Novels by Liora Eliel

Jane stared at Nancy, her mouth opening to question her more, but she couldn’t bring herself to do it. There was a high possibility it could be Marcus; it wasn’t long ago she found out the CEO was aware of his crimes. She knew it wouldn’t be strange if that happened.Jane was quiet on their way back to the office while Nancy was preoccupied with her phone, trying to get as much information as she could before they got there. Her head hurt trying to figure out what to do next if he really was arrested.It would save me years of worrying about my life if he gets arrested, then again, wouldn’t he try to use this against me? No… Joshua already has solid proof, so that wouldn’t work, but what if he has a backer somewhere? Jane’s foot missed a step on the stairs heading towards the office, her heels almost coming loose.“Are you ok? You’ve been out of it since we left the café.” Nancy fussed over her as she helped her up, “I don’t know what it is you’re worried about again, but you’ll be f

The chair squeaked quietly from Jane’s weight in her small cubicle. She focused on the ceiling as if waiting for the answers to her problems to drop down on her face. She had a feeling Marcus was already aware of her being called to the CEO’s office from the intense stare he had been giving her from a distance in the office, but she couldn’t bring herself to think of him.A shadow fell over her face, covering the ceiling light, and the sound of fingers snapping multiple times over her face jolted her senses. “Jane! For the love of God, do you know how long I’ve been calling you?” Nancy pulled a chair from the neighbouring cubicle, her legs crossed and arms folded in a domineering pose. Jane’s brows furrowed. “Why do you look more pissed off than me?”“Oh, I don’t know. Maybe it’s because you’ve been acting like the walking dead since you came back, and Marcus has been taking out his anger on us in your absence for whatever reason.” Nancy scoffed. “Haven’t you noticed he’s been unbear

Joshua watched her shift on her seat from the window, then he strode back to his mahogany desk, his eyes never leaving her as he sat down. The silence was almost unbearable.“You look like you’re ready to bolt.”Jane blinked. “I-what?”He gestured to the door with his chin, then back at her. “The way you’re sitting. You’re also gripping the armrest.”Jane’s mouth fell open. Am I that obvious? Jane placed her hands quietly on her lap. “I’m not planning anything…I’m just focused.”“Good.” He leaned back in his chair. He was relaxed like he had no care in the world, or didn’t put people in a tough position some minutes ago. “Because I don’t have all day, Miss Carter. Yes or no?”“To what, exactly?” Jane asked, her voice was calmer than she felt. “You haven’t told me what the project is. Or what my role would be. Or-” Jane’s blue eyes widened, she had expected him to cut her off. Should I really be questioning the CEO right now…A corner of his mouth twitched. “You’re stalling.”“How? I‘

Jane's head pressed against her palms as she took deep ragged breaths like she had been submerged in ice. She sank her head to her knees like she wanted the world to swallow her whole. Tears brimmed in her eyes.Why just why, first Marcus and now this? Ah…it’s official, I’m done for.Nancy and Heather exchanged anxious looks, unable to understand what was going on, and they each took turns to calm her down.“Jane, what’s wrong? Take deep breaths, in then out, in then out. That’s it.” Nancy held onto Jane, trying her best to comfort her as Heather shielded them from the confused and mocking looks of other workers leaving the conference room.“Heather, you head back to the office. If any news comes up, text me and if anyone asks about Jane, especially Marcus? Say a puppy died or something. Oh, and get my makeup from my purse.”“Got it,” Heather said, saluting.“Phew, now that you’ve calmed down a bit, we should leave. We can’t be the last ones here, especially when you’re like this.”Na

Monday came by fast as usual, except this time Jane was dreading it. The thought of explaining what happened on Friday night to Nancy made her head throb, she knew Nancy wasn’t going to let it go, and she would definitely drag Heather into it. Thinking of Marcus made it much worse.I hope I see him less today or not at all…Jane’s eyes caught a glance at the time as she grabbed her documents and bag, bolting out of the door, forsaking the idea of breakfast. This time, she couldn’t risk being late today of all days, knowing full well the announcement would be today.The subway was almost packed as she tried to squeeze herself between an elderly lady and a teenage boy wearing headphones who didn’t look pleased. Jane barely managed to grab onto a pole when she felt a sticky sensation on her palm.Please don’t be gum, please don’t be gum“Oh…” she mumbled, the sight of the orange, droopy thing sticking to her fingers irked her.It’s not gum, but it’s still grossBy the time she got to the

Jane called Nancy the moment she got home. Her hands frantically rummaged through her bag for her phone. Her fingers drummed on the counter as she waited for the call to connect. She couldn't stop assuming the worst after seeing Nancy’s text. she paced around her home at the thought of the announcement. She could hardly stay still.“Hello? Jane?”“Nancy! Thank goodness you picked up. What is it you were trying to say will happen on Monday? How did you find out? Who said…,” Jane’s breath shook between each word. The numerous possibilities she thought of spiralled out of control in her mind. “Calm down, will you? Sheesh,” Nancy cut off Jane before should ramble on. “I found out when I went out drinking with the others. It just so happens Tony from HR has a slightly loose tongue when drunk,” Nancy’s giggles rang through the phone. “I see, so what's the announcement being on Monday going to be about?” Jane held on to the kitchen counter to calm herself down, waiting for Nancy's response