Chapter 4) The Price of Silence

Despite my detailed explanation, it was clear that I hadn’t earned anyone’s trust. Frustration bubbled within me, threatening to spill over. I let out a heavy sigh and clenched my fists, trying to stay composed.

William turned casually to Natasha. “So, what’s your plan for today?”

Natasha, who had been glancing at me every few seconds, shifted her focus to him and smiled. “I’m free. Completely at your disposal.”

They began chatting, utterly ignoring me as if I didn’t exist. My heart clenched. I forced a bitter smile, understanding loud and clear: they had no intention of supporting me. They just wanted me gone.

I gave a slight bow and turned to leave. I had never been the type to cry, but since meeting William again, tears had started finding their way to my eyes far too often.

Just as I reached for the door, William’s voice rang out behind me, firm and commanding.

“Stop right there.”

I froze. Slowly, I turned around. “Yes, sir?” I said, my voice quiet and clipped.

Without even glancing at Natasha, he said coolly, “Natasha, I need a moment with her. Alone.”

Natasha's smile faltered. For a brief second, a flicker of disappointment crossed her face, but she quickly masked it with a graceful nod. “Of course.” She stood and exited the room, her heels clicking against the floor.

I stepped a few paces forward. “Yes, sir?” I repeated, confused.

William crossed his arms, his piercing gaze never leaving mine. “Aren’t you going to ask why I called you in here?”

I frowned slightly. “To inform me you’re not firing me?”

He shook his head. “No. Natasha might’ve called you upstairs, but I wanted to talk to you the moment you stepped into this office.”

That revelation hit like a cold splash of water. I hadn’t even asked him anything the first time. I swallowed, anxiety creeping up my spine.

“Why, sir?” I asked cautiously.

William opened a drawer and slid an envelope across the desk. “Take this.”

I stared at it for a second before picking it up and opening it. My heart dropped. A check — for fifty thousand dollars.

“What… what is this?” I asked in disbelief.

His voice was cool, almost cruel. “Payment. For that night. I took your virginity. You deserve this.”

T-H-U-M-P.

It felt like my heart shattered into pieces. I stood there, stunned. My mouth opened, but no words came out.

He tilted his head slightly. “Why the shocked face? Didn’t you know?”

My legs trembled beneath me. If I had known that night had been with him, things would’ve played out so differently. Instead, I had stumbled into a stranger’s arms — or so I thought.

William stood up and began walking toward me. He looked devilishly handsome, but his expression held no softness. His smile, once innocent years ago, had turned into a sardonic smirk that chilled my bones.

He came close — too close — and leaned just enough to lower his voice. “Are you taking the money or not?”

I clenched my jaw, nodded slowly, and muttered, “Yes.”

He scoffed. “I thought you might play the ‘I'm insulted’ card.”

I didn’t reply. My silence was my shield now. There was a time when his nearness brought warmth. Today, it was suffocating.

As he stepped even closer, he brushed a strand of my hair behind my ear. He had done this before… years ago… but this time, it didn’t feel sweet. It felt possessive.

He stared directly into my eyes. “Lily Stephens, don’t tell me you didn’t even know who was with you that night?”

I steadied my breathing. “I didn’t,” I admitted. “That night wasn’t supposed to be about anyone. Just an escape.”

He stepped back, his smile vanishing. “So it doesn’t matter who it was?”

I shrugged. “No. I didn’t know it was you.”

Suddenly, without warning, he pushed me against the door. His voice turned ice-cold.

“You disgust me. You’ve become even more shameless.”

But I wasn’t afraid this time. I stared at him, unwavering. “And what about you, huh? You slept with me while being engaged to Natasha. If anyone’s shameless here, it’s you.”

“GET OUT!” he barked, his voice thunderous, filled with fury.

Without another word, I yanked the door open and stormed out. I didn’t care who he was. I couldn’t bear the sight of his arrogant face any longer.

. . .

Evening — Outside the Office

Exhausted and emotionally drained, I shut down my laptop, grabbed my bag, and walked toward the elevator.

Ding.

As the doors slid open, I spotted Natasha sitting like royalty on the plush VIP sofa nearby. I tried to avoid eye contact and headed toward the exit.

“Lily,” she called out, wearing her usual sugary smile.

I turned with a tight smile. “Hi.”

“How was your day?” she asked, falsely cheerful.

“Rough,” I replied honestly.

She pouted dramatically. “Oh no. I tried talking to William about your promotion, but he didn’t agree.”

“Thanks for trying,” I said dryly.

She leaned in slightly. “You know… William isn’t going to make things easy for you. Why not consider another company? I have great contacts. You’d easily land a managerial role with your background.”

I hesitated. It did sound tempting.

She leaned closer. “What if I offered you fifty thousand dollars to resign?”

My eyes widened. This again? First, I was handed money like a prostitute — now I was being bribed to leave?

I gave a short laugh. “Sorry, Natasha. I don’t trust this sudden kindness.”

Her forced smile twitched. “Well, think about it.”

“I will,” I said, turning away.

. . .

Later That Evening — Apartment Complex

As I approached my building, I spotted Justin walking his dog, Bruno. I waved. “Hey!”

“Hey!” he replied with a warm smile.

Bruno ran up to me, tail wagging. I bent to pet him. “Missed you, Bruno.”

Justin chuckled. “I was away with my parents for a few days.”

“Ah,” I nodded. “Well, good to see you.”

We exchanged a few pleasantries before parting ways. I walked to my apartment, tired yet strangely comforted by the normalcy of that brief moment.

Just as I set my bag down, my phone rang.

Unknown Number.

“Hello?” I answered.

There was silence.

“Hello?” I repeated.

Nothing.

I hung up and began checking the number on Truecaller when it rang again.

This time, a voice responded.

“It’s William Thomas.”

I froze. “What do you want?”

“Come to the office. Right now.”

Before I could protest, the line went dead.

I stared at my screen, seething.

Just because we had one night — just because he was some big boss — didn’t mean he could summon me at will. I had a life, and it was already late.

He had no right.

But still, a part of me was already grabbing my coat.