[PEARL]
I spent the rest of the day avoiding Zach. It wasn’t easy. Our offices were only a few doors apart, and we had several meetings scheduled together. But I managed to keep my distance, ignoring his calls and focusing on my work. My heart ached with the memory of Julie’s slap and the tears I shed afterward. I knew I had to keep my emotions in check and maintain my professionalism.
As the workday came to an end, I began to pack up my things, ready to escape to the solitude of my home. Just as I was about to leave, Jeff entered my office.
"Hey, Pearl. Need a ride home?" he asked, his voice gentle.
I nodded, not trusting myself to speak. The ride was usually filled with our conversations about work and soft laughters in between, but today, the silence was deafening. The events of the
