CAVING IN TO HIS SEDUCTION

Chapter Nine

SUSAN

The guilt grew in me like a persistent rodent. The harsh words I used towards Aaron continued to echo in my mind, a constant reminder of the self-sabotaging mess I had created. I brushed it aside, forcing a smile as I dialled my boyfriend’s number.

Our relationship was partially back on track again aside from the numerous excuses he gave whenever we were supposed to meet. Our conversation was strained, filled with uncomfortable silences. As usual, he apologized for not being around, citing work commitments, but his voice lacked its usual warmth.

The late afternoon sun cast long shadows across my desk. Papers overflowed from my inbox, a testament to the relentless work I had to accomplish. With a long sigh, I pushed aside a half bagel and squinted at the computer screen. Emails blurred before my eyes, a combination of exhaustion and the gnawing anxiety that had been building since my conversation with Henry.

“Hey, workaholic,” a voice startled me. I looked up to see my co-worker, Lucy, leaning against the cubicle wall, a knowing smile playing on her lips.

“Just… stuck,” I sighed, gesturing at the blank document. “This report isn’t going anywhere.”

“Uh-huh,” Lucy said, her voice dripping with friendly scepticism. “And what about that date you mentioned? Shouldn’t you be getting ready to wow Mr. Wonderful?”

I grimaced. “About that….”

I recounted the conversation with Henry, my voice tinged with frustration as I described the rescheduled weekend trip and the “surprise” client meeting. Lucy, listened intently, her brow furrowing with concern.

I hate that I had to be seen as vulnerable before my co-worker, but at this point, I needed someone to talk to else I would lose my sanity. The constant issues with Henry was beginning to make me go crazy. At first, I thought I would get used to his nonchalant attitude but it was getting out of hand. If there was anyone I could confide in regarding my personal life at work, it was definitely Lucy.

“That sounds fishy. Susy,” Lucy finally said, her voice firm. “Workaholic or not, even CEOs need a break. This whole last-minute thing twice in a row? It doesn’t smell right.”

I bit my lip, the doubt Lucy voiced echoing my own growing suspicions. “Maybe you’re right,” I admitted reluctantly. “But what if there really is a big deal on the line? I wouldn’t want to be the reason he misses out on a career-defining opportunity.”

Lucy snorted. “Come on, Susan. You’re not his secretary, you’re his girlfriend. A supportive one for sure, but you deserve some respect too. Besides, a real career-defining deal wouldn’t require him to keep away from you all the time.”

I pondered on her words, a spark of defiance igniting within me. Maybe I had been too understanding, too willing to bend over backwards for a relationship that felt one-sided.

“you know what,” I said, a new sense of resolve hardening my voice. “I’m not going to sit here all day and wallow over someone who doesn’t seem interested in seeing me. I deserve better than that.”

Lucy grinned, her eyes sparkling with approval. “That’s the spirit! Now how about we ditch this office and grab lunch ourselves. My treat.”

I smiled back, the warmth spreading through my chest. “Sounds perfect.”

A few days after my conversation with Lucy, a familiar ringtone of Henry’s call pierced the afternoon quiet. It was the weekend and my only opportunity to unwind from the stress of the week.

I glanced at the phone, a wave pf apprehension washing over me. Hesitantly, I picked up.

“Hey babe,” Henry’s voiced crackled with excitement, compared to his usual monotone. “Guess what?”

I braced myself. “What?” I replied reluctantly.

“C’mon give it a try,” he said once again.

“I can’t think of anything, Henry. What is it?” I snorted.

“I landed the Evans contract! The big one I’ve always talked about!” he practically shouted into the phone. “It’s huge, Susan! Huge!”

A flicker of surprise sparked it my chest. This was a significant deal for Henry, something he had being chasing for weeks. “Wow, that’s amazing, Henry. Congratulations!” I said genuinely.

“Thank you so much, babe! I knew I could do it,” he continued, a hint of smugness creeping into his voice. “And to celebrate, how about we have a victory dinner? My treat, of course.”

