Chapter 75 Laughter and Harassment

Chapter 75 Laughter and Harassment
Ze gave me a cynical look, as if he couldn't believe what I’d just said. Planned or not, Jake and I had had sex in a place where we shouldn't have.

I fell silent after saying it, my mouth clamped shut, and I felt so mortified I just wanted to vanish. Everyone here had probably seen the video, and I had no way to defend myself.

The sound of familiar footsteps made the hair on the back of my neck stand up, I was too terrified to turn around because I knew exactly whose footsteps they were.

"What are you two doing?"

That voice made my heart feel like it was about to leap out of my chest, Jake’s cold tone, the kind that took me right back to the difficult situations from when I first met him.

I didn't dare look back and stayed frozen in place. Meanwhile, Ze looked startled by the sudden appearance of the very person we’d been discussing.

"W-we were just chatting for a moment, Sir!" Ze stammered. He grew flustered, reverting to his signature flirtatious manner.

"Is that so? Then, get back to work immediately!"

"A-alright, Sir!"

Jake opened the door to our division's office and stepped inside, leaving behind a tension that made me feel like my very soul was under threat. I even held my breath for ten seconds out of sheer anxiety.

"Oh my god, do you think Mr. Jacob heard our conversation?" Ze said with a sigh. It was the first time I’d ever seen him so panicked.

"Whether he heard it or not, he almost certainly knows by now."

"Amy, listen! I didn't mean to blame you at all, I just needed an explanation of what actually happened because you're my friend. Besides, lately, our other colleagues seem to have found out about your relationship with Mr. Henry."

"Really?"

"Barbara, Courtney, and Julia, the gossip started with them. Barbara saw you with Mr. Henry at his penthouse. A friend of hers lives in the same building. I don't know if you realized it, but I'm sure everyone knows by now."

Everyone knows? Since when? How did I not notice people gossiping about me here? Had I been so focused on the issues I was dealing with regarding Henry and Jake? I felt like bursting into tears right then and there.

"Since when have they known?"

"I'm not sure exactly when it started; the gossip just spread like the wind. Barbara might have only seen it once, but the rumors were likely fueled by something someone else said."

"I understand. Ze, thank you for telling me, even though I practically forced it out of you. I really don't know what to say; I'm so confused. I might get fired if the director finds out about that video."

"What about Mr. Henry?"

"Henry?"

"Aren't you worried about what he'll think of the video? He's your boyfriend, right? You two are actually dating, aren't you?"

What would Henry think about the video? Honestly, I wasn't worried about his feelings because he was the one who started all of this in the first place. The whole situation stemmed from his obsessions and wild fantasies, and if there was anyone I suspected most right now, it was him.

"Of course I'm worried, but I'm prepared if he wants to end things and leave me." I said. It was true, I was fully prepared, in fact, I was hoping we wouldn't be a couple anymore. Henry harbored a bizarre desire for Jake, and I was merely a tool he used to further his own ambitions.



The workday was drawing to a close, and the gossip was heating up. Everywhere I walked, I heard people talking about that video. But the worst part was the way they stared at me as I passed by.

"Nina, Mr. Henry wants you to bring some files to his office!" Michael’s voice startled me, he was standing right in front of my desk, looking serious.

"O-okay, I'll be right there!" I said. But as I started to walk away, I heard whispering coming from Barbara’s desk.

"Mr. Henry probably wants to end things with her after what she did. She’s absolutely disgusting! God, how could Mr. Henry like a woman who dresses like a cheap hooker at a nightclub? His taste is terrible!" Courtney remarked in a low voice, yet loud enough for everyone around her to hear clearly.

Barbara and Julia giggled at Courtney’s spiteful and unfunny comment, as if they were trying their hardest to tear me down.

"Hey Nina, you’ve got such beautiful, big boobs! Any guy would get a hard-on looking at your body! Hahaha..." Kevin shamelessly commented on my physique in front of everyone.

"Nina’s ass is amazing too, round and firm, it matches her beautiful face perfectly!" Seizing the opportunity, Steven chimed in right after Kevin to comment on my body.

"Hahaha..."

The room, previously quiet and awkward, suddenly erupted with noise, filled with the laughter of men who were now looking at me differently, with hardly a shred of respect left.

"Why do poor men always love big boobs?" Julia said. She was laughing, yet she sounded annoyed.

"What is it, Julia? Are you jealous of Nina’s boobs? Hahaha..."

"Shut up...! Who’s jealous? What would I have to be jealous about?"

"Haha...just admit you're jealous that Mr. Jacob you love so much actually had sex with Nina!" Kevin was really laying it on thick now. His words only provoked more laughter in the room.

I was utterly humiliated, yet the people I considered my close friends just stood there silently, making no effort to defend me.

Ze looked flustered; he seemed to want to speak but didn't know what to say. Regina pretended to be engrossed in her work, while Jennifer remained silent, acting as if she couldn't care less. Meanwhile, I stood in the middle of the room amidst the laughter and verbal abuse with legs that felt frozen in place. My eyes welled up, but I held back the tears as best I could; I didn't want them to think I was fishing for sympathy.

"What is going on here? Why is everyone making so much noise? What are you all laughing at?"

A single, stern sentence from someone known for his icy demeanor instantly silenced their laughter and shut their foul mouths.

He stood in the doorway, his expression devoid of emotion as if the viral video causing an uproar across the office meant nothing to him, even though he was the one featured in it.

"M-Mr. Jacob? W-we’re so sorry, sir! We didn't mean to..." Kevin whose laughter had been the loudest just moments ago now cowered like an old cat that had lost its fangs.

I could feel Jake’s gaze on me as I stood there with my head bowed.

"If there’s something funny, take your laughter elsewhere," Jake said, walking toward his office.

It was strange, I felt a wave of relief, as his presence seemed to quell the noise that had been grating on my nerves. Jake, I’m sure you must be mortified that a sex tape of yours was leaked to the office group chat. Yet, how are you able to remain so composed?