Twisted Cruelty

"What's he doing here", Lylah repeated.

Raj simply threw a smirk at the young lady. He enjoyed getting a reaction out of her every single time.

"Lylah, please join us", Mark pointed to the empty seat next to Raj.

Lylah reluctantly walked to her seat, then finally sat down, trying her best not to offer Raj even a glance.

She didn't want to see his stupid smirk again.

"I have an urgent assignment for you both", Mark cut to the chase.

Lylah's eyes narrowed as she sat down next to Raj in Mark's office. She couldn't believe she was being forced to work with her ex again.

Mark smiled, not quite oblivious to the tension between them, but he making money off his capable employees was more important.

"So, I'm sure you're both aware of the upcoming conference for publishers. We've been invited to attend, and I think it's a great opportunity for us to network and learn more about the industry."

Lylah's gut tightened as Mark dropped the bombshell.

"I've decided that Lylah will be attending as our editor, and you Raj, will be joining her as our graphic designer."

Raj's smirk made Lylah's skin crawl. She knew he was enjoying her discomfort.

"Errrm, excuse me Mark but I think Francheska or Luna would be a better fit for the job", Lylah politely declined.

Mark's expression turned quizzical.

"Oh? Why's that, Lylah? You're our top editor, and I think you'd be perfect for this conference."

Lylah hesitated, trying to come up with a diplomatic explanation.

"Well, Mark, I think Francheska or Luna would be a better fit for this conference. They're both familiar with the publishing industry, and they'd be great representatives for our company."

Mark leaned back in his chair, steepling his fingers together.

"That's outrageously ridiculous young lady", Mark shook his head.

"You Lylah, you are Prose and Co's star editor, you've handled so many projects effortlessly. You can withstand pressure. Do I honestly need to spell out how great you are at your job?"

"But Mark, I think the others should be given a chance to prove themselves too, I can't always take every-

"Oh yeah, like Luna and Francheska?", Raj chimed in smoothly.

Lylah paused.

"As a matter of fact yes", her tone was sharp.

"Miss Jeurgens, this program isn't a talent scouting program but rather it is to enhance your editorial skills. I can't have my star editor lacking. This isn't up for discussion. You're on", Mark barked.

Lylah's heart sank. She had been hoping to avoid spending a week with Raj, but it seemed like that wasn't going to be possible.

"I...I suppose you're right, Mark," she said reluctantly.

Mark nodded, a smile spreading across his face.

"Great! I'll make sure to have Kim book your flights and accommodations. You and Raj will be representing our company at the conference, and I expect you both to make a great impression."

Lylah felt a surge of anxiety. A week with Raj? She wasn't even sure if she could handle it.

"How long is the conference again, Mark?" she asked, trying to stall.

Mark checked his notes.

"It's a week-long conference, starting on Monday. You and Raj will need to arrive on Sunday to check in and get settled."

Lylah nodded, trying to process the information. A week with Raj, stuck in the same hotel, attending the same conference. She wasn't sure if she was ready for this.

"Well that would be all", Mark clasped his hands together.

Lylah nodded in understanding then rose.

"And oh Lylah, after this conference, you can have your leave"

Lylah replied with a tight smile before stepping out of Mark's office, Raj following closely behind.

Lylah reached her cubicle and sat comfortably in her seat.

She was ready to clear the few manuscripts she had to edit before this unplanned trip.

She looked at the ceiling, lost in her own thoughts.

"I guess I'm picking you up at 1 in the afternoon on Sunday then", she heard him say.

"No need, I can find my way to the airport", Lylah nonchalantly typed on her keyboard, avoiding Raj's gaze.

She could feel his gaze on her. But who cared, she obviously didn't.

❣️                            ❣️                          ❣️

Sunday swept by in a blur. And Lylah was just too edgy for her own good. She took one last look at herself in the mirror, before finally dragging her luggage with her.

Before, this would have been a dream come true, but right now, she wasn't even attracted to the man anymore.

"Where are you off to?"

Luna stood in the living room, stuffing her face with cookies and a bowl of ice cream.

"Hi Luna"

Lylah whispered sheepishly.

"Don't hi me", Luna rolled her eyes.

Lylah left her luggage by the dining table and approached Luna.

"Adwoa, come on. I decided to give you a call when I'm already there. I didn't know how to tell you", Lylah tried explaining.

Luna squinted her eyes a bit, then shook her head. She was a bit confused.

What was so hard for Lylah to say that she'd rather speak of it over the phone.

"Oh my Goddddddddddddddd!", Luna jumped, abandoning her snack, focusing solely on Lylah.

Lylah looked on clearly amused. But knowing Luna, whatever she was about to say wasn't something too good.

"I can't believe you finally listened to me. I've been telling you to get laid for months and now your clothes it's packed. I knew it oh Jesus", Luna rapped.

Lylah folded her arms.

"Do you still have a good gag reflex though, because girl, you have to choke on some di-

"Luna!"

"I'm not going to screw some weirdo and definitely not Raj", Lylah cut in.

The things Luna said sometimes.

"What?"

"Raj?", Luna popped an eyebrow up.

Lylah sighed.

"There's a publisher's conference happening in Kumasi, and myself and Raj are to represent PROSE AND CO. And it's a whole week", Lylah revealed.

"I even tried to push the opportunity to you but Mark wouldn't have it", She whispered the latter.

"Ly, we both know you're the best PROSE AND CO ever had. Don't let Raj ruin anything for you. Go out there and shine", Luna giggled.

"Who cares, just go and be you"

Lylah hugged Luna as silent sobs wrecked her body.

"Why are you crying idiot?", Luna questioned.

Lylah laughed.

"I'm not, I think my pussy leaking into my eyes", Lylah replied.

They both bursted into laughter as they broke up the hug.

"C'mon, let's go, you need a ride to the airport", Luna grabbed Lylah's luggage.

A look at Luna and Lylah smiled. There was no one like her.

She too was family.

Her sister.