I hesitated. The memory of his broken promises was still fresh in my mind. “Dinner sounds good, but…..”

“Tonight? At the Porter House? I hear they have the best steak in town.” Henry cut me off, his enthusiasm bubbling over. “Come on, babe, you deserve it after putting up with all my late nights.”

I bit my lips. Despite my reservations, a part of me wanted to believe him. Maybe this time would be different. “Alright,” I finally agreed. “Tonight it is. But don’t be late, Henry. Not this time.”

“Wouldn’t dream of it,” he promised, his voice dripping with charm. “This time, it’s just you and me. No work emergencies, no last minute cancellation. Just celebrating my big win and your amazing support.”

“Okay.” I hung up the phone, a storm of emotions swirling inside me. A cautious hope battled with the lingering suspicion. I pushed the thoughts of doubts aside and decided to focus on the positive. Maybe, just maybe, this date could be a turning point in our relationship. With a new sense of resolve, I began browsing online, searching for the perfect outfit to celebrate Henry’s success and hopefully, the start of a new chapter for us.

Upbeat music filled the air as I curled my hair in preparation for our date. I slipped into a stunning dress, the emerald green hugged my curves perfectly, a subtle shimmer catching the lights.

Every glance at the clock sent a jolt of nervous excitement through me. Memories of Henry’s promises lurked at the edges of my mind, but I pushed them down, clinging to a silver of hope.

Finally, ready and a touch early (just in case!), I arrived at the restaurant. The air buzzed with romantic energy- couples whispered sweet nothings pver candlelit dinners, laughter echoing around the beautifully decorated space. My heart ached with a pang of jealousy.

Time stretched into minutes. I checked my phone again and again, no calls, no texts. Panic gnawed at me. Had he stood me up again? At first, I excused his lateness, blaming it on traffic or a last-minute work call. But as an hour turned into two and the laughter of other couples began to grate on my nerves, the hope dwindled.

I tried calling him but there was no response from him. Each unanswered text felt like a tiny hammer blow to my already fragile confidence. Shame and anger simmered in a toxic cocktail. Here was I, all dressed up and utterly alone.

A waiter approached , concern etched on his face. “Miss, are you alright? You seem troubled.”

I forced a smile. “Just waiting for someone. He’s… running a bit late.”

The waiter’s smile faltered. “Perhaps I can offer you a complimentary drink while you wait?”

I hesitated, then nodded. “Thank you,” I said, my voice barely a whisper.

The first sip of the strong cocktail burned a welcome path down my throat. It numbed the sting of disappointment, the bitter taste, a reflection of my shattered emotions.

Hours bled into one another. The restaurant emptied, the staff offering worried glances. How had I let Henry lead me on again? I should have known better.

Drunk and disappointed, I heaved myself out of the booth, stumbling through the swinging doors, the cool air a slap in the face. The world tilted, streetlights morphing into shimmering halos. Tears welled in my eyes, blurring the already distorted view.

Suddenly, a strong hand gripped my arm.

“Hey, there. Where are you going to?” a gruff voice asked, pulling me to himself.

I struggled to free myself from the strangers firm grip, but my drunken state made me weak and completely vulnerable. “Let go off me,” I grunted.

“Easy there, I don’t bite,” the stranger said. He pushed me against the wall, his hand running through my hair. I could feel his breath close to my face.

“Don’t worry. I’m not gonna hurt you,” he said again. I flinched as his hands caressed my skin.

“Leave me alone!” I yelped.

“You heard the lady, let her go,” another voice said. This stranger pulled me, freeing me from the assaulter’s grip.

“Who the fvck are you?” the assaulter asked.

“None of your damn business. Now scram!!” my rescuer yelled.

I looked up, my vision hazy. A tall man with a concerned frown was staring down at me. I mumbled something incoherently, pushing his hand away.

“You shouldn’t be out here alone,” he persisted.

I bristled, a surge of defiance flickering through the haze. “I can take care of myself.”

But my legs refused to cooperate. They buckled, and the world went black.