THREAD OF FATE

Chapter 22

THREAD OF FATE

CHAPTER 22

As the clock struck closing time, Liza decided to stay behind, determined to work on the new design Tylor had asked her to create. Her three assistants, equally dedicated, chose to stay with her, and together they worked tirelessly, their fingers flying across fabrics and sketches.

Just as they were hitting their stride, Tylor appeared at the doorway, a look of concern etched on his face. "Do you need any help?" he asked, his eyes scanning the room.

Liza, hesitant to accept assistance, shook her head. "No, we've got this, thank you."

But Tylor insisted, his presence igniting a spark of energy in the room. Together, the team worked in harmony, their laughter and chatter filling the air as the hours slipped away.

As the night wore on, Liza's assistants began to yawn, their eyelids drooping. "We should get going," one of them suggested, glancing at the clock.

Liza nodded, bidding them farewell as they packed up their belongings. As the door closed behind them, Liza and Tylor were left alone, the silence between them palpable.

Liza, about to speak, was interrupted by Tylor. "Liza, I want you to know that I trust you," he said, his voice low and sincere. "I know those designs were yours. I saw you working on them. But I'm confused, just like you."

He paused, his eyes clouding over. "Sonia is an old friend, we went to university together. I thought I knew her, but now I'm not so sure."

Liza's expression softened, her heart going out to Tylor. "Thank you for trusting me, Tylor," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "Those designs are mine, I worked hard on them. I don't know how Sonia got her hands on them."

Liza took a deep breath before continuing. "And it's not just the designs, Tylor. Sonia slapped me a few days ago. She asked me to run an errand for her, and when I refused, she lost her temper."

Tylor's eyes widened in shock. "She slapped you?" he exclaimed, his voice rising. "Why didn't you tell me?"

Liza shrugged. "I didn't want to make a big deal out of it. But now, I have no idea why sonia hates me so much.”

Tylor's face darkened, his jaw clenched in anger. "I had no idea," he muttered, his eyes flashing with indignation.

As they stood there, the tension between them palpable, Tylor's gaze locked onto Liza's. For a moment, they just stared at each other, the air thick with unspoken emotions.

Then, without thinking, Tylor reached out, his hand brushing against Liza's. "I'm sorry," he whispered, his eyes burning with sincerity. "I'm sorry she hurt you."

Liza's heart skipped a beat as she felt a jolt of electricity run through her body. She looked up at Tylor, her eyes searching his. For a moment, they just stood there, the world around them melting away.

Tylor's expression turned thoughtful, his eyes clouding over. "You know, Liza, this isn't the first time I've seen Sonia behave like this. Back in university, there was a girl, Avia, in our department who liked me. She was always trying to get my attention, and Sonia seemed to be friends with her at first."

"But then, I noticed that Avia started distancing herself from Sonia, and from me too. I never understood what happened between them, but I remember thinking it was strange. Sonia never talked about it, and I didn't think much of it at the time."

Liza's eyes widened in surprise. "That's strange," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.

Tylor nodded, his expression grim. "I know. And now, I'm starting to wonder if there's a pattern here. If Sonia's been behaving like this for years, and I just never noticed."

Liza's heart went out to Tylor, who seemed to be struggling with his own feelings.

Finally, Tylor broke the spell, his voice low and husky. "We'll get to the bottom of this, Liza. I promise. You're not alone in this."

Liza's heart swelled with gratitude as she smiled up at Tylor. "Thank you," she whispered, her voice barely audible.

As they stood there, the clock striking midnight, Liza spoke up. "Tylor, may I ask something?"

"Of course, what is it?" Tylor replied.

"I was wondering if I could take the materials and products home with me, so I can work on the new design?" Liza asked. "That way, I won't have to come in tomorrow, and I can focus on getting it just right."

Tylor nodded, a small smile playing on his lips. "That's a great idea, Liza. Take whatever you need, and work on it at home. I trust you to get it done."

Liza's face lit up with relief and gratitude. "Thank you, Tylor. I really appreciate it."

Tylor smiled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "Anytime, Liza. Now, let's get you packed up and on your way home."

they gathered up the materials and products,

Tylor walked Liza out to his car, the night air wrapping itself around them like a soft blanket. As they drove through the quiet streets.

When they arrived at Liza's doorstep, Tylor turned off the engine and turned to her. "If you need anything, don't hesitate to call me," he whispered, his voice low and husky.

Liza smiled, feeling a flutter in her chest. "I will," she promised, her voice barely above a whisper.

As Tylor drove away, Liza watched him go, before heading inside her home.