In \u201cHealing Slowly But Surely,\u201d Leilani returns to work on Monday, trying to mask the emotional turmoil she experienced over the weekend. The anger she feels towards her friends, who have betrayed her, lingers as she channels her frustration into developing a new programming prototype, TRAGUS 2.0, named CUSP. Determined to outsmart her rivals, she envisions stealing their investors and making a significant impact in the market. Leilani\u2019s mood brightens as she interacts with Jarek, who expresses admiration for her work, igniting a mix of emotions in her as they navigate their complicated relationship.<\/p>\n
As Leilani presents her project to Jarek, their chemistry becomes palpable, leading to a moment of vulnerability where she embraces him in excitement. This unexpected display of affection leaves her flustered, yet exhilarated, as she grapples with her feelings for him. However, the joy of her accomplishment is overshadowed by the exhaustion of the day and the lingering scent of Jarek\u2019s cologne, reminding her of their unresolved tension.<\/p>\n
Later, as she heads to her car, Leilani encounters Chalice, who confronts her with accusations and threats. Chalice\u2019s aggressive demeanor and insinuations about being pregnant add a layer of intimidation to the encounter. Leilani remains composed, dismissing Chalice\u2019s threats, but the confrontation leaves her shaken. The chapter closes with Leilani recognizing the danger posed by Chalice and the need to escape the situation, highlighting her resilience amidst the chaos surrounding her.<\/p>\n
**Healing Slowly But Surely**
\nBy R. Joseph<\/p>\n
56 No sense.<\/p>\n
Leilani.<\/p>\n
As Monday rolled around, I walked back into the office, putting on a brave face as if the tumultuous events of the weekend had never happened. I was determined to act as though I hadn\u2019t been forced to confront my insipid friends, who, despite everything, refused to let me go. I pretended that I hadn\u2019t endured the torment of watching them with another woman, just hours after our own chaotic weekend.<\/p>\n
Ha!<\/p>\n
What a farce!<\/p>\n
2<\/p>\n
The truth was, I was still simmering from the weekend\u2019s events. The anger I felt towards those infuriating triplets\u2014my supposed mates\u2014was still fresh. My skin bore the marks of my desperation, raw and blistered from my own frantic scratching, as I battled the relentless ache coursing through my body, the pain spreading through my veins like wildfire.<\/p>\n
09:50<\/p>\n
1\/13<\/p>\n
In a bid to channel my frustration, I had spent all of Sunday meticulously refining the programming language prototype I had been procrastinating on for far too long. This was no ordinary software; it had all the features of their newly acquired program, \u2018TRAGUS,\u2019 but with enhancements that would leave it in the dust.<\/p>\n
Wayyy more.<\/p>\n
Since I couldn\u2019t confront them physically or legally, perhaps I could outsmart them financially. I envisioned stealing their investors, many of whom had already expressed interest in partnering with Frostclaw. I would unleash a storm in the market, one that mirrored the tempest I had just created.<\/p>\n
With renewed energy, I bounced through the office halls, and if I may say so, my smile was as radiant as the harsh fluorescent lights above me.<\/p>\n
As soon as I stepped into the elevator, I bumped into Jarek. He froze for a heartbeat, his eyes scanning my frame with a cautious curiosity. \u201cYou came?\u201d he asked, his tone a mix of surprise and something softer.<\/p>\n
\u201cOf course, I would!\u201d I replied, trying to keep my tone light and breezy.<\/p>\n
Between Jarek and me, there were countless unspoken questions, feelings that hung in the air like an unresolved melody. But since he seemed unwilling to address it, I decided to keep my lips sealed as well. \u201cI created something,\u201d I announced, hoping to shift the focus away from our complicated dynamic.<\/p>\n
At that, I noticed Jarek\u2019s interest piqued; his expression softened, a hint of admiration flickering in his eyes before he coughed and adjusted his suit.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou always create groundbreaking stuff, Leilani. What did you do this time?\u201d<\/p>\n
