FATED TO BE YOURS

Chapter 7: Beautiful Stranger

As another day at the office came to a close, I could hear the sounds of excitement and chatter echoing from outside my office door. Curiosity piqued, I stepped out to investigate, only to find my team gathered around Kirk, who was carrying a tray of snacks.

"What's going on here?" I asked, joining the group with a smile.

"Kirk brought snacks for the team!" one of my colleagues exclaimed, pointing at the array of treats before us.

I couldn't help but grin at Kirk's thoughtful gesture. "That's so kind of you, Kirk," I said, genuinely touched by his generosity.

Kirk flashed me a charming smile. "Anything for my favorite team, and their boss" he replied with a wink at me, my team couldn't help but notice the exchange. With mischievous grins, they began teasing us.

"Ooh, what's going on between you two?" Sarah, a colleague, teased with a playful nudge.

Another chimed in, "Looks like someone's got a secret admirer!"

I chuckled nervously, feeling the heat of embarrassment rising. "Alright, enough teasing," I said, trying to diffuse the situation. "Just dig in and enjoy these snacks."

The team quickly obeyed, diving into the treats with gusto. As they busied themselves with eating, I caught Kirk's eye and gestured towards my office with a subtle nod.

"Kirk, why don't you join me in my office for a moment?" I suggested, hoping to steer the conversation away from the teasing.

Kirk nodded, a knowing smile playing on his lips. "Sure thing, Sam," he replied, following me into my office.

"So, what brings you by today?" I asked, taking a seat behind my desk.

Kirk leaned against the edge of my desk, a playful grin on his face. "I just wanted to brighten your team's day a bit," he explained. "And maybe steal a moment of your time."

Kirk, ever the thoughtful one, handed me a separate snack with a charming smile. "Here you go, Sam. Special treat, just for you," he said, his eyes reflecting sincerity.

I accepted the snack with a grateful smile, but before I could express my thanks, Kirk chimed in, "Sam, I meant what I said. I'm here for you, no matter what. I promised to take care of you, and I'll do anything to keep that promise."

"Hush, Kirk," I replied, my tone a mix of appreciation and a desire to shift the topic.

But Kirk, ever the persistent one, interjected, "Sam, you didn't let me finish. I told you I'll do anything until you change your mind about us. Grandma already gave her approval, so I'm just waiting for you to say yes. So we can start planning our wedding."

I couldn't help but roll my eyes at his playful remark. "Kirk, wake up from your dreams," I said, lightly hitting his forehead. "I have no intention of marrying you or getting into a relationship. Love is not my priority, you know that."

As Kirk noticed the concern on my face, he stopped his teasing and handed me a drink with a gentle smile. "Here, Sam. Make sure you stay hydrated," he said, his tone filled with genuine care.

Grateful for his thoughtfulness, I accepted the drink and took a sip, feeling a sense of relief wash over me. Kirk and I shared a snack together, the comfortable silence between us a welcome respite from the hectic day.

As we finished our snack, Kirk's gaze fell upon the pile of files on my desk, and a look of concern crossed his face. "Sam, you've got a lot of work here," he remarked, worry evident in his voice. "You need to take a break and rest."

I sighed, feeling the weight of the impending deadlines pressing down on me. "I wish I could, Kirk," I replied, my voice tinged with exhaustion. "But I can't afford to rest when these projects need to be finished."

After our snack, Kirk offered to give me a ride home, but I shook my head, signaling towards the pile of files on my desk. "Thanks, Kirk, but I still have work to do," I said, unable to hide the fatigue in my voice.

Understanding my reluctance to leave, Kirk nodded solemnly. "I get it, Sam," he said, his voice filled with concern. "But please, don't overwork yourself. It's not good for your condition."

I nodded in acknowledgment, grateful for Kirk's concern. "I'll try not to," I promised, offering him a weary smile.

As Kirk bid me goodbye and left the office, I couldn't help but feel a sense of gratitude for his unwavering support and understanding. And as I settled back into my work, I made a mental note to pace myself and take breaks when needed, knowing that my health was just as important as meeting deadlines.

As I made my way to the parking lot, a sudden sharp pain stabbed through my chest, causing me to gasp in shock. My steps faltered, and I stumbled, my hand instinctively reaching out to grasp onto a nearby post lamp for support.

The pain was intense, radiating through my chest and making it difficult to catch my breath. I leaned against the post lamp, desperately trying to steady myself as waves of dizziness washed over me.

Before I could fully comprehend what was happening, my knees buckled beneath me, and I found myself kneeling on the ground, still clutching onto the post lamp for my dear life.

As I struggled to regain my composure, I felt a comforting hand on my shoulder, offering me reassurance. "Are you okay?" a voice asked, filled with concern.

I turned to see a concerned stranger kneeling beside me, their eyes filled with worry. I tried to speak, but the pain in my chest made it difficult to form words. Instead, I nodded weakly, hoping to convey that I would be alright.

The stranger stayed by my side, offering words of comfort and support as I struggled to catch my breath. Eventually, the pain began to subside, and I was able to stand with their help.

"Thank you," I managed to whisper, my voice hoarse from the ordeal.

The stranger simply nodded, her expression filled with empathy. "Take care of yourself, okay?" she said gently before walking away, leaving me to gather my strength and make my way home, grateful for the kindness of a stranger in my time of need.

She prepared to leave me, but I couldn't let her go without knowing her name. "Wait," I called out, my voice trembling. "What's your name?"

"Mon," she replied, a hint of warmth in her tone.

"Sam," I offered in return, feeling a sense of connection despite our brief encounter.

Mon smiled, her eyes twinkling with understanding. "Well, Sam, I hope you feel better soon. I wanted to ensure your safety but I need to go, my boyfriend is waiting for me at home," she explained, her voice tinged with concern.

I nodded, understanding her need to leave. "Thank you, Mon," I said softly, watching as she walked away.

As Mon disappeared into the distance, a different kind of ache gripped my chest. It wasn't the physical pain from earlier but a longing that stirred within me as I was captivated by Mon's beauty.