Her Betrayal

The memories were still as fresh in my mind as if it was just yesterday. I lived in denial for days before finally I made up my mind to move on. I took over my Dad’s business. I worked day and night and we were able to claim back all the losses our company had. Ryan and I worked our asses off and bought new shares, signed many contracts with multiple companies and brought The Lewis Industries to this position.

I channelized all my anger into determination to work harder but the hurt she caused, never seemed to lessen.

Although she shattered my heart into bits , I still hoped that she would call someday and tell me how she never meant any of those words, how much she loved me, I hoped but she never did.

My parents? They never really spoke much about it. My Dad and Mom used to absolutely adore Brae and I am sure they must have been hurt a lot but whatever it is they never expressed a lot. In fact no one spoke much about the incident and the reason was me. I would blow off anytime the topic was addressed. Ryan had tried speaking about it sometimes but eventually gave up.

That unspoken incident remained with me, hurting me, burning me up from inside. Whenever she is around me I get reminded of her betrayal, her ugly mentality but again I never felt the same thing for any girl what I felt for her.

If I wanted I could have destroyed her with a snap of my fingers, left her penniless but I can’t. I wanted to see her in pain but a teardrop from her eyes is all it takes to make me feel guilty of hurting her.

I smacked my lips , annoyed at my own self. I thought I could come and make her life miserable. Instead I am the one who is left confused and frustrated.

No, I couldn’t go soft on her. She wouldn’t hesitate to take advantage of my kindness at the first chance she gets. I wouldn’t allow that. Not this time.

……………….

Braelyn’s POV

” Ms. Taylor would explain to you the rest of the details.” I straightened up and opened the presentations , highlighting the important points and explaining every detail. By the end of it, the clients looked satisfied. Ryan too had a proud look on his face. I smiled at him a little.

” Well , we are ready to sign the deal. We really liked the presentation. I must say that Ms. Taylor is a great assistant to you Mr. Lewis.” I offered them a polite smile. I had spent days and nights working on this project and I was glad that my hard work was appreciated.

” I beg to differ. I am surprised that she could handle it, most probably one of her firsts.” His words rang in the conference room. I felt everyone’s eyes one me. My cheeks heated up with embarrassment, tears pooling in my eyes. I hung my head low, avoiding all their stares .

It must have been my imagination that he cared when I felt dizzy. He was the same cold hearted man who was ready to throw insults at me and abash me at any instant.

As the meeting came to an end and I too started walking out to avoid talking to Evan, knowing that he would do anything to humiliate me.

” Ms. Taylor.” He stopped me before I could leave. I turned back but didn’t lift my eyes , not wanting him to see my tears.

” I have a lunch meeting at 1. I want you to work on our last project and draft out a report before I am back .” I nodded before walking out. I harshly wiped the tears that left my eyes. Before I could walk into my cabin, a voice stopped me.

” Ms. Taylor.” The man who stood before me was present in the conference. He was a fairly handsome guy with blonde hair. He looked at my face sympathetically, most probably noticing my moist eyes.

” I’m sorry for what happened back in there.” I shook my head at him.

” It’s not your fault.” I hugged the files closer to my chest , calming my breaths.

” But honestly , a beautiful woman like you didn’t deserve such harsh words. You really are an excellent assistant.” I forced a smile on my face. He was really being nice , just that I wasn’t in the mood.

” Thank you for your kind words.” He nodded his head.

” You’re most welcome. Can I know your name ?” Before I could open my mouth , a familiar voice was heard.

” Mr. Walker, it was a pleasure doing business with you. Is there anything you need help with? My secretary will assist you.” He spoke looking straight at him. I was anxious about his words not knowing where he was going to attack.

” Well thank you Mr. Lewis. We will meet again.” He nodded at Mr. Walker. He fixed his gaze at me. After Mr. Walker was out of sight , he spoke.

” Ms. Taylor, I am sure I just gave you work to complete.” I gulped at his menacing glare. Nodding I spoke.

