Insane

Just Work Things

Monday 8:30 a.m.

Ring. Ring. Ringgg.

With sleep still taking over her eyes, Chloe reaches for her phone from the nightstand and hits the snooze button.

Ten minutes pass and the alarm rings for the second time, only for Chloe to hit the snooze button again. After tossing and turning for a few more minutes, she groans and finally sits up.

She is going back to office after taking 2 weeks off and she is still not ready to face everyone. The last thing she needs is for everyone to bring up that ass and ask her if she's doing okay. Even if it is barely, she is slowly starting to think of Jack less and less. But the person starting to occupy her mind isn't helping either. She doesn't need to be thinking of another man just after a breakup. What she needs is to completely focus on her wellbeing and enjoy herself.

Getting up from the bed, Chloe puts her hair in a top bun and makes her way to the bathroom. After taking a quick shower, she puts on a pair of navy trousers, a white top, and white Gucci mules.

She grabs a banana-flavored Chobani yogurt and granola bar and sits at the kitchen island while going through her work mail.

Wow.

There is a lot of them. Although she was 'on vacation' for two weeks, her team had to update her regarding all the ongoing projects and pitches.

Just as she finishes her breakfast and gets up, she receives a call from Stella.

"Hey, babe. Just wanted to ask how you're doing."

Chloe smiles hearing this, feeling grateful for having such a sweet person in her life.

"I'm better than before. Heading out to go to work now. How about you?"

"I'm waiting for Alex to get ready. He stayed over last night so he's going to drop me off on his way to work."

"Look at you. Such husband material," Chloe teases.

"Well, he is going to be one soon, so I don't think he has a choice."

Chloe laughs and says, "I have to head out now, otherwise I'm going to be late. You know how the traffic is in the city at this time."

"Yes, go go!"

"Alright, I'll talk to you later. Love you."

"Love you more."

Chloe smiles and hangs up.

4:55 p.m.

"Include that in the email along with the deck."

"Got it, it'll be done by the end of the day today," says Max, the new associate for the media planning team.

"Thanks." Chloe gets up from her seat and leaves the meeting room. Coming back wasn't so bad after all. Thankfully, after receiving vague answers, everyone got the hint not to bring up the topic of the unpleasant event.

The rest of the day flew by with all the meetings and projects Chloe had to take part in. Work truly served as a distraction for her.

Picking up her bag from her desk, Chloe heads towards the elevator.

"Enjoy your evening, Ms. Williams," the front desk receptionist on her floor says.

"Thank you, you too Mrs. Smith." Chloe smiles to her as she makes her way past her and enters the elevator.

She takes out her phone and sends a text to her dad.

Chloe: I'm on my way. I'll be there soon.

Sent 5:03 p.m.

Chloe's father had called her earlier to check up on her. After a short conversation, they decided to join for dinner after work. Chloe agreed to meet him at his office since the restaurant they had in mind was a block away from there.

Once she reaches his work building, she takes the elevator up to the 24th floor. She is greeted by everyone who she comes across, as she is known by almost all his employees. After all, she was his only daughter. Everyone knew how much he liked to spoil her, given her mother passed away at childbirth. Bruce had to be there for her, as both parents so she wouldn't feel the void of not having a mother. He was the only family she knew and both loved each other unconditionally.

As she approaches his office door, she is surprised to see it closed. He told her he would be done with work by 5, but judging from the looks of it, he seems to be busy conversing with someone. She can only make out the other person's head through the glass opening of the door as he has his back facing her, but even then he seems oddly familiar.

Noticing her presence, Bruce looks up and mouths "Sorry."

Chloe waves her hand, gesturing he can carry on and takes a seat in the lounging area.

After several minutes, she hears voices coming closer and the door opens. She turns her head only to stare at the scene, dumbfounded.

It was the same man from the other night who saved her from the incident with Jack.

What is he doing here?

She gets up from her seat and walks to her dad to give him a hug.

"Ah, I missed you, bear," Bruce says kissing her on the forehead.

"I missed you too, Dad," Chloe says, smiling brightly.

"Let me introduce you to this gentleman over here," He says turning to the man next to him. "This is my new business partner, Damien Evans."

"Business partner?" Chloe asks, raising her brows. "I-I mean, nice to meet you Mr. Evans," she quickly says, in an attempt to hide her confusion.

"You can call me Damien," he says extending his hand.

Lifting her right hand to shake his, she says "I'm Chloe."

"Chloe." It is barely above a whisper but the way he says her name with his husky voice and accent sends a shiver down her spine.

He continues to hold her gaze intensely, just as he does her hands.

"Ahem." Bruce clears his throat and Damien gently releases her hand. Turning to Bruce, Damien says, "We will keep in touch."

"Of course, have a good evening," Bruce replies and shakes his hand.

Just as he leaves, Damien looks at Chloe and gives her one of his slight nods.

Chloe stands there perplexed, still processing what just happened.