Chapter two
544 Words
The opulent penthouse apartment, once a symbol of her ill-fated relationship with Fred, now felt like a gilded cage to Claudia. Every corner whispered of his violation, every surface seemed to bear the phantom imprint of his cruelty. The physical pain had subsided, but the emotional wounds festered, deep and raw. She felt exposed, vulnerable, as if her very essence had been stolen.
The thought of returning to work filled her with dread. How could she face Mr. Lucio, her demanding but undeniably captivating boss? He was a man of power, presence, and piercing intelligence. She had always admired his strength, his drive, but now, the idea of being in his presence, of enduring his scrutiny, felt unbearable. Her secret, her shame, felt like a brand on her forehead, visible to everyone.
Mr. Lucio was not known for his patience. He expected dedication, efficiency, and unwavering professionalism. Claudia had always delivered, exceeding his expectations time and again. Her sudden absence, without explanation, was bound to ignite his displeasure.
And indeed, it did. Lucio paced his expansive office, his frustration simmering. He had built his empire from the ground up, demanding the same level of commitment from those around him. Claudia's unexplained absence was not only a disruption but a personal affront. He valued her sharp mind, her unwavering focus, her almost uncanny ability to anticipate his needs. She was more than just an assistant; she was an integral part of his professional world.
He picked up his phone, his fingers hovering over the dial. He considered calling her, demanding an explanation. But something held him back. He sensed something was amiss. Claudia was not the type to shirk her responsibilities without a valid reason. He decided to handle this personally.
He arrived at her apartment building, his jaw tight, his expression unreadable. He took the elevator to her floor, his footsteps echoing in the quiet hallway. He knocked on her door, his knuckles rapping sharply against the wood.
Claudia, huddled in her apartment, jumped at the sound. Her heart pounded in her chest. She knew who it was. She had been expecting him, dreading his arrival. She hesitated, her hand trembling as she reached for the doorknob.
When she opened the door, she avoided his gaze, her eyes fixed on the floor. She felt his intense scrutiny, his unspoken questions hanging in the air.
"Claudia," he said, his voice low, "I need an explanation."
Claudia remained silent, her throat tight with unshed tears. She couldn't bring herself to speak, to articulate the horror she had endured.
"I understand if you need personal time," he continued, his voice softening slightly, "but your absence is affecting my work, and frankly, I'm concerned."
Concerned? Or furious? Claudia thought. She couldn't meet his eyes. The shame was too overwhelming.
"I… I can't," she whispered, her voice barely audible.
"Can't what?" he pressed, his patience wearing thin.
"I can't come to work," she finally managed to say, her voice breaking. She still couldn't look at him.
Lucio's brow furrowed. He sensed the depth of her distress, though he couldn't fathom its cause. He saw the vulnerability in her posture, the shadows in her eyes. He knew something was terribly wrong.
"Claudia," he said gently, "tell me what happened.”
- Writer
