Chapter 9
The company had a strict policy against office relationships. Apart from Austin’s roommates and joy, no one else was aware of Moira and Austin’s relationship.
As Austin’s assistant, Moira w
was responsible for both his professional tasks and personal errands, which often kept them together.
Occasionally, colleagues had asked if they were dating, but Moira always denied it, determined to keep their relationship discreet.
But things had changed.
The whispers, the sidelong glances, and the judgment in people’s eyes were impossible to ignore. Moira could feel the silent accusations weighing heavily in the air, and each glance felt like a dagger to her prade
She looked at Austin, hoping he would step up like the man to defend and prove to everyone that she wasn’t the kind of woman who relied on
But deep down, the knew better than to expect from a man who had betrayed her trist.
Moira has been his steadfast partner for five years, supporting him through his struggles and believing in him when no one che does
Land underhanded tactics,
She had been by his side as he built his career from the ground up. And yet, this was how he repaid her, with betrayal even going so far as to block her chances at finding a job chewhere.
Fury boiled within her, hotter and fiercer with every passing moment. The whispers grew louder, the judgment more piercing, until Moira coule no longer contain herself.
With a determined stride, she marched toward Austin. Before he could react, her hand struck his cheek with a resounding slap that silenced the entire lobby.
The slap echoed like a crack of thunder, drawing stunned stares from everyone present
“Moira, are you insane?” Kayla shrieked, rushing to Austin, whose fare was red from the impact.
“You disgust me, Austin Santiago Moira said, her voice trembling with fury and heartbreak.
Without waiting for a reply, she turned and walked away, her heels clicking against the tiled floor.
It’s over, she thought, pushing through the building’s glass doors. I can finally der go.
Moira decided to put her job hunt on hold. Instead, she returned to the hospital, where her mother’s surgery was scheduled for the following day.
The doctors had reassured them that early–stage stomach cancer surgery had a high success rate, but Moira knew all ino well that no surgery came without its risks.
That afternoon, a nurse came by with the consent form for Jane’s operation. Moira’s hands trembled as she held the pen. She had spent itays reassuring her mother that everything would be fine, yet fear gripped her heart.
Since her diagnosis, Jane had often spoken with an air of resignation as if preparing herself for the worst. But today, there was none of that
Instead, Moira wate ched her mother smile and chat lightheartedly, asking
g about her new job and whether she had spoken to Virgil the
the night before.
Moira kept her answers vague, forcing a smile as she replied that work was fine and that she and Virgil got along well. Seeing Jane’s face light up with joy at her words bought a bittersweet ache to Moira’s heart.
After dinner, Jane’s tone shifted, becoming quieter and more serious. “I have something to tell you,” she began. “There’s a bank book under my maitress with about thirty–five thousand dollars. It was meant for your wedding, but just in case Filon’t wake up after the surgery-
“Mom, stop saying that Moira’s voice broke as she cut her off. “You’ll be fine. You’ll live a long, healthy life. I’m sure of it”
Jane pauand, her expression softening as she reached out toʻpat Moira’s head geily. “I want to believe that too, but we must be realistic. Life is uncertain. I need to make sure you’re prepared, no matter what happens?
“Nothing is going to huppen!” Moira insisted, her voice trembling
Grabbing her mother’s hand, she pressed it against her cheek. Tears reamed down her face as she whispered, “Please, Moon, you can’t leave me be all alone without you I don’t know what Dd do. I’d be an lonely”
Jane’s heart ached as she listened to her daughter’s plea. Stroking Moira’s head lovingly, star sighed. “That’s why I have to tell you these things so
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Chapter 9
dun I can go into surgery with peace of mind.”
After a pause, Jane added, “I soinething does happen. I want you to return to the Mitchell family. Even if your father failed us, your grandfather loves you. I know he wouldn’t Iri you suffer.
Moira’s chest tightened, fresh tears welling up in her eyes. She didn’t want to hear these words, but Jane’s insistence left her no choice but to listen
When Jane finally urged her to rest, Moira could hardly hold herself together, With her face still wet from crying she carefully tucked her mother into bed and turned off the hight before leaving the room
At home, Moira collapsed onto the couch, curling up into a tight ball as she hugged her knees, burying her face in her arms. Her mother’s words echoed telentlessly in her mind, intertwining with haunting images of Austin and Kayla
She had been forcing herself to stay strong, bottling every emotion for too long. But in the silence of the night, she could no longer hold it in
Tears streamed down her face si Moira wept uncontrollably, the weight of her fears and heartbreak finally pouring out
After what fell like hours, she wiped her tears and dragged herself to the kitchen. She opened the fridge, grabbed three cans of beer, and slumped back onto the couch.
Cracking open the first can, she drank in long, desperate gulps, hoping to numb the ache inside her.
Moira wasn’t much of a drinker, but when the pressure became unbearable, it was her only way to dull her
thoughts enough to sleep
Yet tonight, even after downing two cans, sleep remained elusive. Instead, the alcohol seemed to amplify the heaviness in her chest, leaving her feeling even there lost and alone.
Desperate for comfort, her mind wandered to Zea. Without thinking, she reached for her phone and dialed Zea’s number, needing to talk to
¥
Meanwhile, Virgil was preparing for his business trip to Ashbourne. His phone buzzed on the nightstand as he neatly folded his clothes into his ::
suitcase.
Glancing at answered.
the sc
screen, he saw Moira’s name flashing His brow furrowed slightly as her call w
was unexpected, especially this late. Nonetheless, he
“Zea. Im so sad,” Moira slurred, ber
er voice thick with emotion. “Can you come to mer
Virgil immediately realized she was drunk and had mistakenly dialed the wrong number. “Ms. Elliott, it’s Virgil. You’ve called the wrong number,” he said gently, trying to defuse the situation.
But, drowning in her emotions, Moira didn’t seem to register his words “Zea, my mom’s surgery is tomorrow, I’m scared….so scared. What if something goes wrong! What if it fails?
Virgil paused, the raw vulnerability in her voice catching him off guard.
Finally, he spoke, his tone calm and reassuring. “Ms. Elliott, early–stage stomach cancer surgery has over 90% success rate. Besides, Trinity Medical is one of the best hospitals in Eldoria. Your mother is in good hands.”
Yet, Moira was too overwhelmed by her fears to hear reason. “If my mom dies, I’ll have no one,” she choked out.
rfectly fine, but my
y mom has cancer.
“Why is life so cruel? The mistress who wrecked my family is perfectly
Her voice wavered with guilt. “I should’ve done more. If I made more money, I could’ve taken her to Hesperia to see the best specialists. Maybe she’d have better chances. This is all my fault. If it weren’t for me, she wouldn’t have canter,”
Virgil stayed silent, listening as her words turned into drunken ramblings. “If my mom survives. I’ll take care of her forever. I’ll do anything. I’l even trade my ex’s life not just ten years, maybe twenty, fifty years.“
The anguish in her voice lingered even as the call quieted. Virgil realized she’d likely fallen asleep mid–sentence. He stood there, holding the phone until a sharp knock at the door jolted him back to the present.
“Mr. Morton, it’s time to leave for the airport.” Perry Jackson, his assistant, announced as he entered the room. Noring expression. Perry glanced runously at the phone still in his hand.
Virgils
a distracted
Virgil hung up without a word and nodded, handing over his luggage. Together, they left for the airport.
Even as he went through the motions of travel, has mined lingered on the call. The vulnerability in Moira’s your stayed with him.
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Chapter 9
When he arrived at the terminal, he took out his phone and dialed a long–distance number before boarding his flight
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