TRINA POV

I continued running without turning around.

Every time I breathed, my lungs burned.

Despite my trembling legs, I pushed forward.

I wouldn't stand a chance if he came after me.

However, I was determined not to let him catch me.

I turned a corner and ventured to look over my shoulder.

There was nobody in the hallway.

There were no footsteps behind me.

I reduced my pace to a brisk walk.

I put a hand over my heart and felt my chest heave.

Everything is all right.

All is well.

It was a mistake last night.

Too much vodka led to a careless decision.

I ended up having a one-night stand with someone I don't know.

It's not a catastrophic event.

To get rid of the memory, I shook my head.

I will never see him again.

I was sure of that.

I arrived at the lobby doors and exited.

My skin felt cool in the morning air.

I took a deep breath.

This is not a dream; this is reality.

I had consumed enough alcohol to make reality hazy.

I now have to deal with the repercussions.

I gave my address and called a cab.

The driver gave me a bottle of water.

I smiled appreciatively as I accepted it.

It was fifteen minutes to home.

I gazed out the window.

In a grey rush, buildings flashed by.

I heard his voice again in my head.

Deep.

Managed.

And that disdainful expression when he saw the cash.

I scowled.

I wasn't a sex worker.

After all, I had insulted him first.

The sting persisted, though.

The cab arrived at my building.

After making my payment, I went out onto the sidewalk.

I gave myself a forehead rub.

My brain ached.

I slipped inside after unlocking the door.

My apartment's silence was soothing.

I shut my eyes.

The moment was fleeting.

I had to eat breakfast.

I indulged in toast and a robust cup of coffee.

I grabbed mugs and filled the kettle.

My phone buzzed as it warmed up.

Mum.

Naturally.

On the second ring, I answered.

"Hi, Mum."

Through the line, her voice crackled.

"Remember Uncle Winston's banquet at the Dela Torre Grand Hotel tonight, Trina."

I let out a sigh.

"I understand, Mum. I'll be present.

She paused.

"Assure me that you will act appropriately around your father."

I took a swallow.

My chest tightened at the mere prospect of seeing him.

"Yes."

I put the phone down and hung up.

When Dad left, I recalled.

I was ten years old.

He admitted his error to Mum.

Mum pleaded with him to stay.

She was crying as I watched her kneel.

However, he left.

He took everything.

Home.

Savings.

Those were my formative years.

Uncle Winston took over.

He provided housing for Mum and me.

He replaced the father I had lost.

I owed him everything.

Tonight, I owed him.

I gazed at the steam as I poured coffee.

I had to appear calm.

Presentable.

I put on a blouse and jeans.

My hair was tied back.

No cosmetics.

Only me.

I was alone for now.

I departed at eight thirty.

Down the street was work.

I crept into the office complex.

I swiped my badge.

The familiar hum greeted me.

I took a seat at my desk.

Aubrey Salazar raised his head.

"Are you alright, Trina?"

I smiled a little.

"Fine, but tired."

She looked at me.

"I've heard that you had a difficult evening."

I chuckled.

"Just a strange dream."

She didn't seem persuaded.

"If you need to talk, I'm here."

I gave a grateful nod.

Ian Alcara convened a meeting.

We made our way into the conference room.

The seats were soon full.

I went to the back corner.

My thoughts wandered.

Face.

Green-gold eyes.

I was wearing a silk shirt.

My cheeks were burning.

I bit my lip.

There was a courteous cough.

There was a single clap.

The door opened.

He intervened.

A navy-blue suit fitted every curve of his body.

Hair is still wet.

I went cold.

He's here, but why?

He looked around the room.

I gasped.

We looked at each other.

He maintained a steady gaze.

Unmoved.

He hesitated.

He then made his way to the head of the table.

He took a seat.

The silence lasted longer than it should have.

I balled my fists beneath the table.

My fingernails dug into my hands.

He cleared his throat.

"Good morning."

Nobody said anything.

My heart was racing.

It was audible in my ears.

He let out a quiet sigh.

"I am interim CEO Elias Somerfield."

Temporary.

I'm more than just the successor.

I took a swallow.

My mouth became parched.

His hands were folded.

Ian's eyes mirrored the lines on the screen behind him.

Ian started the presentation.

Ian displayed figures, graphs, and projections.

My concentration faltered.

I stared at him.

His profile.

His suit enveloped his broad chest.

I cleared my throat.

Pay attention.

Keep in mind that this is work.

Ian flipped through the slides.

Elias gave a nod of approval.

He tapped the table once with his fingers.

Ian hesitated.

The room was buzzing after the meeting. Individuals muttered.

I crept out into the corridor.

My hands were shaking. Aubrey located me.

"You appear to have seen a ghost."

I chuckled.

"Perhaps I have."

She scowled.

"Tell me."

I gave a headshake.

"Not right now."

She let out a sigh.

"If you decide to change your mind, let me know."

I made my way back to my desk.

An email appeared.

Subject: Welcome Lunch for the New CEO.

Date: 5 p.m. today.

The Dela Torre Grand Hotel is the location.

I gasped.

I checked out of the hotel this morning.

I went over the details again.

Hudson Group is the host.

My heartbeat quickened.

It is occurring once more.

This evening.

How am I going to confront him?

My chest constricted.

I shut down my laptop.

There was a ticking clock.

The minutes passed slowly.

I got up.

Air was needed.

I made my way to the stairwell.

Pad.

I stopped outside the door.

The hallway was empty.

I rested my back against the wall.

Noise from the city floated up.

I shut my eyes.

Take a breath.

Keep it together.

My phone rang.

Mum's message:

Tonight, don't forget to smile.

My mouth quivered.

Throughout dinner, smile.

Smile at Dad.

Greet strangers with a smile.

I gave a tremulous laugh.

After last night, how can I smile?

Did I ever think I wouldn't see him again?

Did I ever think I wouldn't see him again?

He is now my boss.

My thoughts were racing.

I opened my eyes.

The corridor appeared longer.

I touched my chest.

My heart pounded.

Stop running.

I had to confront him tonight.

What am I going to say?

This time, where will I run?