For a moment Louis was taken aback by those words, then he looked at her, he understood her pain, he held her shoulder and lend her an handkerchief, she took it, for a moment Louis felt connected to her but then again she is a stranger he shook off the feeling, she wiped her tears then stood up she paused for a moment then looked at him, to her surprise he was actually handsome she could not see him earlier because of the tears in her eyes but too bad he is in a wheel chair she thought to herself.
..i have to go now, thanks for the company…
Louis look at her and said.
…you are most welcome..
She took a deep breath then left. Louis watched her leave, reflecting back in his own life he look around, then he moved close to the fountain remembering the memories he shared there, then he said silently, mom i miss you so much if only you were still here, he teared up and after a while he called his assistant then they left. Becca is worried sick about Alex as she paces down the house she dials her number again but no response. Alex is walking down the road when she heard her phone beeped she took it out from her bag looked at it, it was a message from Becca "were are you ? " .
…oh no i must have left Becca worried about me, she was about dialing her number when she saw her missed calls, she quickly dialed her number but it was not going through, …perfect time for no signal, she angrily placed the phone back in her bag, suddenly a sleek black car highlight beside her then the tinted glass went down, it was Louis.
…want a lift ?, Alex was quite surprised for a moment, she looked uncertain for a while, Louis looked at her and said,.. and besides its already late, its not safe here.
Alex looked at him agreeing with what he said, she stepped into the car and they drove off. Jace on the other hand is at a bar he seems a bit drunk, he seems to be having a conversation the bar Attendant who doesn't seem surprised at all
….you know something, you should be thankful you that you dont have a mother like mine, or else you life would be more miserable than this because of that woman my dearest brother refuse to come home, am blessed to have a brother like him,.. he makes a dramatical sad expression because he was drunk but his emotions were real… he has always been there when i needed him the most, we grew up together have a very tight bond, but unfortunately i was not able to maintain the bond, i dont deserve him after what i did, a tear fell from his face he dropped the glass of drink and left, the bar attendant looked at him still not surprised by his actions because every time he come there he whines about his brother. Louis silently observes Alex as they sit together, the tension between them palpable, then he said,..you seemed to be shaken back there. Alex looked at him and softly said,.. sometimes the people we know aren't who they seem. She took a deep breath.
…was it that bad?..
I loved him, even at his down moment i gave him my support, i saved his life, that night we were walking down the street heading home together thugs from nowhere came out and tried snatching my bag, he struggled with them and they shut him right on his belly, after a while they left i rushed him to the hospital with great difficulty, after a while the doctor came and said the bullet had hit his kidney and now even after taking the bullet out his life is still on the line because his temperature was dropping rapidly, i decided to donate one of mine since they cold not get any and even if they could get one it would take time and by then it would be too late, they tested me and it was a match…. Even after everything i did for him, she sighed i really dont know were i went wrong, i …i thought i knew him. Louis sensing her vulnerability said. Sometimes we often think we know people until we dont. I understand your pain, you know betrayal is something that can even pull down the strongest heart and sometimes the mask we wear to hide the pain is the only thing holding us together. Alex glimpse at him, as they arrive at her place, they shared a moment of silence it was awkward yet for some reason charming. Alex breaks the silence and said, thanks for the ride i really appreciate Mr . Louis you can call me Louis… … alright Mr Louis i owe you one. Louis responded, and thank you for the conversation; Alex she said ., Alex it was nice talking to you do have a good night.
….You too. She stepped down from his car and heads inside while he drove off. On reaching inside she sees a worried look on Becca `s face.
Alex were have you been? I have been trying to reach you all evening ! I was worried sick…. Am sorry about that i tried returning the calls but there was no signal and i didn't realize it was this late..
…late? Its almost midnight. I could not hear from you after the whole Fred issue, do you know how worried i was.
I needed some fresh air and i ran into someone who gave me a ride home.
Someone? Who? She gave her a questioning look.
Unsure of how to tell her she said. Just a guy i met at the park, he saw me walking alone and offered me a ride.
A guy? You dont even know him.
He seemed nice, Becca! Dont worry about it am fine.
Becca raised an eye brow still concerned but lets it slide for now.
Okay, but promise me you will be careful okay?. Alex nods and they hug it out, with Becca still looking worried.
I made dinner.
I dont think i want to eat anything. She heads to her room still thinking about Louis the mysterious stranger who gave her a ride and listened without judging. As she gets ready for bed, she checks her bag for her phone when she came across Louis handkerchief she lay on the bed remembering Louis kind eyes and charming smile, she finds her self replaying there conversation analyzing every details, she wondered about his past his interest and what makes him tick. The more she thinks about him the more intrigued she becomes, as she drifts off to sleep, she slept with a sense of curiosity and anticipation, will she ever see him again, and what would happen if she did.
The next morning, alex return to her daily routine trying not to remain in her heart broken state, at work she paid close attention to everything as she was more focused than ever trying to fill the empty void in her heart, she started taking up daily task at the office but Emilia is like a bone stuck on her throat.
Once in a while her thought would drift back at the moment she met Louis, a pleasant distraction that she cant quite shake off, she throws herself back into her task determined to excel. As she navigates the office dynamics, Alex`s professionalism shines through earning her respect from colleagues, however her interactions with Emilia remain strained, with Emilia often finding fault in Alex's work.
One day, Emilia summons Alexander to her office, criticizing her for a minor oversight. Alexander listens patiently, biting back her frustration. As Emilia concludes the meeting, Alexander takes a deep breath, wondering if she'll ever get along with her superior.
