Chapter 12: Vital distraction

The following days flew by in a haze of paperwork and the ordinary cadence of her new existence. Cecilia was indifferent to the fact that her new job was trivial; her main focus was on staying focused and progressing. 

Each morning, she would rise early to take a jog before heading to work. It wasn't a lot, but it provided her with a feeling of mastery over her body, over her existence, when everything felt so disordered. The gentle, steady thump of her sneakers against the sidewalk provided a stable anchor in the chaos surrounding her. 

At the office, the days were lengthy yet tolerable. She realized she was falling into a routine—folding laundry, helping customers, restocking shelves. It was tiring, yet it provided her with a vital distraction from all that was happening. 

Yet, despite concentrating on her new circumstances, Cecilia couldn't rid herself of the sensation that everything is not alright with her. At times, she would look up to see a customer’s gaze staying too long, or a man observing her from afar. It was disquieting, and it caused her to feel as though she was existing in a transparent enclosure. 

One afternoon, as she adjusted items on a display, She was startled by the familiar sound of heels striking the floor behind her. A jolt of fear sent a shiver through her as she turned, her pulse quickening.

Standing in front of her was none other than Victor Harris. 

Her heart raced, and her thoughts raced ahead. What was he up to here? She had not encountered him since the awkward clash at Andrew’s office, and she certainly had never anticipated bumping into him at her place of work. 

Victor wore a broad smile, nearly excessively so, as he leaned on the display table, his gaze roaming over her with an uneasy familiarity. 

"Ah, ah, ah, Cecilia," he remarked, his tone silky and mocking. "I wasn’t expecting to see you here, though I guess it’s not unexpected." "You have always been skilled at staying unnoticed." 

Cecilia stood up tall, attempting to suppress the anxiety building in her chest. "What are you doing here?" she questioned, her tone quiet yet firm. "This is a location for commercial activities." “If you’re not here to make a purchase, I recommend you exit.” 

Victor laughed softly, his deep eyes shining with delight. “Oh, I’m only here for a brief conversation." There's no need to become defensive. I’m not here to create problems. "At least, not at this moment." 

Her heart sped up. She couldn't handle him here, not at this moment. Not while she was still attempting to fix her life. She was uncertain about his intentions, yet she refused to allow him to intimidate her. 

“I have no interest in whatever game you’re involved in, Victor,” she replied, her tone now icy. "I've come to my conclusion." I am progressing with my life. “Keep your distance from me.” 

Victor lifted an eyebrow, evidently entertained by her reply. "Shall we talk?" Consider how chaotic your life has become, and you intend to let your enemy, the very person who destroyed your life, roam freely? 

Before she had a chance to reply, a booming voice shouted from the other side of the store. 

“Cecilia!” 

Annie stepped out of the backroom; she visited Cecilia’s workplace to surprise her with the small lunch she had purchased. However, when she entered, her eyes narrowed upon seeing Victor waiting there. Her look conveyed a blend of doubt and mistrust, yet she didn’t pause for an instant before approaching them. 

"Is there an issue here?" Annie inquired, her voice pointed. 

Victor didn’t glance at her at all, his focus remaining on Cecilia. “Not an issue or whatsoever,” he replied effortlessly, although there was a sharpness to his tone. "I'm simply reconnecting with a longtime friend." 

Annie remained steadfast, her posture defensive as she gazed at Cecilia. “If you’re here to create problems, I recommend you go. Now”

Victor's smile wavered for a brief instant, but he swiftly steadied himself. “It’s alrightt,”he replied, moving away. “However, keep in mind, Cecilia, that you can’t keep running away from your past.” I’m ready to assist you in taking down Andrew. "Since you aren't the only toe he has trampled on." 

With that, he pivoted and exited the store, causing the atmosphere to be heavy with tension. 

Cecilia remained still for a moment, her breathing shallow and rapid. She was aware of how manipulative and deceitful Victor could be, but she had no idea what lengths he intended to go to in order to bring Andrew down. She was certain of one thing: he wasn't finished with her. 

.

As Annie neared her, worry apparent on her face, Cecilia felt an unsettling notion that her past was not yet over. And regardless of how much effort she put into progressing, it felt as if someone or something was perpetually hiding in the darkness, anticipating the perfect time to attack. 

“I brought a lunch for you as I promised this morning,” Annie said with a smile on her face to brighten her day. 

Suddenly, Cecilia’s phone vibrated, and the caller ID showed Mr. Harper’s office number. She responded quickly, only to be met with his harsh, impatient tone.

Cecilia! "Kindly send me your report from yesterday," Mr. Harper shouted, his voice loud as if he were beside her.

Her heart raced at the intensity in his voice. “Certainly, sir, immediately!” she answered, quickly placing the phone down.

She hurried to her desk, her hands shaking a bit as she sifted through her documents. After a brief period of frantic searching, she located the report, printed it, and rushed to Mr. Harper’s office. Gently tapping, she came in and set the document on his desk.

"Here you are, sir," she replied, attempting to appear calm.

Mr. Harper hardly recognized her while he turned the pages. Cecilia interpreted that as her signal to depart and silently left his office.

The remainder of the day went by in a haze of chores and due dates. Cecilia lowered her head, concentrating on her tasks, but the pressure of Mr. Harper's earlier request persisted. By the time her shift was over, she felt exhausted.

With a breath of relief, she collected her things and carefully arranged them in her locker. Once she confirmed that everything was properly arranged, she reached for her purse and strode to the mall’s exit.

As she entered the refreshing evening breeze, a feeling of tranquility enveloped her. The lively crowd started to decrease, and she savored the idea of finally returning home and relaxing.

As she approached the door, a gentle touch was felt on her shoulder.