Chapter 6 THE MEETING

The day before she met with David, Angel's emotions were in turmoil. As she awoke, a sense of unease gripped her, and her stomach was tied in knots. She couldn't shake the feeling that the meeting would set off a series of events that could disrupt her boss, Desmond.

Getting ready for work, Angel noticed her hands trembling slightly as she looked at her pale, anxious reflection in the mirror. She tried to push aside her apprehension by reminding herself that she was taking these steps for her survival and sanity.

At the office, Angel's usual efficiency was replaced by a distracted and preoccupied demeanor. She found herself staring blankly at her computer screen, her mind drifting to the upcoming secret meeting, David's plans, and the potential consequences.

Desmond, unaware of the turmoil within Angel, continued to heap work on her, his demands unrelenting. Angel felt suffocated as if the burden of her secrets was too much to bear. "This isn't me," she whispered to herself.

Alone in her apartment, Angel felt as if she stood at the edge of an abyss, peering into the unknown. Tomorrow, she will take the first step into a new and uncertain world.

The night dragged on, and Angel found sleep elusive as her mind was consumed by thoughts of the meeting, David, and the fate that awaited Desmond. She knew that the following day would change everything.

********

The day finally came and I found myself sitting across from David at the Quaint café, sipping her latte nervously. She had agreed to meet with Desmond's ex-partner, despite the risks, for a substantial sum of money because she needed the money.

David smiled charmingly, his eyes gleaming with excitement. "I'm glad you're on board, Angel. Together, we can ruin Desmond."

Angel nodded, her mind racing with the possibilities. "What did you have in mind?"

David leaned in, his voice low. "Nothing too drastic, I need you to be close to him for now. I need you to build a friendship with him so he'll begin to trust you."

Angel raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Why do I have to get close to him? And what's in it for you?"

David's smile transformed into a cold expression. "Let's just say Desmond and I have some unresolved issues. With your help, I'm confident I'll gain the advantage."

After the meeting ended with a firm handshake and a promise of more to come, Angel left the café feeling a mix of excitement about the sealed job and unease about the plot of her boss Desmond.

The next day at the office, Desmond was his usual demanding self. "Angel, where's the Johnson report?" he barked, his eyes narrowing.

Angel hesitated, her heart racing. "I-I'm working on it, sir."

Desmond's expression turned skeptical. "See that it's on my desk within the hour. And Angel?"

"Yes, sir?"

"I expect nothing but perfection from you."

Angel felt a shiver run down her spine as she nodded, the memory of her secret meeting with David fresh in her mind.

Around twelve o'clock, Angel was done with the report and spreadsheets. She chatted with Camila over the phone and then decided to head over to the office kitchen for some free coffee and snacks.

As she got out of the elevator, without looking she bumped into someone.

He helped her up, there was a friendly smile on his face as he met her gaze. He was fetching, Angel thought but not as... Wait! Why was she about to compare him to her boss?

"Hi," he spoke, introducing himself. "I'm Elliot, and you are?"

"Angel." She said smiling "I'm sorry I bumped into you."

"Hello Angel, never mind, it's lunch hour, anyone can bump into anybody if you get what I mean." He said with a smirk on his face. "So what floor do you work on?" He asked.

"I'm Mr Desmond's personal assistant" She replied.

"Wow! Well, I hope to see you here more often" he replied with a teasing smile.

Angel blushed. While they were talking, they moved at the same time and got their lunch trays together.

"I guess I'll see you around, Angel," he said, leaving her to his office while she headed to the lifts for her office. The lift doors opened and she found herself looking straight into Desmond's face.

"Where have you been?" He demanded.

"It's lunch hour and I was at the company's cafeteria getting lunch, sir," Angel replied.

"Why did it take you so long? I could have needed you close by and you could have informed me!" He interjected.

"I didn't realize I had to inform you about my lunch break," Angel answered.

"Now you know. I need you in my office once you're done." He instructed.

"Alright, sir,"

I gobbled down my chicken wrap and fruit juice in time, so I could head to Desmond's office. I stood up and cleaned my mouth and my skirt at the same time with my hankie.

I got to Desmond's door and knocked then proceeded to enter. As I opened the door, my low heel caught on the threshold, altering my step. I could feel my body falling towards the ground. I closed my eyes expecting the fall but it never came.

With a swift and graceful motion, he grabbed my wrist, breaking my fall and sweeping me into his embrace. Our faces were inches apart, his breath against my skin, his eyes locked on mine with a spark of concern and something else.

"Are you okay?" He asked with a low tone without letting me go. His gaze moved from my eyes to my lips.

I nodded, still trying to process what just happened and the tension between us. The air was different.

"Good. Try not to be so clumsy next time." He snapped instantly going back to his usual self.

"I apologize sir and thank you for catching me." She says with her head bent, still embarrassed.

"Did you complete those figures I requested?" He asked without glancing at me.

"Yes I sent them half an hour ago," She answered.

"I have an unplanned meeting with a female business client. I intend to make a good impression, I'm told her favorite color is Blue, so Navy Blue suit or Grey Blue?" He inquired.

I look at Desmond and then at the two suits on his desk, checking which would suit him better. "The Navy Blue sir, you'd look better in it considering she likes Blue," I advised.

"Thank you, you may go back to work now." He ordered.

I got back to my desk and began working. A few minutes later, I watched him pass my desk into the lifts and couldn't help but glance back at my clumsy fall in his office.

I shook off the thought and continued working. It wasn't long before my closing hour came and I was happy to head home to rest.