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Chapter 18: Stay With Me

Author: Raven Black
last update Last Updated: 2025-06-12 05:07:57
RONALD

I sat in my office, the dull sound of the air conditioning filling the silence. I had not seen or heard from Jeffrey since the dinner. Even though we worked under the same roof, it was as if Jeffrey had vanished.

He used to pop in at least once a day. With an excuse about anything, client files, a question about branding, a sarcastic quip about my stubborn taste in suits, just to close the distance. Now, nothing.

When he needed something done, his secretary Ruby would show up. He arrived at work right on time, and left the second his hours were over.

I didn’t press it. I had told myself that the office wasn't the place to fix what broke between us. I wouldn’t corner Jeffrey at work anymore. If we were going to talk, it wouldn’t be in a place like this.

I glanced at the time and stood, adjusting my sleeves. Before heading out for the day, I decided to check on the experimental agriculture project happening four floors below.

The project manager greeted me warmly and gave a
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