Sealed with a kiss (WomanxWoman)

21

"Jenny!" Claire waves her hand in front of my face, snapping me out of my intense concentration. "I haven't seen you get up from your desk all day. Did you even have lunch?"

I blink, her concerned face coming into focus as I slowly register her words. My eyes feel heavy, strained from staring at the screen for too long. "Um... no, I guess I haven't. What time is it?"

She crosses her arms, giving me a look of gentle disapproval. "It's 2 p.m. You need to take care of yourself. Skipping meals is not healthy, you know."

I shrink a little under her gaze, feeling like a child caught in the act of mischief. "You're right, Claire. I just... got lost in my work, that's all. I'll go grab something."

Just as I start to push my chair back, a soft "ding" from the elevator pulls my attention. The doors slide open, and Charlotte steps out, she looks gorgeous! And I feel like I haven't seen her in a week, although I saw her yesterday. She was lanked by Jeffery and, trailing behind them, Richard Feingold-the formidable CEO of Feingold's Advertising and Charlotte's father. They stride to the center of the office floor, their presence commanding attention like an unspoken signal. Richard clears his throat and raises his hands slightly.

"Everyone, may I have your attention, please!"

Instantly, the usual hum of chatter and the clacking of keyboards die down. A hush falls over the room as all eyes turn to Richard, a ripple of anticipation spreading across the floor. His voice fills the space, resonant and authoritative.

"Now that I have all eyes on me, I have an announcement to make." His eyes sweep across the room, meeting each gaze as though personally addressing each one of us. The tension in the room thickens; it's so quiet that you can practically feel everyone holding their breath.

"Today is a very big day," he continues, a rare smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. "For the company and, perhaps more importantly, for me as a father. As you all know, Charlotte-my beloved daughter-and Jeffery, whom I regard as a son, have been engaged for quite some time now. In fact, I was beginning to wonder if I'd ever see the day they would actually tie the knot."

The words hit me like a punch to the gut. A pang of unease twists in my stomach, sharp and insistent, clawing its way to my chest. I find myself glancing toward Charlotte, hoping to catch her eye, hoping for some silent acknowledgment, some flicker of recognition that I am here, that I am part of this reality. But she doesn't even glance in my direction, her gaze fixed forward, her posture poised and unmoved, as if I'm nothing more than an invisible shadow in the corner.

Richard's voice fills the silence again. "But, I'm thrilled to announce that the date has finally been set. In just one month, we will celebrate the wedding!"

The room erupts in applause, cheers, and congratulations. The sound echoes off the walls, amplifying my growing sense of dread. Jeffery wraps an arm around Charlotte, pulling her close in a show of affection. He leans down, pressing a kiss to her lips. A picture-perfect moment, yet it feels like a dagger twisting in my heart.

I can't breathe. It's like the entire world slows to a crawl, each cheer, each clap, each joyful smile around me blurring into a surreal haze. I feel lightheaded, numb, as though my mind and body are detached. I'm lost, drifting in this strange, painful fog where reality feels both too sharp and too distant.

"And, of course," Richard's voice cuts through my daze, "you're all invited. Each one of you will receive an invitation next week."

The crowd surges forward, colleagues lining up to offer their congratulations, their smiles wide, their faces aglow with happiness. Seizing the moment, I take a shaky breath, gathering what little strength remains within me. Silently, I slip from my desk and slip away, weaving through the crowd, unnoticed, unseen. I move quickly, my legs carrying me forward on instinct, each step pounding with urgency.