Page 29 of Don't Leave Me

“Hey,” I smiled back, setting down my bag.

“You look nice today,” he said innocently, still eyeing me.

I felt myself blush a little. “Thanks, Evan,” I responded quietly.

Evan looked past my shoulder and removed his elbows from the cubicle, quickly walking away. I instinctively looked behind myself and of course, there was Mr. Perfect with his hands in pants pockets and watching me with his intense eyes.

“Good morning, Hana,” he said quietly, hiding a smile.

“Good morning, sir,” I responded, an eyebrow raised.

He looked around to see if anyone was watching – they were…they were always watching Michael. I couldn’t blame them.

“Dressing to impress today, hm?” he asked, eyeing me up and down, his eyes still intense.

“Yes, sir. Always eager to please,” I responded quietly, giving him my crooked smile.

He immediately smiled. “Good. Get to work then,” he nodded, lingering for a moment until he walked away.

I grinned, proud of myself, and started to work. Time flew by as I worked, writing continuously, and I didn’t realize it was 1 PM until Jack texted me: “We still meeting up this afternoon?”Shit. I responded quickly: “Yeah… is 30 mins from now okay? South cove entrance?” His response was swift: “Sure. See you then.” I sighed and filled the half-hour wait with more writing.

I headed to the elevators, almost feeling like I was sneaking out. I wasn’t sure if I should have told Michael or not – or rather, ask for his permission. If he asks, I’ll tell him, but this really is a harmless meeting.The closer I got to the park, the more nervous I got;this is going to look bad. I’m secretly meeting Jack and Michael is going to flip the fuck out. Shit. Why didn’t he stop me?

I sat on a bench, nervously looking at my phone while waiting for Jack.

“Hey,” I heard Jack’s voice – he was walking towards me with a smile on his face.

My heart dropped a little.Uh oh…those feelings are still there.And those fucking dimples of his, ugh he’s adorable-

“Hi,” I smiled and stood up, giving Jack a quick hug.

“How are you? You look great,” he said as we both sat down on the bench.

“Oh, thank you. I’m good,” I nodded, fiddling with my hands.

I had practiced this conversation in my head all morning but my mind was suddenly blank; I just felt my heart racing and the guilt weighing on my shoulders.

I sighed heavily and felt my hands shaking.

“What is it, Hana?” Jack asked.

I looked up at him and felt like crying. He knew something bad was coming – perhaps he already knew.

“I think you’re an amazing person, Jack. I had such a great time with you but,” I sighed again, unable to look him in the eye.

“But,” he repeated, nodding.

I looked up and Jack looked completely heartbroken.

“I’m…I’m sort of seeing someone. It’s new and…and we’ve agreed to be exclusive,” I explained, my voice small.

He nodded expectantly.

“I’m sorry,” I added, shaking my head.

“It’s fine,” he shrugged. “I understand,” he went on – he looked a little angry now.

I didn’t know what to do next. I sat there frozen, staring down at my hands.

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