In San Francisco, an important lawyer Madison (27 years old), contemplates ending it all one day, exhausted about everything. This was maybe a sign, as she suddenly meets an incredible man, or so she thought. Madison's fights against her feeling as...
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The familiar scent of Los Angeles filled the air as Javier and I settled back into his place after our trip to New York. It felt both strange and comforting to be back. The city buzzed with life, a stark contrast to the quieter, more reflective moments I had spent reconnecting with my siblings. I was still processing everything, but there was no time to dwell. I had to pick up my things from my old office today.
Javier and I were lying in bed, the early morning sunlight filtering through the curtains. He looked so peaceful, his arm draped over me possessively. I hated to disturb him, but I had to get moving. Slowly, I tried to slip out of his grasp.
But before I could fully extricate myself, Javier’s hand shot out, grabbing a handful of my hair and pulling me back with gentle firmness. I couldn’t help but laugh. "Where do you think you're going?" he murmured, his voice still thick with sleep.
"I need to go to my old office and pick up my things," I said, turning to face him.
His grip tightened around me, and he buried his face in my neck. "Stay," he complained, his words muffled. "You don’t need to go anywhere."
I sighed, my fingers tracing the contours of his muscled arm. "Javi, I have to. I can't leave my stuff there."
At the mention of my old office, I felt him tense up beside me. He pulled back, his expression serious. "I’ll go with you," he said firmly, already getting out of bed.
I shook my head, trying to protest. "Javier, you don’t have to. I can handle it."
But he was insistent, his eyes darkening with a resolve I knew all too well. "I’m going," he said, leaving no room for argument.
[...]
We arrived at my former office building later that morning. Javier was a striking figure in his black ensemble, looking every bit the imposing bodyguard. His presence alone made me feel safer, even if it wasn’t entirely necessary. I had chosen a simple casual outfit: a pair of jeans, a light blue blouse, and comfortable flats. I wanted to appear nonchalant, even though my nerves were anything but.
As we walked through the building, I was relieved not to encounter anyone I knew. The hallways were quiet, and I headed straight to my old office. Javier received a call as we entered, and he stepped out into the hallway to take it, leaving me to pack my things alone.
I worked quickly, wanting to be out of there as soon as possible. But as I was gathering the last of my files, a familiar, unwelcome laugh echoed behind me. My entire body tensed as I turned to see Mr. Baker, my former boss, standing in the doorway with a smug grin.
"Well, well, look who decided to show up," he sneered, taking a step closer. "Madison, what are you doing here?"
I forced a calm smile, trying to keep my composure. "Just collecting my things, Mr. Baker. I’ll be out of your way soon."