” I was just-”

” Let me make something very clear Ms. Taylor, I pay you to work for me , not to flirt with our clients. If you fail to behave professionally then you can gladly see yourself out of this building. ” I never felt so embarrassed in my whole life. The whole office was there as the audience when he threw those insults at me.

I dug my nails in my palm and bit my lips to stop them from trembling but I couldn’t bring myself to defend . It was useless to argue because this was not because I spoke to our client but because of what happened three years ago. If he wishes he can just destroy my whole existence in just minutes.

” Do I make myself clear?” I flinched at his loud voice but nevertheless nodded.

” Evan, that’s enough.” Ryan’s voice boomed but I couldn’t make out their facial expressions. My vision was completely blurred with tears.

” I don’t want anyone in my cabin.” Those were Evan’s last words before his footsteps died. The whole floor broke into whispers and murmurs. Realising that I just became the latest topic of office gossip, I hurried out of there. Once I was inside my cabin, my control broke. Covering my mouth with the palm of my hand , I silently sobbed. After a few minutes , I composed myself and went back to work else he would get another reason to humiliate me.

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” Come on, it’s lunch break. You can’t go on skipping your meals.” Cora and Austin dragged me out to the canteen. Just on entering, I could feel the glances being thrown at me.

” Don’t let them bother you, okay?” I nodded at Austin and sighed.

Getting our orders , we sat down at a table. I was quietly munching on my sandwich while they kept up the conversation.

” Isn’t that ‘The Braelyn Taylor’ ?” There stood Stephie with one hand on her hip and a mocking smile on her face. From day one , she strongly disliked me. She had a huge crush on Austin but Austin is not at all interested in her and she thinks that I am the reason that Austin doesn’t look at

Talia who stood beside her , mirrored her expression. She was one brainless idiot. Her only purpose was to follow her ‘best friend’ Stephie in whatever she just does.

My appetite was lost just by looking at their faces . Putting down my sandwich I wiped my hands.

” Poor girl was really humiliated today.” Stephie made a fake sad face. I quickly grabbed Cora’s hand that was clenched into a fist because I knew for a reason that she wouldn’t hesitate coliding that fist with Stephie’s face.

” Wonder why Mr. Lewis blowed up like that on her face! This never happened with anyone else.” Talia delivered her well rehearsed lines.

” Oh they all were present in the conference room. Maybe our poor Brae was trying too hard to get into his pants and Mr. Lewis got irritated.” The whole canteen snickered along with them. Just when I thought I couldn’t be more degraded, Stephie just made me feel more low.

“Or maybe she behaved the same with Mr. Lewis.” Someone added from behind me.

This time I couldn’t control myself from crying in public. I had lost whatever self-control I had and the tears rolled down on their own accord.

” Just shut up. How can you speak so ill about someone? ” Cora shouted, trying to save my nearly non-existent respect.

” Oh I bet Mr. Lewis will agree.” Stephie’s comment encouraged the snickerings and murmurings.

” Is it ? Then how about I take you to him and see if he agrees it not?” From the voice, I knew it was Ryan but I didn’t dare look up. I was to mortified to look at anyone, scared to find the same disrespect or pity in their eyes.

” Mr. Lewis – uhh – we were just-” Stephie’s stuttering was cut off by him.

” Leave ! Right now.” The authority in his voice had the full canteen silenced.

Both of them scurried out before Ryan bent down to come to my level.

” Brae.” Holding my hands in his, he softly called. I raised my face and looked at him through my tears. He wiped my tears with the pad of his thumb.

” Go home and take some rest.” I wanted nothing more than to hear those words but I didn’t want to risk my job. Going home without telling him would be the greatest excuse for him to fire me.

” I can’t. Evan …” I trailed off.

” He won’t fire you. I won’t let him.” I wanted to run off at that moment and hide myself under my blanket but I still wasn’t sure. He saw the uncertainty in my eyes.

” Do you trust me?” Do I ? I couldn’t trust anyone easily after that day but Ryan was different. If he still wanted to trust me after everything I did, then why can’t I.

” I do.” I faintly whispered causing him to smile.

” Then go home.” I nodded my head. I needed to.