Consequence - Part 2

"Riccardo continued, "When you walked into my office today, I expected you to beg me to take you back. If you had, we wouldn't be having this conversation."

"Oh," Elma sighed softly.

"Now that you have chosen to show a lack of dignity to your own offence, it has given me space to think critically and come up with a solution instead. I may need your full attention if you expect me to tell you all about it."

Elma felt a chill run down her spine as he said this, but she also knew there was nothing she could do. If he had decided to relegate her to a small position within his company or not to have her work for him at all, she would have to take it, because nothing she could say or do would change his mind.

Elma straightened her shoulders and locked eyes with her tormentor. "What do you suggest we do?"

"I suggest we start dating openly."

"What?!" Elma jumped out of her chair. "How - can you decide to do that?" Her heart raced.