Chapter Four; Why are They Staring
The next morning I’m woken up by a wetness on my cheeks, cracking my eyes open to find Chelsea licking my face thoughtfully.
“Good morning, Your Highness.” I greet her with a bright smile, my hands combing through the silky tendrils of her shiny fur.
Chelsea meowed in contentment, jumping off the bed and strutting out of the door in a graceful sweep, seeing as she’d fulfilled her goal of disrupting my sleep. I giggled lightly as I watched her go, Chelsea always gave the impression of a guardian taking care of her underlings.
I let out a soft yawn, imitating my cat as I stretched my limbs. There was nothing like a good night’s rest, my senses felt refreshed and ready for the day ahead.
“I have a good feeling about today,” I say to no one in particular as I slide out of my blanket and swing my legs off the bed with a delighted hum. My eyes roamed to my wall clock and I paled visibly, my smile going stiff as the peace I had felt earlier quickly dissipated into thin air.
It was a few minutes past eight. Not seven, the time I usually get up for work.
I whipped my head to the alarm clock sitting on the headstand just to make sure, and my eyes round in shock.
I had missed my alarm, and now I was twenty minutes away from being late to work.
Now I understood why Chelsea had stepped in, damn she really was a guardian angel.
“Oh shit!” I cursed under my breath as I sprung to my feet, sprinting to the bathroom to get ready.
I was out of breath by the time I rushed out of my apartment building, and a string of curses left my lips. I quickly ate my declaration of today being a good day. The roads were jam-packed with heavy traffic and several lines of waiting cars that stretched over to the highway that led to my workplace. It was rush hour, and the ever-busy streets of New York were definitely not to be reckoned with, and I was out of luck.
My phone kept ringing in my purse but I hadn’t gotten the chance to attend to it yet. Finally, after what seemed like a lifetime, I arrived at work.
I gulped my spit as the sleek glass and steel facade of the building soared above me, its modern design cutting a sharp contrast against the sky. The reflective surface shimmered in the sunlight, giving the impression of a building reaching for the future. Despite feeling small in its shadow, I quickly regained my composure, straightening my posture as I walked through the revolving door.
I couldn’t help but notice the looming stares and pointed gazes that hovered over me like an ominous dark cloud, so I wondered if I had made a clothing malfunction in my hurry to get dressed.
I looked down at myself, but I couldn’t find any mistakes in my outfit. My tailored navy blue pants hugged my legs perfectly, elongating them and giving me a confident stride. Paired with a crisp white button-down shirt, tucked in just right, and a slim black belt cinching my waist, I felt ready to conquer the day. A sleek silver watch adorned my wrist, adding a touch of elegance to the ensemble. Completing the look, my black leather pumps clicked against the floor with each step, echoing as I avoided the stares with hasty steps.
As I reached up to adjust my hair, I remembered the effort I had put into styling it. My reddish curls cascaded down my back in soft waves, adding a touch of whimsy to my appearance. A few strands framed my face, giving me a slightly tousled but still put-together look. The style was neat and professional, framing my face elegantly.
Maybe it was all in my head.
But as I stood outside the elevator, my ears perked as a group of women strolled past me, whispering discreetly to each other.
“Isn’t that her?”NôvelDrama.Org content rights.
“The one who made the post.”
“Yes it’s her, she’s bold, isn’t she? Making such a declaration on the company’s platform.”
I pretend not to hear them, shifting uncomfortably in my spot as I glance anxiously at my watch.
Post? What post?
The elevator doors slide open, and I quickly hurry inside. But it was no different, I felt even more suffocated in the cramped space.
Everyone eyed me with contempt, some with disgust, and others with surprise. It was a whirlwind of emotions I could hardly comprehend.
I lowered my head under the scrutiny of their gazes, my grip tightening on the strap of my handbag as I mentally counted the seconds that passed.
Why were they staring?
Why the hell were they looking at me like that?!