CHAPTER FOUR: Lines That Shouldn't Be Crossed.
Chidimma stayed in the restroom longer than necessary, staring at her reflection.
Her eyes looked different.
Not weak.
Not broken.
But not completely healed either.
She took a deep breath.
"Get yourself together," she whispered.
This job mattered.
Her future mattered.
And she refused to let Julian—or anyone—ruin it.
By the time she returned to her desk, her expression was calm and composed.
Professional.
Untouchable.
"Miss Chidimma."
She looked up.
It was Vanessa.
Standing right in front of her.
Elegant as ever, with a confident smile that felt more like a challenge than kindness.
"Can we talk?" Vanessa asked.
Chidimma hesitated for a second before nodding.
"Sure."
Vanessa glanced around the office before leaning slightly closer.
"I don't like going in circles," she began calmly. "So I'll be direct."
Chidimma remained silent, watching her carefully.
"Stay away from Julian."
The words were soft.
But sharp.
Chidimma blinked slowly, surprised—but not shaken.
"I'm his assistant," she replied calmly. "That's my job."
Vanessa smiled, but there was no warmth in it.
"Let's not pretend," she said. "I saw the way you both looked at each other."
Chidimma's fingers tightened slightly on the file she was holding.
"That's none of your business," she said firmly.
Vanessa's eyes narrowed just a little.
"It becomes my business when it concerns my future husband."
Chidimma froze.
Future… husband?
The words echoed in her mind.
For a second, she felt that familiar pain creeping back.
But she quickly pushed it down.
"That has nothing to do with me," she said, her voice steady.
Vanessa straightened, adjusting her bag.
"Good," she replied. "Let's keep it that way."
Without another word, she turned and walked away.
Chidimma stood still for a moment.
Then slowly sat down.
Her chest felt tight.
So he's moved on…
She let out a quiet breath.
Of course he has.
Why wouldn't he?
He left her like she meant nothing.
Why should it still hurt?
"Come to my office."
Julian's voice.
Cold.
Commanding.
She looked up to see him standing by his door.
Watching her.
Chidimma picked up her notebook and walked in without a word.
"Close the door," he said.
She did.
The air between them felt different this time.
Heavier.
More intense.
"What did Vanessa say to you?" he asked directly.
Chidimma frowned.
"Why does it matter?"
His jaw tightened.
"Answer the question."
She crossed her arms slightly.
"She told me to stay away from you," Chidimma said. "And honestly, I agree."
Julian's eyes darkened.
"You agree?" he repeated.
"Yes," she replied. "I'm here to work. Nothing else."
A brief silence followed.
Then suddenly—
Julian stood up.
And walked toward her.
Slowly.
Deliberately.
Chidimma's heart started beating faster, but she didn't move.
Didn't step back.
Didn't show fear.
He stopped right in front of her.
Too close.
"Then why," he said quietly, his voice low, "does it feel like you're still affected by me?"
Her breath caught.
"I'm not," she replied quickly.
Julian leaned in slightly, his eyes locked on hers.
"Liar."
The word hit harder than she expected.
Chidimma swallowed.
"Don't do this," she said softly.
"Do what?" he asked.
"This," she replied, her voice almost breaking. "Act like nothing happened. Like you didn't destroy everything."
For a moment…
Something flickered in his eyes.
Guilt.
Pain.
Regret.
But it disappeared just as quickly.
"You think it was that simple?" he asked.
Chidimma frowned.
"What does that mean?"
Julian stepped back, running a hand through his hair.
"There are things you don't know," he said again.
"Then tell me!" she snapped.
But he shook his head.
"Not now."
That was it.
That was all she got.
Chidimma laughed softly, shaking her head.
"Of course," she said. "You never change."
She turned to leave.
But just as she reached the door—
"Chidimma."
She paused.
Her hand on the handle.
"What?" she asked without turning.
Julian's voice came, quieter this time.
"Stay away from trouble."
She let out a small, bitter smile.
"Too late," she replied.
And then she walked out.
Julian stood alone in his office, his fists clenched.
Vanessa.
Chidimma.
The past.
Everything was colliding.
And the truth he had been hiding for two years…
Wouldn't stay hidden for long.