Meanwhile Becca in her work place working but her thought always drifts back to alex, wondering how she is managing at work. Given the offices dynamics particularly with Emilia being in charge. Becca hopes alex is doing okay.she recalls how stressed Alex can get with the work load and the tension between her and Emilia. Becca decide to send Alex a quick text.
''Hey girl just checking in, hows work going? You handing everything okay?.
She smiles thinking about how much they've been through thick and thin together. As she waits for Alex`s respond, Becca`s mind wonder to the conversation they of Louis that night and she is curious if Alex has heard from him again.
Becca`s thought are interrupted by a notification on her phone. Its Alex`s respond. 'Hey works been tough, but am managing. Emilia is still Emilia but am learning to deal with it. Lately my mind keeps drifting back at Louis, i havent seen him since that day. With the way alex was texting she got a bit worried and decided to call.
…Alex you should know that you are very much capable and strong, i use to have a very strict manager and she was like a bottle on my neck before she moved out of town they will try to break you but you shouldn't give them the chance to.
Yh i understand..
And as for Louis maybe he is just as mysterious as he is intriguing. Alex chuckle, there conversation flows easily with Becca offering word of encouragement and understanding. As they wrap up there call Becca reminds Alex.
You got this girl, and if all else fails, we`ll grab coffee and vent about Emilia together.
Days turns into weeks, Alex approaches her task with renewed confidence, focusing on delivering quality work despite Emilia micromanaging.
As she works she notices Emilia hovering nearby ready to pounce on any mistake, but instead of getting defensive, Alex calmly ask for clarification on certain point, showing her commitment to getting it right.
Emilia seems taken aback by Alexander's professionalism, and for a moment, the tension between them dissipates. Alexander seizes the opportunity to ask Emilia about a project idea she's been brainstorming, seeking her input.
The interaction leaves Alexander feeling more in control and empowered. She's determined to maintain this new dynamic, even if it's just a small step.
Emilia's demeanor towards Alexander starts to shift, becoming less confrontational, and Emilia begins to see her in a different light.
Meanwhile, Jace notices the change in Alexander's attitude and approach. He's intrigued by her newfound confidence and observes her from afar, wondering what's behind the shift.
Just then, Jay Jay and Linder, the office's resident drama duo, saunter over to Alexander's desk. Jay Jay's eyes light up with curiosity. "Girl, what's going on? You and Emilia were just having a moment! Spill the tea!"
Linder chimes in, "Yeah, did you finally hex her or something? She's been less salty lately!"
Alexander rolls her eyes good-naturedly. "No hex, just learning to navigate the office dynamics."
Jay Jay winks. "Well, whatever it is, keep it up! We're enjoying the show."
Jace watches the exchange, a hint of amusement on his face. He's familiar with Jay Jay and Linder's antics and knows they're harmless.
Jace makes a move, approaching Alexander's desk with a confident stride. Jay Jay and Linder exchange a knowing glance, their eyes sparkling with excitement.
"Alexander, can I have a word?" Jace asks, his tone professional but with a hint of warmth.
Alexander looks up, slightly surprised, but nods. "Of course, Mr Jace."
As they step into a nearby meeting room, Jace gets straight to the point. "I've been impressed with your work, Alexander. Your dedication and attention to detail haven't gone unnoticed."
Alexander's heart skips a beat, sensing where this might be going.
"I'd like to announce that you'll be taking on a new role as the project assistant manager," Jace says, a smile spreading across his face. "You'll be working closely with me to ensure the project's success."
Alexander's eyes widen in surprise, but she's also thrilled at the opportunity. "Thank you, Jace. I'm honored."
As they exit the meeting room, Jay Jay and Linder pounce on Alexander, squealing with excitement. "Girl, you're moving up in the world! Project assistant manager? You're killing it!"
Emilia's expression, however, is more reserved, her eyes narrowing slightly as she watches the scene unfold.
Emilia's demeanor towards Alexander shifts again, this time becoming more competitive. She watches Alexander's excitement and Jay Jay and Linder's congratulations with a mixture of surprise and annoyance.
As the day goes on, Emilia starts to feel threatened by Alexander's sudden promotion. She begins to wonder if she's being overlooked for opportunities and if her own work is being underappreciated.
Emilia's competitive side kicks in, and she starts to focus on proving herself, determined to show Jace and others that she's still a valuable asset to the team.
Meanwhile, Alexander is basking in the glory of her new role, feeling proud of herself and grateful for the opportunity and she can't wait to share this new with Becca. Unaware of the subtle shift in Emilia's demeanor, but she'll soon find out.
On reaching the house, Alexander bursts through the door, a huge smile plastered on her face. "Girl, you won't believe the news!" she exclaims, barely containing her excitement.
Becca looks up from her book, curiosity piqued. "What is it? Did you finally get that raise?"
Alexander bounces up and down. "Better! Jace just announced that I'm the new project assistant manager!"
Becca squeals, tossing her book aside. "Yes! Oh, Alex, I'm so proud of you!" The two friends hug, jumping up and down together.
As they celebrate, Becca can't help but notice how much Alexander has grown. She's beaming with confidence, and her eyes sparkle with a newfound sense of purpose.
As they pull back from their hug, Becca asks, "So, tell me more about this new role. What does it entail?"
Alexander takes a deep breath, launching into the details. "I'll be working closely with Jace on the project, making sure everything runs smoothly. It's a big responsibility, but I'm ready for it."
Becca nods enthusiastically. "You totally got this, Alex. But seriously, how do you feel about it? Any nerves?"
Alexander's expression turns thoughtful. "Honestly, I'm a little nervous. It's a lot of pressure, but I think I can handle it. I just hope I don't mess up."
Becca offers reassuring words. "You'll be amazing, Alex. You're capable and talented. Just be yourself and you'll shine." As they both celebrated through out the night.