Risque Liaison

Chapter 5

The atmosphere in the office hasn’t gotten any easier for Mimi. She and Aiden have barely spoken, aside from the occasional commands barked at her from across the room. But something else has changed too—Layla.

Layla had continued her friendly overtures, even inviting Mimi out for drinks after work once or twice. At first, it was nice to have someone else to talk to besides Shalom, but each conversation left Mimi feeling like she was being interrogated and there was more beneath the surface—something Layla wasn’t saying.

One evening, as they left the office together, Layla turned to her with a smile that didn’t quite reach her eyes.

“You know, Mimi,” she began, her tone almost too casual, “I noticed how Aiden looks at you sometimes. Don’t you find it... Weird or unusual?”

Mimi froze, her hand gripping her bag tighter. “What do you mean?”

Layla gave a soft chuckle, like she was in on some private joke that Mimi didn't know about. “Oh, come on. He’s cold to everyone else, but with you... it’s different, isn’t it? I’ve seen the way he talks to you, how he can’t help but notice you.”

The words sent a shiver down Mimi’s spine. “He is? I highly doubt that." Mimi Said.

Was Layla hinting at something, or was she just stirring the pot?

“I think you’re imagining things,” Mimi replied, her voice more defensive than she intended.

Layla raised an eyebrow. “Am I? Just be careful, Mimi. People around here... they talk. And not everyone has your best interests at heart.”

Mimi felt the weight of Layla’s words long after they had parted ways that evening. She wanted to brush off the warning, but the seed of doubt had been planted deep within her.

Whatever was Layla's intention,it was working and Mimi couldn't understand how.

The next morning, Mimi arrived at work early, very determined to clear her head and do her job. But as she settled in at her desk, she noticed something strange—a folded piece of paper tucked underneath her keyboard.

Her heart thudded as she unfolded it, revealing a note written in neat, anonymous handwriting:

“Watch your back. Not everyone is who they seem.”

She stared at the note in disbelief,her determination left the room,where are we , highschool?

Who could have left this? She glanced around the office, but no one was paying attention to her.

Ofcourse.

Her stomach churned. First, Layla’s cryptic comments, now this? It was like she was being pulled into something she didn’t understand. But one thing was becoming increasingly clear: she couldn’t trust everyone around her.

Now, it felt like the floor beneath her had shifted and everything was completely disorganized now with shalom and now Layla, being her is exhausting enough.

Her thoughts were interrupted by a soft knock on the door. She straightened immediately, wondering who it could be.

"Come in," she called, her voice steady despite her swirling emotions.

Jessica stepped in, her bright smile lighting up the room. "Hey, Mimi!" She greeted me warmly. "I hope I'm not disturbing you?"

Mimi shook her head, surprised by Jessica’s friendliness. “ Oh no,Not at all. How can I help you?”

“I’m just here to see Aiden, but I thought I’d drop by and say hello. It’s been a while since we’ve had a chat.”

Jessica’s easy-going demeanor caught Mimi off guard, especially considering the rumors surrounding her and Aiden. But the tension that Mimi expected wasn’t there. In fact, Jessica seemed genuinely kind, and for a moment, Mimi felt her guard lower.

“Oh, it’s nice to see you too,” Mimi replied with a small smile. “Aiden’s in his office, I’ll let him know you’re here.”

“Don’t worry about it,” Jessica said, waving a hand dismissively. “I’ll pop in and surprise him. You’re doing well here, right? If you need anything, don’t hesitate to reach out.”

Mimi nodded, her confusion deepening. Jessica was nothing like she had imagined, and for the first time, she felt a strange sense of relief that not everyone in Aiden's circle was as intimidating as Layla.

It was such a relief to her.

After Jessica left for Aiden’s office, Mimi tried to settle back into her work, but her focus kept drifting. And Layla strolling by her desk,pausing just long enough to make her presence known every so often, wasn't helping her focus either.

“Hey, Mimi,” Layla cooed as she leaned against Mimi's desk. “Busy, huh? Mind if I borrow a few minutes of your boss’s time?”

Mimi bit the inside of her cheek, forcing a polite smile”He's occupied, Layla. I’m sure you can come back when he’s free... if you’d like to check.”

Layla smirked, her eyes gleaming mischievously. “Oh, I don’t need permission to see Aiden. We go way back.”

Mimi watched as Layla sauntered into Aiden's office without waiting for a response. She felt her stomach knot, knowing that Aiden had been clear with her earlier—he wasn’t interested in Layla’s advances.

Moments later, Layla emerged from the office, a slight pout on her lips. Clearly, Aiden had been truly occupied,and hadn't given her the attention she wanted. Layla's frustration was evident, but Mimi couldn’t help but feel a sense of satisfaction knowing that Aiden wasn’t falling for Layla's charms.

As Layla passed by Mimi’s desk again, she muttered, “Don’t get carried away, You’re just his secretary.”

Mimi's chest tightened, but she kept her head down, unwilling to engage in the petty digs. It wasn’t her place to interfere, but deep down, she couldn’t shake the feeling that Layla’s visits were becoming more than just casual check-ins.

—

Layla’s bitter words echoed in her ears. She knew Layla was trying to undermine her, it was working but she didn't understand why it was working,she didn't have any feelings for Aiden, He's girlfriend is literally in his office right now!

She took a deep breath, pushing the thoughts aside.

All of a sudden, Aiden's loud voice interrupted the peace and quiet of the space, she was too sure it was unmistakably Aiden, and his tone was sharp. Who else would it be ? She couldn't make out the words, but she could feel the rising tension,it was palpable through the walls. Jessica had only been in there for a few minutes, but something had clearly gone wrong.

Hmm.

Another voice joined in—Jessica. Her usual calmness seemed to have walked out the door and now it was replaced with frustration. Mimi couldn’t help but listen in, her heart pounding faster with every escalating word.

Trouble in Paradise.

“… you’re always doing this, Aiden!” Jessica’s voice pierced through the thick tension, louder now and clear enough for Mimi to hear. “You act like you care, then suddenly you're unavailable! Do you even know what you want?”