Chapter 7

• Michael’s Pov
• I gazed at the sea of expectant faces as I began.
• “The company is looking towards more developments in the area of Tech for the next two years, we plan on channeling the company’s resources towards this goal”.
• My words felt hollow as I forced a smile.
• My thoughts drifted off to last night’s event and the infuriating encounter with Nora this morning.I clenched my jaw recalling how she had stormed out after I offered reasonable advice. The memory totally changed my mood.
• I refocused on the meeting, scanning the room to ensure I had everyone’s attention. My expression was stern.
• I highlighted specific company objectives that was crucial to the meeting and after 10 minutes of dwelling on them. I sat down feeling all annoyed again.
• She will regret it!
• I dismissed the thoughts and brought my attention to the present moment, I had more pressing things to think about.
• End of Pov
• *****
• Nora’s Pov
• I left my stepfather’s office almost at the point of breakdown. I’m so exhausted, I have called Lexi more than three times. I wondered if she’s okay, maybe I should pay her a visit, I shrug at the idea, she’s probably working. I desperately needed someone to vent to, I’m really tired of all these accusations.
• The next day, I decided to visit my mother’s favorite cafe in the city when she was still alive. The one place that brought me comfort and separated me from all my problems and thoughts.
• From my childhood till her death we would go to the cafe, hand in hand. She had marked a special calendar in her busy schedule as the CEO, just to spend time with me.
• It is one of the biggest cafes in the whole city. A tastefully decorated traditional cafe located in the heart of the city.
• As I stepped into the cafe, a wave of nostalgia washed over me. My mother had formed a close bond with the manager who we’d mistakenly believed was the owner. The true owner was a hidden business mogul with branches of such cafes in other cities, we never met him.
• I made my way to my favorite spot, where Sean, the barista, greeted me with a warm smile.
• “Good day, Ma’am” He said cheerfully. “The usual?”
• I nodded
• “A glass of Cappuccino coming up”
• As I waited, memories of my mother and me laughing and chatting over coffee flooded my mind. Our 30 minute break here had been a treasured ritual, one that I still cherished deeply.
• I was her only family after dad’s passing. Even after her remarriage she still managed to keep the family together. I let out a deep sigh.
• With her around, I felt I could do anything.
• Sean’s voice interrupted my thought “Anything on your mind, ma’am”. Sean said as he handed me a steaming glass of cappuccino.
• I forced him a smile “Thank you”
• As I sipped my coffee, my phone buzzed with a text from Lexi “Where are you? “
• I quickly typed out a response and continued with my coffee. And after 12 minutes, my best friend walked into the cafe.
• She wore a crisp white blouse with a relaxed fit, paired with a knee-length black skirt. A delicate silver necklace glittered around her neck. Typical of Lexi to always appear professional yet sophisticated.
• She waves at me and soon joins me at the bar. After ordering her favorite drink, I launched into my story, not sparing any detail except the part that I was rescued by a total stranger. And as I told my story her face contorted into a deep frown
• “That disgusting excuse for a human being tried to rape you and then had the audacity to accuse you of assault?” Lexi’s face twisted in outrage, her teeth clenched in anger.
• “I can’t believe your stepfather bought the story without questioning him!”
• “He’s more concerned about the potential contract I supposedly ‘screwed up’,” I said bitterly
• “Ughhh, all these things happened because you were trying to please the company”
• “I know you felt pressured to go to his place inorder to get the deal signed”
• I wish my stepfather saw things that way too!
• The next few minutes passed by quietly, each of us lost in our own thoughts.
• Lexi broke the silence “Tell me, what’s the company doing about it… the law suit”
• “I don’t know, currently the company is having an executive meeting to decide her next move”
• “Aren’t you supposed to be there?” She says with a concerned look on her face.
• “You’re still part of the company’s executive team, aren’t you?”
• I shook my head. “Not for much longer, at this rate.”
• “There must be a way to prove your innocence and that jerk’s guilt”
• I let out a helpless sigh “I’m all out of ideas, I’m pretty sure he must’ve hidden or destroyed any evidence from that night”.
• Lexi’s expression turned thoughtful. “That’s true… How did you manage to escape though?” She asked with a curious look on her face.
• I took in a deep breath before sharing the truth.
• “I woke up in a stranger’s house, turns out he rescued me from Victor”
• She exclaimed “Good heavens, You could’ve been… If not for the stranger’s help”
• “Yeah, I owe him a lot”
• Did I forget to add how arrogant my saviour was?
• Lexi’s expression softened, she leaned in to envelope me in a warm hug. It was exactly what I needed in that moment. I felt like tearing up.
• “You’ll be alright, trust me” she whispered.