CHAPTER 3: PARALLEL GRIEF.
662 Words
Devan stepped into the station, the familiar hum of printers and ringing phones greeting him. He walked straight into his office, tossing his keys on the desk with a dull clatter.
A few moments later, his assistant, Cooper , burst in.
“Good morning, boss! The papers are ready for you to sign,” he said, handing over a yellow folder.
Devan flipped through it, scanned the content, and stamped it. As he handed it back, he noticed Julius grinning like he was hiding a secret.
Devan raised an eyebrow. “Is everything okay, Cooper?”
Immediately, Cooper moved closer and leaned on the table—far too close.
“Did you go visit the woman today? Is that where you’re coming from? How is she? Is she still upset?” he asked, rapid-fire.
He was always like this—overexcited, overly curious, and somehow still excellent at his job. Devan folded his arms and leaned back in his chair.
“I see you’re done with all the work I gave you,” he said calmly. “Good. I’ll give you more… don’t worry.”
Julius straightened immediately. “Ah—actually, I just remembered I have papers to print. Bye, Mr. Devan!” He bolted out.
Devan chuckled under his breath. Cooper was exhausting, but competent. That was the only reason he still had a job.
A knock interrupted his thoughts.
“Come in,” Devan called.
A woman entered—tight black jeans, a cropped top, confidence dripping from her walk.
Stella.
His ex-fiancée.
“Glad to see you’re back,” she said with a bright smile as she took the seat opposite him.
Devan internally sighed and rolled his eyes. “Is there anything I can help you with, Mrs. Collins?”
Stella chuckled. “What’s with the formalities, Devi? Loosen up.”
He flinched at the nickname. He had always hated it.
“If there’s nothing else, I’d like to get back to work,” he said, opening his laptop.
Stella frowned when she realized he wasn’t giving her attention. She reached over, attempting to touch his hand, but he immediately pulled back.
He gave her a sharp look. “Is Mrs. Collins that free now?”
“What? Can’t I touch you? What am I—some kind of plague?” she snapped.
“I’m trying to work. You’re disrupting me. If there’s nothing important, kindly leave.”
Her expression softened into pity. “Devan… are you really going to treat me like this?”
He glanced at her briefly, then returned to his screen.
Seeing she wasn’t winning, Stella stood abruptly. “I’ll be back later,” she said, forcing a smile.
As she opened the door, she collided with Cooper.
“Watch where you’re going, dumbhead,” she barked before storming off.
Cooper stared after her and scoffed. “What’s her problem?”
He stepped inside and closed the door. “Why was she here, Mr. Devan?”
He barely waited before going on. “I don’t even know why she’s always in this station. Going in and out like she owns the place. She’s lucky her father is the chief, but still—she doesn’t even do anything here—”
Devan looked up slowly. “If you have enough free time, just tell me, Cooper. I’ll be sure to assist you.”
“I’ll be going now, Mr. Devan!” Cooper said quickly and ran out again.
Devan rubbed his temples. Between Cooper and Stella, concentrating today felt impossible.
He had ended things with Stella just last month.
Caught her with his best friend.
Ended the engagement that same night.
It hurt—but his pride mattered more.
He shook the thought away and focused on the paperwork in front of him.
Still… one face kept drifting back into his mind.
Chloe Harris.
The blonde woman who had lost everything three days ago.
“I wonder how she’s holding up,” he muttered
- Writer
