Monica's lips curled into a mischievous smile, her eyes gleaming with something between amusement and defiance.
“Oh,” She scoffed, moving close to Caleb. “I didn’t know I was now obliged to call you before coming to your office,” she quipped, her voice light and teasing, but with an undercurrent that hinted at a deeper familiarity.
Caleb’s shoulders sagged slightly, a resigned sigh escaping him as he ran a hand through his hair.
“Let’s talk in my office,” he said, his tone weary as he shot a quick glance in my direction.
I quickly looked away, pretending to be engrossed in my work.
My fingers hovered over the keyboard, but my mind was anything but focused.
I could feel the weight of his gaze for that brief second, and it was enough to set my thoughts spiraling.
Without another word, Caleb turned and led Monica down the hallway, her heels clicking sharply against the floor as they disappeared into his office.
The office buzzed back to life around me, everyone returning to their tasks, but I could still feel the tension lingering in the air.
Out of the corner of my eye, I noticed Nelly still staring at me, her curiosity practically radiating off her.
I met her gaze, trying to keep my expression neutral.
“Why are you staring at me like that?”
Nelly smirked, leaning in slightly. “Aren’t you curious?”
I forced a casual shrug, even as my pulse quickened with barely-contained curiosity.
“Why should I be?” I said, feigning disinterest, though deep down, my thoughts were racing.
Curious? That didn't even begin to cover it.
Who was she, really? And what exactly was between her and Caleb?
But I couldn’t let on.
Whatever Monica was to Caleb, there was definitely something there.. something that made my stomach twist with a mix of unease and, if I was being honest, a flicker of jealousy.
Nelly raised an eyebrow, clearly not buying my act.
But she didn’t push it, just gave me that knowing look before turning back to her own work.
I tried to focus, too, but my mind kept drifting back to Caleb’s office, wondering what they were discussing behind those closed doors, and why it mattered so damn much to me.
**********
“So it's true huh?” Monica began as soon as she got into Caleb's office.. “You are back from New York and didn't even bother to give me a call?.. and worse, you've been ignoring my calls.”
Caleb gave a heavy sigh, rolling his eyes as he leaned back in his chair.
"Monica," he began with a hint of annoyance in his tone, "You know that I've been busy. Work never stops, and my schedule is pretty hectic."
Monica pouted, crossing her arms over her chest as she shot him a glare.
"Work, work, work. That's all you ever talk about, Caleb. When are you going to make some time for me?"
Caleb remained impassive, his expression almost bored as he stared at her.
“I thought I was clear the last time we talked,” Caleb said, his voice even and low. “I told you I’m not interested in a relationship. You knew that from the start.”
Monica’s pout deepened, and her eyes flashed with hurt.
“But that was before you left for New York. We’ve been talking for over a year, and we’ve gotten closer.”
She stepped closer to him, her voice softening. “You don’t mean that, Caleb.”
Caleb stood his ground, his face cold and hard as stone.
“I do mean it, Monica. Whatever relationship we had was a lie,” he said, his words sharp and dismissive. “It was a convenience for us both. Nothing more.”
Monica’s lips trembled, the anger in her eyes replaced by something closer to despair.
“How can you say that?” she whispered, her voice shaking with emotion. “Do you not care at all? My family has done so much for you. For your father.”
Caleb remained unmoved, his expression cold and emotionless.
“Your family may have done things for my father,” he said, his tone utterly devoid of warmth. “But they have done nothing for me. And frankly, I don’t care.”
His eyes were hard, his voice firm as steel. “I’ve been playing along because it was easier, Monica. But no more.”
Monica’s face twisted in pain, tears welling in her eyes.
“Why?” She blurted out. “Is it because of her? You find her more attractive? I even heard you both went on a dinner date!”
Caleb’s eyebrows drew together in confusion. “I don't understand, what are you talking about? Who?” he asked, clearly lost.
Monica scoffed, her face a mask of anger and contempt.
“Never mind.” She paused. “Just know that I’m not going to let you get off that easily, Caleb. You’re not going to just walk away from me and my family like that.”
She stepped forward, her voice low and dangerous. “We’re getting married, Caleb. That’s it.”
Caleb stood his ground, his jaw clenched tight as he stared down Monica.
“Monica, I’m not marrying you.” His words were firm and final. “I don’t care if you tell your family, or if you go to the press. You can’t force me to do something I don’t want to do.”
Monica’s face darkened, her expression turning calculating as she considered his words.
“Fine,” she said at last. “But mark my words, Caleb.”
Caleb was on the verge of firing back a retort when a knock sounded on the door, distracting him.
Before he could respond, Monica sidled up to him, stroking his hair affectionately.
He stiffened at her touch, but he couldn't bring himself to stop her, not wanting to cause a scene.
“Come in,” he barked, his voice colder than ice.
The door opened, and to his surprise, Samantha stepped in with a file in her hands.
Caleb's heart skipped a beat, his hands freezing as he tried to maintain his composure.
He didn't expect it to be her.
He forced a smile, clearing his throat as he shifted away from Monica.
“Samantha,” he said, his voice as even as he could make it. “What can I help you with?”
Samantha’s expression was carefully neutral as she approached his desk.
“I’m sorry to interrupt,” she said, her voice level. “But this needs your signature before I submit it. It’s kind of urgent.”
Monica scoffed, her voice dripping with disdain as she looked at Samantha. “Well, you certainly have some nerve, don't you?” she said, her eyes flashing. “Coming in here without an appointment.”
Caleb’s jaw tightened, and he shot Monica a warning glance.
“Nica,” he said through gritted teeth. “That’s enough.”
Monica narrowed her eyes, but she kept silent.
Samantha cleared her throat, her gaze shifting between Monica and Caleb with an air of polite professionalism.
“I’ll just leave this here,” she said, placing the file on Caleb’s desk. “You can review and sign it when you have a moment.”
“Samantha, wait,” Caleb called out, his voice taking on a note of urgency. “I can sign it now. Please, just give me a moment.”
Samantha paused, turning back to face him. She looked uncertain, her gaze flitting to Monica.
Caleb quickly scrawled his signature on the paper, his movements almost frantic.
“Here,” he said, handing the document to Samantha. “Thank you for bringing it to me.”
In that moment, Samantha caught a glimpse of something in Monica’s eyes.. something dangerous, something she couldn’t quite put her finger on.
“Thank you, Caleb.” Samantha said, turning her gaze back to Caleb for a moment before turning to leave.