The truth was brutal. Rekha hadn’t lifted a finger, but my life was already destroyed.
Bile flooded my mouth.
I pulled open the lid of the trash can and retched until there was nothing left but a burning throat. Sweat coated my temples. My knees felt weak. My fingertips dug into the counter as I held myself up.
A click. Footsteps. My blood iced.
She’s back.
‘Here you are. I’ve—’
Wiping my mouth with the back of my hand, I looked up, gathering what little control I had left.
Jai.
Shit.
My heart jumped. I pushed the trash can’s lid closed.
‘Are you okay?’ he asked, coming close. His hand touched my forehead and then my cheek. ‘You look … unwell.’
‘Thanks,’ I croaked.
‘You know that’s not what I meant,’ he said, but a smile cracked through anyway. ‘What’s wrong, baby?’
‘Nothing. I was just … for a second, I felt a little dizzy.’
His hands grabbed my waist, and he lifted me onto the island. Then, he filled a glass with water and brought it to my lips. ‘Here. Drink.’
I took a few sips, feeling a little better. ‘Thank you,’ I murmured.
‘What can I do for you?’ His eyes swept over me, searching for signs of distress.
My breath still felt a little short, but his presence grounded me. ‘I’m fine. I … I just need to use the restroom.’
‘Of course.’ He held my hand as I lowered myself to my feet. ‘Do you want me to come with you?’
‘No.’ I shook my head. ‘But can I use the one in your office?’
Rekha was here. I didn’t – Icouldn’tsee her again.
‘Of course.’
Once we were in his office, I went straight to the bathroom and shut the door behind me. I looked at myself in the mirror.
My eyes looked lifeless. My cheeks looked sunken in. And my skin was pale.
I’m fine.
I rinsed my mouth and splashed cold water on my face, trying to bring some life to it. I dabbed it away with a tissue and then walked out.
Jai stopped pacing and looked at me. ‘How are you feeling?’
‘Better,’ I said, forcing my voice steady. ‘Maybe it’s because I skipped breakfast. I’ll be fine after I’ve had some food.’
‘I’m clearing my schedule, and we’re going home. You’re going to eat and rest. And I’m going to take care of you.’
‘You can’t do that. You have important meetings all day.’
