Secrets
by;michimichiro
Chapter 7
I set my cell phone down on my desk with a sigh, ending another failed attempt to reach Margot. She hadn't been answering my calls lately, which was unusual and concerning. As I contemplated trying again, movement in my peripheral vision caught my attention. I looked up to see Eli standing in the doorway of my office, her expression unreadable.
"Eli? What brings you here?" I asked, surprised by her unexpected visit.
She hesitated for a moment before stepping inside, her body language tense. "I hope I'm not interrupting anything important," she said softly.
I shook my head, gesturing for her to take a seat. "Not at all. Is everything alright? You seem troubled."
Eli sank onto the leather couch across from my desk, her fingers fidgeting in her lap. She took a deep breath before meeting my gaze. "Sarah, I need to ask you something, and I hope you'll be honest with me."
A knot of apprehension formed in my stomach. "Of course, Eli. What is it?"
She paused as if gathering her courage. "What's the real nature of your relationship with Margot these days?"
The question caught me off guard. Eli knew about my history with her sister, but we'd never discussed it in depth. I considered my words carefully. "Margot and I are friends, Eli. Close friends, given our shared history, but that's all. Why do you ask?"
Eli's brow furrowed. "I saw her with Zia at the coffee shop earlier today. They seemed intense. Like they were discussing something serious."
My heart rate quickened. I knew Margot had been planning to talk to Zia, but I hadn't expected it to happen so soon. "I'm sure it was nothing to worry about," I said, trying to keep my voice steady. "Maybe they were just catching up?"
"That's what I thought at first," Eli replied, shaking her head. "But then I realised—Zia was supposed to pick me up from work. She never showed up and didn't even text to explain. Finding out she was with Margot instead... it feels off."
I leant forward, my elbows on my desk. "Eli, I'm sure there's a reasonable explanation. Margot wouldn't do anything to hurt you."
"Wouldn't she?" Eli's voice held a hint of bitterness. "Sarah, be honest with me. Is my health declining again? Is that what they were discussing?"
"God, no!" I exclaimed, horrified by the thought. "Eli, your last scans were clear. Why would you jump to that conclusion?"
She shrugged, looking vulnerable. "It's happened before. And if it's not about my health, what other reason could they have for meeting in secret? Unless..." Her voice trailed off, and I could see the pain in her eyes.
"Unless what?" I prompted gently.
Eli's gaze hardened. "Unless Margot is trying to sabotage my relationship with Zia,"
I stood up, moving around my desk to sit besides her on the couch. "Eli, I know your sister. Whatever her faults, she would never do that to you. She loves you."
"Does she?" Eli asked, her voice barely above a whisper. "Sometimes I wonder."
I placed my hand on her arm, trying to offer comfort. "Margot has made mistakes, but her love for you has never wavered. And as for Zia... Eli, that woman adores you. I've seen it with my own eyes."
Eli was quiet for a long moment, studying my face. "You believe that, don't you?"
I nodded empathically. "I do. With all my heart."
