Chapter 13: Walking A Thin Line

*Layla*

I stared at my computer, lost in thought as I tried to make sense of the events of the past few weeks. My double life was starting to take its toll, and I could feel the weight of my secrets bearing down on me like a physical burden.

The sound of a knock at my office door startled me out of my reverie. "Come in," I called out, straightening up in my chair and trying to look composed.

The door opened, revealing a young woman with a bright smile and an eager expression. "Hi, I'm Penny," she introduced herself, extending her hand at me. "I'm your new intern."

I blinked in surprise, taking a moment to process the unexpected introduction. "Oh, right," I said, shaking Penny's hand. "I wasn't aware that I was getting an intern."

Penny's smile faltered slightly, but she quickly recovered. "I was just assigned to you this morning," she explained. "I'm really excited to learn from you and assist with your work."