The week passed faster than I expected. I spent most of it working, laughing quietly with Maya over brunch, and making sure nobody disturbed my newfound peace. For the first time in months, I didn’t care what anyone thought about me. Everyone knew about Canna and me, and I loved that. No whispers behind my back could touch me. No stares, no judgments mattered.
Canna called every day, checked in, and made sure I was okay. I liked that, I liked him, and that was all that mattered.
Then came the reminder on my calendar: Mr. Frank’s 69th birthday. A small gathering, he said. Classy and intimate with a few family, business partners, and close friends. I rolled my eyes at the “intimate” part, knowing Jeffery would still show up like he owned the place.
I dressed carefully that evening. Nothin