His compliment washed over me like a warm wave, igniting a blush on my cheeks. I ducked my head, suddenly shy and unable to meet his gaze. \u201cLet\u2019s go to your office first.\u201d<\/p>\n
Moments later, we exited the elevator and made our way to his office. As we passed Yvette\u2019s desk, she greeted us with a bright smile and a cheeky wink directed at me, a rosy blush creeping onto her cheeks.<\/p>\n
\u201cWelcome, Ms. Sinclair, welcome Alpha Frostclaw.\u201d<\/p>\n
Once we were out of earshot, I turned to Jarek, lowering my voice to a conspiratorial whisper. \u201cI think she thinks we\u2019re a couple.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cEveryone thinks we\u2019re a couple,\u201d he replied, unflinching, and for a split second, I was taken aback.<\/p>\n
My eyes widened in disbelief as I studied his stoic expression. \u201cAnd you\u2019re not bothered by it?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWhy should I be?\u201d<\/p>\n
Now, I was the one feeling bothered. \u201cBecause, first off, we\u2019re not a couple!\u201d I retorted, my voice rising slightly.<\/p>\n
\u201cI know. But if people think I\u2019m with an amazing woman like you, then so be it. I\u2019m not going to go around trying to debunk the rumors when I should be proud of it.\u201d<\/p>\n
That left me momentarily speechless.<\/p>\n
I blinked back tears, confusion swirling in my heart as I looked up at him. My chest felt heavy, and suddenly, the lipstick I had meticulously applied earlier felt parched against my lips. I instinctively licked them, and I caught Jarek\u2019s gaze following my movement.<\/p>\n
1<\/p>\n
While the way he looked at me stirred a mix of unease and thrill, it pained me to realize that this was all we could ever be\u2014a mere rumor, a fleeting office gossip.<\/p>\n
I shook my head, dismissing the thought, and turned on my iPad. \u201cIf you say so,\u201d I muttered, then began to explain everything about my newly developed TRAGUS 2.0, which I had aptly named CUSP.<\/p>\n
09:50<\/p>\n
5\/13<\/p>\n
Jay listened intently as I detailed my project, but soon he leaned back, a satisfied grin spreading across his face, his eyes glimmering with enthusiasm and something deeper\u2014perhaps a mix of both hunger and admiration.<\/p>\n
I shifted my gaze away, feeling the weight of his stare. \u201cWhat do you think about it?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI think it\u2019s splendid,\u201d he said earnestly, his smile infectious. \u201cI think everything you do is splendid.\u201d<\/p>\n
I couldn\u2019t help but smile back. \u201cYou flatter me.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI also know you\u2019re doing this to get back at the Stormborn brothers, but you have my full support, Sweetcakes. I\u2019ll inform the technical team to hold a meeting with you, and we can take it from there.\u201d<\/p>\n
My eyes widened in disbelief, a wave of shock washing over me that he would accept my idea so readily, even knowing it stemmed from a desire for revenge.<\/p>\n
A chuckle escaped my lips before I could contain it, and in a moment of spontaneity, I threw my arms around his neck, squeezing him tightly while burying my face in his neck. \u201cYou\u2019re the absolute-motherfucking best!\u201d<\/p>\n
I felt Jay stiffen at first, but then, slowly, he wrapped his arms around me in return, a smile gracing his lips. \u201cNow, you flatter me.\u201d<\/p>\n
I quickly dashed out of his office, my heart racing with embarrassment, and as soon as I reached mine, I slammed the door shut behind me, pressing my back against the wall and exhaling shakily. The lingering scent of his cologne still clung to me, intoxicating and overwhelming.<\/p>\n
\u201cGoddess, this man would be the death of me.\u201d<\/p>\n
09:50<\/p>\n
7\/13<\/p>\n
Typically, work would wrap up by 5:00 PM, but today, caught up in the whirlwind of tasks since I stepped into this building, I found myself leaving at a quarter past eight.<\/p>\n
And oh, I was utterly exhausted.<\/p>\n
Every part of me ached in ways I hadn\u2019t thought possible, including my conch. How was that even feasible?!<\/p>\n
I trudged towards my car, my eyes glued to my phone as I scrolled through an Instagram post, engrossed in the heated <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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