Chapter 222

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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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

“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.

Stepping onto the sidewalk, I inhaled the cool evening air, savoring the liberation that came with shedding the professional

armor. The familiar rhythm of my footsteps echoed in the emptying streets as I headed toward my favorite food stand down the

block.

As I approached the food stand, the savory aroma of grilled delights enveloped me, and my anticipation heightened. My phone

buzzed in my pocket, a message from Timothy. “Running a bit late. The traffic is awful!” he typed, accompanied by a sad emoji.

I

Asmile tugged at my lips as I replied, “No worries. Take your time, I’m grabbing dinner.”

Ordering a falafel wrap, I found a quiet bench to enjoy my impromptu meal. The savory flavors mingled with the crisp breeze,

and for a moment, I imagined how our trip at the cabin would unravel.

As I made my way back to the firm, an unsettling feeling crept over me. The vibrant city seemed to lose its usual charm, and the

once-familiar faces blurred into a sea of strangers. I quickened my pace, trying to shake off the unease, but the sensation

persisted like a shadow at my heels.

My phone buzzed with a message from Timothy, and as I glanced down to read it, the hairs on the back of my neck prickled. I

had the distinct impression that someone was watching me. A shiver ran down my spine, and I instinctively looked around, but

the crowded street offered no clues.

“Get a grip, Evie,” I muttered to myself, attributing the paranoia to stress and an overactive imagination. I continued walking,

shoulders hunched, the click of my heels echoing in the empty spaces between my thoughts. Timothy said he would be arriving

soon, fortunately.

When I turned a corner, I heard it-the distinct sound of another set of steps, matching my pace. My heart raced as the footsteps

grew louder, hastening with every stride I took. Panic surged through me, and I dared not glance

back.

Just as I began to convince myself that I was being ridiculous, a hand clamped firmly on my shoulder from behind. I gasped,

turning around in shock, only to be met with a sight that both surprised and relieved me.

“Stella?”