CHAPTER 4

Jane was glad that the day was finally over. She quickly rushed home, making sure to avoid everyone she encountered, even her father.

When she finally reached home, she let her emotions take the better of her and she couldn't control the tears flowing down her face. Without wasting a moment, she quickly rushed up the stairs, her heart pounding in her chest. Finally reaching the solace of her bedroom.

In her mind, she couldn't keep away the thoughts of her husband being such a cruel and cold-hearted man. 

Jane sat on top of her bed as she stared at the divorce papers. She felt her heart ache in pain, as the papers were a reminder of her failed marriage and her husband's betrayal. She flipped the pages and quickly rushed to where she was supposed to sign, doing so without even reading about the divorce settlement.

She felt a big void in her heart and longed for her mother. It was in that moment that she took the decision to visit her the following day. She felt a bit of uneasiness as she thought about her mother, but soon felt emotional as she remembered that she first met Don at the hotel where her mother worked as a cleaner. 

After a long bath, Jane took an early nap and told her father that she was not feeling well. She tossed and turned all night, thinking about her messed-up life and the fact that her marriage was officially over. 

Jane woke up the next morning energetic and full of life. She prepared breakfast for everyone, which was something she hardly did. Her mood made his father ecstatic, and he couldn't conceal it.

"I'm delighted that you are finally putting everything behind you, my child. Seeing you this joyful warms my heart " a broad smile spread cross his father's face.

"I realised that I can't be sad forever; I still have my whole life ahead of me. And besides, it's not like I was happy; Don never loved me, and I'm glad it's finally over," she articulated while switching off the kettle of boiling water. She wasn't sure if she was really happy that her marriage was over; the truth is, she felt something for Don.

"I'm just glad that you didn't lose yourself while married to Don," his father voiced out his concerns, he positively glowed with happiness.

"Relax, dad, I'm a big girl, and please don't feel guilty about the whole situation. I married Don because I wanted to; yes, I did it for you, but I wanted to," she emphasised her point.

"There is something I'd like to share with you." She sustained her conversation,

" I am going to see my mom later today; I hope you don't mind." Her eyes were concentrating on her coffee, avoiding her father's eye contact.

"You don't have to worry about anything, my child; she is still your mother even after what happened between us." His tone suddenly changed.

"We will talk later, Dad; I don't want to be late for work." Their conversation began to be awkward, and it was only going to get worse. Jane quickly wrapped up everything and dashed for work.

In no time, she arrived at work, and she was getting familiar with the place. She tried to concentrate on her work since the employees were not yet used to having her around.

There was a sudden awkward silence in the office, and at first Jane ignored it, but as it persisted, she got curious and took her eyes off the desk top screen. To her surprise, Don stood behind her with his arms folded on his chest. She was really shocked to find Don staring at her, and Jane wondered what she did wrong so early in the morning.

"Good morning, Don," she finally broke the silence after some time of staring at each other.

"It's Mr. McBurney to you; I'm your boss, Jane; never forget that!" he said, his tone cold as ice. Everyone in the office seemed to be minding their own business, but Jane could feel their eyes heavy on her even without glaring at them.

"What can I do for you, Mr. McBurney?" Jane tried to keep calm, even though Don wanted to embarrass her in front of his employees.

"Today seems like your lucky day. You are promoted!" He released his hands and they fell on his sides.

"What do you mean I'm promoted? I just got here!" Her voice was filled with anger and firmness, demanding answers.

"Did I stutter? Just pack your belongings and follow me; from now on I designate you as my personal assistant," he said, and he started walking upstairs. Jane was astonished by Don's promotion; she packed her things and followed him.

"What are you really up to, Don?" She asked as she opened his door.

"Stop asking me senseless and useless questions. Your work space is that side; settle in, and I will brief you in a moment about your work." He moved closer to Jane's little office, which was divided by a thick glass wall from Don's office.

"I've signed the divorce papers; I left them in the car; I will drop them off before I leave today," she tried to be friendly, creating a healthy environment for her since she was going to spend almost all her time with Don.

"So do you want me to thank you for signing the papers? Besides signing them, what else could you have done with them?" He gave her a sharp look and went back to his seat.

Without bordering on him any further, Jane went to her new office and tried to become familiar with the working environment. After a long time of doing absolutely nothing, Don came to her and explained to her how she was supposed to do her work, including her responsibilities, which included updating his diary and scheduling meetings.

Jane was deep in her thoughts when Abbie, her soon-to-be ex-husband's girlfriend, unexpectedly entered the office. She walked straight to Don and greeted him with a kiss on his cheek.

"Hi Jane, if you don't mind, I'm here to see my man," Abbie smiled as she tried to provoke Jane. After giving Jane a glare, she pushed her small ass on top of Don's table, sitting comfortably and placing one foot on top of the other.

"Hello Abbie, I don't have any problems." Jane lied and wished the glass that separated her office from Don's office was actually thick concrete. 

"I've been thinking about you, and I decided to come and see you," Abbie extended her hand and began stroking Don's beard lightly.

"Abbie, this is an office, so I suggest you behave yourself in an appropriate manner." Don reprimanded Abbie in a harsh tone. 

