A layer behind a layer, each fitting perfectly well — how do I know which one is the last before I hurt you while desperately trying to find the real you?
"Hey, Lia, what are you zoning out about?" Den asked while holding a bunch of papers.
"Nothing," Lia replied.
"I've been talking to you for over ten minutes now," Den sighed as he sat next to her.
"Anyone would lose their mind if you keep yapping," Sara said as she took a seat beside him.
"Hey, I was talking about the project," Den pouted.
"But your eyes were on Vick and Jane," Sara whispered, making Lia's eyes water.
"Are you okay?" Den asked, finally noticing her expression.
"She looks sleepy, that's all." Harry gently touched her messy hair.
"Wow, do you hate combing it or what?" Harry laughed.
"Ugh, boss casually touching employees!" Sara teased.
"You want me to play the boss now? I should say a couple of missing reports is very infuriating," Harry smiled and sat down.
"You can touch my hair too!" Den grinned, clearly trying to divert attention from the missing reports.
"Right…"
"Guys, join in. We have something to discuss," Harry called out to Jane and Vick.
A tension filled the air. Lia's eyes remained fixed on the documents, though she was painfully aware of Harry — and Vick.
Everyone took their seats.
"There's a party tonight. You guys can leave now and get dressed. It's an important meeting and a public appearance for us. I want everyone present. You might have to stay until our guest arrives. If things go well, we'll be partnering and working on new projects," Harry said excitedly.
"That's great, but why are you telling us this so late?" Sara complained.
"I don't know what to wear," Den muttered dramatically.
"We weren't invited until now. It was a last-minute decision," Harry replied.
"Text me if you need anything else. I should get ready now," Sara stood up.
"Me too! The party is more important. Finally, a chance to show how handsome I am," Den said as he followed her.
"We won't let you down, Harry!" they both said in sync.
"Okay…?" Harry blinked in disbelief as they walked away, already discussing outfits.
"Jane, could I talk to you for a second?" Harry asked softly. Jane nodded, and they stepped aside. Vick kept glancing in their direction until the office noise swallowed their quiet conversation.
"What is it?" Jane asked.
"My brother is coming from overseas… and your dad will also be there," Harry said carefully.
Jane's face fell.
"I… I just wanted to let you know beforehand," Harry added gently.
"Thanks for telling me," Jane replied, forcing a small smile.
On the other side, Lia kept rereading the document, her eyes scanning every line without truly seeing it. A strange feeling stirred inside her — unfamiliar and unwelcome. Once, being around Vick had brought peace and calm. Now, the memories only resurfaced with bitterness and resentment.
Vick's eyes were restless. His arms were folded tightly, one leg shaking with anxiety. Every part of him wanted to walk up to her.
"Come on, I'll drop you off. If you wait for the bus, you'll be late," Harry said, tapping Lia's shoulder while glancing at his phone.
"Yeah… thanks," Lia replied, standing up — fully aware of Vick watching her.
As she walked toward the exit, she felt it — his presence behind her.
"Lia."
Her steps faltered.
She walked away.
At the Party
The venue glittered with chandeliers and soft golden lighting. Elegant music floated through the air as guests in formal attire mingled.
Sara wore a deep emerald dress, confident as ever. Den adjusted his suit for the tenth time, posing dramatically near a mirror.
Jane stood composed but slightly tense, scanning the room.
Lia entered beside Harry, wearing a simple yet stunning black dress. Minimal jewelry. Hair finally combed, softly falling over her shoulders.
Vick noticed her immediately.
For a second, the noise of the room faded.
She looked different, Vick had never seen her get dressed up. She almost seemed like a different person.
He approached slowly, Lia knew she couldn't escape now or make a scene. She avoided conversation for long and the truths he hadn't spoken. The broken marriage, his new life style, the non consent kiss and his new relationship with Jane, none of this spoken out loud. None of this she ever wants to talk about.
"Can we take that five minutes?" he asked in front of Harry.
She nodded. Harry didn't know how to respond, interfere or just let them be.
They stepped onto the balcony where the city lights shimmered below.
"What is it?" she began.
"I know you saw us that day," Vick admitted the truth.
"So?" Lia asked looking away from him while his gaze was fixated on hers.
"I just don't know how to explain it," Vick spoke , his fingers clenched.
"No need to explain, we made a mistake once and we moved on didn't we?" Lia spoke sternly.
"You know it's not true," Vick's eyes filled with tears.
After moments of silence, Lia asked what she really wanted to know, she hated the fact she still wants to know the reason even if it's fake.
"Why did you kiss me and then kiss her?" Lia spoke hurting her palm as she scratched it her nails. The statement wasn't expected by Vick, leaving him with all thoughts pouring him at once. But looking at her he couldn't bring himself to lie, honesty was the only way he could atone.
"Because I thought staying away was the right thing. I thought you'd be better without me."
"That wasn't your decision to make," she said.
"I was scared," he admitted. "Of failing you. Of not being enough."
"You don't protect someone by leading them on," Lia said, her voice finally cracking. "You hurt them."
He stepped closer, but carefully. "I know. And I hate myself for that. I had changed a lot, maybe I am not that person who fell in love with you innocently and unknowingly."
The honesty in his voice made her eyes glisten.
"I don't expect you to forgive me tonight," he continued. "But I want a chance to earn back… something. Even if it's a fake smile."
She looked at him for a long moment.
"I'm tired of these feeling, Vick. I don't hate you, I don't love you either. I want to be left alone," Lia spoke trying to walk away.
"You aren't the only one hurting Lia, you came to my life, you trapped me with love and just left me to rot in hell. Why did you leave like that, everything left so disgusting and untouchable, I couldn't even touch my wife without thinking about you. The guilt of it all, made me a madman. And when I finally catch up to you, you were not mine. How can I be worthy of you, I'm not better than Harry in any way." Vick eyes teared up. His voice slowed down as the music inside took over.
"What are talking about?" Lia asked.
"Did you ever love me Lia? I'm a fool, I thought we loved other all these days, it was just an attraction wasn't it? You never even said you liked me. I've been the only one loving you like an idiot hoping one day I could relive the moments we had." Vick continued to spiral.
"Get it together Vick." Lia stepped out as Vick got on his knees.