Our Little Secret {n.h}

chapter 19

"Thanks, Jake." I sighed, rubbing my eye.

"No problem." He smiled a little and pulled me into a side hug, making flinch a little.

"Sorry." I mumbled as he pulled away and looked away.

Jake left after a while and I was left to myself in my apartment. I quickly locked all latches on the door as soon as he left and went to my bedroom. I noticed there was a new white comforter and sheets and my room looked clean. I changed out of Louise's clothes and put on some loose jeans and a new top. It was already seven in the morning and I had to be at work soon. I slipped on some flats and went to the bathroom to fix my hair and makeup.

I used the toilet and dabbed makeup on the bruises on my face so that it looked like nothing happened. I took a deep breath and put part of my hair up in a ponytail, letting loose strands fall in my face. I left the bathroom and went to grab my bag. I snatched my phone up from the floor and tossed it in my bag, heading to the door. I grabbed my keys and left the apartment, heading down to my car. I got in and drove towards the office building, ready to bury myself in my work and not have to talk to anyone. I didn't have any shoots today, so I just had to edit pictures.

I found a parking spot and headed inside, keeping my head down. I got in the elevator and shook my leg, just wanting to get upstairs. Once on the right floor, I walked down the hallway and to the magazine office. I pushed through the doors and made my way to my cubicle, sitting down with a huff. I sat my bag down and turned on the computer, resting my head in my hand. I momentarily closed my eyes out of exhaustion and jumped as I noticed someone standing in the opening of the cubicle.

"I need those castle pictures by noon." I heard Anthony's voice and I nodded, turning to look at him.

"Got it." I said quietly and he shot me a smile before walking away, but came back a moment later.

"Oh, by the way. Niall is looking a little pissy today. You might want to go fix him."

I furrowed my eyebrows and Anthony went back to his office. I looked across the office and noticed Niall's blinds pulled and the door shut. I hesitantly got up from my seat and walked down the hall, knocking on the door. I heard a grunt so I opened the door, immediately regretting it. Niall was sitting in his leather chair but there was a girl on the floor and his pants were undone.

"Niall?" My voice cracked and he stood up, scrambling to zip his pants.

I stumbled out of his office and quickly walked back to my cubicle, almost falling when I sat down. I felt tears fill my eyes and I tried to blink them away, knowing that I had work to do. I shouldn't let this bother me. I shook my head and started editing pictures, my thoughts going haywire. I finally finished and sent them to Anthony. I noticed that it was already noon and I realized I haven't eaten since lunch yesterday. I got up and made my way downstairs and went to my car, only to be stopped by a hand on my arm. I jumped and turned around to see Niall so I rolled my eyes.

"Why are you being like this?" He wondered and I narrowed my eyes at him.

"Being like what?" I asked and he rolled his eyes.

"Why did you come in my office?"

"Because I always do?" I said more of a question and he scoffed. "What the hell is your problem?"

"My problem? You're the one texting me funky stuff last night and now you act completely different. I don't get it." He said and I cocked an eyebrow, confused.

"What texts? I didn't text you last night." I said and Niall rolled his eyes, digging his phone out.

He pulled up our conversation and handed me the phone. I scrolled up and put a hand to my mouth at the words that were on the screen. 'I don't love you and I never did.' I looked at the time and it was at about midnight. That was the time Alex came back to my apartment. Tears filled my eyes and I shoved the phone back in his hand, bending down on the ground. I rested my elbows on my knees and buried my face in my hands, trying to keep myself together.