Less strong

Chapter Fourteen

Martina POV 

I just hope Herrick doesn’t have another plan up his sleeve.

I push the thought away immediately.

Don’t overthink it.

He’s your boss.

That’s all.

I open the door and step out of his office, the quiet of the hallway wrapping around me again. But this time, it doesn’t feel as suffocating.

If anything… I feel lighter.

Relieved.

Today could have gone so much worse.

Way worse.

I walk slowly through the house, my mind replaying everything—the meeting, Collins, Bruno… Herrick’s apology.

That one still doesn’t sit right.

Not because it was wrong.

But because it was… unexpected.

And somehow, that makes it harder to understand.

I step outside, the cool air brushing against my skin as I inhale deeply.

For the first time since morning, I feel like I can actually breathe.

The tension that’s been sitting on my chest all day finally loosens—just a little.

I step out to the roadside and wave down a taxi. The driver pulls over, and I slide into the back seat, giving him my address. As the car moves, I lean back slightly, staring out the window.

The city rushes by, busy, loud and normal.

So different from the chaos in my head.

I close my eyes for a second.

Today… was too much.

By the time I get home, the sun has started to dip, casting a soft glow through the compound.

I push the door open and step inside.

And immediately—

I freeze.

My mom and Vera are both in the living room, and the moment they see me, they stare.

Like I just walked in from a war zone.

Vera’s eyes widen, and she quickly glances at her wristwatch.

“Why are you back so early?” her expression seems to say, even before she speaks.

My mom wheels herself closer, her brows drawn together in concern.

“What happened?” she asks, her voice filled with worry. “Did something happen between you and your boss?”

I blink—then let out a small laugh.

Trust my mom to jump to conclusions.

“Why would you think that?” I say, forcing a light tone. “Because I came home early?”

I drop my bag and walk further in, trying to act normal.

“Nothing happened,” I add. “He just showed me a few things I need to know and asked me to resume work fully tomorrow.”

My mom exhales immediately, relief washing over her face.

“Thank God,” she murmurs softly.

I give her a reassuring smile—but it doesn’t quite reach my eyes.

My gaze shifts around the room.

Something feels off.

Quieter than usual.

“Where’s your caregiver?” I ask, looking back at her.

“Oh,” Vera answers before my mom can. “She stepped out to get something. That’s why I came over. She’ll be back soon.”

I nod slowly.

“Come,” Vera suddenly says, her tone changing slightly. “Come and tell me about your first day at work.”

There’s a knowing look in her eyes.

One I try to ignore.

Still, I follow her down the hallway and into my room.

The moment the door closes behind us—

Everything shifts, the air, the mood.

Her expression.

She turns to face me, her eyes softening—but not in a comforting way.

In a knowingand pitying way.

“I know something happened,” she says quietly. “You don’t look fine.”

I open my mouth to respond—

But she cuts me off.

“And don’t even try to lie,” she adds, crossing her arms. “There’s no way you can deceive me. So… start talking.”

I force a small smile.

“There’s nothing,” I insist.

She raises a brow.

“Have you started keeping things from me now?” she asks.

I shake my head quickly. “No.”

But even as I say it, I know she doesn’t believe me.

Vera steps closer, her gaze fixed on mine.

“Martina…”

The way she says my name—

Soft and firm. She’s not letting this go.

I sigh quietly, dropping my shoulders.

If I don’t tell her something…

She’ll keep pushing.

And honestly—

I don’t have the strength to keep pretending right now.

I sink onto the edge of the bed, my hands resting loosely on my lap.

For a moment, I just stare at the floor.

Where do I even start?

Vera doesn’t rush me this time. She just stands there, arms folded, watching… waiting.

I let out a slow breath.

“Today was…” I pause, searching for the right word. “A lot.”

“That bad?” she asks softly.

I nod.

“I went to meet a business partner on Herrick’s behalf,” I begin, my voice steady at first. “At first, everything seemed normal. He gave me a file, told me what to do…”

I swallow.

“Then he said I had to stay. Have lunch with him before he’d sign anything.”

Vera’s expression hardens immediately.

“Of course he did,” she mutters under her breath.

I give a humorless laugh.

“I refused,” I continue. “I called Herrick, and he told me to leave. So I tried to.”

My fingers tighten slightly.

“But he blocked the door.”

Silence.

Vera’s arms slowly drop to her sides.

“What?” she asks, her voice lower now.

“He wouldn’t let me go,” I say quietly. “He… tried to touch me.”

The words feel heavier out loud.

Real.

Vera’s face darkens instantly. “That bastard—”

“But someone came in,” I cut in quickly.

She pauses.

“Who?”

I hesitate, but it was just for a second.

Then—

“Bruno.”

The name hangs in the air.

Vera’s eyes widen slightly. “Bruno? There?”

I nod.

“He stopped it,” I say, my voice softer now. “He yelled at Collins. Made him back off.”

Vera studies my face carefully.

“And?”

That one word carries everything.

I let out a bitter laugh.

“And nothing,” I say. “I left.”

“You just left?” she presses.

“I didn’t want to see him,” I admit, my voice tightening. “Not there. Not like that. Not after everything.”

My chest feels heavy again just thinking about it.

“I couldn’t even look at him properly, Vera,” I add. “I just… walked out.”

Vera doesn’t speak immediately.

She walks closer and sits beside me on the bed.

“Did he try to talk to you?” she asks.

I nod faintly.

“He called my name,” I say. “Tried to ask if I was okay.”

“And you ignored him?”

“I told him to stay away from me.”

The words come out quieter this time.

Less strong.