Desired by All and He Threw Away 36

Chapter 36 

Taylor’s POV 

+25 Bonus 

The air feels heavier the moment i step through the glass doors.,The faint scent of disinfectant mixes with the sharper tang of freshly brewed coffee a smell i used to associate with comfort. 

now it only makes my stomach tighten.my heels click softly against the polished floor- too loud in a place that suddenly feels like its holding its breath. 

poeple look up when i pass..some smile a quick polite curve of the lips that vanishes before it reaches their eyes.other lower their heads pretending to be busy tapping at screens or flipping through papers that dont really need flipping., 

i tell myself not to read into it.but the silence speaks louder than the small talk i used to share in these halls. 

when in reach my supervisor’s office Dr. Harlan greets me with a professional smile so practiced it might as well be part of his uniform. 

“Taylor,” he says his tone formal, careful. “Welcome back.” 

“thank you sir.“my voice is steady though it feels like Im balancing on glass. 

he gestures for me to sit but doesnt relax into his chair the way he used to. “we are glad to have you with us again. I trust everything is settled?” 

“Yes. Everything fine.” 

i know its not and he probably does too.but thats the script we are both sticking to. 

he nods once already glancing at the papers on his desk. “Good.you will be stationed at the athlete training camp 

for the duration of the program.we are expecting professionalism and focus from everyone involved.” 

the emphasis on professionalism isnt lost on me.it lands like a reminder disguised as praise. 

“i understand,” i reply forcing a small smile. 

he returns it–thin courteous and distant.the meeting ends as quickly as it began.no welcome back lunch. No casual chat. Just procedure. 

outside the hallway feels colder than before, 

the camp cabin Im assigned to smells faintly of pine and detergent.a small suitcase sits at my feet as intake in the space–two narrow beds wooden walls sunlight streaming through thin curtains. It’s temporary, but clean. 

I tell myself it’ll do.as i unpack the door swings open behind me, 

“oh my God- youre Taylor right?” 

I turn.a young woman stands in the doorway hair sleek and glossy like its been kissed by a stylist wand her smile bright enough to demand attention. 

she wearing designer sneakers that definitely dont belong in a camp setting and a lanyard with her name already sparkling under the light. Vanessa. 

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Chapter 36 

+25 Bonus 

“yes,” i say cautiously. “you must be the new intern?” 

“Mm–hmm!” she chirps stepping inside with the energy of someone walking into a photoshoot.“Vanessa Leighton. I’ve heard so much about you. 

There’s something in her tone–half admiration, half curiosity. She doesn’t stop moving, scanning the cabin as if assessing how well it photographs. 

“this place is kind of…rustic right?” she laughs tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. “i mean its cute but Im definitely bringing in a mini diffuser. I can’t live without my lavender oils.” 

I manage a polite smile. “You’ll get used to it. It’s quiet, at least.” 

she tilts her head eyes flicking over me- my simple blouse my tired eyes and my restrained posture. “yeah,” she says finally still smiling. “I guess some people like quiet.” 

Before I can respond, two younger interns appear at the doorway, giggling. Vanessa turns instantly, her charm lighting up like a switch. 

“Girls! You found me!” she says, looping her arm through one of theirs. “We were just talking about the cabin. Come on, let’s check the rec hall. I heard there’s an espresso machine.” 

she tosses me another dazzling smile over her shoulder. “nice meeting you Taylor!” 

the door closes behind her leaving a faint trace of vanilla perfume in the air.i exhale slowly.the room feels emptier now–like she took all the oxygen with her. 

by the time i head to the cafeteria my stomach is a knot of nerves., the scent of scrambled eggs and toasted bread hits me as soon as i enter,.Laughter echoes from one corner where a group of staff sit in clusters trading stories. 

i grab a tray and serve myself quietly— scrambled eggs fruit black coffee- and glance around for a seat.most tables are full.then ispot a girl sitting alone near the window She looks friendly enough with warm brown eyes soft curls framing her face a quiet smile that doesnt feel forced. 

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