~Felicia~

I reached back home and went to sleep right away. I applied for leave today and hoped some rest would revive me. As soon as I woke up, I checked my formal emails and responded to one of them. Meanwhile, our Company's group chat was buzzing in the background which kinda distracted me. I decided to check it out.

Most of the pictures and texts were from Maya, of course. I rolled my eyes and tried to get to the recent messages. But her pictures got my attention because she was posing with Leo in every. single. one of them.

My heart sank to my stomach as I fell back onto the headboard. There he was, flaunting his gentleman's behavior as he held the door open for her. I recognised the porch, it was Maya's house.

-Feels so safe when Boss Leo drops me back to my house. He goes to such lengths for me~-

That wasn't even the worst part. Yet.

The grip on my phone was tightened when I read the comments that followed,

-That's such a cute photo!-

-Yes but i like the 1 where he's adjusting her hair! They look so cutesy!-

-ikr! Like a real couple! They'd make such a power couple in our company!-

My chest tightened uncomfortably and teats threatened to dampen my cheeks. It looked like Maya and Leo were the new hot couple in town. They didn't even consider my presence in the group chat. As if I was invisible!

That didn't stop there. The pictures and following comments were a mile long in the chat. All were Maya flaunting poses and scenarios with Leo and he seemed so comfortable and unbothered in every single one of them.

I toughened myself up and decided to distract myself with TV. The news channel flashed breaking news, "BEST CEO OF THE YEAR WAS SEEN ESCAPING THE CONFERENCE TODAY TO TRAVEL TO MICHIGAN OUT OF THE BLUE! WHAT IS THIS NEW IMPROMPTU BEHAVIOR FROM THE BEST CEO?"

Michigan? That's where I was! As if to knock me back into my senses, there was a knock on the door. I feared who it might be.

"Err...yeah?" I looked at the pizza delivery and he smiled brightly.

"This is a gift pizza from an ADMIRER." I tilted my head to the side. I wanted to reject it but I could skip lunch with this. I took it and closed the door. Wondering who my admirer was, I opened the pizza. On the lid was a note attached,

-My love, we need to talk. Please forgive me. I've delivered your favorites. XOXO-

When I looked down at the veggie-filled pizza, I lost my cool. I hate vegetables on my simple Margherita pizza. But guess who else loved veggies on their pizza because they're health conscious? Maya.

Almost immediately after, the furious knocks on my door made my bones jump out! I looked through the peephole, upset to find Leo standing there. He was drenched in the rain and had his top buttons undone, sleeves rolled up.

"Why? Why can't you just leave me alone?!" I yelled.

"I wasn't taught to severe bonds, Felicia. I only how to make them!" He retorted.

"That's very nice of you but you gotta leave."

"That's not happening unless you're coming with me." His eyes briefly glanced inside my house, "Look at the way you're living. Please come home, Felicia. You're making this harder for me!"

"No, Leo. You're making this harder for yourself. His shoulders relaxed as he breathed out.

"At least apologize to Neil and Maya. They were hurt because of your actions last night." I jumped my eyebrows in the air.

"Apologize?" I asked increduloudky.

"Yes. They're coming here for a dinner."

"Why...why would you always put others before me?" My lips wobbled and I saw his eyes flash with concern. Just for a jiffy. Then it was gone, wiped away.

"I- I have to get rest. I'm too tired for anything related to you. Go home, Leo."

"I can't. I already booked the private cabin at WonderLeaf. Come by at 8pm sharp. I don't want any excuses or I'll keep knocking at your door. And i won't leave Michigan back to NYC."

"Are you freaking kidding me!? You're threatening me, Leo!"

"I'm fully aware of that. Bye. See you there." Saying, he looked at my apartment with disgust once again and turned to leave.

"Whatever. FINE I'M COMING!" i yelled into the corridor...and he didn't even turn back to acknowledge me. I pretended to be strong and tough superficially but deep down I was crippling with emotional agony.

"Thank you," paying up for the cab, I looked at the grand restaurant. I was totally aware I was late, but didn't bother because I wanted the dinner to get cancelled. But i was convinced that Leo wouldn't let that happen. He was stubborn to make this work, as if it was to fix everything between us.

