Page 54 of One Pucking Secret
“Yes,” I reply quietly, shame washing over me. “Wyatt wasn’t aware that he was a father. We hadn’t seen each other since Jasper’sconception. I was anxious about meeting him for the first time in eight years.”
“So, why didn’t you disclose this information before you took him on as a client? Chloe, if I’d known—if you’d been honest—I could’ve assigned someone else.”
“I know.” I lower my head, well aware that I should have been straightforward about all of this from the beginning. “Because I wanted a shot at becoming VP.”
“Honesty is part of professionalism!” Janelle’s tone rises, cutting through my excuses like a knife. “And now look where we are.” She shakes her head, disappointment etched into every line of her face. “These photos, your relationship with Wyatt—it puts us in a difficult position.”
“I can fix this,” I rush out, desperation clawing at me. “I can still work on his image. I know what to do!”
“It’s too late for that,” she states flatly, each word laced with finality. “You need to be taken off the case for your own sake—and Jasper’s and Wyatt’s.”
A rush of panic floods my chest as reality sinks in. “But—”
“I don’t want to hear it,” she snaps back with a wave of her hand. “You’re suspended for two weeks.”
The room spins slightly as my heart drops into my stomach.
“Janelle…” I start, but find no words left.
She cuts me off again, softer now, but still firm. “I wish you would’ve trusted me enough to tell me the truth.”
“I’m sorry,” I manage to whisper, feeling like I’ve let everyone down—not just Janelle, but Wyatt and Jasper too.
“Leave now,” she instructs gently yet resolutely.
“I understand. Thank you, Janelle,” I manage, my voice steady. “I’m sorry I let you down.”
As I rise from my seat, emotions churn inside me—fear of losing everything I’ve worked for and the pain of knowing that I’ve betrayed not just myself but everyone who matters most.
I turn away, the heels of my shoes clicking a solemn march out of what was once a sanctuary of ambition.
I stride through the now alien landscape of cubicles and office chatter, my pulse thrumming in sync with each step. I’m grateful my fall came on a weekend, so I’m spared the whispers behind hands and screens, paintingme as a spectacle more than I’ve ever been under these fluorescent lights.
The phone in my pocket vibrates again, insistent, but I ignore it, letting the static of unread texts and missed calls accumulate like snowfall. I’m in the eye of a storm I’ve unwittingly brewed, where calm is only an illusion, and judgment waits with bated breath.
I’m just about to reach my office when a familiar voice breaks through my thoughts.
“Chloe!”
I turn to see Lainey springing from her cubicle, her blonde hair bouncing with each step. Before I can even say anything, she envelops me in a tight hug.
“Hey,” I mumble, wrapping my arms around her instinctively. It feels good to have someone care, even if just for a moment. “What are you doing here on a Sunday?” I ask, pulling back slightly to look at her.
“I had a proposal to work on,” she replies. “But I’m too distracted at home. What’s going on? Is it the article?”
I let out a shaky breath. “I got suspended.”
“Because of the article?”
“And for hiding the truth about Wyatt.”
“I’m so sorry, Chloe.”
“No. Janelle is right,” I confess. “I shouldn’t have taken on Wyatt’s case. It was reckless—getting involved with him again.” The guilt washes over me like ice water. “Now it’s not just his image that’s ruined. Jasper is caught in the crossfire too.”
Lainey shakes her head softly, concern etched into her features. “You’re not selfish for wanting something more.”
“No,” I counter sharply, frustration bubbling up inside me. “I should’ve known better.” My voice trembles as I admit it. “I’m the one who put Jasper at risk.”
