Chapter 17: Bossalicious Bad Boy: Chapter 17

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.

My phone rings, startling me. It’s Ruby.

‘Hey,’ I answer, trying to sound composed.

‘Clara, I hope you don’t mind me calling. I can’t shake this nagging feeling that something’s wrong,’ she says, her voice laced with concern.

‘Ruby, I… I don’t know what to say,’ I admit, choking back fresh tears.

‘Let me take you out to dinner tonight. We can talk, or not talk, but at least you’ll get out of the house for a bit. What do you say?’

‘Okay,’ I whisper, touched by her kindness. ‘Thank you.’

‘Great. I’ll pick you up at seven. And Clara? You don’t have to go through this alone.’

As I hang up, my heart feels a little lighter, knowing that in Ruby, I have found an unexpected ally. Tonight, perhaps I can begin to untangle the web of emotions surrounding Alexander’s betrayal and take the first steps towards healing.

The restaurant buzzes with the clinking of silverware and murmur of conversation. The aroma of garlic and basil fill my nostrils as I stare at the empty plate in front of me. I can’t seem to find my appetite, despite the enticing scent.

‘Clara,’ Ruby says softly, her eyes full of sympathy. ‘You don’t have to explain everything, but maybe talking about it will help.’

I hesitate, feeling the weight of Alexander’s betrayal pressing down on me. Taking a deep breath, I let the words tumble out like stones. ‘I trusted him, Ruby. I thought he was different, that he actually cared about me. But… I was wrong.’

‘Alexander?’ Ruby’s brow furrows as she tries to make sense of what I’m saying. Though I haven’t explicitly said it, her mind jumps to conclusions. ‘Did he… use you? For your body?’

Her voice is laced with anger, and I can’t find it in me to correct her assumption. Instead, I nod, tears pricking at the corners of my eyes. It feels safer to let her believe that, rather than revealing the depth of Alexander’s deceit.

‘Oh, Clara.’ Ruby reaches across the table to take my hand, her warm fingers enveloping mine in a comforting embrace. ‘I’m so sorry. You don’t deserve to be treated like that.’

‘I just feel so stupid,’ I admit, choking back a sob. ‘How could I not see it coming?’

‘Hey,’ Ruby replies, her voice soothing like a balm on my wounds. ‘We all make mistakes, especially when it comes to matters of the heart. But it doesn’t define you, okay? You’re stronger than this, and you’ll get through it.’

As she squeezes my hand reassuringly, I can’t help but feel grateful for Ruby’s presence. In a world where trust seems like a fragile, elusive thing, her friendship is an anchor I can hold onto. And though the road ahead may be uncertain, I take comfort in knowing that, somehow, I’ll find my way through this storm.

The candlelight flickers on the table between Ruby and me, casting a warm glow on her face. She takes a sip of her wine, waiting patiently for me to continue.

‘Every time I think about it,’ I say, my voice cracking, ‘I feel like such an idiot. I should’ve seen the signs, but I was just so… blindsided by him. I trusted Alexander, and now…’

‘Hey,’ Ruby interrupts gently, setting down her glass. Her eyes are filled with empathy as she leans in closer. ‘You’re not an idiot. You’re human. People make mistakes, and sometimes we don’t see things that are right in front of us. But that doesn’t mean you deserved what he did.’

I swallow hard, trying to ignore the tightening in my chest. ‘But how do I move forward from this? How can I trust anyone again?’

Ruby reaches across the table to touch my arm reassuringly. ‘You’ll learn to trust again, in time. And remember, not everyone is like Alexander. There are people who genuinely care about you —’ she pauses, giving me a small smile, ‘—like me, for example. We’re here for you, no matter what.’

A tear slips down my cheek, and I quickly swipe it away. ‘I appreciate that, Ruby. More than you know.’

‘Of course.’ Her smile grows warmer, her brown eyes crinkling at the corners. ‘Now, let’s forget about Alexander for the night and enjoy our dinner. You deserve a break from all the drama.’

I nod, grateful for the distraction. As we dig into our meals and share stories from work, laughter bubbling between us, I find myself feeling lighter, more grounded. Ruby’s unwavering support and understanding serve as gentle reminders that I’m not alone in this world.

