Page 23 of Forbidden Deception

When I find yourself back in the place I stood, after tasting the future I could have had, hopelessness takes root and I might end up wishing for death.

I didn’t know what Aurora meant when she warned me not to fall into the web of my past because I may not be able to get out.

I thought having Remo as a brother would keep me safe, but my demons are knocking on my door.

While I try to focus on my work, I can’t stop thinking about the letter.

A knock sounds at my office door, snapping me out of my thoughts.

“You seem busy. Should I come back later?”

Dragging my eyes away from my screen, I look to my left at the door and see Danyi standing there. I fly out of my seat, and my chair smashes against the wall behind me. I cringe.

“Danyi, how can I help?” I pull my lips into a smile.

Instead of answering, Danyi looks around, her black hair swishing around with her head, eyes scanning over the office that, apart from the change of desk position and the potted plants, it is still the same.

I didn’t want to get too attached to anything, and it reminds me that my time here is temporary.

Getting attached and making friends only leads to heartbreak.

“I was asking if you could help me pick out a campaign design before I submit it to Mr Gustav.”

“Of course. Have you got it with you?”

She nods, walks over to me, and shows me her iPad.

“Here are the two options. I’m thinking this one shows more of the construction aspect with the pictures, but this aligns more with the aesthetic Gustav Industrials wants to show, because it shows the interior of the hotel being built by the ocean. Have you seen it?”

I nod, flicking between two options for the advertising material that will be put up around the area where the hotel is being built.

“I like the second one. It represents what Gustav Industries stands for better and gives an idea of what the hotel will look like; dark, luxurious, unique architecture, glass, greenery.”

Danyi nods, then shuts her iPad and heads out. I wait for her to say something else, but the door shuts behind her, and I am left in silence once more.

My phone pings with a message.

Unknown: Want to grab a drink after work? - Danyi

With my jaw dropped open and a thundering heart, I quickly type my reply with shaky fingers.

Venezia: Yes, of course! Where are you thinking?

Danyi: There is a cute coffee shop down the road. It’s not too far. We can meet in the lobby to go together.

Venezia: Sounds perfect. Meet you there. :)

As I am about to sit down, the door opens again, so I stand up.

This time, it’s Rafael.

“Time for the office overview. Let’s go.” He turns around and heads out, so I rush to fall in step with him.

I was too engrossed in my thoughts this morning to tease or bother him, but the fog is dissenting and I am thinking a bit clearly now, and my mouth has no filter when it comes to annoying this man.

“I feel like I met everyone in this building, and everyone knows me. I think I should accept the fact that I will be staying here for quite some years.”

I look up at Rafael once we are in the elevator, expecting to find him on his phone.

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