I caught myself staring at the lift's mirror. My simple maroon bodycon hug me like my second skin. I felt pretty after a long time. Despite my body looking decent and sexy, my face looked deprived of life. Eye bags due to sleepless nights, stress lines and a balding patch in my scalp. I turned away from my reflection, sighing.

The outcome expected of this dinner was unclear to me. What were Leo's intentions with dragging me out on a dinner like this? This was more than me apologizing to Neil and Maya - which I wouldn't be doing anyway. As I exit the lift, I found my head held high. Because I didn't want them to get off analysing my sadness.

"Private cabin E-8, please. It's under Leo Herring."

"Oh, Leo Herring!" The receptionist was a little too excited and showed me to the cabin herself. Pointing to the cabin, she smiled and took her leave. I walked past, closing in on the door when I heard their familiar voices conversing.

"If there was anyone better suited for my best friend, it should be you, Maya." My hand stopped at the doorknob. It was Neil's voice.

Neil was poise and didn't slur, meaning he meant what he said without even thinking that someone could walk in at any moment. He was speaking the truth consciously.

I left a shaky breath as I let anger consume me, but sadness quickly replaced it. I shouldn't put myself through this and walk away with pride intact. But something stopped me to listen.

"You've been by Leo's side for as long as I can remember. You know him inside out. And he definitely smiles a lot when he's around you." Neil continued, I could see his hand resting over her knee.

"I get it, Neil. But he's in a relationship with her. I don't want to be a homewrecker." Maya was more rational than Neil, it was pissing me off.

"You're kidding!" Neil let out a laugh, "You're not coming between them. You always were a part of Leo's life! Because he still has you in your heart, Maya. He never let you go."

I felt my whole world shatter. Leo still had feelings for her? That meant they were together in the past. Tears threatened to fall and my feet were ready to run. But I fought the urge and stood there to be insulted more.

"I don't know where I'm supposed to be, Neil." Her words didn't match her tone, she was dishonest with herself. "Felicia's a good girl. She's a nice match for him. I mean...Leo and I were THE couple back then but it's over."

"You really think Leo is capable of severing bonds? He only knows how to make them." Planting that seed in both of our heads, Neil took pride in his words and continued,

"She's not as successful as you, not prettier than you and She's got no connections. On a professional level, you're the perfect match for Leo! You'd be the power couple again, Maya. Think about it." My throat went dry as the words haunted me. Not as successful, not as pretty, no connections...

Neil was rubbing my wound with salt and other spices altogether wasn't he?

Maya remained quiet, assuming that was the truth. I leaned closer, anticipating what she'd say to Neil.

"I mean...Leo is an amazing guy, i can't forget about us. And maybe...you're right. Maybe we were meant for each other and she was just a standby. It was fate."

Standby...

Standby...

I felt used and betrayed. Maya's voice was so deceptively sweet that a third person would think Im the villain in their relationship.

"I know what I speak, Maya. I can guarantee no one knows Leo as much as I do. That man is still in love with you and I can prove it. He's done a mistake by jumping into a relationship with Felicia. We all make mistakes. Hard to believe the perfectionist Leo did one too."

And that mistake...was me. He chose me to be his standby and that was Leo's first and biggest mistake. I get it, Neil. Real smooth at insults you are.

"I know it sounds complicated, but Leo's gotta accept the truth. That he loves you truly and Felicia, only superficially." That was enough confirmation to let tears run down my cheeks. I couldn't take the humiliation anymore, it was breaking my heart. Out of all other reasons, it had to be that I was his MISTAKE.

"Ah!" While running back, I bumped into a well built chest and gazed up. It was Leo!

"Why are you cr- Felicia!" He called after me but I spitefully turned around and spat,

"Why!? Why didn't you tell me you couldn't stay with me!? You still have feelings for her!" I shouted. Leo stood flabbergasted, but his silence was what baffled me the most. It took everything in me to not punch him, make a commotion.

When he wasn't able to utter ever a single word, it was my cue to believe the truth and run away with my heart forced bare in my hands.

"Felicia!" By now, the hotel guests' attention was on me. The damsel in distress running away from her prince charming. My heart was drumming out of my chest. What if he caught me up to!?

