The Gossip

I cautiously pushed the door open, extending my arm to widen the gap. Peering inside, I found myself in a bedroom, bathed in soft light filtering through the curtains.Taking tentative steps forward, I halted near the bed, scanning the room's interior. It was empty, save for a layer of dust that hinted at neglect, contrasting sharply with the luxurious surroundings.(My Mind This room was meant for Emily, but why does it look untouched? What transpired here? What secrets are hidden within these walls?)My gaze wandered to a shelf adorned with childhood photographs of Emily. She exuded a timeless beauty, as Jayden had often described.My curiosity piqued, I noticed a large cloth covering the wall opposite the bed. With a mixture of trepidation and fascination, I approached and pulled the cloth down, causing a cloud of dust to billow into the air. I ducked to avoid the particles, coughing lightly as they settled.Once the air cleared, I straightened up, surveying the revealed object with a mixture of shock and disbelief. It was a sizable photograph of Lance and Emily, seemingly taken during their late teens. However, the content was unsettling—they were locked in a passionate kiss.The revelation hit me like a tidal wave, leaving me momentarily stunned. My legs felt as though they might give way beneath me.In a daze, I reached for my phone and dialed Lance's number, desperate for answers. However, my call went unanswered, leaving me with a flurry of unanswered questions and a sense of unease that lingered in the silent room.I dashed outside in a rush once more, determined to visit Lance at his company. As I arrived at the gate, my eyes caught sight of Jayden."Jayden, this place looks the same as ever, but why do you seem so concerned?" I blurted out, my voice tinged with urgency."What's wrong? Why do you look so panicked?" Jayden's concern mirrored mine as he approached.I lowered my voice, trying to contain my emotions. "It's the room... inside the greenhouse," I managed to say before tears welled up and spilled down my cheeks."What room?" Jayden's curiosity piqued as he followed my gaze towards the greenhouse and noticed the mysterious room within."I need to see Lance. He said he'd be at the company," I whispered, desperation evident in my tone."Everything will be okay. Stop crying first. Let's go to the company," Jayden reassured me, leading me gently towards his car.We arrived at the company, and I wiped away my tears, steeling myself to trust Lance and dismiss my fears as remnants of his past.Entering the elevator, we found ourselves among other employees. Their gossip about the CEO's constant companion, the famous actress Emily, during a recent business trip only added to my anxiety.As we ascended to Lance's office floor, I grew increasingly restless, eager to confront whatever awaited me.The elevator doors opened, and I rushed out, Jayden's voice calling after me to slow down falling on deaf ears. I stood before Lance's office, Jayden beside me, and without hesitation, I pushed the door open.Inside, I was met with the unexpected sight of Emily and Lance locked in a tight embrace.The air in the room crackled with tension as I struggled to process what I was witnessing. Lance's past and his relationship with Emily seemed to loom larger than life, casting shadows of doubt and confusion over our future._ROSE_...