Chapter 3 The heat

Following day I head to work again but not as usual,I limp to my desk and some love bites filled on my neck. The other co workers looks at me ,some concerned,some just shocked and Eli just smirking because he knows he is the mastermind behind my desperate state. I immediately sit on my desk as I continue with my work not looking at Eli. He just looks at me with smile.

"Had fun last night?"

I just continue ignoring as I continue with my work,he gets a bit frustrated and takes my hands and forcing me to look at him. " Stop ignoring me joestassy,I don't like being ignored" I just look at him .

" I'm not ignoring you,I'm ok"

" Tch ,do you know you don't know how to lie"

Later we head to get coffee,as usual Claudia tries to cause scene. She has ever had a crush on Eli and it's hurting her seeing me with him.

Stepping into the cozy coffee shop, I can't help but notice Claudia sitting alone at a corner table - deep in thought. Her longing gaze follow every move Eli and I make as we approach to order our drinks. It is clear that my relationship with Eli was causing quite a stir within our group of colleagues.

Claudia's eyes follow us like vultures waiting for their prey. It hurt to see how much pain she was going through because of our relationship. As Eli ordered our coffees, he leaned in close and whispered softly into my ear,"Joestassy,you deserve to be happy.Don't let anyone bring you down." His words filled me with warmth and reassurance,and I realize then that no matter what challenges may come our way,Claudia included,I would fight for this love until the end.

Stepping into the coffee shop felt like entering a battlefield where emotions ran high and tensions were thick enough to cut through with a knife.Claudia's eyes followed us like an eagle stalking its prey,and though guilt tugged at my heart,I knew deep down that this love was worth fighting for.As Eli leaned close,his warm breath tickling my ear,I couldn't help but feel his unwavering support.His words echoed within me,"Don't let anyone bring you down."With those words fueling my determination,I pushed aside Claudia's longing gaze,and took hold of Eli's hand.I knew then that together we could overcome anything

The atmosphere in the office was tense as I hobbled over to my desk. Love bites decorated my neck, a visible reminder of the previous night's events. My coworkers looked at me with a mix of concern and shock, but it was Eli who caught my attention. He smirked knowingly, his eyes fixed on me. Ignoring him, I focused on my work.

"Had fun last night?" he taunted.

I continued to ignore him, frustrating him further. He grabbed hold of my hands, forcing me to look at him.

"Stop ignoring me," he demanded with annoyance. "I don't like being ignored."

But I couldn't bring myself to engage with him. Instead, I simply stared back at him without saying a word.

"I'm not ignoring you," I finally responded calmly. "I'm fine."

He let out an exasperated scoff. "Tch, you know you're terrible at lying."

Later that day, we decided to grab some coffee from our usual spot in town – a cozy little shop just down the street from the office building. As we entered the cafe together hand in hand,I couldn't help but notice Claudia sitting alone at a corner table - deep in thought.Her gaze followed us like vultures waiting for their prey.Even though her longing looks brought guilt and sadness,I knew deep down that this love was worth fighting for.I leaned into Eli,his warm breath tickling my ear."Joestassy,you deserve happiness.Don't let anyone bring you down."His words filled me with hope,and it became clear that no matter what obstacles we faced,Claudia included,I would stand by his side till the end.

The moment we stepped foot inside the familiar coffee shop,the atmosphere shifted into one of tension,filled with silent judgement from both coworkers and strangers alike.Claudia,sitting alone at a corner table,didn't bother hiding her longing gaze directed towards us.It pained me to see how much she was hurting because of our relationship,but deep inside,I believed that this love deserved its chance.As Eli placed an order for two cups,a gentle warmth enveloped me when he leaned closer,his lips brushing against my ear."Joestassy,you deserve happiness.Don't let others bring you down."Those simple yet powerful words ignited a fire within me.I met Claudia's gaze head-on,knowing that no matter what obstacle lay ahead,Claudia included,Eli and I would face it together,enduring till the end

The coffee shop seemed smaller than usual as we entered hand in hand, attracting curious glances from both familiar faces and strangers alike.Claudia sat alone at a corner table,hiding her pain behind a forced smile.Even though it broke my heart to see her like this,I had to follow my own path,believing that love can conquer all.As Eli whispered in my ear,"Don't let anyone bring you down,"I felt empowered.I met Claudia's eyes,telling her silently that while she may be hurting now,I would do everything in my power to make sure everyone finds their happiness.