Back at the office, the day seemed to move slower than usual.
Lara sat at her desk, pretending to be focused on her reports, but her eyes kept drifting to her phone. The message she received earlier that day—"We need to talk. I know about the baby. —A."—was still fresh in her mind.
She hadn't replied.
She didn't know what to say.
Who was this "A"? Ava again? Or was someone else playing a cruel game?
Just then, her friend and colleague, Mila, stopped by with two cups of coffee.
"You look like you need this more than I do," Mila said, placing one cup in front of her.
Lara forced a smile. "Thank you."
Mila leaned closer. "Are you okay? You've been really quiet lately. I mean... quieter than usual."
Lara hesitated. "I'm just tired. That's all."
Mila studied her for a moment, then gave a small nod. "Well, if you ever need to talk, I'm here. And if you're hiding a secret affair with Mr. Blackwood, just know—I'll still support you."
Lara nearly choked on her coffee. "What? No! There's nothing like that!"
Mila laughed. "Relax. I'm just teasing... a little. But seriously, people have been talking."
"Talking?" Lara repeated, her heart racing.
Mila nodded, lowering her voice. "There were whispers yesterday in the hallway. Someone said they saw you leave Mr. Blackwood's office looking... emotional."
Lara's stomach twisted.
Had her meeting with Ethan really sparked rumors?
Mila continued, "People notice things. And let's be honest—he's handsome, mysterious, and powerful. It's easy for imaginations to run wild."
Lara looked down at her coffee. "I really don't want to be the subject of office gossip."
"Then stay quiet, stay calm, and stay professional," Mila said gently. "It'll blow over."
Lara nodded slowly. "Thanks, Mila."
After Mila left, Lara took a deep breath. She needed a break. She needed clarity.
She stood and walked toward the women's restroom. As she entered, she overheard two colleagues talking near the sink.
"…She's definitely hiding something. Did you see the way Mr. Blackwood looks at her sometimes?"
"And she's been so pale lately. I think she's sick… or something more."
Lara's heart sank. She waited silently in the last stall until the women left.
The gossip was growing.
And if someone really knew about the baby, she couldn't keep this a secret much longer.
When she returned to her desk, another message waited on her phone.
> "You don't have to be afraid. I can help you. But not if you keep ignoring me."
Still no name. Still no proof of who it was.
But Lara could no longer deny it—someone was watching, someone knew her truth.
And they were getting closer.