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CHAPTER NINETEEN

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last update Dernière mise à jour: 2025-09-19 18:37:59

Ken

Finally, Friday.

I chuckled inwardly as I stood at the farthest corner of the boardroom, my back resting against the wall like I had no stake in what was unfolding. My eyes scanned the faces one by one, quietly, deliberately. It felt almost biblical, as though the day of reckoning had arrived.

I had never been in this position before. Always the boss, always the one who controlled the flow of a room, giving orders that made people stiffen or second-guess their worth. But today, the silence was suffocating, the tension tangible enough to slice. I could almost hear the thrum of nerves beneath the stillness—shallow breathing, feet tapping under tables, fingers drumming discreetly against the wood.

Some wore nervous smiles, flimsy masks that failed to hide the storm brewing inside them. Others had hardened their faces into blank walls, unwilling to reveal anything. And then there were those who looked almost smug, the ones who thought they had played their cards right by running
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  • Once won't hurt    CHAPTER TWENTY FOUR

    Mira The sound of arguments reached me from the porch. What was it this time? I rang the bell, and the voices went silent. Mother answered, smiling. I was tired of her smiling like things were perfect. I greeted her and walked in. Much to my surprise, Lizzy was there. Why?Adrian hugged me—something I loved. Lizzy stayed still on the chair while my dad remained standing."Hi Lizzy, congratulations.""Thanks," she said without looking at me.I walked closer. "How does it feel being married?""Great.""Being married is bliss, my dear. Besides, Ethan is a great man," my mother chimed in."Lizzy, you'll lend me some marital advice when I need it," Adrian teased."You left without informing me yesterday. You were to stay till the end," my dad started, already angry."I was exhausted and had emails from work.""Work. Is that why you abandoned your family?" He was almost fuming. I held my anger at bay."Darling, don’t be so hard on her," my mother’s pretentious voice cut in. I sat near Lizz

  • Once won't hurt    CHAPTER TWENTY THREE

    MiraThe ride to the church was peaceful—maybe because no one asked me funny questions, or because I rode with my uncle Gregory and his family. Just as I’d presumed, my parents didn’t approve of my dressing. Mum said it revealed too much, that I was trying to steal the bride’s spotlight. Dad said the fabric looked too expensive and kept probing about how I made money.I didn’t do much—just mild makeup, my hair pulled into a bun with a few strands cascading down to my bosom, and simple jewelry. I had foreseen their reactions.Before we departed, tension brewed between my parents and me, all because of my outfit. When Uncle Gregory arrived with a tie for Dad, I seized the chance to join him. Riding with my parents would have been horrific.As the car moved, I noticed how much the city had changed, but I wasn’t in the mood to appreciate it—my heart pounded as we neared the church.I sat on the second pew, and Adrian joined me soon after. We were supposed to sit with our parents in the fr

  • Once won't hurt    CHAPTER TWENTY TWO

    Mira Standing on the too-familiar porch, I felt nothing—no rush of emotions, no longing, just a faint nerve reminding me I was about to see their faces. Laughter rang out—melodious and free. I heard my mom’s voice, faint but distinct, followed by another burst of laughter. I stood there, bag in hand, wondering how they would receive me. Taking a deep breath, I pressed the doorbell. It was mother’s habit to answer the door, no matter how busy she was. My grip on my bag tightened as I pictured her face. My heart pounded as soft footsteps approached. The glass door swung open, faster than I’d imagined. Nerves kicked in, and I wished the ground would swallow me whole. She stepped out, one hand on the frame, the other hanging loosely by her side. My feet stayed rooted; words failed me. She was exactly as I remembered—still beautiful, barely aged, just a little plumper. Her gray joggers and green T-shirt made her seem taller somehow. Her face shifted from surprise to a warm smile, one th

  • Once won't hurt    CHAPTER TWENTY ONE

    Mira The long-awaited day had arrived. Friday—the day I would see my family after years. The thought felt like torment: to finally face them, especially my grown-up siblings. Time was running faster than I wanted; in a few hours I’d be standing on my parents’ porch. Laura would book a hotel while I stayed at my parents’; if I sensed I wasn’t welcome, I’d decamp. Perfect plan. I wasn’t going to try fitting in if they weren’t accommodating. Work came first. Voughan was set for next week and I had projects to wrap. To me now, Gigs building had lost its lustre—or maybe it never had any. I exchanged pleasantries with the receptionist, still congratulating me, when clapping and the click of heels announced Sarah. I smiled. The fool was digging her own grave. “You don’t bother about work anymore.” She planted a hand on her hip, the other on the desk. I didn’t respond and she took the bait. “You spend time with Elen instead of facing your designs. You were always serious—what happened?” I

  • Once won't hurt    CHAPTER TWENTY

    Mira It had been a week since I was enlisted for Voughan’s training. A dream come true — I still basked in the euphoria, relieved every time I remembered hearing my name. It was a messy mixture of joy, nerves and disbelief. I’d always wanted a bigger, tougher game: a place of endless possibilities, where I could learn from experts and use the best equipment. I never saw this coming. Seeing Clara’s face that day — the anger as she left, the confusion — said everything. She’d expected it; it felt planned. She had given hints before he appeared. I could tell they’d schemed. What a joke of a company. Bernard… that was who he was: ready to throw others under the bus for someone else’s sake. Now I saw him for who he really was. It hurt me, I had been loyal, respectful and diligent, and he would rather chose Clara over me? Maybe she’d been rejected by Voughan and I’d slipped onto the list, but I was happy nonetheless. I called Laura and she was over the moon. She insisted we celebrate in a

  • Once won't hurt    CHAPTER NINETEEN

    Ken Finally, Friday. I chuckled inwardly as I stood at the farthest corner of the boardroom, my back resting against the wall like I had no stake in what was unfolding. My eyes scanned the faces one by one, quietly, deliberately. It felt almost biblical, as though the day of reckoning had arrived. I had never been in this position before. Always the boss, always the one who controlled the flow of a room, giving orders that made people stiffen or second-guess their worth. But today, the silence was suffocating, the tension tangible enough to slice. I could almost hear the thrum of nerves beneath the stillness—shallow breathing, feet tapping under tables, fingers drumming discreetly against the wood. Some wore nervous smiles, flimsy masks that failed to hide the storm brewing inside them. Others had hardened their faces into blank walls, unwilling to reveal anything. And then there were those who looked almost smug, the ones who thought they had played their cards right by running

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