"You don't have to be rude to me," she frowned at him and moved from the table and sat on the couch next to Don's table.

"I expect you as my girlfriend to behave accordingly at all times; if you adhere to this, we won't have any problems in the future. I hope you understand and that I won't have to repeat myself in the future" his harsh tone cut through her heart. It was Abbie's first time experiencing this cold-hearted side of him.

"I understand." Abbie cut her response short and simple, shadowing her anger and disappointment.

Jane heard everything they were talking about, and in a moment she was enjoying the moment, but it didn't last long because in a jiffy they were past arguing and they were chatting happily. Jane found herself overwhelmed by anger and jealousy.

The sight of Abbie and Don talking freely in front of her brought back memories of how she was disrespected yesterday, and she couldn't stand being in the same room as them.

Joyce came at the right time to rescue her from the two devils who wanted to consume her spirit.

"I'm sorry to come in like this, but it's lunch time, and I'm here to fetch my friend." Joyce walked through the door and went straight to Jane's desk.

"I'm sorry, boss." Joyce carried on,

"but you will have to get used to me since you stole my friend." Jane was astonished and happy at the same time. Did Joyce just referred to her as her friend? 

"Some people are very fast; it's your second day here, and you're already making friends. I thought you learned your lesson that quick things don't last; don't make the same mistake twice." Don arrogantly reminded Jane of her failed marriage.

"Is it lunch already?" Jane closed the file she was recently working on and headed for the door with Joyce, avoiding Don's dumb comment.

Joyce took Jane to the famous coffee shop she was talking about yesterday, and it was the perfect place to be after a stressful day; it was warm, welcoming, and comforting. Jane sat across from Joyce, and they both ordered the same thing. Chocolate muffins and cappuccino.

"I hope you didn't mind when I addressed you as my friend earlier." Joyce broke the silence.

"Not at all; I'm actually excited. I never had the opportunity to make friends before "Jane kept stirring at her cappuccino.

"He loves you; you know that, right? I can see the way he looks at you." Joyce finally gathered the courage to talk to Jane about Don.

"I doubt that, but I'm actually not ready to talk about it. I hope you understand that I'm not trying to be rude." 

"No offence taken," she said with a bubbly face.

"So I want to share something with you; promise not to judge me," Joyce continued. 

"I'm listening, and judging is not my style," Jane fiddled with her curious face.

"Where was the strangest place you ever had sex?" Joyce whispered.

'OMG! Who is this girl? What have I put myself into?'

Jane couldn't hide her amazed face as her mind ran wild with these thoughts. She was really taken by surprise; in her entire life, she has never talked about her sexual life to anyone, not even to the person she shared her bed with.

"Uh, I don't know. Maybe the kitchen," Jane said without giving it much thought.

"You are kidding me. Getting all steamy in the kitchen is normal girly," Joyce rolled her eyes in disbelief.

"Yesterday, me and my boyfriend 'enjoyed ourselves'in the parking lot inside the car." Joy sipped her cappuccino before she continued,

" I'm telling you, Jane, it was the best sex I've ever had."

"I don't think I can ever do that; it's just not normal. "

Joyce rolled her eyes again.

"You are missing a lot, Jane. Maybe if you can quit dating uptight guys like Don, you can experience the real action. You need to be with a guy who is not afraid to mess you up a little. You have to have sex on elevators, in the park; loosen up a little; why do you act like you are way past menopause?" Joyce said while staring at Jane.

"And why are you acting like a teenager?" Jane took a bite of her chocolate muffin, careful not to mess with her red lipstick.

'DID SHE JUST MENTIONED THE ELEVATOR?'

In that moment, Jane remembered one fateful day, which happened about three months after her wedding. She was accidentally locked in the elevator with Don; her hands fell on Don's chest after she fell to balance herself properly. She stared at him, and their eyes locked for a moment.

In an instant, Don pulled her closer to his chest, and his fingers started caressing her soft lips in an up-and-down motion. The urge to kiss him was too strong to resist. Slowly,  she looked him straight in the eyes. Without wasting another second, Don gently pressed his warm lips against hers, kissing her gently and passionately. Jane got lost in that moment as he began touching her in places that gave her pleasure. He caressed her nipples as he continued kissing her.

"Do you want me?" Don whispered in her ear.

"Yeees," she said, releasing a loud sigh as she answered back.

They both wished that the moment could last forever, as Don had the most passionate sex ever to Jane; they even forgot that they were in the elevator.

Without noticing, Jane sat and stared, caressing her ear, while her mind went back to one of the good times she shared with Don.

" Jane!" Joyce snapped her fingers, trying to get her attention.

"I got distracted; pardon me. What were you saying?" Jane couldn't contain her smile.

"Lunch time is almost over; finish up and let's get going." Joyce took the last bite of her muffin.

"What were you thinking about that made you blush this much? She carried on.

"Let's just say the kitchen wasn't the craziest place I've ever had sex in, and if you behave, maybe, just maybe I might tell you about it." Jane smiled, grabbed her handbag, and followed Joyce out of the coffee shop.