"Felicia, stop!" He shouted after me but I sprinted like my life depended on it. I broke my heel, and was limping and running the same time! The fuel to my fire was the fear of being caught up in his vicious cycle of lies again. My heart can't handle it this time. I know exactly what he'd do to me if I gave him a chance to amend.

"Ah!" My fears came true and he caught up to me. He spun me around under the dewy tree. I almost fell, but he caught my waist tightly and pulled me upto his chest. Pressing our bodies closely.

"What...a runner..." he mumbled, his breath hot on my face.

"Let go of me! Help! Mphmm!" He covered my mouth and looked around. I was trying to embarrass him so he'd unhand me, but he dragged me to a more quiet location between buildings.

"What is wrong with you!? I just wanna talk, dammit!" He hissed, acting unlike himself. He gave me some space as I could finally breathe fresh air than his breath.

"There's nothing to talk about. You left me to the streets and that's what im doing right now. If you want to fire me, fire me." I stated.

"Wha— that wasn't why I wanted to talk! Why are you behaving like this!? What's changed?" He was in so much distress that I thought I was in the wrong.

"YOU changed, Leo. You're making everyone else your priority. You don't love me anymore and it's so evident!"

"I do love you!"

"Then why would you ditch me at the celebration!? You don't even know how embarrassed I was, because surprise surprise! You weren't even there! You chose Maya again!" I got the words out of my chest.

"Felicia...oh my god you're exaggerating everything. Maya needed me. She was hurt. I would've done the same to you in a heartbeat."

"So she's equal to me in terms of a relationship? Your words, Leo." I pressed.

"Whoa...you're turning me into a villain."

"I don't have to. You're already one. In your own story." I said and turned away refusing to look at him.

"Baby...what else should have I done? She was hospitalized and- and she was scared."

"You could've come to the ceremony after awhile, Leo. I can't believe I have to give an adult options. There was no need to cancel it." He sighed in defeat after that. His hands resting on his waist. For a brief second, I took in his appearance. His tall, slender stature sported a neat black and white tuxedo.

I shook my head, "I had to beg people to stay despite waiting for two hours for you. Your employees, my colleagues. Things were different at Neil's birthday party, too, because they kept staring at me, judging and gossiping about me. After all, I'm not a good fit for you." His eyes softened as mine started tearing up.

"I just wanna break up and not feel so insecure all the time, Leo. Lemme break up with you, please..." At that point, I was just begging.

"Don't do this to me, Felicia. I love you...you know I can't cut people out of my life. I'll keep loving you, no matter what." I let out a single sob, my heart pinching at a thought. If he really meant that, he never stopped loving Maya too then. Neil was damn right.

"You don't get it, do you? I've waited for months, years for you to understand me. But you're always about company and Maya. Maya this, Maya that, everything about her. It makes me sick."

"If you want me to stop talking to Maya, I will. But you have to take her place as PA—"

"Oh my god!" I burst out! "You still don't get it! I've given you more chances than a normal woman would. Heck! I was being an understanding goddess! But you failed each time, Leo. I'm done." My knees were giving out on me, but I stood still.

The silence was so dense between us that it fogged up his face for me. Leo tried to cut the distance between us, but I stepped back and broke his heart.

"Don't touch me. Don't even look in my direction from now on. You're pathetic, Leo." Spitting at him, I turned around and this time, he wasn't able to stop me. He was feeling the pain I inflicted with my words the same way his actions did to me.

I reached home and collapsed on the couch. My legs gave out and I sobbed uncontrollably. All the memories came rushing, hurting me more than it should. They didn't lie when they said breakup hurts like shit.

After awhile, I wiped my tears and turned to my phone buzzing. It was a message. I hoped it would be Leo, because I could ignore it. But it wasn't Leo.

-Felicia, you're being too hard on him. Try to understand his point of view.-

I stared at Neil's text in disbelief. Quickly, I shuffled to send a voice message.

"Fuck you both!"

And I blocked his number for good. I didn't need Leo's subordinates to tell me what to do.

*ring ring!*

I grunted and looked at my screen. This time it was Leo who was calling me. Pressing the red button, I found peace in blocking his number too.