And although the wounds left by Alexander’s betrayal still sting, I can’t help but feel grateful for the unlikely friendship that has blossomed in their wake. Ruby’s presence is a testament to the fact that in the midst of darkness, there are points of light, guiding us towards healing and hope.

It may not happen overnight, but with Ruby by my side, I know that someday, I’ll learn to trust again — in others, and in myself.

As I take another bite of my pasta, I can’t shake the nagging thoughts in my head. Ruby’s words provide some comfort, but I still feel uncertain about how to proceed. The weight of Alexander’s betrayal sits heavy on my chest, making it difficult to breathe.

‘Ruby,’ I begin, my voice cracking slightly, ‘Do you think I can ever trust Alexander again?’ My eyes fill with tears as I speak, and I can feel my breath coming out ragged. ‘And is my career even worth all this pain?’

She looks at me with a mix of sympathy and determination. ‘Clara, only you can decide if you want to give him another chance. But trust is something that needs to be earned. If Alexander genuinely wants to make amends, he’ll have to work hard to regain your trust.’

I nod, trying to absorb her words as I wipe away the tears streaming down my face. ‘But what about my career? I worked so hard to get here, and now I just feel like everything’s falling apart.’

‘Listen,’ Ruby says, leaning forward and placing a hand on my arm. ‘You’re an incredibly talented and strong woman. You’ve proven that time and time again. Don’t let Alexander’s actions dictate your future. Your career is worth fighting for, whether that means staying at the company or finding a new path.’

Her words resonate within me, offering a small glimmer of hope in the midst of my heartache. As I take a deep breath, allowing the air to fill my lungs, I realize that she’s right. My career and my self-worth are not tied to Alexander, and no matter what happens between us, I have the strength to forge my own path.

‘Thank you, Ruby,’ I say softly, my voice still shaky but genuine. ‘I don’t know what I’d do without you.’

‘Hey, that’s what friends are for,’ she replies with a smile, giving my arm a reassuring squeeze.

‘Okay,’ I agree, taking another deep breath and feeling the tiniest bit lighter. With Ruby by my side, maybe facing the future won’t be so daunting after all.

The restaurant’s low hum of conversation and clinking glasses fades into the background as Ruby locks her eyes on mine with a fierce determination that’s both comforting and empowering.

‘Clara, you are more than capable of getting through this,’ she states firmly. ‘Alexander is just one man, and he doesn’t define your worth or your future.’

I stare at her, my hands gripping the sides of my chair, and try to let her words sink in. I watch as Ruby takes a sip of her wine, the red liquid shimmering under the ambient lighting, before setting the glass down with a soft thud.

‘Besides,’ she continues, a mischievous twinkle in her eye, ‘if you ever need someone to put him in his place, you know where to find me.’

I can’t help but chuckle, the sound bubbling up from deep within, cutting through the tension that’s been building inside me all day. The warmth of Ruby’s unwavering support surrounds me like a blanket, shielding me from the cold uncertainty gnawing at my heart.

‘Thanks, Ruby,’ I manage to say, wiping away a stray tear with the back of my hand. ‘Your faith in me means everything.’

‘Of course,’ she replies, reaching across the table to give my hand a reassuring squeeze. ‘Now, let’s focus on something positive. Tell me about that project you’ve been working on, the one you’ve been so excited about.’

As I take a deep breath, feeling the weight on my chest slowly lifting, I begin to recount the details of my latest assignment. My words come easier now, flowing like a river freed from a dam, as I describe my ideas and progress. Ruby listens intently, nodding and asking questions when appropriate, her enthusiasm for my work reigniting my own passion.

Our plates eventually lay empty before us, the remnants of our meal a testament to the comfort we’ve found in each other’s company. As we share one final toast, I can feel the remnants of my earlier distress dissolving, replaced by a newfound sense of hope and determination.

‘Thank you for tonight, Ruby,’ I say, my voice steady and strong, as we walk towards the exit. ‘You have no idea how much it means to me.’

‘Anytime, Clara,’ she replies, looping her arm through mine. ‘That’s what friends are for, after all.’

And with that, we step out into the cool night air, our laughter mingling with the sounds of the city as we face the uncertain future together.