~Felicia~
I reached back home and went to sleep right away. I applied for leave today and hoped some rest would revive me. As soon as I woke up, I checked my formal emails and responded to one of them. Meanwhile, our Company's group chat was buzzing in the background which kinda distracted me. I decided to check it out.
Most of the pictures and texts were from Maya, of course. I rolled my eyes and tried to get to the recent messages. But her pictures got my attention because she was posing with Leo in every. single. one of them.
My heart sank to my stomach as I fell back onto the headboard. There he was, flaunting his gentleman's behavior as he held the door open for her. I recognised the porch, it was Maya's house.
-Feels so safe when Boss Leo drops me back to my house. He goes to such lengths for me~-
That wasn't even the worst part. Yet.
The grip on my phone was tightened when I read the comments that followed,
-That's such a cute photo!-
-Yes but i like the 1 where he's adjusting her hair! They look so cutesy!-
-ikr! Like a real couple! They'd make such a power couple in our company!-
My chest tightened uncomfortably and teats threatened to dampen my cheeks. It looked like Maya and Leo were the new hot couple in town. They didn't even consider my presence in the group chat. As if I was invisible!
That didn't stop there. The pictures and following comments were a mile long in the chat. All were Maya flaunting poses and scenarios with Leo and he seemed so comfortable and unbothered in every single one of them.
I toughened myself up and decided to distract myself with TV. The news channel flashed breaking news, "BEST CEO OF THE YEAR WAS SEEN ESCAPING THE CONFERENCE TODAY TO TRAVEL TO MICHIGAN OUT OF THE BLUE! WHAT IS THIS NEW IMPROMPTU BEHAVIOR FROM THE BEST CEO?"
Michigan? That's where I was! As if to knock me back into my senses, there was a knock on the door. I feared who it might be.
"Err...yeah?" I looked at the pizza delivery and he smiled brightly.
"This is a gift pizza from an ADMIRER." I tilted my head to the side. I wanted to reject it but I could skip lunch with this. I took it and closed the door. Wondering who my admirer was, I opened the pizza. On the lid was a note attached,
-My love, we need to talk. Please forgive me. I've delivered your favorites. XOXO-
When I looked down at the veggie-filled pizza, I lost my cool. I hate vegetables on my simple Margherita pizza. But guess who else loved veggies on their pizza because they're health conscious? Maya.
Almost immediately after, the furious knocks on my door made my bones jump out! I looked through the peephole, upset to find Leo standing there. He was drenched in the rain and had his top buttons undone, sleeves rolled up.
"Why? Why can't you just leave me alone?!" I yelled.
"I wasn't taught to severe bonds, Felicia. I only how to make them!" He retorted.
"That's very nice of you but you gotta leave."
"That's not happening unless you're coming with me." His eyes briefly glanced inside my house, "Look at the way you're living. Please come home, Felicia. You're making this harder for me!"
"No, Leo. You're making this harder for yourself. His shoulders relaxed as he breathed out.
"At least apologize to Neil and Maya. They were hurt because of your actions last night." I jumped my eyebrows in the air.
"Apologize?" I asked increduloudky.
"Yes. They're coming here for a dinner."
"Why...why would you always put others before me?" My lips wobbled and I saw his eyes flash with concern. Just for a jiffy. Then it was gone, wiped away.
"I- I have to get rest. I'm too tired for anything related to you. Go home, Leo."
"I can't. I already booked the private cabin at WonderLeaf. Come by at 8pm sharp. I don't want any excuses or I'll keep knocking at your door. And i won't leave Michigan back to NYC."
"Are you freaking kidding me!? You're threatening me, Leo!"
"I'm fully aware of that. Bye. See you there." Saying, he looked at my apartment with disgust once again and turned to leave.
"Whatever. FINE I'M COMING!" i yelled into the corridor...and he didn't even turn back to acknowledge me. I pretended to be strong and tough superficially but deep down I was crippling with emotional agony.
