007

Back in the office:

In the busy corridors of the Orlov office, whispers and side glances followed Jane as she made her way toward her new office. She moved quickly yet cautiously, anxiety gnawing at her—she wasn't ready for the world to know her past, and yet, here it was. In a corner near the water cooler, a group of employees exchanged hushed words.

"I heard she got married at 18, for money—when her husband refused to give her what she wanted, she manipulated him and at the end she committed suicide," one young man, Mark, said in a low tone.

A woman nearby, Claire, scoffed, "me too, I heard she even stole him from her sister, if I was her I would wish not to wake up from the coma, How is she going to face the world now after exposing herself."

Another voice piped in, "she is even her Adopted sister, no less. That's so embarrassing for her."

Before Jane could reach her office, Sylvia—the head of PR—strolled up with an icy glare. Without a word, she deliberately splashed a small drink on Jane's shoulder.

"Watch it," Jane snapped, her voice trembling with both anger and fear. "Do not try that again. You should know who's the boss here, and how to be on check with your attitude." she challenged.

Sylvia raised an eyebrow, lips pressed in a thin line without even apologizing. "I wonder why the Orlovs bow to her, a nobody. She doesn't belong here," she muttered under her breath as she walked away, leaving behind a trail of envy.

Jane's stomach churned as she tried to steady herself. She knew her presence was seen as a threat—a reminder of a past she wished to erase. "can I really do this" she muttered to herself.

Later that evening, after work had finally wound down, Jane and Dante found themselves alone in the quiet halls of the office. As they walked side by side toward the exit, their conversation flowed softly. "miss stadlar" before he could say anything, Jane shunned him..

"Drop the 'Miss'," Jane said with a small, tired laugh. "Just call me Jane..and just accept do not argue with me, I'm tired as it is."

Dante's eyes crinkled in a gentle smile. "Alright, I won't argue with you Jane. From now on, it's just Jane I will try to get used to it," he agreed warmly, and didn't try to argue. Instead his tone laced with genuine care.

They turned a corner, and suddenly Jane stumbled. She nearly fell, and Dante's quick hand caught her arm. "careful" he said and continued "are you okay?" he asked, concern replacing his usual professional tone.

Jane winced as she glanced down at the red bump forming on the back of her leg—an ugly souvenir from her high heels. "I— I must have bruised myself," she admitted feeling embarrassed.

"Come on," Dante said softly, guiding her toward the parking lot. "Let's get you fixed up, before I get killed by Mr orlov."

.....

At a nearby pharmacy, the fluorescent lights hummed overhead as Dante spoke with the friendly nurse behind the counter.

"Hi, I need to purchase some bandages and a proper ointment for a bruise," Dante said, keeping his tone casual as he held up a small packet containing Jane's prescription slip. he got that earlier before approaching the nurse.

The nurse, a cheerful woman named Marlene, smiled. "Of course. Rough day at the office?" she asked, half-joking.

Dante chuckled lightly. "You could say that. She's our new assistant, and she's been through more than most today."

Marlene leaned forward, her eyes kind. "Well, let's take good care of her then. I'll get these for you—oh, and here's a nice ice pack too."she smiled handing it over to Dante

As Dante gathered the items, a few other customers browsed the aisles. In one corner, an older gentleman discussed the merits of different pain relievers with a young mother, while two teenagers joked about how their parents always fell asleep anytime they come to the pharmacy. Dante exchanged a brief smile with Marlene, grateful for the brief moment of normalcy.

....

With the supplies in hand, Dante carefully wrapped a cold pack around Jane's injured leg. "There, that should help," he murmured as he dabbed a bit of ointment on the bump.

Jane's eyes softened as she looked at him. "Thank you, Dante. I—I appreciate you taking care of me," she said, her voice quiet but sincere, she didn't even feel the sting because she has felt more pain...

Dante's gentle smile widened. "I've got you, Jane. You're important to me,and I will try my best to fulfill my service as your assistant and your friend" he replied, his tone filled with unspoken affection.

Before Dante could continue, a sudden screech of tires cut through the calm of the evening. A sleek black car pulled up sharply in front of the pharmacy. The car door swung open, and John, Diego's ever-loyal bodyguard, stepped out briskly.

In moments, Diego himself emerged, his eyes scanning the scene until they locked onto Jane. Rushing over, he barked, "What happened to you? I told you not to overdo it, where does it hurt!"

He quickly turned toward Dante, his voice laced with irritation. "I told you to watch her, and you let this happen!"

Jane lifted her chin defensively. "Leave him alone, I'm okay. As soon as he realized I was injured, he brought me here to Carter for treatment. Let the boy breathe, okay" Her tone was firm, though her heart pounded with a mixture of gratitude and fear. She has a thing for Diego but she isn't sure of what specifically... and having people care for her like this. is something she is and will always be grateful for

Diego's eyes flashed dangerously. "So you're defending someone else in my presence? You're lucky he's my friend." His voice was low, edged with jealousy.

Before anyone could react further, Diego raised his hand, and John quickly produced a pair of slippers. With precise efficiency, Diego removed Jane's high heels and replaced them with the soft slippers.

He then gently scooped Jane up on his shoulder. "Come on, let's get you home" he ordered, a touch of exasperation in his tone.

Jane squawked, "Drop me down, I can walk properly!" Her protest was half-laugh, half-shout, yet her heart raced with a strange mix of indignation and relief.

Diego, with a final glance that seemed to say "I'm in charge, so relax you are safe with me," carried her toward his waiting black car. As he deposited her inside, the world outside continued to hum with secrets, gossip, and the undercurrent of dark plans yet to unfold.