Masked

CHAPTER 3 DUPE

CHAPTER 3

DUPE

What the hell was I thinking!?

I showered and changed into some comfy clothes. My head was hurting due to crying, but my heart felt calmed and safe. He had some aura that made me feel safe. Telling him about my grievances didn’t feel like a burden but something soothing. Even though I hated physical touch, his hug felt warm and comforting. And the kiss? Something I couldn’t stop doing. Our mouths acted as if they knew each other long before. Like the north pole and south pole getting attracted towards each other. With thoughts of him, I closed my eyes and let the sleep take over me.

But as always, I woke up in the middle of the night, crying. Nightmares, my only companions that have stayed with me since I was eleven. I took out a sleeping pill from the bottle that always stayed beside my bed. I took it and closed my eyes with agony. Within minutes, I was asleep. The only thing I loved about sleeping pills was the way they numbed my mind and made me sleep. I knew they were harmful for me, but being with my brain especially at night was more harmful for me.

I woke up on time the next morning. I had an urgent meeting to attend. I got ready in a jiffy and went to the office. My car was ready for me, fortunately Mark had it fixed.

“Good morning ma’am.”

“Good morning Mark. I hope the car won’t stop working again.”

“No ma’am.” He said and started driving. Mark was a man of few words. He was efficient in his job and I liked his reserved nature.

He dropped me to my office. I took the elevator and went straight to my personal office.

“Good morning ma’am.” My secretary, Miss Ava greeted me.

“Good morning Miss Ava. Is everything ready for the meeting?”

“Yes ma’am.” She said and I nodded. The meeting took two hours. When it ended, I was starving. I didn’t have breakfast that morning. I took my car and went to eat something. I went to a nearby restaurant. I ordered a hamburger and cold coffee. It was my favourite food combo. My order came in a few minutes. I started eating.

“Good morning ma’am.” A voice said from behind. I turned back and saw the stranger with whom I had shared my secret and a kiss. He was smiling at me. He came to the front.

“Did I disturb you?” He asked, looking at the hamburger in my hand.

“Oh no it’s fine. Good Morning Mr Rutherfort.” I said, putting my hamburger on the plate.

“May I?” He asked, pointing at the vacant chair in front of me.

“Sure.” I said. “I didn’t expect to see you here.” I told him.

“Me too. I usually come here for breakfast.” He said. I nodded, taking a sip of my coffee. He ordered a hamburger for himself. We cheered my half eaten burger and his full burger and continued eating.

“About last night–

“Last night–

We both spoke together so our voices overlapped.

“You can go first ma’am.”

“Mr Rutherfort, I am sorry for last night. I got carried away.” I apologized to him.

“It was my fault. I initiated it. I’m sorry ma’am.” We both looked at each other and smiled.

“Guess we are even?” I asked.

“Yes.”

“So, tell me something about you Mr Rutherfort. What do you actually do for your company?”

“I work in accounts.” We both exchanged our business cards.

“Oww finance guy haa. You do look like one though.”

“Really? And how exactly do the finance guys look like Miss Alina?”

He leaned closer a bit, his breath caressing my skin. He smirked and winked simultaneously. It felt as if suddenly the temperature had risen to 50 degrees and I was in the desert. I was sure he could tell that from my face. He brushed his hand with mine for a few seconds and sat back to his chair.

“Um.. I mean, you know, specs and all.” I replied, flustered by his action. He smirked again.

His phone rang. “Yes. Yeah I’ll be there. Ma’am, I have to leave now.”

“Oh, Okay. Also, just Alina is fine.” I told him.

“You can call me Joel, Alina.” He said my name with emphasis. Something happened in the pit of my stomach.

“Ok, Joel.” He gave me one last look and left. I drank my coffee and left too. I went to office and dived myself into work.