Forbidden

Chapter 16

How do you describe days of perfect bliss? Days of sheer happiness? You would have to ask Amanda that question.

The past few days have felt like heaven on Earth. She would make excuses and run off to Francine's office. They would eat lunch together or just talk. Maybe even slip a few kisses in between. It's been so great, Amanda forgot about the competition.

One day, Amanda was talking to an intern when Stella came up to her. She prepared herself. Anytime Stella came by her office it was always trouble. But this time was different. When Amanda saw her face, it had worry written all over it. Amanda ran to meet up with her.

"What's the matter?"

"You need to come with me right now."

"I have to finish this first-"

"It's about Francine."

Amanda's heart dropped. What could have happened? They didn't even meet for lunch yet. Amanda told the intern to hold off on the project until she got back.

"So, what's this about?" Stella and Amanda walked into the elevator, the chrome doors closing behind them.

"You went to the Gala, right?"

"This is stu-"

"Did you or did you not go to that party?" Stella snapped. Amanda was taken aback.

"Yes."

"Were you on the rooftop with Francine?"

Amanda gulped. "Yes."

Stella sighed. "Someone caught you two together and has been following you ever since. Rumors about you two have been spreading and fast."

Amanda felt nauseous. Just when everything was perfect. Perfect. Now everything she's worked hard for will be swept away.

The doors of the elevator opened and Amanda followed Stella. "Emíle and I have been working out a solution. We just need Francine's and your approval."

Her name made Amanda's heart leap. But part of her was too scared to see her. Would she not talk to her anymore? Would everything they worked for be wasted?

They soon reached the media meeting room. Amanda could hear muffled yelling from behind the door. When Stella opened, she saw Francine pacing the room. Emíle was sitting in a chair, calming her down.

"It makes no sense," Francine said, gesturing with her hands. "We were careful! My door was locked. I checked my schedule."

"Even though you were careful, you were still found out. I understand, but you need to sit down so we can fix this."

"I bet she's hurt right now. God, I should have been more careful! And you told me to go ahead with this. What is she gonna think?"

Stella cleared her throat drawing their attention to the door. Francine's eyes widened when she saw Amanda.

Emíle walked up to Amanda, taking her hand in his. "Wish we could have seen each other under better circumstances, but it's still good to see you."

Amanda smiled, allowing him to walk her to a seat next to Francine. Francine's face looked tired. Her eyes lost their sparkle. Her shoulders drooped. She was biting her lip with worry. Amanda touched her knee under the table. She saw Francine relax, letting out a sigh.

Stella and Emíle stood at the front of the table. "As you two know," Stella started. "These rumors have been spreading. Thankfully, they didn't make it to the media yet. My team had been working to keep these quiet. But now it's becoming more difficult."