HURT IN A YEAR

Bright blue and red lights danced across Lylah's face, making her cringe. She waved her hands in front of her eyes, her irritation palpable. Her bare feet dangled from the stool as she sat her drink on the bar counter."Love," she giggled, the sound laced with a hint of sarcasm. Her hands trembled slightly as she rummaged through her black purse for the lighter. But her eyes lingered on the inscription on the lighter: "Princess."Memories came flooding back. He'd whispered, "You're my princess, Lylah," as he adorned her neck with a delicate necklace bearing a red butterfly pendant. His lips had brushed against her hands, then her forehead. The tender moment now felt tainted.Lylah lit her cigarette, the flame casting a brief, golden glow on her face. She took a long drag, the smoke curling around her as she exhaled. But the voice in her head wouldn't quiet."I don't like the way you dress, Lylah... I don't like your hip dips, go to the gym..." The criticisms stung, each one a fresh

Lylah rubbed her temples, trying to massage away the tension. The fluorescent lights overhead seemed to hum in sync with the thrumming of her headache. She glanced around the office, taking in the familiar sights of cubicles and water cooler chatter.At her desk, a stack of files threatened to topple over, and her computer screen glowed with the enormous list of incomplete articles and news stories. Lylah sighed, feeling the weight of the day ahead.Just then, her phone buzzed with an incoming text from her best friend, Luna. She tapped on it, and a picture popped up. There he sat at the mall, a different lady perched right next to him. Lylah sucked in a breath. People were already constantly sending her pictures and videos of who he spent his time with, and she didn't need Luna doing that as well.She turned and Luna seated by her own desk, shared a knowing look. As she typed out a response, her boss, Mark, emerged from his office, a stern expression etched on his face. "Lylah, can

Lylah's eyes focused on the Tv screen as she tried to become fully engrossed in the movie she was watching.But her mind kept wandering back to the events of the previous day. The meeting, Raj's condescending attitude, and his blatant flirting with the new intern had left her seething. She tried to shake off the feeling of unease, focusing instead on the romantic comedy unfolding on screen.Just as she was starting to relax, her phone buzzed with an incoming call from her office.Lylah's eyes narrowed, her mind racing with the possibility that it might be Raj trying to provoke her again.She felt her anger simmering just below the surface, threatening to boil over.She contemplated on either sending the caller straight to her voicemail or answering the call."Lylah speaking", she answered curtly."Miss Jeurgens, this is Kim, Mr. Prose's secretary", the lady behind the voice announced.Lylah swallowed, waiting for the lady to continue. She had already submitted the Liason Project.She

Lylah's lingering gaze rested on the glowing crystal chandeliers as she stepped into the hotel lobby. Those pieces always attracted her. "This is exquisite", she thought. Her smile faltered immediately her gaze found Raj's, already on her. She swiftly looked elsewhere, looking at anybody but him. She steadily approached the receptionist desk, ready to lodge in and have a good rest. "Good evening ma'am, welcome to Golden Tulip. My name's May and how may I be of service", the receptionist smiled. Lylah's eyes locked onto the receptionist's warm smile, grateful for the distraction from Raj's piercing gaze. "Good evening," she replied, her voice smooth and confident. "Yes, we have a reservation for two bedrooms" The receptionist's fingers danced across the keyboard as she searched for the reservation. Lylah's gaze drifted around the lobby, taking in the elegant décor and the soft hum of conversation from the other guests. Raj stepped up beside her, his presence making her hear

The elevator bell dinged and Lylah sauntered out, but not without an exasperated sigh leaving her lips. "Good morning Miss Jeurgens", May greeted. Lylah only managed a smile. As she passed by May's desk, she realized she didn't know her way around and so paused. She swiftly turned, eyes on her joined fingers. Lylah lifted her gaze, finding warmth in May's chocolate eyes. "It's on your far right sweetie, second floor, glass doors", May winked. "Thank you", Lylah mouthed. Lylah sighed, her mind wandering off once again. She thought of how nice this would be if they were still together. It would be their mini-vacation. "And that would give him more reason to neglect his work since he got you", Lylah's subconscious told her. This was exactly what Mark had warned her about, because of which Liam had thrown digs at her. "Welcome", a dark curly lady greeted. "Your name please?" "Lylah Jeurgens", Lylah smiled. The lady who seemed to be in her early twenties, wrapped the tag arou