Chapter 44 44 Chapter 44 - Workplace Sanctuary Monica's POV Morning came too quickly. After dropping Austin at daycare, I arrived at Louis & Associates with Natalie, my stomach fluttering with nerves. Mr. Louis's assistant immediately ushered us into his spacious corner office. "Monica, good to see you, Grady Louis greeted me with a firm handshake. "I had a lengthy conversation with Darren. He's quite concerned about you. He didn't elaborate much, but it seems Morris created quite a situation." I straightened my shoulders, determined not to appear as broken as I felt. "Mr. Louis, I appreciate your concern. Whatever Morris believes, I can assure you the accusations against me are unfounded." His eyes softened as he nodded. "I never doubted that for a moment. The Carson have vouched. for your character, and that speaks volumes. Abel Carson isn't easily impressed, yet he considers you one of the most honest people he's ever met." He leaned back in his leather chair. "Unfortunately, I don't have a position equivalent to your previous role, but there's an opening in sales that I think you'd excel in. The compensation is competitive, and the work should come naturally to you. What do you say?" Relief washed over me as I smiled genuinely for what felt like the first time in days. "I'd be grateful for the opportunity, Mr. Louis. Thank you." After accepting the position, Natalie escorted me to Human Resources where I completed the necessary paperwork before meeting my new supervisor. The prospect of steady income lifted a weight from my shoulders. I made a mental note to buy Natalie something special - her support had been my lifeline through this nightmare. Mr. Sebastian, a jovial man with salt-and-pepper hair and kind eyes, welcomed me to the sales department with enthusiasm. "Miss Monica, we run things a bit differently here. Our focus is productivity and revenue generation, but we believe that happens best in a supportive environment." He gestured to the open floor plan. "Each team member has their own space, but we're all accessible to one another. When someone needs assistance, they receive it- no questions asked. "That sounds ideal, I replied sincerely. "A collaborative team makes all the difference. "I think you'll fit right in," Mr. Sebastian chuckled. "Hope you enjoy coffee - it's practically. currency around here. You'll never go thirsty; someone's always offering a fresh cup or brewing a pot." I laughed, feeling the tension in my shoulders case slightly. "Is this workplace heaven?" My new boss erupted in hearty laughter before walking me through my responsibilities and 44 Chapter 44 - Workplace Sanctuary introducing me to the team. By the time he showed me to my desk, I was cautiously optimistic about this new chapter. The friendly atmosphere was evident immediately. I had barely settled at my computer when someone tapped my shoulder. "Hey gorgeous, you've already got half the floor doing double-takes," a vibrant voice announced. I glanced up to find a woman with magnificent red hair and emerald eyes, freckles scattered across her cheerful face, extending a steaming mug of coffee toward me. I accepted it gratefully "That's incredibly kind, but if anyone's turning heads, it's definitely you," I replied honestly. Her beauty was striking in its uniqueness. She waved dismissively. "Please, I'm hardly conventional beauty material. Men don't notice me that way." She offered her hand. Lily, by the way. Professional coffee enabler and your new desk neighbor." We chatted easily, and Lily introduced me to colleagues in nearby cubicles. Her warmth was infectious, making me feel instantly welcome. "You'll meet everyone eventually, Monica,' she assured me, returning to her desk. "We're like one dysfunctional family here." The day passed in a blur of productive activity. The camaraderie was palpable - colleagues offering assistance, sharing insights, and creating a supportive environment that made the work enjoyable. For hours at a time, I almost forgot the hollow ache in my chest. As we packed up at day's end, Lily walked out with me, regaling me with stories about her workaholic lawyer mother, her father who had remarried "Satan's sister" (her words), and her entrepreneurial brother who co-owned a Latin dance club downtown. "We absolutely have to go, Monica!" Lily enthused, eyes bright with excitement. "The music is incredible, the cocktails are dangerously good, and the men..." she fanned herself dramatically. "Let's just say dancing isn't all they excel at." I smiled, not wanting to dampen her enthusiasm. "That sounds fun. I'll mention it to Natalie - her boyfriend arrives this weekend, so maybe next week would work?" Lily clapped excitedly. "Perfect! I'll have my brother save us the best table in the house." Natalie joined us then, and predictably fell in love with the club idea instantly. We parted ways. with promises to finalize plans soon. At home, I focused on Austin, grateful for his innocent affection. I bathed him, read his favorite story three times, and held him until he drifted off. His peaceful breathing couldn't soothe the storm inside me. When I finally crawled into my own bed, exhaustion hit like a tidal wave. Despite the promising new job and genuine connections I'd made, Morris's absence felt like a physical wound. In the C 44 Chapter 44 - Workplace Sanctuary darkness of my bedroom, with no one to witness my weakness, I let the tears fall until sleep. finally claimed me. Comment In "A Relationship Kept in The Dark" by CrushReel, the storyline unfolds as renowned photographer Jane finds herself drawn to the charismatic rookie model, Hector. Little does she know that Hector harbors a secret—he is actually the heir to a powerful business empire. 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