Anastasia’s POV
The situation at work worsens despite all my efforts and it feels like a tunnel without an end in sight. Every piece of evidence is pointing against me. I can’t understand how Selene’s name remains untarnished in all this mess; her alibi feels too good to be true. It all unfolded so quickly, that I can’t seem to even explain it.
I can’t seem to even face anyone at the office for something I know nothing about. The decision- more like my disciplinary action will be announced soon after the meeting between the CEO and the other department heads.
Lately, I had been feeling nauseous, but ignored it due to all the chaos and took some medicine. Right now, my stomach churns so bad, so I walked into the restroom just in case I might have an episode and I overheard my junior colleagues discussing me. I guess my failing marriage became a new topic for people at the office to discuss after the fraud. Seems like Selene’s been working hard.
I left the bathroom straight to my office. Tyler and Secretary Kim come knocking. “How is it looking?” I ask with anticipation.
“Not good,” he replies. “The decision will be released tomorrow I guess,”
Both of them are really good colleagues and friends. They have been showing their unwavering support ever since the start of the fraud.
“Forgive me, but Miss Selene has shown her true colors, I can’t believe she tried to ruin your career,”. She states bluntly.
“Whoever said she is behind this?” I asked.
Secretary raises her eyebrows curiously and dramatically as if saying ‘Seriously?’.
“Isn’t it obvious? I heard she meddled in your marriage too, everything looks planned,” Tyler confesses.
“Whatever the truth may be, I know you don’t believe all the Shenanigans,” I continued. “Thank you for your support but I’d like to be alone for now,” I dismissed politely.
“Alright ma’am, please take care of yourself,” Secretary Kim says before exiting with Tyler.
I sighed loudly as I sank deeper into my chair slightly inclining it downward.
Mom’s phone call suddenly comes. She wanted to check on my well-being. I hate to lie to her, but she is an over-thinker and I don’t want to be a burden on her and her health. She is already taking care of my sick dad.
“I am so sorry that am unable to visit you and Dad,” I take a deep breath before continuing” I promise one of these days, I try to visit you,”
“It’s fine Sera, I just wanted to check up on you, but are you sure everything is fine?” She asks warmly.
My mom has always called me Sera. A reason only known to her, but I know it’s tied down to her Christian faith.
“I am fine mom, work has just been exhausting lately,”
“Alright then, my regards to your husband,” she says, cutting the call.
–
It was weird walking around at the office, but I had responsibilities to fulfill, pending the time the result was released. While heading back to my cabin, I bumped into Selene, making all the paperwork in my hand fall. Her lips curled into a mocking smile. I knew this moment would come, but I wasn’t ready.
“Anastasia,” Selene purred, ” You need to watch your steps.”
I ignored what she said, regaining my stance and picking up all the paperwork. “Let’s get this over with, Selene. I’m not here for pleasantries.”
Selene’s smile widened. “Of course. Straight to business, as always. That’s why Blake came to me. He needed someone with a little more… warmth.”
I flashed with anger. “Is that what you call warmth? Stealing another woman’s husband?”
“Stealing?” Selene feigned innocence. “Oh, darling, you lost him long before I came into the picture. You’re just too blind to see it.”
I leaned forward, my voice sharp. “I see everything now. And I see that you’ve made a grave mistake. You see, I don’t just lose. I come back stronger. And this little affair of yours? It’s going to cost you more than you ever imagined.”
Selene’s confidence wavered for a moment. “You think you can scare me? You’re nothing but a washed-up wife clinging to her past.”
“And you’re nothing but a cheap imitation,” I shot back. “You may have him now, but you’ll never have what I had. And when I’m done, you’ll wish you had never met Blake.” I threatened.