The Older Man Part II

Chapter 17

📍 WARNING: This chapter will mention sexual assault/rape.

Eyes Like The Devil

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CHEYENNE'S POINT OF VIEW

My hands were shaking as I got ready for work. For the past two weeks, I hadn't gone in. I used a good amount of my PTO but I didn't want to stay hidden inside forever. I didn't want to give Adrian the satisfaction of knowing he had the upper hand.

If I went into work and prove with my presence that I didn't let him mentally hold me prisoner, then I would take back some of the strength he stole from me that day.

Vincent fought with me last night when I said I was planning to go back to work. He told me that I should put in my notice and look for another job. He said he didn't want me anywhere near Adrian. For a moment, I agreed with him before a thought crossed my mind. If I left a job I was happy with just to avoid seeing Adrian, he would win. And I didn't want that to happen.

I was happy working at Evans & Partners. I made good money and great friends over the course of my employment there. I wasn't going to give that up because of Adrian.

I was stronger than I was two weeks ago. After telling Vincent, I was able to work through this a lot easier. He helped me through it. And honestly, I felt like telling him was the main factor in making me feel better.

All last night, Vincent and I talked about how today would go. He told me that if I didn't want to leave my job then I should at least tell Human Resources. I agreed to that much. I filed a complaint and let them know the situation. I could only hope something positive would come from this. Adrian needed to pay for what he did. HR would make that happen, I pray.

After putting on my work clothes and shoes, I grabbed my phone and purse and headed for the front door. It felt weird leaving the condo. I stayed inside for those two weeks. I didn't even leave to go to the store with Vincent. I hid underneath my blankets and cried until nothing more would come out. The feeling of walking out the front door with my head a little higher than it used to be reassured me that I was doing the right thing. I could feel the bundle of nerves in my tummy, but I felt a wave of power overtake me. It reminded me of the strength I was regaining.

I got into my car and drove to work, a feeling that had become foreign to me.

When I pulled into the parking lot of Evans & Partners, I wanted to turn around and go back home. I hadn't been to work since that day and being back now was excruciating. I just wanted to leave, but I knew that I could handle being here. It may be rough at first, but it'll be okay, I reassured myself.

I took in a deep breath before walking up to the main entrance. I was immediately greeted by Elijah when I walked in the building.

"Cheyenne," he said with a happy yet somber tone in his voice. It didn't escape my notice that he looked sad seeing me. I knew why.

Vincent told me what happened after I told him everything. He said that he went to Evans & Partners to talk to Elijah and find out where Adrian was. He confessed that he let Elijah know what Adrian did to me. He even mentioned how he went to the bar where Adrian was to beat him up. I was grateful that Vincent went through that much trouble for me, but I wanted nothing to do with Adrian anymore. He deserved every punch Vincent gave him, but that was the end of it.

Now, I can move forward.

"Hey, Elijah," I smiled softly. I missed seeing him every day. Elijah was the type of person who radiated joy. His happiness was infectious. I needed that more than anything right now.