The Email [Yandere Boss x Reader]

Chapter 28 - Trip? Ruined!

The rest of the morning felt like moving through a fog. I mechanically got dressed, my mind replaying the horrifying events of the previous night. The sight of Hayes calmly cleaning the knife, his chilling assurance that everything was under control—it all felt surreal and deeply unsettling.

How did my life become this?

I couldn't stop thinking about Matt. Had Hayes killed him? Was he lying in a hospital somewhere, or worse, in a morgue? The questions swirled around in my mind, each one more terrifying than the last. 

But I couldn't ask. 

I couldn't talk to anyone.

The gravity of our situation demanded silence and caution.

When I finally emerged from my room, I saw Hayes seated at the small dining table, engrossed in his laptop, as if it were just another day. He looked up, a smile spreading across his face as he saw me.

"Ready for breakfast?" he asked, his tone light and seemingly devoid of the darkness that hung over us.

How can he act like nothing happened?

I forced a smile, hoping it didn't look as fake as it felt. "Sure. Let's go."

We headed down to the hotel restaurant, which was bustling with guests enjoying their morning meals. The normalcy of it all was jarring, a stark contrast to the chaos brewing inside me. As we sat down, I scanned the room nervously, half-expecting to see police officers or the hotel staff looking at us with suspicion.

Get a grip, I told myself.

Act normal.

No one knows.

Hayes ordered for both of us, his demeanor calm and composed. I picked at my food, my appetite completely gone. Every clink of cutlery, every burst of laughter from nearby tables seemed amplified, heightening my sense of paranoia.

I need to keep it together.

Just get through this trip.

"Are you alright?" Hayes asked, his voice cutting through my spiraling thoughts.

I looked up, startled. His gaze was steady, probing, as if he could see right through me.

Can he tell how scared I am?

"Just a bit tired," I replied, trying to sound casual. "Didn't sleep well."

Hayes nodded, his expression softening. "It was a long day yesterday. Hopefully, today will be better."

Better?

I can't imagine how.

We made our way to the conference center after breakfast. The day was packed with meetings and networking events. Hayes seamlessly transitioned into his professional persona, effortlessly charming and in control. 

I followed his lead, plastering on a smile and engaging with clients and potential partners, but my mind was elsewhere.

Every face is a potential threat.

Every interaction could unravel everything.

I caught glimpses of Jake and Sarah throughout the day. They were animated, clearly enjoying the trip and oblivious to the storm brewing beneath the surface of our polished facade.

If only they knew...

During a coffee break, Sarah approached me, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "Isn't this place amazing?" she gushed. "And the people we're meeting! This could really boost our business."

I nodded, forcing enthusiasm into my voice. 

"It's incredible. I'm glad we're here."

Sarah gave me a curious look. "You seem a bit off today. Everything okay?"

Lie.

Lie convincingly.

"Just tired," I said, hoping my smile looked convincing. "You know how these trips can be."

"Tell me about it," Sarah laughed. "But we're here to have fun too, right? We should all go out tonight, explore the city a bit."

Go out?

The last thing I want is another night out.

"Maybe," I hedged, glancing over at Hayes. He was deep in conversation with a potential investor, his expression animated and engaging.

Sarah followed my gaze and grinned. "I'm sure Hayes can be convinced. He seems pretty relaxed today."

If only you knew the truth.

"Yeah, maybe," I replied, my voice trailing off.

The rest of the day passed in a blur. I went through the motions, nodding, smiling, making small talk, all the while acutely aware of the gnawing fear in the pit of my stomach. By the time the final meeting ended, I felt drained, both physically and emotionally.

Back in the hotel room, I closed the door behind me and leaned against it, letting out a shaky breath. The events of the day had been exhausting, but the thought of what could come next was even more overwhelming.

How can I keep this up?

How can I pretend everything is normal?

There was a knock on the adjoining door, and Hayes's voice called out softly. "Are you alright?"

Am I?

"Just tired," I called back, using the same excuse again. "I think I need a nap."

"Alright," he replied. "If you need anything, I'm just next door."

I need to figure out what to do.

I sank onto the bed, my mind racing. The sense of dread was suffocating. I couldn't talk to anyone, couldn't share my fears. I was trapped in this nightmare, with no way out.

How did everything go so wrong?

The room was quiet, the only sound the faint hum of the air conditioning. I lay back, staring at the ceiling, my thoughts spiraling into darker territory.

What if Hayes does something like that again?

What if I can't stop him?

The anxiety built up until I felt like I couldn't breathe. I needed to get out, to clear my head. I grabbed my purse and slipped out of the room, heading for the hotel lobby.

I need to be around people, where it's safe.

The lobby was busy, filled with guests and staff going about their business. I found a quiet corner and sat down, trying to calm my racing heart.

I have to find a way to get through this.

I have to.

As I sat there, watching the world go by, I felt a strange sense of detachment, as if I were watching someone else's life unfold. The fear, the uncertainty—it all felt like a bad dream.

But this is my reality now.

With a deep breath, I stood up, resolved to face whatever came next. I had to be strong. For my sake, and for Hayes's.

No matter how scared I am, I have to keep going.

With that thought in mind, I headed back to the elevator, determined to confront the day—and the fear—head-on.