Chapter 222
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The steady hum of the office greeted me as I settled into my desk, the soft glow of the computer screen casting a familiar light across the workspace. With the weekend looming ahead, there was an air of excitement that mingled with the usual workday routine. I was determined to tie up loose ends before my much–anticipated
escape to a lakeview cabin with friends.
My fingers danced across the keyboard, navigating through documents and emails, ensuring that everything was in order. The responsibilities of my new role demanded attention to detail, and I prided myself on leaving no task unfinished. As I delved into my work, the occasional glance at the clock served as a gentle reminder that the weekend was drawing near.
The atmosphere in the office seemed different, a subtle shift that brought a sense of camaraderie among my coworkers. Perhaps it was the impending break or the shared anticipation of having a more personable boss. overlooking them. Whatever the reason, the normally polite exchanges took on a warmer tone.
Amid the organized chaos of the office, I found myself engaging in casual conversations with my coworkers. Beth and Sarah, my trusted confidantes in the workplace, beckoned me over to their desks. The backdrop of family photos and quirky desk accessories, which hadn’t been allowed previously, created an atmosphere of familiarity and comfort.
“Evie, you’re glowing today,” said Beth, propping her chin up in one hand. “Big plans for the weekend?”
I chuckled, nodding. “Heading to a lakeview cabin with some friends. Need a break from the city hustle, you know?”
Sarah leaned in, her eyes filled with curiosity. “Sounds like a dream. Anyone special joining you? Spill the details, Evie.”
“A special hockey player, perhaps?” Beth added.
A bashful smile crept across my face as I considered how to navigate the question. “Well, Timothy dropped me off this morning. He’s one of the friends coming along.”
Their eyes widened in unison, and the atmosphere took on a playful energy. Beth nudged me with her elbow, a knowing smile on her face. “Timothy, huh?”
I nodded, feeling a sudden surge of self–consciousness. “Yeah, he’s coming. We’re all just friends getting together
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Chapter 222
for a weekend getaway.”
Sarah exchanged a glance with Beth, and they shared a subtle grin. “You don’t look at him like ‘just a friend,“” Beth teased, causing my cheeks to flush.
“Don’t be shy, Evie. Any girl would be lucky to wind up with a hockey star like Timothy,” Sarah added with a playful wink. “Seems like only yesterday, people were hailing Timothy and Stella as some sort of power couple.”
“Oh, yes! Everyone thought they were meant to be together forever,” Beth added, taking a sip of her coffee. “But our girl Evie wasn’t having any of that,” Sarah continued, flashing me a knowing smile.
I felt
my
cheeks flush at the mention. “I–I don’t think-”
“No need to be modest, Evie. You and Timothy have something special,” Beth said, nudging me playfully.
I chuckled nervously; feeling like the center of attention. The conversation veered toward other topics, but the unease lingered within me. The guilt over the mention of Stella and the insinuations about Timothy and me gnawed at my conscience.
I wondered fleetingly if Stella had moved on, if she had found solace with Andy after the engagement was called off with Timothy. Timothy may have never loved her, but Stella seemed to be truly attached to him. Not even Andy seemed to be a factor in her decisions, despite what the two were doing outside of the public’s eye.
My coworkers seemed genuinely delighted by the idea of Timothy and me being together. Any of the previous shame around it seemed like a distant memory.
As the clock ticked away, the friendly banter created a lighthearted ambiance, momentarily distracting me from the meticulous work that still demanded attention.
As I navigated through the remaining tasks, the office buzzed with the collective energy of a team looking forward to a well–deserved break. My junior attorneys were eager to help with my workload, desperate to get some experience in the legal field.
As a senior associate, my schedule had become unpredictable, with cases and deadlines dictating the rhythm of my day. I had just wrapped up a particularly intense meeting, thinking I’d be tethered to my desk for at least another hour, but we managed to finish earlier than expected.
I caught the eye of my remaining co–workers, exchanging exhausted smiles and nods. As I approached the exit, I called out to the small cluster of colleagues still immersed in the last throes of the workday.
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Dreame
Emergency calls un
Chapter 222
“I’m going to grab dinner. See you all next week!” I announced.
The chorus of farewells followed me as I made my way to the elevators, the metallic doors sliding shut behind me with a finality that echoed the end of the workday. The city outside awaited, its streets alive with the ebb and flow of post–office life.
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