Desired by All and He Threw Away 41

I do. i have seen it happen before to others but never to me.the way stories spread like smoke changing shape as they go around until you cant tell where they even started. 

the rest of the day passes in a blur.Every conversation sounds like its about me.every laugh feels sharper.When i walk into the office kitchen two interns stop talking mid sentence.when i enter a meeting eyes flick toward me before darting away. 

by the time i sit at my desk i can feel my composure cracking under the weight of it.my hands tremble as i type.The screen blurs for a second my reflection faint in the glass–tired eyes forced calm. 

Vanessa’s voice floats from the next table over. 

“i just feel so bad for her,” she says to no one in particular loud enough for others to hear. “people can be so cruel sometimes.but you know rumors usually start from somewhere right?” 

a few chuckles ripple around her.my jaw tightens. 

she doesnt look at me when she says it.she doesnt need to. 

i swallow hard pressing my nails into my palm beneath the desk. The sting steadies me. 

She wants me to react. She wants me to crumble. I won’t give her that satisfaction.That evening, Im back in my cabin laying down facing the ceiling. I sign listening to the 

rain taps against the roaf soft and steady.i turn my head to the side to look at the window watch the droplets slide down the glass each one catching a fragment of light from the camp lamps.my chest feels tight like somethings pressing down from the inside. 

it would be easier to walk away. To quit, like the rumor says I should. But I’ve already lost too much to start running now. 

the next morning i show up early.i dress sharper than usual–a crisp blouse hair pinned neatly back makeup subtle but intentional. if they are going to look at me i will give them something worth looking at. 

The weekly debrief starts at nine. Aiden’s there seated near the front eyes distant as he flips through notes. Vanessa’s already standing by the screen greeting everyone as they file in.her perfume–something floral and expensive- lingers in the air. 

when she spots me her smile flickers. Just for a second. Then she recovers. 

“Taylor,” she says brightly, “I took care of that report for you since you’ve been… busy. No worries, though—it’s handled.” 

Something in me settles. Not anger, not panic–just clarity. 

I step forward, setting my notebook on the table. 

“That’s kind of you, Vanessa,” I say evenly. “But that report was my assignment. I’ll be presenting my section today, as planned.” 

Her smile falters. “Oh, well, I just thought- 

” 

1/2 

Chapter 41 

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“That I couldn’t handle it?” i meet her eyes they are steady and calm. “thanks for the concern but i can manage my own work.” 

the room stills. a few glances exchange subtle but sharp.even Aiden looks up his gaze flicking between us. 

Vanessa lets out a small laugh light but strained. “Of course, Taylor. i didnt mean anything by it.” 

“i know,” i say smiling just enough to match her tone. “neither did i.” 

silence hangs on for a heartbeat longer before the meeting moves on. i walk through my presentation with measured confidence each word deliberate. 

My voice doesn’t shake.my hands dont falter.when i finish thered a brief pause- then a few quiet nods a murmur of approval. 

its not a victory not really. But its something. 

after the meeting Vanessa sweeps past me without a word her perfume trailing like smoke.Aiden lingers behind watching her go then glances at me. for a moment i think he might say something. 

But he doesnt.he just gives a small nod something unreadable passing through his expression before he walking 

out. 

the room empties slowly.paper shuffle and chairs scrape on the floor.the air feels lighter but only just. 

i stay behind gathering my notes and the quiet filling the space where their voices used to be.my hands still tremble slightly but i tuck them into my pockets until they stop. 

i fight back but did it calmly with dignity.But the truth lingers in the pit of my stomach- the damage is already done. 

because no matter how composed i act no matter how steady my voice the whispers travel faster than truth.and i can feel them still— echoing through hallways curling under doors they are soft but sharp enough to cut. 

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