Chapter 60: Torn Between Two Worlds

Jeslyn stepped into the public elevator, its back wall made of transparent glass. From this height, she could see the lobby of the office building growing smaller beneath her.

And there he was Leonel. Standing beside a beautiful woman in an elegant dress, her shoulder-length wavy hair framing a confident posture.

The woman was hugging Leonel. Tightly. Intimately. As if there was no distance between them. And the worst part?

Leonel didn’t resist.

Jeslyn froze.

Her fists clenched at her sides. Her eyes locked onto the painful scene below, her heart twisting violently in her chest.

A flash of memory came to her, Jefran’s video, the one he had sent her before. In that video, Leonel and the same woman, Clarissa were in a room together, laughing, sharing meaningful looks.

Jeslyn turned her face away, struggling to steady her breath. But her head was already full of questions. Full of anger.

Clarissa? Who is that woman, really? How could she make Leonel choose her over me and embrace her in public like that?

The elevator doors opened. Jeslyn stepped out slowly, lowering her head to avoid eye contact with any coworkers who might see the tears brimming in her eyes.

She wanted to scream. To leave this building and never return. But tonight, she had to stand next to Leonel in front of important clients.

And pretend that everything was okay.

Jeslyn sat at her desk, usually her sanctuary—a place of strength and control. But not today.

Her shoulders trembled as a silent sob rose from her chest. Tears streamed down her cheeks, unstoppable.

“I should’ve known…” she whispered, her voice barely audible in the stillness of the room.

“There was never any clarity. No promises. No love. Why did I keep hoping?”

She wiped her tears roughly, as if trying to erase the pain in her heart. But the more she tried to stay strong, the more her emotions shattered.

“I was just his comfort woman. Nothing more,” she muttered bitterly.

Her phone vibrated on the desk.

Leonel.

Jeslyn stared at the screen, heart pounding with rage, pain, and disappointment.

She pressed mute and turned the phone face down.

Leaning back in her chair, she gazed blankly at the ceiling.

Inside, she wrestled with herself should she go to the event tonight and pretend to be the strong, professional woman she had always been?

Or was it finally time to put herself first, to stop breaking for a man who never truly chose her?

A soft knock on her office door pulled her back to the present. Jeslyn quickly wiped her face.

“Mrs. Jeslyn?” came a gentle voice. It was Andien, her closest colleague.

“Come in,” Jeslyn replied.

The door creaked open, and Andien entered holding several documents. She paused when she noticed Jeslyn’s puffy eyes.

Her face filled with concern as she approached and gently placed the documents on the desk.

“I’m sorry if I’m interrupting. These are the final reports for this afternoon’s meeting. But … are you okay?”

Jeslyn looked down, hiding the strain in her breath.

“I’m fine,” she answered softly, though her voice cracked.

Andien didn’t sit down right away. She studied Jeslyn’s face with quiet empathy.

“You don’t have to pretend with me, you know. If you need someone to talk to … I’m here.”

Jeslyn attempted a smile, but it looked more like a scar than comfort.

“Thank you, Andien. I’m just … a little tired.”

Andien finally sat across from her. “Alright then.” She didn’t push, simply waited as Jeslyn reviewed the documents.

The room was quiet except for the faint sound of pages turning and Jeslyn’s slow, weary breathing.

After a few minutes, Jeslyn nodded and set the documents down.

“These are good. Tell the finance team to give it a final review before the meeting.”

Andien stood and collected the files, but paused at the door.

“Miss Jeslyn … I know it’s not my place, but … will you still attend the event tonight?”

Jeslyn was silent for a few seconds, then nodded faintly.

“Yes. I’ll still go.”

“In that case,” Andien bowed respectfully, “I hope tonight goes smoothly. And … I hope you stay strong.”

Those simple words lightened Jeslyn’s heart just a little.

“Thank you, Andien.”

What Andien didn’t know, what she assumed. Was that Jeslyn’s sadness came from Jefran’s jealousy, not from attending the gala with Leonel.

When Andien left, gently closing the door behind her, Jeslyn leaned back again in her chair. She took a deep breath, then stood and walked to the large window behind her desk.

Outside, the sky was bright and blue, so different from how she felt inside.

Her phone rang again. This time, it was Jefran.

Jeslyn answered.

“Yes, Jef?”

“I heard you’ll be going with Leonel to the Halder International event?” Jefran asked.

Jeslyn closed her eyes briefly, tightening her grip on the phone.

His voice was calm, but the sharpness underneath was unmistakable.

“Yes,” she finally replied, her voice low. “I have to go. It’s part of my job.”

“Your job?” he repeated bitterly. “Or are you still hoping for something from him?”

Jeslyn clamped her lips shut, her chest tightening.

“Jef… this isn’t the time. I’m tired.”

“But you’re still going, Jeslyn,” he said quietly, though with force.

“After everything you saw. After everything he’s done. You’re still choosing to stand beside him.”

“I’m not choosing, Jef. I have no choice,” she said, voice trembling. “I have responsibilities. If you can’t understand that, then fine.”

There was a long silence. Only his heavy breath filled the line.

“I know you’re strong, Jes. But sometimes, being strong all the time only hurts you more,” he finally said, more gently now.

Jeslyn held back another sob.

“I know,” she whispered.

“I just don’t want to see you destroying yourself. That’s all. I can help you get away from him, Jes.”

Jeslyn closed her eyes and nodded, even though he couldn’t see her.

“Thank you, Jef. But for now, I need to face this on my own.”

“Alright. But my offer stands. Anytime. Just come to me when you’re ready.”

“Thank you.”

“Oh, and … I’ll be at the Halder event too. I accepted the invitation.”

Jeslyn’s eyes widened.

“You’re coming too?”

“Yes. I’m part of the company too, Jes. We’ll be in the same room tonight.”

Suddenly, the weight in Jeslyn’s chest grew heavier. It felt like walking on burning coals, caught between two worlds on the verge of colliding.

She prayed nothing would erupt tonight.

“Then … I’ll see you there,” she murmured.

“Jes—” Jefran paused. “If at any moment you want to leave the event… or him, just give me one sign. I’ll be there right away and get you out. Even if all you want is to sit in the car and breathe, I’ll come to you.”

Jeslyn bit her lower lip, trying to hold back the surge of emotion.

“Don’t be too kind, Jef,” she whispered.

“It’s not about kindness. It’s about you deserving happiness,” he replied with conviction.

And then, there were no more words.

Both of them knew, tonight would reveal truths that could no longer be hidden.

Jeslyn ended the call without saying goodbye and hugged herself in front of the window.

She was overwhelmed by Jefran’s sudden shift. He used to be distant—indifferent. But now, he seemed like the ideal fiancé who was willing to forgive betrayal just to protect her.

“Why am I stuck in this situation…” she muttered to herself.

***