I got to the office and started with some paperwork I hadn't finished the previous day. I was supposed to submit them that particular day, so I decided to put all my focus into it.
My fingers trembled slightly as I organized the files, the events of the morning refusing to leave my mind. Every sound around me felt amplified. The clicking of keyboards, the hum of the air conditioner, the distant chatter of coworkers. Everything felt too loud, too sharp.
"The earlier I finish this, the earlier I can rest." I said, trying to motivate myself.
I stared at the screen, forcing my eyes to focus, forcing my breathing to slow. Work had always been my escape. Numbers. Words. Order. Something that made sense in a world that suddenly didn't.
Just then, we were all called for a meeting, including the interns. Apparently, the new CEO wanted to speak to us in that department. I sighed in frustration, hoping the meeting wouldn't take too long as I stood up.
A new CEO. The words alone made my chest tighten. I tried to tell myself it was just another corporate formality. Another face I would forget by the end of the day.
We got to the conference room and sat down. We were all waiting for him. I picked up my phone to play a game out of boredom. Just before I could finish that particular level, the doors opened and everyone stood up. I stood up as well, but I was still concentrating on the game, hoping to win it so I could set my phone down. But I lost the game and put my face in my palm, shaking my head.
The CEO had already walked in, Bray right by his side.
A strange chill crawled up my spine, though I hadn't looked up yet.
Danny was nudging me, trying to get my attention. She kept whispering into my ears.
"Aren't they just hot as hell? They're like two super men." She whispered, smiling.
I didn't say a word and just set my phone down and joined the others in clapping.
The sound of applause echoed around the room, loud and suffocating.
And then I looked up.
I froze.
The world tilted violently, and for a split second, I thought I might pass out. My knees buckled, and I almost collapsed, but Danny supported me just in time.
"Are you okay, Roux?" She asked, concerned.
I didn't answer. I couldn't answer.
It was them.
The people that almost beheaded me.
My heart slammed painfully against my ribs as memories crashed into me all at once. The blood. The darkness. His eyes. His voice.
How would I be able to explain that?
Everyone seated.
I couldn't breathe normally or think properly. I began sweating in a fully air-conditioned room. My palms were slick, my throat dry. I thought deeply.
"It can't be a coincidence."
Perhaps he bought the company because he knew I worked here. To torture me. Or to kill me slowly. I had no idea. All I knew was that it was time to flee.
The meeting ended, and I picked my things as quickly as possible, about to flee, when I heard my name.
"Roux, can you please wait behind."
My stomach dropped.
I dropped my phone and the files in my hand.
The sound echoed louder than it should have.
I picked them up and turned around. I just stood there. I saw Danny's face as she walked out. She was probably wondering how the new CEO, who hadn't even spent twenty-four hours at his new company, knew me.
Everyone left, and Morven told Bray to excuse him as well. He was hesitant at first, but then he left.
The door closed.
The sound felt final.
Morven asked me to come forward, then turned his chair and gestured for me to sit. I sat without saying a word, fearing for my life.
The room felt smaller. Warmer. Like the air itself was pressing down on me.
"I swear I didn't say anything to anyone." I said shakily.
My voice barely sounded like my own.
Then he leaned over and gently caressed my face.
The touch sent a violent shiver through my body.
"You look so beautiful." He said, his voice calm.
So were his eyes.
"Excuse me?" I said, shocked.
My confusion mixed dangerously with fear, and something else I didn't want to acknowledge.
Then he grabbed my neck, his face hovering over mine. I could feel his breath on my skin. My pulse raced wildly beneath his fingers. I was scared, but at the same time, it felt like I was enjoying it.
That realization terrified me even more.
Then he whispered in my ear, "You're going to be mine."
The words sank into me, heavy and absolute.
He stood upright and said I could leave now. I asked what he meant by me being his, and he just turned around, facing the other direction, arms crossed behind him. He said nothing.
I left the room almost vibrating.
My legs felt weak as I made my way back to the office, my mind spiraling. The world felt unreal, like I was moving through it rather than truly living in it.
I went back to the office to finish my paperwork, and just as I expected, Danny almost jumped on me as I walked in.
"How on earth does the CEO know you?" She asked.
"You've been the talk of the town since like ten minutes ago after the meeting ended."
I just told her he helped me once when I was stranded and I didn't know who he was then.
The lie tasted bitter in my mouth.
She didn't seem satisfied, but at least she let me be.
I finished up my paperwork and, of course, got busy with my resignation letter. I wasn't planning to die anytime soon.
The decision felt sudden but necessary. I needed distance. Safety. A chance to disappear.
I submitted my resignation letter that evening and left.
I got on my usual bus ride and headed home.
The ride felt longer than usual. Every stop made my heart race. Every shadow outside the window looked wrong.
The walk home from the bus stop seemed long as usual, but I got home safely. I was glad.
I got in and locked the door, triple-checking as usual.
At first, the atmosphere felt weird, like I wasn't alone. But I just took off my shoes, flicked the switches, and what I saw terrified me.
I screamed and flung everything I was holding.
It was Morven.