Chapter 80 – The Office Whispers

MANNIE'S POV

I rubbed my temples as I stepped out of the school gate.

The sun was barely up, and the air smelled of exhaust and early morning dew. But I couldn’t feel the calm in it. My head pounded like a drum.

After everything that happened this morning—after dealing with my brother, Sandra, her sister-in-law, and my mother—I just wanted silence.

Silence and peace.

I didn’t even care if I had to sit in traffic for hours. Anything was better than being home in that suffocating tension.

I leaned on the chair in the cab, i exhaled slowly, and whispered, “God, please. Let today go smoothly.”

The children’s laughter from the playground still echoed in my ears, soft and sweet. At least they were happy. That was enough to keep me standing.

The cab soon arrived at the company. After paying my fares, I got out of the cab.

I straightened my clothes, adjusted my bag, and started walking toward the company gate.

The moment I stepped into the building, the air changed.

Whispers.

Low, sharp whispers that darted through the air like arrows.

I froze for a second, my hand still on the strap of my bag.

“Why does it feel louder today?” I muttered, glancing around. The whispers about me which had almost died out suddenly sprang up today becoming louder than before.

The receptionist’s fake smile barely covered the way her eyes trailed down my outfit. Two interns giggled near the water dispenser.

My throat tightened.

“Tsk… she’s always seducing someone.”

“Can’t she go one week without flirting?”

“She’s like a fox,” another voice hissed.

I quickened my pace. My heels clicked against the floor, but their whispers followed.

“I heard she’s after the CEO now.”

“Of course she is. Men can’t resist that act of hers.”

“I wonder what she does to make them so crazy.”

“Hehe… maybe we should find out. I wouldn’t mind trying my luck.”

"Who knows, if she tells me her secret, I can also enter her secret garden."

Lewd laughter erupted.

It was sharp, ugly, and cruel.

I gripped my bag tighter until my knuckles turned white.

“Oh Lord,” I whispered under my breath. “What is this today?”

I forced myself to keep walking. Each step felt heavier. Every glance burned.

When I reached my department, my heart thudded so loud I could hear it in my ears.

I stopped at the door, took a deep breath, and whispered, “You can do this.”

Then I walked in.

Silence.

The kind of silence that wasn’t peaceful—just waiting to explode.

Dozens of eyes lifted, scanning me from head to toe. Some faces showed pity, others pure jealousy.

The ladies in the corner exchanged looks, lips twitching into small, mocking smiles.

I ignored them. Or at least, I tried to.

I headed straight for my workstation.

And then—

My heart stopped.

Sitting on my desk, flipping through my documents like he owned the place, was David.

His coat hung carelessly over the chair. His sleeves were rolled up, veins visible along his forearms. His hair was slightly messy, his tie loose, and his eyes focused on the papers in front of him.

But his presence—his calm, confident presence—commanded the whole room.

Everyone watched him. Everyone.

The girls pretended to work, stealing glances. Some even adjusted their clothes.

Of course they did.

David Monroe—the Monroe company’s golden prince. Charming, arrogant, and effortlessly magnetic.

And he was sitting on my table.

I blinked, unsure if I was hallucinating.

He turned slightly, his gaze finding mine.

That half-smile appeared—the one that looked gentle but always carried a spark of mischief.

“M-Mr. Monroe?” I stammered.

He didn’t answer right away. He just kept staring at me like he was amused by my shock. Then, slowly, he stood up.

Every eye in the office followed his movement.

The whispers started again, softer this time.

“Why is he at her desk?”

“Maybe it’s true.”

“Maybe she really seduced him too.”

My ears burned.

I forced a stiff smile and said quietly, “Could you please… not sit there?”

He raised an eyebrow. “Why? Am I making you nervous?”

I bit my tongue.

He grinned, clearly enjoying himself.

Without a word, I grabbed my bag and walked toward him. My steps were sharp and quick.

“Can we talk?” I asked tightly. “Outside.”

His brow lifted slightly. “So eager to be alone with me?”

I glared. “Now.”

He laughed quietly, pushing his hands into his pockets and grabbed his coat as he followed me out.

---

The corridor was mostly empty. A faint hum from the air conditioner filled the space.

I turned sharply and faced him.

“What the hell are you doing here?” I asked, keeping my voice low but firm.

He tilted his head, studying me. “I missed you,” he said softly. “Wanted to see your face first thing this morning.”

I let out a dry laugh. “You expect me to believe that?”

“Believe what you want,” he said, shrugging. “But I meant it.”

I folded my arms. “You shouldn’t be here, David. I don’t want people talking again.”

“They already are,” he said simply.

That made my chest tighten. “Then all the more reason for you to leave.”

He leaned closer, smirking. “You look even more beautiful when you’re angry.”

I stepped back instantly, keeping distance between us. “Stop it.”

“What? I’m just being honest.”

I turned my head, frustrated. “I don’t have time for your jokes today.”

He chuckled, low and smooth. “You always say that.”

My nails dug into my palm. “I mean it this time.”

He sighed and looked down at the floor for a second. Then, in a tone that made my heart skip, he said, “I came for another reason.”

I frowned. “What reason?”

He met my eyes. “I’m going to do a paternity test on all the kids.”

The air around us froze.

For a full second, I couldn’t breathe.

“What?”

“You heard me.” His voice was calm, but his gaze was sharp. “I need to know the truth.”

My mind raced. I blinked hard, forcing myself to steady. “Fine,” I said finally, my voice firmer than I felt. “Suit yourself.”

Suddenly, I realized what is the need to be afraid. It'd be great if he found out the kids are Dominic’s and then he would stop disturbing me.

A smile then appeared on my face and my fear disappeared.

He looked surprised by my calmness and smile.

Then his lips curved into a faint smile. “Your smile is beautiful,” he said quietly, almost as if he didn’t mean to say it out loud.

My heart jumped before I caught myself.

He lifted his hand slightly, like he wanted to touch my cheek.

I immediately stepped back.

The air between us thickened. For a moment, his eyes darkened.

Then, just like that, he straightened and smiled again. “Take care, Mannie. Have a nice day.”

He turned and walked away, his steps slow but confident.

I stood there, frozen.

I expected him to say more—to tease, to explain, to argue—but he didn’t.

He left. Just like that.

The echo of his footsteps faded down the hall.

I exhaled shakily and brushed my hands over my arms, trying to calm the goosebumps.

My heart was still beating too fast.

Everyone in that office probably saw us walk out together. I could already imagine the stories that would spread before noon.

I leaned back against the wall, closing my eyes.

“I can’t keep doing this,” I whispered.

For a moment, I stayed there, feeling the cold wall against my back, the weight of exhaustion pressing on me.

I rubbed my face and sighed. “It’s good he left.”