n

n

nI can see she is trying to make me believe she has something with Jeremy but is she realizing she is forcing a kiss on Jeremy? Jeremy – the leader of a gang, who can smash human skulls?

nJerlina gulped seeing Jeremy's jaws clenching with fury. Tara tried to pull him closer to her lips but she couldn't. Having failed, she tried to get closer to his lips but Jeremy held her wrists.

nOh, please don't snap her wrists, Jeremy! That's going to be a lawsuit!

n

"Joel!

" Jerlina walked closer with her secretarial smile after quickly dishevelling her shirt collar.

"Something is sticking on your...

" she went and held his hand.

"Ah... there, I got it,

" she pulled out a hair only visible to her eyes and blew it away into the invisible ether that fills the universe.

nAs she expected, Jeremy let go of Tara's hands and started to fix her collar. He's a lot like Earl. Nothing works better on him as distraction does.

n

"Thank you,

" Jerlina smiled at Jeremy and he went back to his seat getting the documents from Jerlina's hands.

n

"Hi, I am Jerlina Hopkins,

" Jerlina turned to Tara with her secretarial smile.

"I'm guessing you're Ms.Tara Cummings..? Correct me if I am-

"

n

"I am Tara,

" Tara said with a sigh. Her face was filled with disappointment and bewilderment, but Jerlina didn't see hate for now.

nMaybe she hasn't come out of the shock of Jeremy trying to hurt her?

n

"Yes, Tara,

" Jerlina didn't break her professional smile.

"You're a lawyer, right? I have to ask you something. Can you please wait for me in the break room? I'll be there in a minute...

"

nTara looked at Jerlina and took in a deep breath.

"Sure... don't take long,

" she said and looked at Jeremy.

"Jerry, I-

"

n

"It's Mr. Fitzgerald for you, Ms. Cummings. If you can't maintain that distance, please submit your resignation form. I'll accept it. Otherwise, you've done a spectacular job with the new contract and your raise will be announced soon,

" Jeremy said without even looking up.

n

"Thank you, sir,

" Tara said and Jerlina felt bad seeing her eyes tearing up. Tara left the room and Jerlina stared at Jeremy, folding her hands over her chest.

n

"Speak!

" Jeremy felt Jerlina's stare on him and looked at her. Jerlina didn't say a word and just glared at him. He stared back at her for some time but broke eye contact first,

"What?

"

n

"She's beautiful,

" Jerlina looked at him and saw his eyes getting serious once more.

n

"Mmm?

"

n

"And smart...

"

n

"...

"

n

"She likes you and-

"

n

"I don't like her,

" he closed the document.

n

"You two will look good together,

" Jerlina prepared herself to run away as she realized the predator is ready to pounce.

n

"Does looking good together matter more than say... love?

" he stood up and Jerlina placed one foot behind and got ready to turn and run.

n

"You're not going to ask me why I can't like her?

" he approached her. His pretty blue eyes were trained on her making her heart race.

n

"Why?

" Jerlina asked.

n

"Are you serious?

" with one step he already reached her and blocked her way.

"We are having our wedding ceremony in five days... And you're here talking about liking another woman to me,

" his voice trembled a bit and Jerlina looked at him.

n

"But our marriage is...it's not valid. You talked about annulment and...

" her chest felt heavy and it became hard for her to breathe.

n

"Valid or not, as long as I am married to you, I will not even think about another woman. So don't bring that up again. Not you..,

" he held out his hand to touch her cheek but retracted. She could see his fingers were trembling a bit and the rims of his eyes were red.

nThis is what she fears... his love...

n

"That doesn't mean you have to be... the same as me...You're free to do as you please. I mean everything I say and...

" he turned his back at her.

nJerlina bowed her head and her eyes clouded.

nDon't do this to me, Jeremy... My heart is not stone. Don't play with my heart...

n

"So don't think about hooking me up with another woman,

" he waved his hand.

"Go... Use your secretarial skills and make her understand that she cannot bring her personal feelings to work. I am not a very patient person. Next time, even your words won't stop me from breaking her neck.

"

n

"...Yes,

" After taking a deep breath, Jerlina said and left the room.

nJeremy ran his fingers through his hair and leaned at the backrest taking in a deep breath. He didn't mean to speak to Jerlina about this at all, but his heart is not listening to him anymore.

nWhen she talks about another woman to him, his heart gets ripped to shreds. Watching her laugh, pout, and smile, he wants her for himself.

nIs it wrong to feel this way? If this goes on, I will break my promise to her. She believes I will go through the annulment and I cannot break her trust. What should I do?

n-----

nJerlina went to the break room and all eyes were on her. Some of the employees tried to sneak a view at the drama that is to unfold. Jerlina saw Scarlett approaching and she nodded at her.

n

"Get back to work! The break room is closed for now...

"

nScarlett dispersed those who gathered and Jerlina entered the break room. It didn't have a door and was built as an open area. Tara was leaning on a counter bowing her head and kneading her temples with her fingers.

nNoticing Jerlina, she stood straight, wiping the corners of her eyes. Gritting her teeth, she approached Jerlina. Jerlina's heart pounded as she doesn't like confrontation, but she knew she has to handle this.

n

"Don't think you've won already! There are still five days left-

"

n

"Ms. Cummings,

" Jerlina spoke in a calm voice.

"Can you please lower your voice? We are both adults and we can patiently talk about it... Or if you wish we can go out and talk in the garden. Let's not disturb others.

"

n

"You sneaky bi-

" Tara raised her voice once more, but stopped herself and took in a deep breath. Sensing everyone is concentrating on them, she rubbed her forehead.

"You're right. I'm sorry I lost my bearing there. Let's talk,

" she pulled a chair and sat.

nJerlina joined her.

n

"Twelve years...

" Tara snorted.

"I've had unrequited feelings for him for twelve years...

"

nJerlina gulped.

nThat's a long time.

n