THE TEMPTRESS

||Glimpses||

•KADEN•

Sitting in the conference room, I couldn't shake off the profound sense of boredom that clung to me.

The leather chair felt uncomfortably stiff beneath me as I absentmindedly traced the patterns on the polished mahogany table.

My mind, however, was far from the mundane discussions about shareholding rights echoing in the room.

My father's recent passing had thrust upon me a responsibility I wasn't entirely prepared for. The weight of managing an extensive chain of companies now rested squarely on my shoulders.

The polished façade of the corporate world felt alien as I grappled with decisions and negotiations that were once my father's domain.

As a shareholder droned on about the necessity of equal distribution of rights among the present stakeholders, I couldn't help but feel an overwhelming sense of frustration.

The discussion seemed futile; we were all well aware that the strings of control were firmly in my hands.

Yet, here we were, navigating through unnecessary debates while I juggled the newfound complexities of my role.

The air in the room felt stifling as my thoughts meandered through the intricacies of the corporate landscape I had unwillingly inherited.

I longed for a moment of respite, a chance to gather my bearings amidst the whirlwind of responsibilities that now defined my days.

I raised my hand, interrupting the man mid-sentence. "Enough," I declared, my voice cutting through the tension in the room.

"I've taken over now, and things will remain as they are. Nothing will change."

Confusion etched the faces of the attendees, and the room buzzed with an uneasy energy. The man in question straightened, meeting my gaze with defiance.

"This is an issue that needs addressing. It's been a long time coming," he retorted.

A tight-lipped smile played on my lips, accompanied by an annoyed look.

"My current position grants me the power to make choices without being questioned by anyone," I stated firmly.

An irritated expression crossed the man's face as he grappled with my assertion.

"This can't go unaddressed," he insisted.

"Meeting dismissed," I commanded, watching as everyone filed out one by one.

Exhaustion and annoyance weighed on me as I slumped back against my leather seat, loosening my tie.

I pulled out the rosary necklace beneath my shirt-a tangible connection to Stephanie.

Wearing it was my way of feeling closer to her, a reminder to keep waiting for her return, no matter how long it takes.

I didn't care if it took years; I was determined to wait because I loved her.

OoO

My head hung low as I walked down the hallway, employees updating me about the company's affairs during my absence. Hands buried deep in my pockets, my mind wandered, detached from the conversation.

We passed a floor-to-ceiling window, and I absentmindedly glanced outside, only to freeze at the sight of a familiar face across the street.

Stephanie

My steps halted, shock and confusion washing over me. Without a moment's hesitation, I sprinted down the corridor, took a left turn, and found myself on the ground floor.

Bursting through the revolving door, I dashed towards the road, jostling through the traffic.

As I approached the speeding cars, panic set in. Heart pounding, I frantically scanned the surroundings for her.

No no no no no no no

Dammit! Where did she go?

I ran a hand through my hair, swearing under my breath, feeling the desperation.

Was I losing my fucking mind?

I think it's about time I pay a visit to a shrink and unravel the tangled emotions that seemed to be playing tricks on my mind.

I can't keep living like this. This is fucking insane!