BETHEL

6

As the weeks dragged on, Bethel found herself navigating the challenges of being Isreal's personal assistant with increasing unease. His demands were unrelenting, and his cold demeanor left little room for any warmth or connection. She was acutely aware that he seemed to take pleasure in making her life more difficult, perhaps as a way to punish her for their prior interactions.

One evening, after a particularly grueling day at the office, Bethel received an invitation from John, a charming colleague from the marketing department, to join him and some coworkers for drinks after work. Eager for a break from the oppressive atmosphere, she accepted, unaware that Isreal would soon see a photo of them together.

Later that night, during a late meeting, Isreal glanced at his phone, noticing that Bethel had been ignoring his calls. An unsettling feeling crept over him, and he decided to check the team feed to see what was happening. As he scrolled through the updates, his heart sank when he came across a candid shot of Bethel and John laughing together, John's arm draped casually around her shoulders, his hand resting on her lap.

Jealousy surged within him, twisting his gut. He didn't like how John was touching her, and the sight of them together ignited a sense of possessiveness he couldn't ignore.

After the meeting concluded, Isreal left the conference room, determination fueling his steps. He needed to confront the situation directly. He quickly made his way to the dinner venue where Bethel and John were supposed to meet their colleagues. As he entered, he scanned the room until he spotted them—Bethel was animated, laughing at something John had said.

Without a second thought, Isreal approached their table, his expression stern. "Bethel," he said, his voice cutting through the laughter like a knife.

Bethel turned, surprise flashing across her face. "Sir! I was just—"

"Now," he interrupted, his tone firm as he gestured for her to stand. The light atmosphere shifted, tension taking its place as he guided her away from the table.

John opened his mouth to protest, but Isreal shot him a glare that silenced him instantly.

"Is everything okay?" Bethel asked, her brow furrowed with concern.

"Not when you're here," he replied tersely, his grip on her arm firm as he led her outside.

"Sir, I was just having a good time..." she started, but he didn't seem inclined to listen.

"Clearly," he shot back, his irritation palpable. "You're not here to be someone's entertainment."

"Sir, it wasn't like that!" Bethel insisted, but he was already pulling her away from the laughter and chatter, his cold demeanor unsettling her.

Once they were outside, she felt a mix of frustration and confusion. "Why do you care so much?" she demanded, her voice low but fierce.

"Because I don't like seeing you with him," he snapped, his jealousy evident. "You're not here to be toyed with."

She opened her mouth to respond, but before she could find the words, he turned away, clearly struggling to contain his emotions.

The next day, the atmosphere in the office was thick with tension. Bethel couldn't shake the feeling that Isreal's anger had consequences. Then, whispers began to circulate about John's sudden departure from the company.

"What happened?" she asked a colleague, dread pooling in her stomach.

"John got fired," they replied, looking around conspiratorially. "Apparently, he crossed some lines during the team dinner."

The weight of the realization hit her like a punch to the gut. Was Isreal behind this? Did he fire John because he saw them together? Guilt washed over her, and she felt responsible for John's sudden departure.