Chapter 5: the unexpected return

Lean arrived at work after being unexpectedly fired a day ago . She's still reeling from the shock and confusion. Why so fast she thought ? A mix of relief, suspicion,and determination.

Lean walked through the glass doors ,her heart pounding. Her colleagues glance up from their desks , surprised to see her especially Luis . The new HR manager, Mr Harris ,greets her with a tight smile . " Welcome back,lean . We've reconsidered your case ,i was informed about what happened,settle in and start working" okay his a straight forward man lean thought .

She made her way to her former desk and started packing. Her mind was racing . Who pulled the strings to bring her back ? She was just a mare cog in the cooperate machine and her dismissal seemed final . Yet here she stands her job reinstated. And there is a new HR manager like w**.

The time was moving so fast and work kept pilling on her desk . Lean's eyes kept gazing at the corner office. She felt like she was being watched. She just couldn't shake off the feeling . Could it be that Deb orchestrated her return? If so then why ? And why keep it a secret ? Urgh she shrugged as she made her way to the office kitchenette.

Well the kitchenette was where colleagues gather for coffee here at tech haven. And also where hot gossip is served. She was getting curious glances but she didn't care.

As lean was making a cup of coffee,she smelled a familiar scent. When lean looked up she saw Deb standing next to her . Their eyes locked - a silent exchange of questions. Deb's lips curved into a smile.

Deb leans in ,her voice low."glad u're back lean . Sometimes connections work in mysterious ways ." Lean's pulse quickens . What does Deb know?

Lean recalled Deb's subtle glances the previous night ,the way she reacted when she told her about how she got fired. Her proximity feels both comforting and unnerving though.

" What are you talking about.? Lean's asked looking confused" nothing ! See you at home , Deb said then she winked at Lean as she walked away.

Everyone was now looking at Lean . Everyone seemed to know Deb somehow . Anyway she didn't care about all that . She took her coffee cup and headed back to her desk.

The day went by so fast .

______late evening

Lean's dimly lit room ,had a cool breeze . Lean's mind raced as she connected the dots ,as she was digging into Deb's background. She discovered Deb's family owns a powerful tech conglomerate. Could it be ' tech haven ' connections? Check .

So did she actually mean what she said that previous night ? Lean stood up and headed to Deb's room , budging in without knocking,well she does that aswell ."why did you bring me back ? Lean confronted. Debra's eyes soften a bit when she looks up at Lean" Because I believe in you Lean,and mainly because I love you , I already told you that " Debra answered ,the words hang in the air , vulnerable and raw. Debra was sitting by the window sketching the city skyline. The tension in the room was palpable. Lean's anger melts into disbelief " you risked everything for me ? Deb nods " i couldn't bare the thought of seeing you broken and hopeless here". Their eyes lock - a silent understanding. Lean smiled as she walked to the moonlit balcony,where city lights twinkle below . Lean steps outside her heart pounding " Why , Deb? She whispered " why me"