6/Anxiety Over The Revenge

The way Janiya decided to end things with Dean took a lot out of her. But she was glad that she had the strength to show him the door. She wanted him to exit her life for good. The anxiety that had filled her waking days and nights was starting to subside. But the fear and apprehension, Janiya knew, would be something she couldn’t easily erase. She knew she had made the right decision to break up with him. But the physical effects were still with her, like her throat being sore and dry, and that constant ache within her heart remained. She knew without looking at a mirror that her eyes were swollen from her crying.

How could she face him again, a man that she once shared all her hopes and dreams with, thinking he was going to be her husband? Janiya found it increasingly difficult to return to work after spending an entire year in a secret relationship with Dean. Thank goodness, no one really knew for sure if they were involved with one another. But everyone suspected something was going on. It would be awful for them to discover that she had been abandoned for another woman.

“I’m strong. Everything that's hit me in life, I’ve dealt with on my own. I’ve cried myself to sleep, picked myself up, and wiped my tears. He tried to break me, but instead, I’ve grown from this experience. I’m going to get stronger by the day with the help of God.”

So, her goal for now is to keep her distance. But she found herself ducking and having to dodge in the corridors, and instead of taking the elevator, she took the stairs. She meant she wasn’t a bit interested in bumping into Dean around the office or even the building. Janiya sat in her office most of the time, letting the hours in the day pass by, thinking, occasionally crying, and then getting upset all over again, realizing that Dean had played her like a fiddle. And his type was the worst of them all. Handsome and full of charm, with a smile that could melt stones. He’s the kind of man who deserves what is coming to him.

And what was coming to him, she couldn’t wait for him to experience it. For weeks now, she’s been consumed by her anger and desire for revenge; she didn't think too much about any repercussions that might come her way. All she could think about was making sure Dean suffered.

“There is no way his actions will be overlooked by this woman, Brooklyn. She will dump him so fast, his head will spin like a top. And I can’t wait for that day to come. But wait… what if she doesn’t stick it to him like I’m hoping she will? I guess I’ll cross that bridge when the time comes. But what is taking her so long to act? Did she receive my package?" she wondered. "Will she get upset and angry over finding out about Dean's cheating ways? Will she even respond to the package, and if so, how? I'm sure she's received it by now." Feeling perplexed, Janiya decided to go to the break room to make herself a hot cup of tea.

"This waiting is driving me insane," Janiya mumbled as she entered the room, surprised to find him sitting there. Without warning, he glanced at her, as his gaze slowly examined her face, lingering on her mouth.

Dean sat there at the table in the break room. He was watching this elegant beauty pour a cup of coffee and staring at her curling mass of heavy, dark hair falling around her delicate shoulders. Her long, flared, cotton jersey-tailored dress moved softly on her frame, its soft coral color flattering the intense vibrancy of her deep bronze skin.

“The coffee is excellent,” He stated.

Janiya tried her hardest to ignore him.

“Perhaps you’d like to join me?” He said the words tentatively, as if testing her reaction and his own for extending the offer. His gaze burned into hers while a muscle barely tensed in his lean jaw.

Janiya could feel his heavy gaze assessing her from head to toe. It made her very uneasy to have him, of all people, watching her so closely. She thought as agitation began to set in. Did he know what she had done? Had the other woman called him already to question him? No, there is no way he would be this calm about it. He doesn’t know yet what’s in store for him. So, she tilted her chin and flashed an artificial smile.

“I don’t think so.” She replied, her words layered with ice.

When she returned to her desk, she was surprised to find a beautiful bouquet waiting for her. She picked up the card and read it. "I'm so lost emotionally. Then you came along and showed me what love looks and feels like. You did all that for me first. It just means I have feelings for you, and I know you love me too. I'm saying I'm sorry. That's all." After reading the message, Janiya sighed.

“No, you are not sorry yet.” Then tossed the bouquet into the wastebasket.

It was around 3 pm, the day and time, when Mr. Dean Whitmore's life was turned upside down. It began when Janiya walked into his office and placed her resignation letter on his desk.

“What is this? Why are you quitting? Please don’t leave, Janiya. Did you get my flowers and card? I feel so ashamed, I’m admitting that I was greedy! But it isn’t love. Love has nothing to do with my being with Brooklyn; you must trust me. Please, don’t shake your head no, baby. You must believe me!”

“Look where trusting and believing you has gotten me. I’m not your girlfriend or your baby anymore! And you are practically a married man! That’s what I believe! So, you don’t owe me any explanations. Save those for the woman you plan to marry.”

“Fair enough. I understand you are upset with me. I get that. But quitting your job. Don’t you think you are taking this too far? And where are you going to find another high-paying salary job like this one?”

“Humph! Dean, I’ve always worked hard for what I want. I’ll make my dreams happen. So, don’t start acting as if you care about me now.”

“But I do care about you, deeply, Janiya. If you quit, that means you won't be able to see me again. Don’t overreact and do something so drastically. Are you sure that’s what you want? I don’t want you to live with regret. You’re only making this harder on yourself. Remember, you told me, I was your first love.”

“But you won’t be my last. I want to get as far away from this place as possible.”

Janiya hid her tears from him, but her body was shaking. Dean saw the pain and disappointment she had in him for using her. He hung his head, feeling his chest tightening, thinking. ‘These emotions are so controlling! Her essence permeated every molecule that made him human. It made him upset. Dean looked up.

“I know you think my marrying Brooklyn is a stupid idea! But you have to look at this the way I do. It’s business. What do you want me to say? I made a mistake. Fine! I messed up! I know you think I’m perfect, but I’m a man. Give me one more chance. Why are you being so cruel?”

“I learned it from the best.” She settled her stern gaze on him. Letting him see the fury before she walked away, slamming his office door.

Shortly after receiving the blow that Janiya was leaving the company, which felt like a punch to the gut. Dean knew Janiya wasn’t coming back to him; no, she was cutting off ties with him for good. Dean sat at his desk for hours, unable to accomplish anything. He had to sort through his jumbled thoughts when his phone vibrated on the desk once again, revealing a message that made his heart race and his breath catch in his throat: “You are going to regret what you have done.”