CHAPTER TWO

<p>LONGING<br/>Dave continued to taunt Donald as he paced back and forth. "You're such a wimp, Donald! Wetting your pants because of your boss? What kind of loser are you?"<br/><br/>Donald sighed and paused, glancing nervously at the closed office door. "It's not just about wetting my pants, Dave. He's terrifying. I'm going to die at this rate. Please make sure to find a good coffin for me." He said and fix his glasses <br/><br/>Dave chuckled and leaned against the reception desk, clearly enjoying Donald's discomfort. "Come on, Donald. You need to toughen up. Stand up for yourself, man!"<br/><br/>Donald clenched his fists, frustration evident in his eyes. "I've tried, Dave. But every time I muster the courage to speak up, he shuts me down. It's like walking on eggshells around him."<br/><br/>Just as Donald finished his sentence, the office door swung open, and his boss, Iver emerged with a stern expression on his face. Both Dave and Donald froze in their tracks.<br/><br/>Iver eyes scanned the scene, taking note of Dave's mocking expression and Donald's anxiety. "Is there a problem here, gentlemen?" he asked, his voice laced with authority.<br/><br/>Dave quickly straightened himself, his demeanor changing to one of faux politeness. "No problem, sir. Just having a friendly chat."<br/><br/>Iver gaze shifted to Donald, who nervously avoided eye contact. "Donald, come into my office. We need to have a discussion... ." He was saying when he noticed something on the floor, Donald went his pant again. He pointed at him wanting to say something then he stopped and turned away. <br/>Dave looked at him and shook his head and left, leaving his friend with his hand on his nose, <br/>" You reek!" he said, covering his nose, leaving for his office <br/><br/> Donald turned slowly and rushed to the bathroom. <br/>He never knew a day will come when he will regret being an executive director assistance <br/><br/>Sitting behind his large oak desk, Iver sighed and leaned back in his chair. He went out to ask Donald to look into that strange woman who is giving him a hard time and a sleepless night. He wondered why he find it so hard to forget about her. <br/> She enters the house with some fruits, it's already a day after having a one-night stand with the man he has no idea of and then he met her friend, Elena, at the door, having an angry expression on her face <br/>" I heard you don't sleep at home yesterday!" she snarled <br/><br/>Rhida looked at Elena and tried to maintain a calm expression, despite the guilt creeping up inside her."Oh, Elena, you know how rumors can get blown out of proportion," Rhida said, forcing a nonchalant tone. "I did sleep at home, but I just had a girls' night out and crashed at a hotel, I told you on the phone yesterday that I wanted to forget about Jade. I have forgotten him now" Elena's anger seemed to simmer down slightly as she listened to Rhida's explanation. Still, there was a trace of doubt in her eyes. "Are you sure about that, Rhida? I mean, I heard from a reliable source that you were seen with some guy at a bar."<br/><br/>Rhida's smile faltered for a moment as she realized the extent of the rumor. She needed to think on her feet to keep her secret hidden. "Oh, that? It was just a misunderstanding," she quickly replied, shifting her weight nervously. "I bumped into an old acquaintance at the bar and we just chatted for a bit. Nothing more."<br/><br/>Elena crossed her arms skeptically, her eyes narrowing. "An old acquaintance, huh? Well, it's just that... I don't want you to get hurt, Rhida. You know how unreliable and dangerous some people can be."<br/><br/>Trying her best to appear innocent, Rhida nodded earnestly. "I appreciate your concern, Elena, I do. But honestly, it was harmless, I promise. There's no need to worry about me."<br/><br/>Elena sighed, her anger slowly dissipating as she softened her gaze. "Alright, Rhida. I hope you're telling me the truth. Just be careful out there, okay? You never know who you might come across."<br/><br/>Rhida breathed a sigh of relief, grateful that Elena had somewhat bought her lie. She hugged her friend tightly. "Thank you, Elena. I'll be more careful, I promise. And if anything else bothers you, you know you can always talk to me, right?"<br/><br/>Elena nodded, her expression softening further. "Of course, Rhida. That's what friends are for," she said, giving Rhida a reassuring smile. "Now, let's forget about this whole thing and enjoy these fruits you brought. I'm dying to taste them!"<br/><br/>Rhida's heart skipped a beat, grateful that she had managed to divert Elena's attention. As they proceeded to the kitchen, she hoped that her secret would remain buried, at least for now.