My Precious

TEN

"So nice to see you and the team." Michael said aiming for a hug. She was utterly lost, so she let him hug her. She looked blank when he released her, the hug was brief, not what she expected given that they haven't been in touch.

"That." Grace said and stopped, she discovered her voice was low and shaky, she tried to pull herself together. She touched her forehead and brushed her hair with her hand.

"What happened? I mean, where have you been?" Grace finally asked but her voice was less convincing as strong and bold.

Michael smiled and looked around. He sighed, placed his hands on her shoulders and look straight into her eyes, he was three inches taller than her, which made him bend his head slightly.

"I've been busy and I know you have been too." He replied.

She shoved his hands off her shoulder.

"You went AWOL. The address you gave at the company was fake, you took my ideas and plan, everything with you, you didn't think to call. Now, I see you as what? A representative of a firm using my idea to make your firm win which almost seems like you got it. Who are you?"

"Actually, I'm the CEO of my little growing firm and winning this contract changes my story dear." He said making sure every word sinks in.

Grace blinked repeatedly trying to hold back the tears boiling in her eyes. She shut her eyes briefly as she bit her lower lips. Michael pursed his lips.

She sniffed. "You used me." It wasn't a question. She knew he did.

"Girl, we had fun but business comes first." He said with a shrug.

"Fun? What does that even mean? Everything you told me was a lie, you never really liked me. You are just the same to the others, you use me at your disposal. When I thought I have met my second half. I was ready to go all the way for-"

"Whoa, whoa, whoa. Wait. Second half?" He scoffed. "No man in his right senses would make you, Grace his second half. You are so gullible, too soft, easily pushed around and too nice, too. Get that. You barely make decisions for yourself. Girl, pull yourself together okay? I have important places to be." He said and began to walk away, he came back to her. "I'll advice you keep your mouth shut because I've got nothing to lose, your job is on the hot seat here." He adjusted his suit and walked away.

Grace felt a heavy wind blowing, it made her head feel light, it pushed her till she fell down.

"Grace! Why are you on the floor? You are disgracing us. Get up!" Theresa yelled. Not that she cared.

Grace looked up and looked around, she was indoor, where did the wind come from and why was she the only one it pushed. She stood up but staggered and crashed into Theresa who just pushed her back and she was down on the floor again.

"I bet Michael dumped your silly ass, that's why you are acting up. Good for you." Theresa said and walked away.

Finally, Grace stood up and ran outside the hall which held them all in earlier. If she was sleeping, this was definitely a nightmare and if this is reality, she was ready to die. She boarded a taxi and headed home directly, she couldn't stay around anyone at the office, especially Theresa who clearly paints exact pictures and samples them. What has she done to deserve how she's been treated, the word fun kept on screaming in her ears. She crashed on the floor of her living room the moment she got into her apartment. Silent tears, wails followed. The feeling of being so worthless entangled her soul, why didn't she see between the glaring lines. It was clear he never really liked her, she was just so stupid. She hit her chest repeatedly as she scratched her head. Nothing at that moment made sense to her, nothing.
This world wasn't a place for her, it has never been. Her phone rang repeatedly but she ignored it, she didn't even try to know who was calling but the caller was persistent. She finally took it out and it was Mother Clara. She wiped her tears and cleared her throat.