Chapter #61

I offered him a forced smile, but it didn't seem to impress him. He requested my presence in his office and retrieved his coffee, which I had completely forgotten about amidst the turmoil. He departed, leaving me with Lara. I questioned her, "Why didn't you inform me he was right behind me?"

"Don't hold me responsible," she retorted, "You were the one who made those remarks. You should leave before causing any more trouble for me."

I brewed a cup of coffee in the coffee machine, my hands trembling slightly. As the scent of the coffee filled the room, I sent a silent prayer upwards. I was desperately hoping that Eden hadn't heard my earlier disparaging remarks about him.Cradling the warm coffee cup in my hands, I made my way towards Eden's office. The hallway seemed longer than usual, each step echoing my mounting anxiety. I paused for a moment outside his door, took a deep breath, and knocked softly.

Upon entering, I found Eden completely absorbed in his work. He was hunched over his