Tainted Desires | 18+

58 - Talk of The Town

Mirabelle Morrison

One week.

One week that employees of ACESPACE were off work.

One week that I was in Greece.

With my friends.

And a man.

A man I love... loved.

Four days had passed since Stacey and I were back from Greece, and I had buried myself into work that was waiting for me back in my office cubicle. No matter how much I tried, I couldn't shake the sense of melancholy that had accompanied my return.

Everything seemed to be very uncomfortable at the office. Everyone seemed to want to stay clear of me. I could feel their curious glances and hushed conversations when they thought I couldn't hear.

I knew I had been switched off, both physically and emotionally. While my body was present in that office cubicle, I couldn't help but wonder if anyone else had experienced a trip that left them so profoundly changed.

Then again, which one of them has ever been in my position to love a man who was getting married to someone else in less than a few weeks and just when we were supposed to enjoy our alone time in Greece, our relationship is exposed to the world? Which one of them have been tagged as the mistress to a rich CEO who was marrying the daughter of a French CEO as well? Which one of them have been utterly destroyed by the news of their lover's arranged fiancée being pregnant for them?

My situation was far from ordinary. It was a tangled web of love, betrayal, and unexpected complications that none of my colleagues could possibly comprehend. That's why I seemed to turn a deaf ear whenever they gossiped about me and how I must have risen to a high position because I probably spread my legs for their able CEO.

My situation was far from ordinary. It was a tangled web of love, betrayal, and unexpected complications that none of my colleagues could possibly comprehend. That's why I seemed to turn a deaf ear whenever they gossiped about me and how I must have risen to a high position because I probably spread my legs for their respected boss.

The hurtful rumours and judgmental whispers that circulated around the office stung like a thousand needles. I knew I had earned my position through hard work and dedication, but the scandalous nature of my relationship with their boss had cast a shadow over my achievements. It was disheartening to realize that my colleagues, some whom I had taken as friends, were now quick to believe the worst about me.

Deep down, I wanted to tell the whole world how true my feelings were for him and how our connection had been genuine and profound. How could I when he was getting ready to start a family with the very much loved Eloise? Such declarations would only make me look foolish and naive.

Their cold shoulders and the lingering judgmental glances became a daily ordeal. It was as if my mere presence was a constant reminder of the scandal that had unfolded. Each day felt like a battle to maintain my professionalism and keep my emotions hidden beneath a carefully crafted facade.

"You don't have to stay till the closing time, Morisson." Jane's voice broke me out of the trance that I was often times sucked in lately.

"It's fine," I cleared my throat and focused on the papers that were coming out of the printer.

"No, it's not. Look at what you're doing." She gestured towards the printer. I finally noticed that the printer was not working properly, and a stack of papers was scattered on the floor.

Panicking slightly, I bent down to pick up the scattered documents. My hands trembled as I tried to regain composure, realizing that my personal turmoil was beginning to affect my professional life. Jane knelt down beside me and started collecting the papers as well.