11 The Jealous Flame
1110 Words
As usual, Sara woke up in Arav’s arms, her head resting against his broad chest. Arav was already awake, reading the latest economic news on his phone.
“Good morning, Sara,” he said, setting his phone aside and pulling her closer.
Sara smiled, wishing in her heart that every day of her life could start like this. “Good morning, Arav,” she said softly. “Come on, let’s get ready for work.”
Arav grinned mischievously. “I’ve been skipping my workouts because of you. Let’s hit the gym before work.”
Sara’s enthusiasm lit up her face. “Alright, let’s do it!”
They headed to the gym, where they worked up a sweat together. Sara couldn’t help but admire Arav’s well-built physique, his muscles taut and powerful. If he punched someone, they’d probably never get up again, she thought, her cheeks heating up at the idea.
Lost in her thoughts, she didn’t notice Arav approaching. “Sara,” he called, pulling her back to reality.
“Arav,” she said, her tone playful, “are you really just mine?”
Arav smiled, stepping close and wrapping her in his arms. “What doubt is there? I’m only for my Sara.”
Sara laughed. “Zero sharing,” she declared, looking up at him with a grin.
“Agreed. But sometimes, I might become a beast in front of this beautiful girl,” he teased, tickling her sides.
“Stop it, Arav!” she laughed, trying to squirm away.
Arav effortlessly scooped her into his arms, her petite frame feeling weightless against his strength. “You’re so small and soft,” he murmured, carrying her like a child as they left the gym.
---
After breakfast, Anna reminded Arav about his schedule. “Boss, today you’ve got client meetings outside the office,” she said, handing him a file.
Arav turned to Sara. “I’ll be out for meetings, so make sure you have lunch on time. Don’t wait for me.”
“Got it,” Sara said with a wave as she headed to the employees’ elevator.
Anna caught up with her on the way. “Sara, with Boss out today, can you handle your fan club?” she teased, eyeing Sara’s black lace dress and high heels.
Sara laughed. “Stop teasing me, Anna!”
Anna smirked. “Seriously, you’re stunning in that dress. Better stay in the penthouse; otherwise, these guys might eat you alive.”
Sara rolled her eyes. “You’re impossible, Anna. Go help your Boss!” she said, stepping into the elevator.
---
When Sara arrived on the third floor, Sam and Joe were waiting outside.
“Wow, Sara! You look amazing today,” Sam said loudly, drawing attention from everyone around them.
Sara sighed. “You two are impossible. Instead of drawing attention, try saving me from controversies,” she quipped.
Joe laughed. “Alright, we’re at your service. But on one condition—you have to eat lunch with us today.”
Sara, knowing Arav and Anna wouldn’t be around, reluctantly agreed. “Fine, but no more drama!”
Settling at her desk, she sent Arav a quick message about her lunch plans with Sam and Joe. His response came instantly: Sure, honey. Have fun.
---
While Sara worked, someone snapped a candid photo of her biting her pen while scrolling on her laptop. The photo, captioned “Beauty in Black Today,” was posted on the internal forum and quickly went viral.
At lunchtime, Sam and Joe approached her with grins.
“Congratulations, Sara! You’re a hot topic again,” Sam said, laughing as he showed her the post.
Sara sighed, exasperated. “Who keeps doing this? It’s so frustrating.”
Sam shrugged. “You can’t blame them. You’re looking incredible today.”
Despite her protests, Sam and Joe convinced her to join them in the cafeteria.
---
The cafeteria was bustling, and Sara immediately felt uncomfortable as heads turned to look at her. She cursed herself for agreeing to come.
As they settled at a table, Edwin approached. “Hey, Sara, darling!” he said loudly, his tone playful but irritating.
Sara frowned. “Please don’t call me that, Edwin.”
Nearby, Jagapri and Elena smirked, seizing the opportunity.
“Sara, darling,” Jagapri sneered loudly. “Do you always go to the CEO floor after hours? Who exactly are you seducing there?”
Elena chimed in, her voice dripping with malice. “Beautiful women like her always have someone to manipulate.”
Edwin, who had seen Sara on the CEO floor the previous evening, looked at her, confused. “Is that true, Sara?”
Before Sara could respond, Sam stood up angrily. “Watch your words, Jagapri. Everyone knows who seduces whom in this office.”
Joe added, glaring at her, “Close your mouth before someone shoves the truth down your throat.”
But Sara, overwhelmed by the attack on her character, couldn’t hold back her tears. She ran out of the cafeteria, leaving her lunch untouched.
---
Sam and Joe followed her to her cabin, trying to console her. Edwin, guilt-ridden, also tried to apologize, but Sara refused to listen. “Take him away,” she told Sam firmly. “I don’t forgive people who question my character.”
As Sam escorted Edwin out, Charles arrived. After hearing what happened, he confronted Edwin. “Leave Sara alone. And Jagapri and Elena? I’ll handle them,” he said coldly.
Charles called Jagapri and ordered her to apologize. Fuming, she agreed but plotted revenge with Elena.
---
Minutes later, Jagapri and Elena arrived at Sara’s cabin with hot chocolate.
“Sorry, Sara,” Jagapri said sweetly. “We brought you this as an apology.”
Sara, reluctant to believe their sudden kindness, hesitated but decided to avoid further drama. As she reached for the drink, Jagapri “accidentally” spilled it on her.
The scalding liquid splashed over Sara’s legs, leaving red, painful burns. She screamed in pain, tears streaming down her face.
Sam and Joe rushed to her side, while Jagapri began a fake crying act. “I’m so sorry, Sara! It was an accident,” she said, fooling no one except Charles.
Sam and Joe took Sara to the dispensary, where a nurse cleaned her burns and gave her a pain reliever injection. Sara finally fell asleep, her legs still red and swollen.
Jagapri and Elena, meanwhile, laughed cruelly.
“She can’t wear short dresses for a month now,” Jagapri sneered.
Elena smirked. “Let’s see who she seduces next!”
Unbeknownst to them, a storm was brewing—a storm named Arav.
- Writer
