employees at any time,”
Vanessa’s face twisted in disbelief as she tumed to Dominie. “Why can’t you see that I’m doing this for you?” she cried, desperation soeping into her voice. “I just want to be closer to you, so we can be together!”
Dominic’s expression hardened, and his volce rose with uncharacteristic fury. “Why can’t you see that I don’t want you?!” he shouted, holding up his hand to show off his wedding ring, “I’m happily married!”
As if on cue, a soft voice called from the hallway. “Dominic?”
150
I turned so quickly I nearly stumbled, but Nathan caught my arm, steadying me. There stood Faith, cradling her baby boy in her arms.
Dominic’s entire demeanor shifted in an instant. The anger melted from his face, replaced by a smile so genuine it took me by surprise. “Good,” he said, histone lighter now, “You’re here.”
He crossed the room to Faith’s side, wrapping an arm around her shoulder. “Vanessa,” he said pointedly, “this is Faith. My wife,”
Vanessa let out a disbelieving laugh, shaking her head. “Nice try,” she scoffed. “I don’t believe it,”
“Domink, go,” I said, stepping forward. “I’ll handle this.”
Dominic hestrated, glancing between me and Vanessa, but eventually nodded. “Thanks, Raina,” he said before leading Faith out of the room.
I turned back to Vanessa, who was still glaring at me, her arms crossed defensively.
“I’m calling security,” I said, my voice steady.
“They’re already on their way, Nathan interjected, his calm presence reassuring
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