Capítulo 22: skepticism

The day unfolded better than anticipated; it progressed smoothly. I also welcomed a new assistant named Elizabeth, slightly my senior, in her late thirties.

Her assistance significantly eased my day, as I was completely unsure of where to begin. With her support, I successfully completed the stack of documents requiring signatures, ready to be sent for Benjamin's review.

Speaking of Benjamin, as soon as we stepped out of the car, a man approached him reminding him of his schedule. I couldn't help but wonder if he was Benjamin's personal assistant. I thought Luke was supposed to be in that role, but I didn't see him around.

I had this burning desire to uncover the truth, so I got up and made my way to Benjamin's office. I needed clarity because I felt lost once again.

As I reached his office, a hush fell over the hallway. I paused outside the door, my curiosity piqued.

Soft murmurs reached my ears and the sound of a woman's voice on the verge of tears. Strangely, I couldn't hear Benjamin's voice, leaving me to wonder if he was even present in his office.

Caught in a moment of uncertainty, I stood outside the door, torn between entering and retreating. Doubt gnawed at me as I considered the possibilities. What if it was a private matter, something deeply personal?

I didn't want to intrude or burden him with my presence, for I knew I wasn't his real wife after all. He had every right to keep his own secrets. Feeling the need to clear my head, I turned on my heels retreating.

The thought of grabbing a quick snack at the café enticed me. Although I could have easily asked my assistant to fetch it for me, I craved a moment of solitude.

Ever since I signed that contract with Benjamin, I've been stuck in my head nonstop. It's been so unlike me, and it's been incredibly draining. It feels like I'm constantly battling my own thoughts and it's taking a toll on me.

An unexpected surge of anger overwhelmed me, its origin was unclear to me. Was it a mere chance that I felt this way now, or did the presence of a female voice in his office trigger an unspoken jealousy within me?

Uncertain of his whereabouts and the nature of their connection, I grappled with the unsettling emotions that had taken hold.

I subtly shook my head, attempting to dispel the intrusive thoughts. I shouldn't concern myself with his choices, particularly in his personal life. After all, our connection was solely on paper, devoid of any emotional ties.

As I entered the cozy cafe, I took a seat, my mind racing with thoughts of what to order. Lost in my own world, I happened to catch a glimpse of someone familiar.

He was standing at an angle, his face partially obscured. My curiosity once again got the better of me so I waited, hoping for a chance to catch a better view of their features.

I sat there, my heart pounding with anticipation, I counted the seconds. And then, in that fleeting moment, he turned, revealing his face. It was Jamie.

The realization washed over me, filling me with a mix of surprise and familiarity. Our paths had crossed once again, and I couldn't help but feel a rush of emotions.

With a surge of excitement, I rose from my seat and made my way towards him, my steps quickening with each passing moment. And then, our eyes locked in a moment of surprise. I could see the astonishment on his face, mirroring my own. Without a second thought, my walk transformed into a sprint, propelled by a mix of joy.

I melted into his embrace, feeling the warmth of his presence envelop me. His voice, filled with joy and familiarity, whispered my name, "Emila... Omg, it's so good to see you." His laughter danced between his words, creating a symphony of happiness as he held me tightly.

"You too, Jamie. It feels like it's been ages," I replied, reluctantly letting go from his embrace.

I couldn't tear my eyes away from him, mesmerized by the familiar brilliance of his blue gaze. Time had sculpted his features, bestowing upon him a newfound maturity since our college days. It was as if years had slipped through our fingers, leaving us to confront the reality of how long it had truly been.

"What are you doing here?" he asked, his voice filled with curiosity and a hint of surprise.

"I actually work here now," I replied, choosing not to reveal the details of my position. Honesty was important to me, especially when it came to Jamie.

"That's good, actually great," he said with a smile before continuing, his voice lowering. "I ran into Luke recently and when I asked about you, he said some pretty awful things. So, I'm guessing you guys broke up?" His tone carried a sense of concern.

I let out a sigh, feeling a mix of frustration and disappointment. Luke was always caught up in his desire for wealth and he never seemed to appreciate the opportunities that came his way. And if the chance ever comes his way, he just goes and acts all high and mighty, being all arrogant about it.

I tugged Jamie's arm, guiding him towards the direction of the café. "Enough about Luke," I said firmly. "We've parted ways. Now, tell me, why are you here?" My tone was a mix of curiosity and anticipation as we made our way towards the cozy café.

It seemed like a recurring theme whenever I ventured to the café - instead of finding solace and a moment to clear my head, I always ended up encountering people. It was as if the universe conspired against my peaceful moments.

As we settled into our seats, Jamie reached out and gently took my hands in his. It was a gesture that had become so familiar to me over the years. Despite his privileged background, Jamie had always treated me as a true friend, never letting our differences come between us.

Holding hands was just one of the many things we did together, a symbol of our enduring bond that had blossomed during our college days.

His smile grew wider, his gaze locking onto mine as he spoke. "Actually," Jamie said, his voice filled with warmth, "I came here to meet an old friend."

I observed his words unfold, it became evident that I wasn't the friend he came to see. For starters, Jamie had no knowledge of my presence before now.

"Who?" I inquired, as I sought further clarification from him.

"I don't think you're familiar with him. But, he's actually the owner of this company," he replied, his words dripping with a hint of skepticism, suggesting that i may not be well-acquainted with this person.

In that moment, my body tensed up and the word "Benjamin" slipped out of my mouth, on its own accord.

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