Chapter 7 Chills

• Lara grinned as she slipped the signed divorce papers into the photocopied files for the CEO. She would let him know of her intention to divorce him and that she was dead serious about it.
• Enough was enough. She was so done. If Miguel wouldn't take her seriously, then he should just let her go on her own.
• She didn't need him anymore because she was grown now.
• 'That sounds so ungrateful, Lara,' her mind quickly rebuked.
• Fine. She owed Miguel everything she had now. But couldn't she have her own life now? Migo should set her free and let her live her life away from him. Because why would he keep her if he didn't have plans of letting her see him?
• What was the purpose of marrying her when she couldn't see even the tips of his hair? Couldn't they be friends at least? What was Migo's reason for being so mysterious?
• What was she supposed to do with him?
• Lara was tired. She didn't want to do anything with Miguel anymore!
• "Why are you smiling like that, Lara?" Kylene asked curiously as she approached to pick up the stack of folders Lara had been working on all day.
• "Nothing," she said, but she was still smiling. "Are you coming with me later? I'll drop you off at your place again."
• The girl sadly shook her head. "People have started talking about me too, Lara. I'm sorry. I can't ride with you for now. But please don't think I believe them, okay? I don't feel that way about you."
• Lara's smile faded. In the past, she used to give Kylene a ride home because it was on her way. Kylene even thanked her because she saved a lot on transportation expenses.
• She thought she was being helpful. But apparently, it only fueled their colleagues' insecurities. Maybe it was time for her to leave. Her job as her husband's servant was pointless. If people found out, she'd be even more of a laughingstock!
• Imagine your boss' wife but holding a position lower than yours? Lara shook her head. She hoped that Miguel would immediately see the divorce agreement. Heck, she didn't even ask him for anything there. All she wanted was her freedom.
• "Sorry, Lara. It's not about anything, you know you're really great—"
• "It's okay, Kylene." To ease her friend from feeling guilty, she forced a smile.
• She suddenly missed Tasya and Chester. She didn't mention to the latter what her purpose was in calling his lawyer brother. He was busy when she called, so he just gave her the number she needed.
• She also instructed Atty. Salas not to tell Chester what she consulted him about. He honored their agreement that it was a secret. Otherwise, her friend might have already confronted her. She had to ask another lawyer to draft the divorce papers for her. Because if she relied on Atty. Baltazar, the old lawyer, wouldn't be on her side.
• "Thank you."
• Kylene left her to bring the documents to their supervisor. Lara prayed that the documents wouldn't be checked again. Although in her few days there, she had already memorized the routine.
• When the documents came from Miguel, they would be returned untouched, except for the ones instructed to have them copied.
• But she still fervently prayed that no one else would open those documents. She didn't want anyone else to know about her true relationship with Migo.
• Although, come to think of it, her referral came straight from the office of the CEO. Why didn't anyone doubt her relationship with their boss? Instead, they were trying to create an issue, claiming she had a sugar daddy who was a Director in the company.
• Lara wanted to laugh. Miguel Villareal as her sugar daddy since she was only seven years old!
• _____
• "Lara, come here," Ms. Pascual called her to her office the next day.
• She followed, knowing exactly what she would be ordered to do just by the sight of the high stack of papers on her desk.
• "Sort these by project. Okay?"
• She nodded and took the papers to her desk. Her life had never been so boring. She felt drowsy as she worked through her task that day.
• She went to the pantry and made herself a cup of coffee. She needed it if she wanted to stay awake.
• "Make one for me too, Lara," Lizzie said, passing by her area and putting another pile of paperwork on her table.
• Not in the mood for a fight, she stood up to prepare the coffee for the woman. Should she add salt instead of sugar to her coffee? Or maybe do it using cold water?
• She was naturally kind, especially when asleep. So, despite her annoyance with Lizzie, she still made the coffee as requested.
• But the woman was incessantly annoying. She caught Lizzie scattering the hours' worth of work she had painstakingly organized.
• "Oops," Lizzie said in a taunting tone. "They flew, Lara. It's windy here at your station."
• Lara's blood boiled instantly. All of a sudden, she saw red. Without warning, she let go of the hot coffee right at the woman's feet.
• "Ouch! Lara!" Lizzie screamed as the hot coffee splashed onto her stocking-clad feet. Luckily, her coffee tumbler didn't shatter; otherwise, her burns would have suffered cuts as well.
• But Lizzie's eyes widened even more when Lara attacked her by pulling her hair.
• She didn't care anymore. The woman was too much already!
• "Lara, you're crazy! Help!" she shouted.
• Their department was in chaos. Some pulled Lara away, while others tried to distance Lizzie. Lara was furious. But when she regained her senses, she calmed down. Lizzie was in tears, unsure of what to do about her burns. But when she saw Lara's coffee on her table, she grabbed it and, without any warning, threw it back at her—
• —A scene that their bosses arrive at.
• Everyone returned to their workstations, except for Lara and Lizzie. Lara had coffee all over her face and her expensive white blouse. It wasn't as hot anymore, but it still stung, especially on the part where the wet fabric pressed against her skin.
• Nevertheless, she didn't scream.
• Her attention was focused on the newcomers. Ms. Pascual, Ms. Salvacion, their manager, and another familiar man who's eyes were cold but sharp as they were fixed on her.
• Handsome. No, that word was inadequate. He was handsome in a frightening way, with eyes that seemed to pierce the soul. Familiar eyes that she last saw in the thirsty, justice-hungry gaze of her sister's would-be husband eleven years ago.
• When he held her by her little shoulders and swore to protect her.
• Lara's heart raced inside her chest when their eyes met. Could he be...
• "What is going on here?" his familiar voice boomed in the office.
• It felt like everyone disappeared around them as realization dawned on Lara. She froze in her spot as Miguel Villareal stepped toward her like the Ice King himself, sending chills throughout her being.
• She felt frozen, her hands trembling.
• She never expected to see her husband that way... What brought the mysterious CEO to his lowly staff's cubicle?