The fine line (episode 9) - by Zarah Writes

I dusted my face and moved on like the COO just scolded me.Cynthia walked up to my table, smiling like she didn’t just throw me under the bus. “What happened?” she asked, pretending to sound concerned. I told her the COO saw everything on the camera and gave me a warning.She gasped, holding her chest like a Nollywood extra. “Ah, Zara! That’s serious o. He saw it?”I nodded quietly. She acted innocent, nodding like she didn’t know what I was talking about. I wanted to laugh. Mumu. You’re the reason he even saw it. The next day, I walked into the COO’s office with my shoulders raised high. I wasn’t even trying to look sexy, but you know how God designed some of us—once the body enters a room, it announces itself before your mouth even opens.I wore a pleated skirt and a white shirt. Simple, neat, nothing extra. I was even trying to hide my curves, but can someone hide God’s glory with just cloth? Impossible. I greeted him softly and dropped a small black nylon bag on his table.“Good afternoon, sir. I’m sorry, I’ve thought about it,” I said, voice low and calm. “I can’t. This is the money you sent yesterday. I couldn’t get your account details, and I didn’t want to ask anyone, so I figured I could return it this way.” He looked up from his laptop and smirked.“The money is yours,” he said, leaning back in his chair.“Even if you’re not my girl yet, I can still give you something to appreciate your beauty. Keep it. And still think about it.” While we were going back and forth about the money, I suddenly heard that familiar ting! sound from my phone.Another credit alert. This time, 2.5 million naira. My hand froze.“Sir…” I started.He raised his hand to stop me. “Zara, you’re beautiful,” he said. “You don’t deserve these boys. I pay their salaries, and none of them earns up to 500k a month. How can they take care of you? You’re a woman of value. You deserve peace, luxury, and care. And Cynthia? She’s not your friend. I’m even glad you fought with her and Adam. That gave me a chance to tell you this.” He paused, stood up, and walked to the front of his desk.“Stay away from them. Tell them you’re single, focusing on yourself. You can still be friendly with them for all I care. Just be mine, Zara. You’ll understand later.” Low-key, I understood exactly what he meant.And honestly… who wouldn’t? 3.5 million in two days?My birthday is around the corner—this man could sponsor it, maybe even a trip to Paris or Italy. Adam, on the other hand, can barely buy me a necklace or a box of cake. Shey na flower I wan chop? I sighed deeply and looked at him. “Sir, I’m in a relationship with Adam. I like him.” He chuckled softly. “You dated Adam out of pity, not love. I see everything that goes on in this office. You like Tunde, but you were slow. Cynthia was fast. Now, no matter what happens, you can’t have Tunde. He’ll always just be your crush.” He moved closer, lowering his voice.“I’m not asking you to break up with Adam. But be honest with yourself. Do you really love him?” I smiled weakly. “Thank you, sir,” I said, trying to end the conversation. As I turned to leave, he caught my wrist and pulled me back—just slightly—but enough to make my body freeze.He looked me dead in the eyes and said, “I can’t marry you or date you publicly. But I’m not going to leave you alone either. You can leave now.” My body trembled as I walked out. I don’t know about anyone else, but that was… hot. Uncomfortably hot.I composed myself, fixed my face, and returned to my desk. Cynthia was waiting. Of course.“What were you doing in his office again?” she asked immediately.“He asked about a file I was supposed to submit. I hadn’t done it because of everything that’s been happening,” I said casually. “He wasn’t happy.” Her eyes widened. “Mr. Ademola? Angry? With you?”I nodded. “Yes. It’s fine. I’ll make it up to him.” Inside me, I almost laughed. “Make it up to him”? Girl, I am the makeup. Soon it was lunch time. Cynthia, Adam, and I decided to go to our usual spot.“Where’s Tunde?” I asked, looking around.Cynthia hissed. “Abeg, let’s go without him.”But I insisted. I wanted to clear the air once and for all. Adam called him, and a few minutes later, he showed up. The tension at the table was loud.I took a deep breath and started. “Guys, I’m really sorry,” I said. “For everything. For causing all this tension. It wasn’t intentional.”They all stared at me quietly.Then I turned to Adam. “I’m sorry too, baby.” He smiled softly. “It’s fine, Zara. I told you, I trust you. Tunde already came to me to apologize. He said it was his fault, not yours.” My jaw almost dropped. Tunde? Apologize? For real?Adam continued, “I know Tunde’s flirting habits. I can’t blame you for anything.” In my head, I was screaming, Oga, relax! Na guilt I wan use break up with you o. How come you’re not even angry?Because if only he knew what just happened in Mr. Ademola’s office… I smiled faintly, poked my food, and nodded like a calm babe.But inside, my mind was racing. Tunde was staring at me again. Cynthia was pretending to be fine. Adam was too sweet for his own good.And me? I had 3.5 million sitting in my account and a rich, dangerous man whispering temptation in my ear. I’m in trouble.Real, sweet, expensive trouble.

The Fine Line

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