CHAPTER 7 : HIS PIERCING GAZE
1200 Words
When it was time to leave, Avery folded Nathaniel's suit jacket over her arm and made her way to his office. Marcus had texted, and he was on his way to pick her up.
She carefully opened the door and stepped in. Nathaniel was seated behind his desk, scanning through some stack of files as she entered.
"Uhm. I came to return your jacket. Thank you." Avery said quietly, placing the jacket on his desk.
His gaze moved from the files and landed on her. That same unreadable expression rested on his face.
The kind that makes one question their reality.
"You can have it brought back to tomorrow. It doesn't look like you can go home dressed like this."
"I've called a friend of mine already. He would come pick me up," she replied, gesturing slightly.
Something flickered in Nathaniel's eyes. She could recognize it. That same expression she had seen when Mara poured her coffee, but it vanished as quickly as it came.
"Okay." He muttered, moving his attention back to the files on his desk.
As Avery walked through the hallway, she could still catch traces of Nathaniel's cologne clinging to her. The same vanilla cologne that had clouded her senses that night.
The one that had made her lose her mind while begging him to thrust deeper inside of her.
Her breath hitched as the memories she had tried to bury crept back in. She hated that her heart still raced when she saw him. That her body still reacted to his presence. That his faint scent still made her body long for his touch. Just one sniff of his scent sent her mind spiralling.
When she stepped outside, Marcus was already waiting in his car at the company facade. A grin plastered his face the second he spotted her.
He reached for the door and pushed it open for her.
"Hey, how long have you been waiting?" Avery asked as she slid into the seat beside him. "I didn’t know you’d arrive earlier."
"It's fine. I just got here," Marcus said, flashing a wink.
"Sorry for keeping you waiting." she muttered, buckling her seat belt. "You could have called me you were here already."
"And miss watching you rush towards me like a little puppy?"
Avery rolled her eyes, a smile tugging on her lips.
"Anyway," he chuckled softly, tilting his head. "You look like you fought a coffee machine. What happened at work today?"
"Ugh...A mad woman literally poured coffee on me at work today—" Avery sighed, stopping mid-sentence, her eyes catching a figure by the company exit. It was Nathaniel, standing motionless. His gaze was sharp, cold. Their eyes met for a few seconds before the engine came to life.
"Avery, is everything okay?" Marcus asked, curiosity etched in his voice.
"Uh, sorry—it’s nothing. So, a lady barged into the office today to drag my boss, and she ended up spilling coffee all over me."
Marcus’ eyebrow furrowed. "People can be ridiculous. Why would she do that? Did you splash her back with the coffee, at least?"
"Well, it all happened so fast." Avery murmured.
"She…emptied the cup on me before I could process what was happening."
Avery looked out of the car, pretending she was looking at the stars that had shot their way out into the sky. Her mind drifted to the way Nathaniel stood by the company's exit. His gaze was cold and piercing.
Marcus hummed along to the music drifting from the car's stereo, his fingers tapping lightly on the steering wheel as his head moved in accordance with the music's rhythm.
"You sure you're okay? He asked again.
"I'm fine, Marc. Just tired," she replied, forcing a smile.
He gave her a doubtful glance, but he didn't press further. He just gave a slow nod.
"Well, if you ever need to talk. You know I'm here, right?"
"Sure. I know." She smiled, meeting his eyes eyes briefly.
"Don't give me that weird smile. It doesn't suit you," Marcus teased. "Someone would have thought you just got into trouble,"
Aver rolled her eyes but couldn't help smiling.
That was what she liked about Marcus. He had a way of putting a smile on her face even when she was down. He had been her die-hard friend since childhood, and she hadn't for once regretted ever meeting him. Even when she thought no one was there, Marcus had stood by her and given her a shoulder to cry on.
"So… how is Mum's health? The last time we talked, you told me she was ill." Marcus glanced at her, breaking the silence.
"She's getting better. The doctor said she would be discharged once she completed her treatment."
Marcus nodded in affirmation. "Is there a way I could help? If you need anything, please tell me."
"Naaa, it's fine." Avery assured him, even though she knew it was all a lie. She would rather not be a burden on him. Her mother wasn't in a good state, and she had to find a way to cover the medical bills.
She could only manage to pay the bills with three months' pay of her salary.
By the time they pulled up at her apartment, the rain had started drizzling. Avery pushed the door open as she stepped out.
"Would you mind coming in to have a cup of coffee before the rain stops?" She said, turning to Marcus.
"I would love to, but I have a few projects I have to work on at home." Marcus said, checking his watch.
"Oh, it's fine. We will talk over the phone."
"I will, Miss Cole," Marcus said jokingly before firing his engine.
Avery stood in front of her apartment, watching the car disappear down the street before her phone suddenly buzzed, jolting her back to her senses.
“Hello, Mum. I’m doing fine.” She slipped her hand into her pocket and brought the phone to her ear. “Are the doctors treating you well?”
“Yes, they are,” her mother replied weakly. “The doctor said they’ll proceed with the main treatment once the bills are settled.”
“Don’t worry, Mum. I’ll make sure I complete the payment… just hold on a little longer.” Avery’s voice trembled as a single tear slipped down her cheek.
"Take care of yourself, Avery," her mother whispered softly.
"I will, Mum." Avery said, forcing a smile even though she could feel a lump forming in her throat. "Goodnight."
She ended the call and stood there for a moment, a sigh escaping her lips.
The light drizzle had already drenched her clothes, but she hardly noticed.
All she could think of was her mom, who was lying on the hospital bed.
Her mom had been the one holding their family together ever since they lost their dad in a tragic accident some years ago.
She had struggled to pay for their bills, raise Avery and her sister, and give them the life she never had. And she wouldn't let her down, not when she needed her the most.
Avery tucked the phone into her bag before walking toward her apartment.
- Writer
