Forbidden Shadow

Chapter Four

Maya’s Pov

I realized I haven’t called or texted Nala for a while now. It feels so awkward most especially for Eli.

I am not the kind of girlfriend that he needs. I’m barely around for dates, I get so caught up with work and and at the end of the day… I get so exhausted that I can barely hold up

I picked up my phone to call him but got interrupted instead by Nala’s call.

“Hey b***h!” How do you do?! Her voice echoed brightly over the phone.

“I’m alright Nala. As uasul, I’m just so tired right now”

Dealing with my boss, work, and Eli, everything. It’s just so tiring.” I complained bitterly

“I get it bae, how about a party? Let’s let it all out!”

She giggled

Nala has always been the Party type. Unlike me, I am a badass introvert, and I seldom go out or even to the club.

But Nala, she always has a way of pulling me out.

“Na…la…” I had barely finished my statement before she cut me off.

“Don't even start, busy bee. It will help you rewind, for real.” she coached

“FINE!” I said already giving in. Knowing she won’t stop until I say yes.

“That's my girl! See ya,” with that, she ended the call.

It was a few minutes to 8 o’clock. I needed to hurry and leave for work. Almost immediately my mind flashed back to the office. My boss, the way I felt when he caught me. Was I insane? How did I begin to notice these things?

What is wrong with me? I wondered.

And then the new lady, Ivy. Her closeness to Mr. David.

She even wraps her arm around him.

Huh?! I’m not jealous, I’m I? Who cares

All these were going on in my head. I paused looked at the time. I was late now.

David’s Pov

I got awakened by the sound of my phone ringing. It was Vivian Stone. My business partner, we’ve worked together for a long time now. She’s rigid and most focused on productivity

It could only be one reason why she was calling. The meeting I had canceled.

“Argh!!!” I moaned frustratedly remembering the missing files

“I got the message late last night, I'm already on those documents Vivian Stone. It should be delivered shortly” I said on picking up the call.

“Yh…Yh?! The office board meeting has been rescheduled to be held at 10 am, and messages have also been forwarded to the partners. I’ll be there… Alright,” I barely let her respond to the last word before I hung up the call.

“Argh!” The house felt empty. My daughter thinks she’s a grown-up now and barely visits home.

And my Mom, she’s such an old naggy woman. Every time she calls or texts me is to remind me to get remarried. I hate the idea of getting involved with a woman not to mention even getting married again.

I stretched and brought myself off the bed.

Very quickly I got prepared and hurried off to the office.

***

NARATOR'S POV

Maya sat at her desk, pretending to be busy with the documents in front of her, but her attention kept drifting. Not to her work but to him.

Through the glass walls of his office, David stood by the window, phone pressed to his ear, his expression serious. He spoke softly, controlled as always. But now and then, his eyes would lift… and find her.

Just for a second.

Then he’d look away.

Maya swallowed, quickly turning her gaze back to her screen, her fingers hovering over the keyboard without typing. She told herself it meant nothing.

A few minutes later his office door opened.

“Maya!!” He called

“Jezz! What now? Oh my God, hope I haven’t done anything worse even this time” Maya contemplated within her

“Yes sir?” She stood immediately

“I need those Kingston files” he said, stepping closer

“They’re ready,” She replied, handing them over.

Their fingers brushed. It was brief, barely a moment. But it lingered.

Maya felt it travel up her arm, settling somewhere she did not want to admit. She pulled her hand back too quickly.

David noticed this quick movement. He kept his gaze locked in hers longer than usual and for the second time, he felt the sparkles, the tingling, and a sudden gush of emotions.

“Anything else, sir” She asked trying to avert the tension

Suddenly there was a deafening silence between the two of them. For a second, Maya feared he might say something different, maybe something more personal but he did not.

Then he finally answered “No, that’ll be all.” His tone returned to normal.

Maya nodded and turned to leave. Her heart is still racing

Across the room was Ivy, watching. She has been observing for a while now. She noticed the looks. The glances and even the pauses. The way Maya reacted, too aware, the way David looked at her.

She was filled with immediate hate and jealousy.

“My goodness!” She exclaimed agitated

“I knew it, there is something about this Maya girl. David can only be mine, I just hope you know that” She muttered inaudibly.

“The earlier you realize that, the better for us both, nobody takes what belongs to me!” She said finally giving Maya a dead stare.

***

At the Club…

The bass hit them before they could even step fully inside.

Maya and Nala pushed through the door instantly swallowed by the flashy lights, buzzing sounds from music speakers, the air was thick, collecting different fragrances, and the smell of perfume.

The room was crowded with people as they moved in sync with the rhythm of the sound of music, laughter, and glass clicking. The room was dimmed with the colored neon light that painted everyone blue and red.

Nala grabbed Maya’s hand, pulling her deeper into the room with a grin. “Now this is what I’m talking about!”

Maya laughed, the tension she carried earlier beginning to melt away as she embraced the warmth of the night. For a moment, nothing else mattered, not work, not thoughts, not the weight she couldn’t explain.

“I can’t be any happier, I needed this. Thanks Nala” she finally admitted

“Over there, Nala pointed to an empty spot. “Let’s have a drink first” Just when they were about to step out, a notification dropped in Maya’s phone.

It was a message

Be careful the way you tread, nobody messes with what’s mine and gets away with it. Stay clear! My eyes are watching.

~unknown~

Maya’s expression instantly changed after reading the message. Fear was visible in her eyes. Nala didn't notice. She tried hard to hide the Fear. She didn't want to ruin the moment. Especially since Nala was already in it.

Who could have sent this message and why?! What was she messing with that belonged to them? What will they do if she doesn’t stare clearly as warned?