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I took a deep breath and tried to steady my nerves.
"I know that you've been working hard lately, and I appreciate everything you're doing for your company. But I've been feeling a little neglected, and I just wanted to make sure that everything is okay between us."
Jack walked over to me and took my hand.
"Maya, you do know I care about you more than anything in this world. I know that I've been busy, but it's because of this issue with the company. I just have a lot on my plate right now. But I promise that I'll make it up to you."
“When?” I asked, winking at him to diffuse the tension.
Jack kissed me on the forehead.
“As soon as I possibly can.”
I felt a wave of relief wash over me. I knew that I needed to trust Jack, and hearing him say those words made me feel like everything was going to be okay.
Chapter 28
Jack
Everythingwasanightmare.
As the leaves started to change color, the rumors turned into a federal fraud investigation.
And Maya was still working hard to try and clear my name from her end, but part of me wasn't that hopeful. I had all my resources working on my end, and as much as I appreciated her help, I couldn’t shake the feeling of that it wasn't going to help. But I also didn't want to tell her that, so the guilt of all the time she was spending on me was weighing heavily on my chest.
Meanwhile, I was stuck spending all of my time with the federal auditing team, working with them and hoping they didn’t find anything incriminating. I was positive they wouldn't, but on the other hand, with such a large company, it's possible that the inner workings get away from you. The whole exercise left me feeling drained and anxious. I couldn’t imagine how Maya was feeling, juggling all of this while taking care of our young son.
Despite our best efforts, our relationship was becoming increasingly strained. We argued more often, and our once-loving bond had been replaced with tension and frustration. Maya was angry that I wasn’t doing more to help myself, and I was angry–mostly at myself–that I was causing her so much stress.
One evening, after a particularly stressful day, Maya and I found ourselves arguing once again. I could feel my heart racing as she accused me of not doing enough to clear my name.
“I’m doing the best I can,” I protested, my spine going ramrod straight and with my arms crossed. “But there’s a procedure we need to follow now. I can’t just say ‘Hey, everyone. I didn’t do anything.’”
“But it’s not enough,” she shot back, her bright eyes blazing with anger. “You need to do more. You need to take responsibility for what’s happened. It seems to me like you’ve stopped trying!”
“Iamtaking responsibility,” I replied, my frustration mounting. “I’m working with the federal government every day, and every day that they don’t find something incriminating is a good day. But it’s a tall order to hope that they’ll definitively clear my name. There is a lot to go through.”
“But you’re not doing anything,” Maya countered. “You’re just trying to cover your tracks.”
I could feel my anger rising.
“I’m doing what I have to do to protect myself and our company. What do you want me to do, Maya? Confess to something I didn’t do?”
Maya’s eyes narrowed as she glared at me.
“I want you to show some initiative. I want you to take action instead of just responding.”
“I don’t know what else I can do,” I admitted, running my hands through my hair. “I’m doing everything I can think of to prove my innocence.”
Maya’s expression softened slightly as she looked at me.
“I know you’re trying, Jack. But it feels like you’re not doing enough. I’m exhausted from trying to clear your name while also taking care of our son. I need you to do more.”
I could feel the weight of her words crushing me.
“I’m sorry, Maya. I really don't know what else I can do.”
We sat in silence for a few moments, both of us lost in our thoughts. I could feel the tension between us, thick and suffocating.
