Page 37 of Bossalicious Bad Boy

"Alex, are you okay?" Julie’s concerned voice pulls me from my thoughts.

"No," I admit, my voice cracking. "I just...I don't know what to do anymore."

"Give it some time," she says gently, laying a hand on my shoulder. "Maybe things will work themselves out."

"Maybe," I echo, though I can't help but feel defeated and unsure about the future. As I return to my office, I can't shake the weight of loss that threatens to crush me. My once unbreakable bond with Clara hangs by a thread, leaving me grasping at the frayed edges, desperate for a way to save it.

17

CLARA

I stare at the ceiling, feeling the weight of my thoughts pressing me into the mattress. My heart races in my chest and a lump forms in my throat as I think about the secrets Alexander has been keeping from me. It's as if every memory of him is now tainted. The thought of facing him at work today leaves my stomach churning relentlessly.

Enough, I think to myself, exhaling a shaky breath. I need some time away from all this, to process everything without having to look him in the eye. Navigating through the mess that is now my life feels impossible, but calling out of work might just give me the space I need to breathe.

Gathering what little courage I have left, I grab my phone and dial the office number. It only takes two rings before Ruby picks up, her usually cheery voice sounding strained with concern.

"Clara? Are you okay?"

"Hey, Ruby," I croak, trying to hold back the tears threatening to spill over. "I don't think I can come in today."

"Is everything alright?" Her voice is gentle, urging me to open up, but I can't bring myself to confide in her just yet.

"Um, not really. I'm just... not feeling great," I admit, hating how my voice wavers. "I could use a day to recover."

"Of course, Clara. Take all the time you need. I'll let the boss know you're sick." Ruby's words are a balm on my frayed nerves, and I can't help but feel grateful for her understanding.

"Thank you, Ruby. I appreciate it," I manage to choke out, my throat tightening with emotion.

"Feel better soon, okay? We'll miss you at the office." With that, she hangs up, leaving me to face the silence of my empty apartment.

Taking a deep breath, I try to quell the storm inside me. Today, I'm allowing myself to feel disconnected from everything – my job, Alexander, and the life I thought I knew. But tomorrow? Tomorrow will be a new day, and maybe then I'll find the strength to face it all again. For now, though, I let the tears fall freely, embracing the catharsis they offer.

* * *

The sunlight filtering through the curtains casts an almost mocking glow on my tear-streaked cheeks. I sit on the edge of my bed, trying to make sense of Alexander's betrayal. The man I thought I knew as a charismatic and capable boss is now a stranger, his secret casting a shadow over everything.

"Can I ever trust him again?" I murmur to myself, my fingers digging into the comforter. "Do I even want to keep working for him?"

My phone buzzes with a message from Ruby.

Hey, Clara. We're worried about you. How are you holding up?

I hesitate before replying, debating how much to share.

Thanks for checking in, Ruby. I'm still not feeling well, but I'll be okay.

This is the second day you've missed work. Are you sure it's just a cold? You can talk to me, you know.

Maybe later, okay?

Promise me you'll let me know if you need anything.

Promise.

I set my phone aside, my thoughts consumed by Alexander's deception. I picture him standing in his office – a place that once represented opportunity, now tainted by his lies. My heart races at the idea of facing him again, and I shudder involuntarily.

"Is my career worth this pain?" I ask the empty room, desperate for an answer.

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