DECEPTION

Ch. 9: Fractured Bonds.

The scene shifted to Justin's hostel where we were all engaged in a palatable conversation.

"Just remember, everyone makes mistakes,"

Justina said, her voice soft and reassuring.

"But we can't just stand by and do nothing. We have to take action."

"Like apologizing to him,"

Michael suggested, his eyes filled with a gentle encouragement.

I felt a surge of anxiety at the thought.

"How do I even do that? I can't bear the thought of looking into his eyes... I'm scared."

Justina's expression turned thoughtful.

"There's a way to do it without facing him directly. You were asked to send personal information to the company link, why not use that opportunity to reach out and apologize?"

Michael nodded in agreement.

"It's not the same as seeing him face-to-face and being sincere, but it's a start."

I hesitated, my mind racing with doubts.

"I've been thinking about it too, but I'm not entirely at fault here. He never apologized for staining my clothes yesterday either."

Justina and Michael exchanged a glance, their voices chiming in unison.

"He didn't."

Their words hung in the air, a reminder that I wasn't the only one who had made a mistake. But as I pondered my next move, I knew that taking the first step towards making amends was crucial. I steeled myself, determination rising within me.

"You're right. I'll send him a message and apologize. It's time to put this behind us."

As the evening unfolded, the guests settled in, including the radiant Miss Faith, who was warmly welcomed with the finest wine in town. The room was filled with the clinking of glasses and the murmur of conversation as everyone indulged in the exquisite drink and savored the delicious cuisine. The chairman, beaming with gratitude, took the floor to express his heartfelt thanks to Miss Faith, culminating in a surprise gift that left her visibly moved.

Mr. Raymond, equally effusive in his praise, thanked her for her invaluable support during his absence, which had been a pivotal moment for the company. His words dripped with sincerity, and the room echoed with the clinking of glasses as they toasted once more.

As the night wore on, Miss Faith excused herself to visit the restroom, her mind whirling with the enigmatic words Justina had shared earlier. The revelation that the same deadly disease that had claimed her brother's life had also afflicted their lecturer, yet he had miraculously survived, left her reeling. The improbability of such an occurrence nagged at her, like a persistent whisper in the darkness. No one had ever survived this disease before; it was a chilling anomaly that seemed to defy the laws of nature.

As she stood before the mirror, her thoughts swirled in a maelstrom of questions and doubts. The air was thick with the scent of mystery, and she couldn't shake the feeling that something was amiss. The lecturer's survival was a puzzle piece that didn't quite fit, leaving her with a sense of foreboding that lingered long after she returned to the festivities.

As Miss Faith stood lost in thought, a group of female staff members entered the restroom, their eyes widening in unison as they took in her stunning outfit. They were mesmerized by her elegance, and their voices filled the air as they tried to get her attention.