CHAPTER FOUR
1126 Words
CHAPTER FOUR
Tally's thoughts raced, unable to dispel the dizzying fog that obscured them. Although she had never been prone to emotional outbursts, now she was having trouble finding the right words.
"Kaia?" Despite the calmness of Levi's voice, there was an unmistakable hint of worry.
"Yeah, yeah," she said hastily, her tone too abrasive. She would rather not discuss any personal issues with him. She would rather not start sorting out her complicated life here, before her boss.
He looked down at the file in his hand and then back at her, studying her for a moment. Then he dismissed her, saying, "It looks in order. Thanks, Kaia."
Feeling the impact of his words, she blinked. Startled, she blurted, "Is that it?" She had anticipated a more intense response, possibly even rage, but Levi remained silent. Then it was over.
With a sigh, he set the file down on the desk. He crossed his arms, walked around his desk, and leaned against it. "I'm not sure what's going on with you, Kaia, but it's okay if you would rather not discuss it. However, you should know I don't kick people when they're down. I'm available if you need to talk. He spoke gently, as if he were providing a secure environment for her.
A knot twisted in Kaia's stomach. He had too much insight. Was he expecting her to tell him everything? Sharing was not her style. She was especially uncomfortable sharing her feelings with Levi, of all people. He had always maintained a professional distance because he was her boss. She wasn't sure whether she should be annoyed or flattered by his sudden interest.
"I've told you before, I'm fine," she said abruptly and icily. "I apologize for leaving the file at home, but when did you ever show interest in my private life?" Daring him to challenge her, she arched an eyebrow. She pivoted on her heel and left his office without waiting for his answer.
Levi's eyes narrowed as he watched her leave. There was no doubt that she was angry. He could tell everything he needed to know about the tension in her posture. There was more to it than the file, and she was extremely frustrated.
Kaia was a resilient individual. He was aware of that, even though people had weaknesses.
The turmoil of Kaia's personal life weighed heavily on her as she slumped in her chair. Usually, a tidy retreat, her desk felt like a pile of papers today. Though the words on the documents were no longer critical, they blurred before her eyes.
She reached for the files, her hands shaking, but she hardly noticed what she was doing. It was all a blur—the pounding in her ears seemed louder than ever, and her heart pounded in her chest. She was unable to concentrate. She was losing control of everything.
The phone's loud buzzing on her desk interrupted her thoughts. When she looked at it and saw Blake's name flashing across the screen, her blood began to boil. She reached for it mindlessly.
Her voice clipped as she snapped, "What?"
"Thank heavens you responded, Kaia. Jaxon’s voice crackled over the line, begging, "Listen, what you saw... it wasn't what you think."
" Jaxon, what do you mean?" Her anger rose, but she forced herself to keep it in check, clenching her jaw. "I thought it was pretty clear."
Her patience was dwindling as she endured his clumsy explanation. She grew more irate the more he talked. She wasn't sure whether his lies or voice had made her lose it. It was all she could do not to hurl the phone across the room as her body shook with anger.
She glanced at the doorway. Standing there, observing her, was Levi—, she reminded herself. Her stomach turned.
Jaxon continued his pathetic defense. "It's not what you believe! I promise."
Her voice was cold and calculating as she interrupted him. "Jaxon, I don't think you get my point. Currently, I'm at work. We'll discuss the matter later.
She didn't understand why she sounded so aloof. She didn't even recognize herself when she uttered the words. She experienced a sense of alienation within herself. However, it made no difference. The facts were out. Nothing Jaxon could say would undo the open betrayal.
Jaxon demanded, "I want you to come home now," with a hint of desperation.
A sour laugh rose in Kaia's throat. House? Their house? Now the idea seemed absurd. All of that was too late.
"I'm at work," she reiterated in a firm voice. "Now isn't the time."
Jaxon responded with a low, frustrated growl. "Is your f*****g job more important than us?" He slammed his words into her face.
His nerve caused her eyes to widen in surprise. The boldness. It was a ridiculous question. Did her work take precedence over their relationship? Did he want her to feel guilty for putting her job before him?
She took the phone from her ear, staring at it as if it caused her pain. She wanted to smash it into the wall and throw it. Instead, she hung up on him with a finality that seemed to reverberate through her bones.
She could not feel guilty. Jaxon had gone too far, and there was no turning back now.
Despite the whirlwind inside her, she said, "Sorry, Levi," in a steady voice. "Did you need something?"
She was amazed at how composed she sounded and how well she controlled herself. She was still sitting at her desk, pretending nothing was wrong, even though her whole world had fallen apart.
Levi studied her for a long moment. She wasn't crying just yet, but he could see it—her face was tense with emotion, and her eyes were red.
His voice was surprisingly soft as he asked quietly, "Do you need to leave?"
She said without hesitation, "No, why would I?" "After all, we must meet this afternoon." She concentrated on the task, typing furiously on the keyboard as though she hadn't just hung up with her soon-to-be ex-fiance.
Kaia exhaled a sigh of relief as the tension in her chest subsided. He eventually turned to go. However, the respite was fleeting. She stared at the engagement ring when her gaze strayed to her left hand. Once a representation of love and dedication, the understated yet sophisticated band now felt heavy on her finger.
She threw it into the drawer and slammed it shut without thinking.
Kaia felt a strange sense of peace for the first time in a long time as the finality of the action sank into her bones. The ring was no longer there. Jaxon's absence was equally significant.
But her chest still felt empty.
- Writer
