Marcel's New Assistant

Chapter Fifteen: Questions

-Alicia's P.O.V.-

I didn't get any sleep.

I got up out of bed, wincing and went into the bathroom. I stood in front of my full length mirror and tears came to my eyes.

I had bruises on my face, neck, hips, wrists, and ankles. My lip was split and my eyes were red and puffy from crying all night. I took a shower and headed over to my closet. I don't want any attention drawn to my injuries, so I thanked god it was getting cold out and I chose a navy long sleeved sweater, black pants and a scarf to cover the bruises on my neck. I put on my make up, applying more concealer than usual, put on my shoes, and hoped that no one would ask me questions.

-Marcel's P.O.V.-

When Alicia walked in my office, I was expecting her bright smile and cheeky attitude but I didn't get it.

Instead, I got a small wave, with her eyes pointed at her feet the whole time. Something's up.

"Alicia?" I asked from behind my desk.

"Y-yes?" She mumbled, still refusing to make eye contact.

"Are you alright?" She quickly nodded.

"I'm fine. Is there anything you need me to do?" She mumbled out.

"Can you make copies of these and get me another pack of black pens?" I asked, skeptically, holding out a stack of papers.

"Yes, sir." She cautiously took the papers and practically ran out the door. Sir...?

-Alicia's P.O.V.-

I quickly went into the copy room and set off making copies, avoiding everyone's eyes. I was half way finished and a hand rested on my shoulder, making me jump.

"Hello, darling." Ben said, smirking at my reaction. "How are you?" he asked, leaning down to kiss me.

"F-fine..." I wished the copy machine would work faster.

He forcefully pulled me into his side and I squeaked. "Did you tell everyone the news? We're dating." He said smiling at everyone. He squeezed my hip threateningly, making me wince and plaster a fake smile on my face.

"Congratulations..." Every guy mumbled. The machine finished copying and I grabbed the sheets and tried to jet out the door. Ben stopped me with a tight grip on my arm.

"A feisty one, she is." He chuckled. "No goodbye kiss?" He pulled me close and kissed me. I cringed on the inside and he whispered, "Just wait till we get home, bitch." My lip trembled and he let me go.

I ran out of the room and into Marcel's office. "H-here you g-go, sir!"

He looked up at me surprised, dropped his pen and took the sheets. "Thank you...where are the pens?"

My eyes widened and I started to panic. "I'm so sorry, sir! I completely forgot!" I was rambling until he stood and held a hand up in front of my face.

"It's alright. They're not going anywhere. You can go out and get them now." He said in a soothing tone. I don't want to go out there again. He's out there.

"Y-yes, Mr. Styles." I said, speed walking to the supply room, leaving a confused Marcel behind.

I ran to the supply room, nervously searching for the pens. C'mon, please. I don't want him to see me!

I successfully found the pens and ran back into his room. I held out my hand for him to take them and I heard a sharp intake of breath.

He took the pens and set them down before gently taking my arm in his hand. "What happened to you?" He said pointing at the finger-shaped bruises on my wrist.

My eyes widened and I snatched my arm back. "Nothing! Don't worry about it!" I pulled my sleeve lower, trying to cover them, even though they've already been seen.

He can't know. No one can. He'll kill me.

-Marcel's P.O.V.-

When I saw the bruises on her wrist, I felt anger and concern course through me. She's been awfully jumpy and to herself today.

"Alicia, what happened to you?" I asked again, more firm this time.

Her lip trembled a bit. "Nothing, Mr. Styles. I promise." My eyebrows shot up.

"Mr. Styles? What happened to Marcel? And why have you been calling me sir? Alicia, what's going on with you?" I took a small step towards her and she cringed, stepping back.

"P-please...it's n-nothing. I-"

"Oh, there you are, baby!" Benjamin walked into my office, without knocking, I might add. Rude.

She visibly stiffened and Benjamin snaked an arm around her waist. Her breath hitched and she nodded.

"Ah, were you telling Marcel about us?" He said with a smile that looked almost predatory.

Her eyes widened and she looked at me desperately. "A-actually, she was getting ready to say something about you two." I said quickly. Her eyes were filled with gratitude and Ben nodded.

"Yes, Alicia and I are in a relationship now!" He said, kissing her cheek. She looked down at the floor.

My heart stopped. Relationship?

"Isn't that true, babe?" He asked her and she nodded softly. "Marcel can't hear you."

"Yes." She said louder. I feel like my heart was ripped out of my chest.

"T-that's...uh...congrats..." I said, trying to smile. She continued to look at the ground and Benjamin smiled.

"I know! And now we're going to go home. Right, Alicia?" She swallowed hard and nodded. Alicia suddenly squeaked and said, "Yes, honey." with a smile.

"See you around, Marcel." he said before they walked out.

I stood there, staring at the spot they were once standing and a silent tear fell down my face. I quickly wiped it and turned to my desk.