Forbidden Shadow

Chapter Five

IVY'S POV:

Right from when we were kids, I’ve always had a strong attraction for David. Even when he left me and married Sarah, his now-late wife. He claimed he loved her, but I loved him even more.

Both our families were against the wedding, but he went on anyway and married that rached loser, little wonder she died early anyway. I couldn’t stop him then or do anything.

And now, just when I think that I have the chance, nature shorn its luck on me again. Some goddamn girl thinks she can overthrow me?! Even though David only sees me as a family acquaintance, or less than a friend whatever. I’m not letting him go this time, I’m never losing him again.

And I’ll do anything, even if it means taking anyone down that wants to get in my way!!

Back at the office, I noticed everything. In the way they stare at each other. It can only mean one thing. It feels like torture, I’m dying secretly and he doesn’t even notice me?! So I had to do something.

I got Maya’s contact from her desk one evening after everyone had left the office. I ransacked her files and a few documents. It wasn’t long until I found her contact address and even number.

I sent her a message with an unknown address because I want to be sure no one addresses it to me.

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

~unknown~

“This is just the beginning, let’s see who gets tired first” I smirked.

***

NARATOR'S POV

The office was a little quieter than usual that evening. Most of the staff had left, their voices replaced by the low hum of air from the conditioned, and distant sound from the city outside settling into the night. Only a few lights were still on including his.

Maya sat at her desk reviewing documents she had already read twice. Her mind wasn’t on the pages.

It actually hadn’t been all day.

“Maya.”

His voice came from behind her this time.

She turned startled.

“I thought you left” she said

“I could say the same,” David replied loosing his tie slightly as he walked close to her.

“Just finishing up” she replied quickly.

He nodded, walking a few steps forward. He was kind of off today Maya thought.

“ Bring the files,” he said gesturing to his office. She followed him.

In his office, Maya placed the files carefully on his desk. Her movement was very precise, she took every step controlled

“You’ve been distracted,” David said suddenly

Her hands stilled. “No sir.”

He studied her “You have.”

There was a little silence.

It was the message, the anonymous text she received the night before. It worried her, she’s been wondering all day what the message was about and from whom. It pains her that she can’t even relate to it.

“I’m fine.” She said a little softer now

He did not respond immediately instead, he moved closer, slowly and deliberately until she could feel the warmth of him.

“Maya.” He called her

Her breath hitched. She should step back, but she didn’t.

“I don’t like repeating myself,” he continued his voice lower and almost strained. “If something is wrong, you tell me.”

“It’s nothing I can’t handle sir. I’m alright, he defended. She whispered

He took another step closer, now there was no space left. Her back brushed slightly against the edge of his desk. His hand came up not touching her, just hovering near her arm, as if asking for permission he shouldn’t even be seeking. For a moment, everything stilled.

His eyes dropped briefly to her lips.

Maya’s Pov

He was closer to me than normal. I could smell his musculine colleague. He smelled so nice that. Want to r****h in the moment. I carefully followed his eyes dropping on my lips. A lot was going through my mind right now. There’s no one here, what is he going to do?

Will he overstep?

But instead, I felt the warmth of his hand closed around my waist. He held me as if he owned me.

My breath caught sharply. “Sir…” I whispered but there was no strength in it.

He didn’t let go immediately, he stared directly into my eyes and we locked gaze.

Suddenly he pulled away and released me stepping back like something had snapped him out of it.

“That’ll be all Maya,” he said, his voice suddenly distant again.

I nodded quietly, almost stumbling as I left the office, my heart racing in a way I couldn’t control.

***

The morning following felt heavier, maybe different, I’d say. I avoided looking at him. He didn’t call for me either. But the silence between us spoke louder than anything else.

”I noticed something .” the voice came from above me.

I looked up to trace the voice. Ivy stood by my desk, a file in hand, her expression calm but her eyes sharp.

”About what?!” I asked, forcing a neutral tone.

Ivy tilted her head slightly. “You and Mr. Reed.”

My stomach tightened. “I don't know what you mean.”

A small smile played on Ivy's lip, not friendly or entirely hostile. Like there was more she seemed to know.

” He's not usually… distracted,” Ivy said lightly. “But lately, he seems to be.”

I said nothing. Ivy leaned in slightly, lowering her voice. “You should be careful.”

That caught me off guard. “Careful?” I repeated.

“Yes,” Ivy said simply, straightening. “You see, people notice things. Even when you think they don’t.”

I was quiet for a second. Then she added almost casually, “And Mr. Reed is not the kind of man people share.”

The words lingered long after she walked away. The word “Careful” replayed in my memory.

It's the same word from the text. I wondered

***

NARATOR'S POV

Later that day, Maya passed by Mr. David's office.

The door was slightly open. Inside, she saw Ivy standing close to him. Too close. They weren't touching, but the familiarity was there. David said something low that made Ivy smile

Maya froze where she had stood. Something twisted sharply in her chest, unexpectedly, it was uncomfortable and then she quickly stepped back before they could see her or anyone find her there.

Because for the first time, it was not just confusion she felt. It was something else.

Something she actually did not have the right to feel. And somehow, it was about to become something even worse.

***

Inside the office, Ivy’s smile faded the moment Maya disappeared from view.

“I think she’s starting to realize,” Ivy said quietly.

David’s expression hardened. “Realize what?”

Ivy held his gaze.

“That she’s not the only one watching.”

David was lost in what Ivy had said he quickly and quietly disengaged from her embrace. “What do you mean Ivy, and what was that for?!” orse.