The Email [Yandere Boss x Reader]

Chapter 30 - Back To Work

Returning to work after that nightmarish trip was like stepping into an alternate reality. The familiar surroundings of the office felt foreign, and every glance from a colleague carried a weight I couldn't quite interpret.

I walked through the doors, my heart pounding in my chest. As I made my way to my desk, I forced a smile, trying to appear normal. 

The office buzzed with activity, everyone engrossed in their tasks, oblivious to the storm that raged within me.

Just get through the day.

One step at a time.

Hayes was already in his office, looking as composed as ever. I couldn't believe how effortlessly he slipped back into his role, as if nothing had happened. His door was open, and he glanced up as I passed by, his eyes meeting mine with a flicker of concern.

"Morning," he called out, his tone casual.

How can he be so calm?

"Morning," I replied tersely, avoiding eye contact and quickly ducking into my own office.

I settled into my chair, the familiar comfort of my workspace doing little to ease the tension. I booted up my computer and dived into my emails, grateful for the distraction. But no matter how hard I tried to focus, my mind kept drifting back to that night.

I can't let this consume me.

I have to stay strong.

A few hours passed in a blur of meetings and paperwork. I managed to maintain a facade of normalcy, but inside, I was a tangled mess of fear and confusion. Every time Hayes walked by or called me into his office, I felt a jolt of anxiety.

Around noon, I was summoned to a meeting with Hayes and a few other department heads. I steeled myself, took a deep breath, and walked into the conference room. Hayes was at the head of the table, his expression unreadable.

"Thank you all for coming," he began, his voice steady and authoritative. "We have some important updates to discuss regarding our latest project."

Just focus on the work.

Don't let him get to you.

As Hayes spoke, I took notes diligently, avoiding his gaze. The meeting dragged on, each minute feeling like an eternity. When it finally ended, I was the first to leave, eager to escape his presence.

Back at my desk, I tried to immerse myself in work, but the uneasy feeling persisted. I glanced up and saw Hayes standing in his doorway, watching me. Our eyes met, and he gestured for me to come over.

Great.

Just what I need.

I reluctantly got up and walked into his office, closing the door behind me. The silence was thick, and I could feel his eyes on me as I sat down.

"Is everything alright?" he asked, his tone gentle.

How can he pretend to be concerned after what he did?

"I'm fine," I replied curtly, my voice cold.

Hayes sighed, leaning back in his chair. "I know things have been difficult since the trip. I want you to know that I'm here for you."

Here for me?

After everything?

"Is that all?" I asked, my patience wearing thin.

He studied me for a moment, his expression softening. "I miss you," he said quietly. "I miss us."

How can he say that after what he did?

I stood up, my hands trembling with anger. "I need to get back to work," I said, turning on my heel and leaving his office without another word.

The rest of the day passed in a haze. I avoided Hayes as much as possible, keeping my interactions with him strictly professional. I couldn't afford to let my guard down. Not now.

Stay strong.

Don't let him see how much this is affecting you.

As the office began to empty out for the day, I gathered my things and headed for the door. Hayes was standing by the elevator, waiting for me.

"Can we talk?" he asked, his voice earnest.

No. I can't do this right now.

"I'm tired, Hayes," I said, pressing the button for the elevator. "Maybe another time."

He nodded, a look of disappointment flashing across his face. "Alright. Have a good night."

The elevator doors closed, and I felt a wave of relief wash over me. As I descended, I took a deep breath, trying to steady my nerves.

One day at a time.

I'll get through this.

Stepping out into the cool evening air, I made my way home, determined to find a way to navigate this new, unsettling reality. For now, all I could do was keep my distance and protect myself from the darkness that threatened to engulf me.