Chapter 7 Hidden sabotage

Anastasia's POV

The situation at work worsens despite all my efforts, feeling like a tunnel without an end in sight. Every piece of evidence points against me, and it feels as if the walls are closing in. I can't understand how Selene's name remains untarnished in all this mess; her alibi feels too good to be true. It all unfolded so quickly, so seamlessly, that I can't even begin to explain it. The betrayal stings deeply, cutting through the veneer of professional decorum that I've painstakingly maintained.

Facing anyone at the office has become unbearable, a gauntlet of judgmental stares and whispered conversations that follow me like a shadow. The disciplinary action-more like a public execution of my career-will be announced soon after the meeting between the CEO and the other department heads. The anticipation is suffocating, a noose tightening around my neck.

Lately, I've been feeling nauseous, but I ignored it due to all the chaos, brushing it off as stress and exhaustion. I took some medicine, hoping it would pass. Right now, my stomach churns so badly that I walk into the restroom just in case I might have an episode. As I approach, I overhear my junior colleagues discussing me. My failing marriage has become a new topic for people at the office to discuss after the fraud. It seems like Selene's been working overtime, her influence spreading like a toxic spill.

I slip into a stall, heart pounding, and listen as their voices echo off the tiles. "Did you hear about Anastasia? First, the fraud, and now her marriage is on the rocks. Poor thing."

"Poor thing? More like poor Blake. He must be regretting ever marrying her."

The words sting, but I bite my lip and hold back the tears. They don't know the half of it. I leave the bathroom straight to my office, head held high despite the knot of anxiety tightening in my chest. Tyler and Secretary Kim come knocking almost immediately. Their faces are grim, mirroring the storm inside me. "How is it looking?" I ask, though I dread the answer.

"Not good," Tyler replies. "The decision will be released tomorrow, I guess."

Both of them are really good colleagues and friends. They have shown unwavering support ever since the start of the fraud.

"Forgive me, but Miss Selene has shown her true colors. I can't believe she tried to ruin your career," Kim states bluntly.

"Whoever said she is behind this?" I ask, though the question feels more like a desperate grasp at denial than genuine curiosity.

Secretary Kim raises her eyebrows curiously and dramatically as if saying, 'Seriously?'

"Isn't it obvious? I heard she meddled in your marriage too. Everything looks planned," Tyler confesses, his voice tinged with frustration.

"Whatever the truth may be, I know you don't believe all the shenanigans," I continue, trying to maintain a semblance of composure. "Thank you for your support, but I'd like to be alone for now," I dismiss politely.

"Alright, ma'am, please take care of yourself," Secretary Kim says before exiting with Tyler, their footsteps fading down the hallway.

I sigh loudly as I sink deeper into my chair, slightly inclining it downward. The office feels like a ghost town, the silence only amplifying the chaos in my mind. My phone rings, breaking the stillness. It's Mom. She wanted to check on my well-being. I hate to lie to her, but she is an over-thinker, and I don't want to be a burden on her and her health. She is already taking care of my sick dad.

"I am so sorry that I'm unable to visit you and Dad," I take a deep breath before continuing, "I promise one of these days, I'll try to visit you."

"It's fine, Sera, I just wanted to check up on you. But are you sure everything is fine?" she asks warmly, her voice a balm to my frayed nerves.

My mom has always called me Sera. A reason only known to her, but I know it's tied to her Christian faith.

"I am fine, Mom. Work has just been exhausting lately."

"Alright then, my regards to your husband," she says, cutting the call. The mention of Blake stings, a reminder of the façade I'm barely holding together.

Walking around the office feels surreal, like moving through a nightmare. Colleagues glance up from their desks, eyes filled with a mix of pity and curiosity. I force myself to smile, to nod in acknowledgment, but inside I'm crumbling. My responsibilities don't pause for personal crises, so I carry on, pending the time the verdict is released.

While heading back to my cabin, I bump into Selene, making all the paperwork in my hand fall to the floor. Her lips curl into a mocking smile. I knew this moment would come, but I wasn't ready.

"Anastasia," Selene purrs, "You need to watch your steps."

I ignore her words, regaining my stance and picking up all the paperwork. "Let's get this over with, Selene. I'm not here for pleasantries."

Selene's smile widens. "Of course. Straight to business, as always. That's why Blake came to me. He needed someone with a little more... warmth."

Anger flares up, hot and fierce. "Is that what you call warmth? Stealing another woman's husband?"

"Stealing?" Selene feigns innocence, her eyes glinting with malice. "Oh, darling, you lost him long before I came into the picture. You're just too blind to see it."

I lean forward, my voice sharp as a blade. "I see everything now. And I see that you've made a grave mistake. You see, I don't just lose. I come back stronger. And this little affair of yours? It's going to cost you more than you ever imagined."

For a moment, Selene's confidence wavers. "You think you can scare me? You're nothing but a washed-up wife clinging to her past."

"And you're nothing but a cheap imitation," I shot back. "You may have him now, but you'll never have what I had. And when I'm done, you'll wish you had never met Blake."

She recoils, momentarily taken aback by the intensity of my words. But she quickly recovers, her sneer returning. "Big words, Anastasia. Let's see if you can back them up."

I watch her walk away, my hands trembling with a mixture of anger and resolve. This isn't over. Not by a long shot.