TEA 🍵

The next day is your day off and while you're not here some team members and Doug come see Kamala to talk to her. She's in her office, going through some reports and documents when there's a knock on the door. She glances up and calls out a "Come in." The door opens, revealing some of the workers. She looks up at their expressions and immediately knows something is going on. "Is everything okay?" "Yea, we just... need a word darling." Doug says as they get in. She raises an eyebrow at their serious expressions and the term of endearment Doug just used, sensing something is up. She sets down the documents on her desk and folds her hands in front of her, her expression showing a mix of concern and curiosity. "Alright, what's this about?" "Well it's... It's about (y/n)..." Doug starts a bit shyly as another member of her team adds. "The pictures are making a lot of noise currently and the paparazzi who caught you yesterday didn't help." She sighs softly, her expression becoming slightly weary as they bring you up. She knew this conversation was coming, but that doesn't make it easier. "Yes, I'm aware. The media has been relentless recently." She glances at the member of her team who spoke up, a hint of irritation and frustration in her voice. "I take it the paparazzi stirred up even more controversy..?"

"Well yes, you two are close so I can get why they would have ideas. However It's really impacting your image now..." They reply as Doug is touching his hands nervously. She lets out a weary sigh and rubs her temples, the stress of the situation starting to show on her face. She glances at Doug's nervous hand fidgeting and the concern on her team's expressions. "I know.... It's causing a lot of negative attention. My relationship with (y/n) is being put under the microscope and it's only making things more complicated..." She pauses for a moment and glances at the team and Doug. "But what exactly are you suggesting?" "Kamala, I think it's time to let her go before it's too late, especially with all the media frenzy." Doug says, still a bit shy. Her expression shifts from weary to disbelief as Doug suggests letting you go. She freezes for a moment, her eyes widening in surprise and horror at the suggestion. "What? Let her go? You can't be serious... She's a member of my team and a damn good one at that." She narrows her eyes at Doug, a mix of anger and frustration in her voice, her hands forming fists on the desk. "Yes but your reputation is being impacted! And how do you think I feel as your husband seeing all these theories?" He says as the few team members walk away discreetly to let them revolve this on their own.

She feels a pang of guilt and frustration at Doug's words, knowing deep down that he has a point even though she doesn't want to admit it. She looks at him, her expression conflicted and torn. "I understand your concerns Doug. I do. But it's not as simple as just letting her go. She's been a valuable member of my team for months now. Her skills and loyalty have been invaluable to me." She leans back in her chair, her voice softer as she continues. "And you know I have a... a special bond with her." "Yes perhaps a bit too much actually..." He says a bit under his breath. She frowns at his comment, her expression hardening for a moment as she picks up on his words. She leans forward, her voice firm. "What does that mean? You're suggesting there's something inappropriate between us?" She crosses her arms and looks him in the eye, her expression both defensive and challenging. "I don't know, I just noticed a lot of suspicious behavior between you two and now the pictures? Kamala, we love each other... I need you to be honest with me please..." He asks, a bit more desparate now. She takes a deep breath, trying to keep her emotions in check. She knows this conversation is long overdue and she can't avoid it any longer. She sighs heavily and looks at him with a resigned but honest expression. "Doug.. sit down please."

She motions for him to sit in the chair next from her, preparing herself to have a serious conversation. "Yes, here we go..." He says knowingly as he sits with a nervous sigh. She takes a deep breath, gathering her courage and bracing herself for his reaction. She looks at him with a mixture of sadness and resignation in her eyes. "Doug... (y/n) and I... we've grown very close. I don't know exactly how and when it happened but over the past year we've developed feelings for each other." She closes her eyes for a moment, her voice heavy with guilt and despair as she continues. "We've been... seeing each other, behind your back." He lets a heavy sigh and buries his face in his hands for a few seconds. There's a little silence before he speaks again. "Do you still love me?" She looks at him, her heart breaking at the question. She can see the pain and disappointment in his face, and it hurts her deeply. She hesitates for a moment before finally responding, her voice soft but firm. "Yes Doug I still love you, I still love you as my husband and as the person I've shared my life with for so many years now." "Then if you love me, it has to end with (y/n)... you can't have both Kamala. Either I'm your husband, either I'm not." He says lowly, trying to contain his emotions. She nods slowly, her expression filled with sadness and resignation. She knows he is correct, that she can't have both.

"You're right. I've been fooling myself, thinking I could somehow have both you and (y/n). It was a stupid fantasy, and I never should have pursued it." She takes a deep breath, gathering herself before continuing. "I'm willing to let go of (y/n)... for our marriage." He nods and lifts his head a little, his eyes a bit teary. "Okay... yes, you should call her." He says, not appreciating the thought of you two seeing each other again. She hesitates for a moment, knowing that this is the right thing to do but struggling with the thought of hurting you. "I'll... I'll talk to (y/n). I don't want to break things with her over the phone. I owe her that much at least." She sighs heavily and rubs her face with her hands, the stress and guilt starting to weigh heavily on her shoulders. "I just... I don't know how she'll react. I'm afraid of hurting her, of breaking her heart.." Doug doesn't look pleased to hear that but he loves Kamala and respects her even after what she did. "I don't know what to tell you Kamala... that's the situation you created. Only you knows how to fix it." She nods slowly in agreement, her expression heavy with guilt and regret. She takes a deep breath and looks at him, her voice soft but firm. "You're right, Doug. It's up to me to fix this. I'll talk to (y/n) and I'll end things between us."

She reaches out tentatively and gently takes his hand in hers, hoping for some shred of forgiveness and understanding. He squeezes her hand a little, still supportive despite everything. Kamala holds his hand a little tighter, appreciating his support and his willingness to try and work through this mess she's made. "Thank you Doug. I don't deserve your support or understanding right now but I'm grateful for it nonetheless." She pauses for a moment, her expression serious and solemn as she looks at him. "I promise you, I'll do everything in my power to make things right between us. I'm committed to fixing our marriage and regaining your trust."

NAAAAAUURRR KAMALAAA!!

... We're getting there y'all 😢

-Djedje <3