<br/>Just then, they hear the door flung open and they both rushed out of the kitchen; it was their third friend, Anne. <br/>" Anne! " Rhida rushed to her and hugged her. She missed her. They haven't seen each other well since her son was in hospital, and she has lost a lot of weight <br/>"Where are you yesterday night? I heard a man... "<br/>" It's a rumor" Elena cuts in, eating the fruit and sitting down on a chair <br/>" I thought something happens to you," Anne said worriedly <br/>" I'm sorry, you have to leave your son for me," Rhida said and hug her again <br/>" What about me? I called off the work they just get me. I thought something happened to you! You didn't pick up your call and they said a man. A bar... Did you know how worried I was? " Elena said, almost bursting Into tears and Rhida smiled at both of them <br/>" I can't do without you guys," She said and hug both of them. <br/>After some minutes, Rhida went in and arrived back with a box <br/>" This is for you Anne," She said and Anne collected it, curiously. She opened it and closed it back immediately <br/>Elena's eyes brightened and she and Anne looked at Rhida <br/>" Where did you get this? " They both shouted almost at once and Rhida smiled, showing all his teeth, and stopped immediately. She needed to lie again <br/>" I told you guys that I have gotten over Jade right? " Rhida said and her friends nodded <br/>" One strange man came and gave me the money. He wants me to forget about Jade"<br/>Rhida's friends looked at her skeptically, unsure whether to believe her story or not. Elena, always the cautious one, furrow <br/>" I wondered who will want you to forget him that hard to give you this huge money," Anne said <br/>" I also wondered. You know, maybe someone wants the best for me? Or someone who hates Jade and doesn't want anyone to like him? " <br/>Anne looked at her and then at Elena <br/>" I'm saying the truth. You guys never believe me" She said and stood up wanting to leave <br/>" Who says you are lying? I knew he would have someone who wants him dead. He deserves it anyways " Elena said and Rhida who was facing her back to them smiled with satisfaction. All thanks to her acting skills. She turned to them, changing her smiley face to a dull face, and sit down back <br/>" I wished Rose will also have that kind of person, how dare she date her friend's boyfriend," Anne said and Rhida only smiled, hiding her pain. <br/><br/>She gave Anne almost a quarter of the money <br/>"Your son's surgery and hospital bill" <br/>" No this is not right, the money is yours," Anne said, returning the money <br/>" I collected it because of you. If you don't collect it now, I will throw it away" Rhida said and her friends sighed, then she burst into tears <br/>" Thank you Rhida, I will make sure to repay you," Anne said and hug her. <br/>" You guys are like family to me," Rhida said and smiled at Elena who smiled back at her and she patted Anne's back gently, comforting her <br/><br/>Later in the evening, Rhida was cleaning her room and she saw the small box. She opened the box and saw the handkerchief. She smiled and put her chain there; the only thing her mother left her. She got a feeling it will be safe there. She then take the handkerchief and inhale the smell and then she remember again as he brushed his lips with hers, his naked upper body, and the touches that send electricity through her body <br/>She closes her eyes, relishing in the memory of their passionate moments together. Every touch, every kiss, every caress was etched deeply in her mind. As she inhales the familiar scent lingering on the handkerchief, a rush of emotions floods her senses. The softness of his lips against hers, the way his touch ignited sparks on her skin, their bodies intimately entwined in a dance of desire and longing. The electricity that coursed through her body with his every touch was undeniable, leaving an indelible imprint on her soul.<br/><br/>She replays the memories like a movie in her mind, savoring each precious second. The tender way he traced the contours of her face with his fingers, the way his hands would roam her body with purposeful intention, causing her to gasp and melt into his embrace.<br/><br/>At that moment, it's as if time stands still. The weight of their connection, the intensity of their shared passion, it all comes rushing back with a force that takes her breath away. She can almost feel his arms wrapped around her, his warm breath against her neck, and the way his presence filled every corner of her being.<br/><br/>Her heart aches with longing, knowing that these memories exist only as fragments from a moment that has passed. Yet, in this simple act of inhaling his scent, she finds solace and a bittersweet comfort. It allows her to hold onto the essence of their connection, to feel his presence even when he's not there.<br/><br/>With a heavy sigh, she carefully folds the handkerchief and places it back into its hiding place. It's a cherished artifact, a tangible reminder of a love that will forever be etched in her heart. She opened her eyes, remembering it all but all she could not remember was his face. She didn't know why her body was like this, she didn't even know him and she knew she may never meet him again but how come he longed for his touch again? How can she feel this way because of just a smell of a handkerchief? She has questioned herself. She was scared of herself, she was scared she will continue longing for him...</p>