Page 21 of Forbidden Kiss
Chapter 9
Ava
Ipickupthestack of papers from the copy machine, my fingers digging into the edges. With each thud resounding in the quiet hallway, my steps back to my office feel heavy. Overhead, fluorescent lights beam down with a harsh glare.
The sadness comes in waves, pounding against my chest and drowning out any glimpse of hope or happiness. Sometimes, no matter how hard I try to push through it, it’s just too overwhelming. Like today.
My father’s death is not the only burden weighing on me. Although he left behind a mess of problems, he loved me in his own complicated way.
It’s about Ethan. That he might never return is painful. I could blame it all on my dad, but deep down, I know it’s my own damn fault. Ethan wanted to help. Why couldn’t I just trust him?
“Cheer up,” Brianna says as she pops her head around the corner of my cubby. “The sea is full of fish and we’re young. Let’s go out tonight and have some fun. You’ll find someone new.”
After cracking my neck to loosen the soreness, I turn to face her. I love Bri’s company, but she doesn’t understand what’s going on. I’d do anything to feel his skin against mine one more time.
But she has a point. I need to forget about him. He can’t stay in my brain forever.
I force a smile. “Yeah, you’re right. It’s been a week since I last saw him. It’s time to move on.”
She grins and bobs her head up and down. “That’s my girl. Let’s go to Fremont and dance our worries away…”
As she walks away, I slump into my chair, the heaviness in my chest returning. The silence of the empty office cubby only amplifies my loneliness. The city outside the window seems a world away from my isolated cubicle. I let out a sigh, feeling the weight of my decisions bearing down on me.
Ethan’s absence is a constant ache. I stare at the stack of papers on my desk, trying to muster the energy to focus on work. The minutes tick by, each one dragging longer than the last. I’m sinking. Slowly, but surely.
The sound of distant chatter from other parts of the office only makes me feel more disconnected. I close my eyes and breathe to push through the fog of sadness.
Just then, Brianna rushes back with an excited look on her face, holding a piece of paper. She thrusts the document into my hands. “Ava, you need to see this.”
I take the memo, my eyes scanning the text quickly. It’s from Ethan, addressed to the entire company.
MEMO
To:All Employees of Lane Entertainment Group
From:Ethan Wolfe
Subject:Company Leadership and Ownership Update
Dear Team,
I hope this memo finds you well. I am writing to inform you of an important change in the leadership and ownership structure of Lane Entertainment Group.
Effective immediately, the company will now sit with its rightful owners, the Lane family. I am pleased to announce that Ava Lane will take charge as the new head of Lane Entertainment Group. Ava has shown remarkable talent, dedication, and vision, and I have full confidence in her ability to lead the company to new heights.
This transition is in alignment with the original intentions of the Lane family, ensuring that the legacy of Lane Entertainment continues under their guidance.
Thank you for your continued hard work and commitment. Please join me in supporting Ava as she steps into her new role.
Sincerely,
Ethan Wolfe
I look up at Brianna, my eyes widening. My mouth hangs open, but I have no idea what to say.
Brianna smiles, her eyes simmering with a look of pride and sincerity. “You deserve it, Ava. He believes in you, and so do I.”
The elevator slide doors open, the sound interrupting our conversation. I glimpse at the man who holds my heart. My shoulders tense once I see the bouquet of roses in his hand.