A few days after Victor was discharged from the hospital, he returned to his office, eager to make up for lost time. Emma, however, made it her mission to ensure he didn't push himself too hard.
Emma (walking into his office, holding a cup of coffee):
"I can't believe you're already back. Do you want a ticket back to the hospital?"
Victor (smiling gently):
"Work doesn't wait, Emma. But don't worry—I'll be fine."
Just as the atmosphere settled into its usual rhythm, a sudden knock echoed through the office. A woman stepped in—sharp features, confident gaze, and an air of quiet intensity.
Woman (with calm firmness):
"Apologies for the interruption, but I believe we need to talk, Mr. Victor."
Victor froze. His expression shifted into shock, as though a ghost from his past had just materialized before him.
Victor (tense):
"Clara? What are you doing here?"
Emma, standing nearby, looked between them, startled by the shift.
Who was this woman—and why did Victor seem so unnerved?
Clara (with a cryptic smile):
"I didn't expect to see you again, Victor. But don't worry—I'm only here to claim what's rightfully mine."
Emma (calm but firm):
"May I ask who you are?"
Clara (glancing at Emma coldly):
"I'm part of Victor's past... and the beginning of his future problems."
The tension in the room thickened. Emma quietly excused herself, but a strange feeling lingered—a mix of unease, jealousy, and worry.
⸻
That evening
Emma sat on her private balcony, lost in thought. The events of the day kept replaying in her mind. Then her phone rang—it was Mike.
Mike (cheerful):
"How's our superstar doing? You sound like you've been swamped lately."
Emma (sighing):
"I'm fine... just some complications at work."
Mike:
"Complications? Does this have anything to do with Victor?"
Emma (hesitant):
"Maybe. A woman named Clara showed up today... seems like she has a history with him."
Mike paused for a moment, then spoke with a more serious tone:
Mike:
"Emma, be careful. Anyone who shows up suddenly from the past usually brings trouble."
⸻
The next day
Back at the company, Emma couldn't ignore Victor's constant tension. Finally, she decided to confront him.
Emma (firmly):
"Victor, who is Clara? And why does she shake you up like this?"
Victor (after a long pause):
"She's someone from my past... someone I didn't want showing up now, especially not when we're trying to build everything from the ground up."
Emma (gently):
"If you need help, I'm here. We're a team—remember that?"
Before Victor could respond, his phone rang. A blocked number. He answered hesitantly.
Unknown voice (coldly):
"Victor, it seems your past is about to catch up with you. Brace yourself."
Emma had already left the room, unaware of the call. As Victor sat processing the ominous warning, Clara walked in again, this time with a confident smile.
Clara (softly):
"Victor, care to join me for dinner? I figured we could both use a break after a long day."
Victor (smiling thoughtfully):
"I think I'll stay in a bit longer. Still have some things to finish. Maybe another time."
Just then, Emma returned to the office, catching the tail end of their conversation. There was something in the air—unspoken and strange—but she kept her expression neutral.
Emma (casually):
"Hey Victor, I forgot to ask—did you finish the meeting with the team?"
Victor (with a polite smile):
"Yes, almost. But Clara here was just suggesting we go out for a bit. Do you have any plans tonight?"
Emma looked at Victor, then at Clara, who still wore her confident smirk.
Emma (light smile):
"No, no plans. But it seems you two have something to enjoy together."
Before Victor could respond, Clara added, a little too smoothly:
Clara (with subtle emphasis):
"I truly appreciate the work we're doing here. Victor's the kind of man you rarely come across in this field. I believe spending time outside work might just help us refine our ideas."
Her words carried an undertone that made Emma's heart tighten. But she didn't reply.
Emma (with a neutral smile):
"Perfect. Enjoy your evening."
As she left the room, the atmosphere lingered—taut and unclear. Victor felt the tension but didn't show it. He knew Clara was being... strategic. But he still didn't know how to handle her.
-
To be continued...
⸻
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