Nemesis (Full Version)

Chapter 11 - Betrayal Unveiled: Caught in the Act

The day quietly slips into night, and for Laurel, it feels like a never-ending nightmare. Guilt gnaws at her mind, haunting her relentlessly.

In the silence of the still night, Laurel stands outside the grand doors of Oscar De La Renta, the prestigious building where she works. The city around her is a symphony of distant car horns and muted conversations, but she barely notices. Her face mirrors the deep anxiety she feels, illuminated by the soft glow of the streetlights, her eyes darting around as if seeking an escape from her own thoughts. She curses herself for all the problems she has caused, her mind a whirlwind of regret and fear.

"I mess everything up," Laurel mutters, frustration seeping through her voice, barely more than a whisper in the cold night air.

She lifts her head, her gaze briefly stopping at the dark night sky, speckled with stars that seem indifferent to her plight. The cool breeze carries the faint scent of rain, mingling with the smell of the city. Laurel tries to find a way out of the trouble and chaos she has brought upon herself, her thoughts a tangled mess.

Laurel takes a deep breath, the cool air filling her lungs, and reaches into her bag for her phone. Her fingers tremble slightly as she swipes the screen to find Farid's contact. The cool metal of the phone feels almost foreign in her clammy hands. The glow of the screen casts an eerie light on her worried face.

"Here it is," she murmurs, her voice trembling as she presses the call button, the phone feeling heavy in her hand. Periodic short beep every few seconds is heard, each beep echoing louder in the quiet night, amplifying her anxiety.

But the call goes unanswered in the first few seconds. Her tension rises with each passing moment, her heartbeat echoing in her ears.

"Come on, please pick up," she whispers under her breath, her foot tapping anxiously against the cobblestone pavement. The rhythmic tapping seems to echo her growing desperation.

Finally, Farid's voice breaks through the silence.

"Hello, darling? What's up?" His voice is calm, a lifeline in her storm.

Laurel exhales, feeling a momentary relief. Yet, the relief quickly fades, replaced by anxiety over her current situation.

"Ah, hello! Um, are you busy right now? If not, can we meet?" Laurel's words tumble out in a rush, her voice slightly shaky. She tries to keep her voice down, not wanting to attract unwanted attention. Her mind races a mile a minute, each thought a tangled thread of worry.

"Wow, wait a minute, lady. Why are you in such a hurry? And why do you sound panicked? Is something wrong?" Farid asks, sounding a bit concerned. His voice, usually so steady, now carries a hint of worry.

"Yes, you're right, something is wrong. But I don't want to talk about it over the phone. Can we meet now? Please?" Laurel pleads, her impatience growing. She hopes Farid isn't too busy and can spare some time for this urgent matter.

"Um, let me check..." Farid's pause feels like an eternity to Laurel, the seconds stretching unbearably.

"It seems I can. Where should we meet? How about Old Country Coffee Cafe?" Farid suggests, brave of him proposing a place he and Sandra often frequent. Laurel thinks for a moment, but with her mind clouded, she quickly agrees to Farid's suggestion.

"Alright, I'll be there soon," Laurel responds, trying to steady her voice.

“Beep!”

Laurel hangs up and quickly heads to the cafe they agreed on. The city of London, bathed in moonlight, looks almost serene. The cold night air brushes against her face, sending shivers down her spine.