Chapter 30

I wasn’t headed to the office just yet. There was a morning meeting with one of our major vendors for the launch, and I needed to finalize some details outside the four walls of Drew’s company.

It was a quick but fruitful meeting. I grabbed a bite afterward, just enough to take the edge off my nerves, and headed back to the office expecting the usual, quiet murmurs, people glued to their desks, the mundane hum of productivity.

But the moment I stepped into the lobby, something felt… off.

Clusters of people huddled in corners, eyes wide and voices hushed in excited whispers. Some pretended to be going through files, but their eyes darted too often. There was tension in the air, a sort of buzz that only comes with scandal or something big. Something unexpected.

My eyes scanned the room, searching for context, but everyone just seemed to shift awkwardly or lower their gazes as I walked past.

I frowned, confused but not about to let gossip distract me. I needed to speak with Drew urgently about the supplier changes. I headed straight for his office, hoping to catch him before the day spiraled further.

But just as I reached the entrance, his secretary stood abruptly. “Lila,” she said, slightly nervous, “he’s… he’s with a guest. You might have to wait.”

“Really?” I asked, thrown off. “It’s urgent. I won’t take long.”

Before she could respond, the door to his office creaked open. And out walked Kimberley.

My breath caught in my throat.

Her lipstick was smudged, and her silk blouse slightly wrinkled, but she held herself like royalty. Every step radiated smug superiority. She looked straight at me, straight through me with a satisfied smile tugging at her lips.

“Well, Lila,” she said smoothly, her tone mocking. “We meet again.”

She brushed past me, her shoulder grazing mine deliberately. “Enjoy your day,” she added, like she owned the building, before sauntering off, hips swaying, heels echoing in the silence behind her.

Everyone stared.

Heat rushed to my cheeks. I stood frozen for a few seconds, forcing myself to breathe before finally reaching for the door handle.

Inside, the office was dark despite the sun streaming through the blinds. Drew sat behind his desk, hunched forward, elbows on his knees, hands clutching his head. His breathing was shallow, erratic. His fingers dug into his scalp as if he was trying to hold his mind together.

“Drew?” I said gently.

No response.

“Drew,” I said again, stepping closer, concern overtaking my body.

Still nothing.

Panic flared in me. I rushed to his side and knelt beside him, he was having a panic attack and I just did the first thing that came to my mind at that moment.

I placed a firm hand on his chest. “Hey…hey, look at me. You’re okay, just breathe. In and out, alright? Follow me. In… out.”

His eyes were wide and glassy, distant but wild. He wasn’t fully present.

I guided his hand over mine and pressed it to his chest. “Right here. Feel this? Just breathe with me, Drew.”

Slowly, achingly slowly, his breathing began to match mine.

I didn’t let go. Didn’t move.

When his trembling finally settled and his body slackened, I whispered, “Do you have any medication?”

He nodded weakly, eyes still dazed, and gestured toward the drawer.

“I’ll be right here,” I assured him, and when I tried to move, he clutched my hand tightly, refusing to let go.

“I’m just getting the meds and some water. I’m not going anywhere,” I promised.

Only then did he release me.

I moved quickly, found the prescription bottle and a sealed bottle of water. I returned, crouching in front of him and gently helped him take it.

His head dropped against my shoulder as soon as he swallowed, seeking solace, not pride.

And I let him.

I wrapped one arm around his back, rubbing slow circles as he steadied himself against me. The silence stretched, and still I didn’t move. Not even when the wall clock ticked into the next hour. Not when my phone buzzed. I stayed.

Because in that moment, beneath his cold, calculating exterior, Drew looked… broken.

And my heart ached.

Eventually, he shifted, sitting upright again. He wasn’t entirely better, but he was composed.

“I should go,” I said quietly, brushing his shoulder gently.

He looked at me, still recovering. “Wait… What did you come in for?”

“It’s nothing that can’t wait till tomorrow.”

And I left.

The hallway was empty now. The gossipers had gone, likely off to lunch or tired of speculating. I went straight to the pantry, hoping to clear my mind. I poured myself a glass of water, trying to get the image of Drew’s trembling hands out of my head.

Miriam walked in, offering a warm smile. “Rough day?”

“You could say that,” I muttered.

I hesitated, then asked, “If you don't mind me asking, How is Kimberley, the lady that came in related to Drew and what did she come in for?”

Miriam raised an eyebrow. “You mean Drew’s old flame?”

I blinked. “Wait… what?”

Miriam leaned on the counter. “It’s office legend at this point. Kimberley and Drew were a thing years ago. A serious thing. From what I heard, she broke his heart. Left the country. No one knew why. He’s never really been the same.”

I stared at my glass, everything slowly making sense.

Panic attacks. His guarded demeanor. That kiss I saw the evidence of.

“It must’ve been bad,” I whispered.

“It was,” Miriam said gently. “Whatever happened… he never recovered.”

I nodded faintly, excused myself, and tried to get back to work.

But I couldn’t focus.

When the workday ended, I found myself hesitating at his door again but I pushed myself and opened the door.

He was at his desk, lost in documents, his walls firmly back in place.

“I’m heading out,” I said, standing in the doorway. “Just wanted to make sure you’re okay.”

He looked up, expression unreadable. “I’m fine.”

I nodded. “Alright. I’ll brief you tomorrow about the meeting with the vendors. Goodbye.”

As I turned, his voice stopped me.

“Lila.”

I glanced over my shoulder.

“Thank you.”

A soft, sincere note in his voice.

I gave him a small smile. “You’re welcome.”

Then I left.