Chapter Five; I'm so screwed

I scurried out the door the moment I arrived at my department floor, sweat gathering at my temples as my breaths fell short.

My hands trembled at my sides, my steps faltering as my heartbeat drummed in my ears.

Oh no, this is the absolute worst time to have a panic attack.

“Aurelia!” I raised my gaze to find Caspian's soft eyes looking down at me in concern. He held onto my shoulders firmly, and it was only then I realized that I had zoned out for a moment.

I must have bumped into him unintentionally, but still, I was really glad to see him.

Heaving out a sigh of relief, I lean on his broad shoulders. Caspian goes rigid against me, and my stomach churns painfully when he carefully pulls away, putting a foot's distance between us as he clears his throat.

Hurt flashes in my eyes as he looks off to the side, his whole demeanor distant.

Not him too?

“Are you alright?” He asks in an unusually formal tone, but I don't question him. I straightened up, squaring my shoulders as my hands moved to smooth the non-existent creases on my skirt.

I forced a smile, “I'm fine.” I answered him, the lie leaving a sour taste on my tongue.

Caspian nods curtly, not sparing me another glance as he continues on his way along the hall. I pull my bottom lip between my teeth as my throat worked, and with a newfound determination to find out just what the fuck was going on, I stormed towards my team's studio.

The scent of new fabrics tickled my nostrils as I arrived at the studio, filling me with a brief sense of serenity. The room was a symphony of creativity, with racks of luxurious fabrics in every shade and texture imaginable.

Design sketches adorned the walls, each one a glimpse into the creative process that brought our collections to life. Mannequins stood proudly, draped in the latest designs, their forms a testament to the artistry of our designers. My colleagues bustled about, none of them had yet to sense my presence as they focused on their individual tasks.

Kendall was carefully inspecting a bolt of fabric, his trained eye discerning its quality and potential. Matthew was busy at work at a nearby table, his hands deftly shaping a new prototype. Olivia engaged in a deep conversation with Kendall, probably discussing the finer details of a new design. Mrs Juniper wasn’t at her workspace, and I didn’t bother looking for Caspian.

“Good morning everyone.” I ventured, my voice straining with farce delight. They all looked my way and I don't miss how they each shared wary side glances on my arrival, undoubtedly confirming my suspicions.

They definitely know something I don't, hell the whole damn building knows. And somehow I remained clueless.

“Okay, can someone tell me why everyone’s staring at me like I have crap on my head?” I snapped, desperate for answers and fed up with the awkward treatment.

“You don't know?” Kendal broke the silence first, and Olivia cast him a warning glare which he casually dismissed with an eye roll.

“It's obviously because of what you posted on the company's platform.”

This again? I thought deliriously, it was the same topic those ladies were whispering about earlier.

But the fact remained that I didn't post anything.

“What post?” I questioned, and they all shared puzzled looks.

“Have you checked your phone today, Auri?” Olivia asks softly, and I shake my head.

“Well, I advise you do,” Mathew adds gently, and I hesitate for a bit before reaching into my bag to retrieve the device.

Nothing could have prepared me for what I saw next.

“Oh no.” My hand slapped against my mouth, the color draining from my cheeks as my pupils dilated in horror. “Oh no no no no.”

This can't be happening…

Why….why is the sex bucket list on the company’s forum website?

“Shit.” Kendal gaped, his expression shifting into worry “She really didn't know.”, but I could hardly hear him over the ringing in my ears.

“Aurelia.” I stiffen in my spot as Mrs. Juniper walks into the room, the older woman offers me a sympathetic smile, but I can easily sense the uneasiness hiding behind it.

I instinctively dreaded the words that would leave her lips next.

“The CEO called for you.”

My heart skips a dozen beats.

The CEO, Mr Luke Graham…the name of one of the men I had boldly placed on the list.

I gulped my spit, my grip on my phone tightening.

Only one thought came to mind at that moment.

I'm so screwed.