Tension clung to the cafeteria like humidity on a summer day—
thick, stifling, and impossible to ignore.
Amanda’s eyes darted around the room, realizing too late what she’d done.
Alex stared at her, his expression carved from stone, fury radiating from him in silent waves.
“I don’t know who told you that story,” he said, voice low and dangerously calm,
“but you just humiliated someone in front of the entire cafeteria—with no proof, no decency, and no shame.
She’s young. Talented. And she’s worked harder than anyone I know to rebuild her life after someone already destroyed it once.”
He stepped forward, voice steady, shoulders squared.
“I won’t let anyone hurt her. Not again. If you’ve got a problem—bring it to me.”
Behind him, Zoe, Owen, Jill, Kevin, and Sally stood in silent solidarity.
No one spoke, but the message was clear.
Miguel leaned toward Deb, who had been watching from across the room.
“We’ve got a serious case,” he murmured.
Deb didn’t blink. “Terminal?”
“No cure,” Miguel replied, sighing with a knowing smile.
Deb rose and crossed the room. Her heels clicked softly against the tile.
“Come to my office,” she said evenly.
Amanda followed, pale and stunned, as the cafeteria slowly exhaled around them.
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Back in the office, silence settled like dust, broken only by the faint tapping of keyboards.
Alex slipped away without a word.
By the water cooler, Ashley and Millie whispered just loud enough to be heard.
“It could be true…”
Jill stood abruptly, eyes flashing—but before she could speak, Sally stepped forward.
“You can believe whatever you want,” she said, voice calm but firm.
“But I believe what I see.”
Jill nodded beside her, silent but unwavering.
──────────
Alex searched the building, checking every corner, every hallway, every quiet meeting room.
And then he found her.
Naosa sat curled in the corner of a dark, empty room, her face buried in her hands.
When she noticed him, she tried to smile.
“I’m sorry… I’ll be back soon…”
Alex knelt beside her.
“Look at me, Nao.”
She turned, forcing a laugh. “I’m fine—”
“You don’t have to smile right now,” he said softly.
“It’s okay to cry. You don’t have to hide behind that sad smile.”
That was all it took.
The dam broke, and Naosa began to cry—quiet, shaking sobs that revealed how long she’d been holding everything in.
Alex pulled her gently into his arms, holding her close.
Time passed in silence, broken only by her soft breaths as she wept into his shoulder.
Eventually, she drew back, brushing her face with her sleeve.
“I’m okay now. Thank you.”
“No. Not yet,” he said quietly. “Just stay like this a little longer.”
She let out a fragile laugh, her cheeks still streaked with tears.
Then he whispered,
“I know this is the worst possible time to say it, but… I really love you. I won’t let go of your hand.”
Naosa blinked, startled—caught between disbelief and something warmer.
Alex looked down, then back at her.
“Can I kiss you?”
She frowned. “Of course not.”
Alex groaned, leaning back dramatically. “Messed up again.”
Naosa wiped her eyes, a genuine smile breaking through.
“I can’t kiss a smoker.”
They both laughed.
And for the first time in what felt like forever, it felt like maybe—just maybe—everything would be okay.
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Back at the office, Alex gave her a reassuring nudge at the doorway.
Naosa took a deep breath and stepped inside.
Everyone looked up.
“Welcome back,” Jill said gently.
“I’m sorry for worrying you,” Naosa replied, her voice quiet but steady.
Her eyes welled again when Jill wrapped her in a tight hug.
Sally looked away, blinking fast.
Across the room, Naosa’s gaze found Alex’s.
He smiled.
She smiled back—something delicate and hopeful blooming between them.
Miguel stood beside Alex, arms crossed.
“You really went for it.”
“Yeah,” Alex said, his eyes never leaving Naosa. “I’ll do anything for her.”
He reached into his coat pocket, pulled out a pack of cigarettes, and tossed it straight into the trash.
“She’s going to be my girl.”
Miguel clapped a hand on his shoulder, smiling softly.
“I hope so.”
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