Chapter Sixteen: Truth Told

Eveline's POV

The second I stepped out of the cafe, my confident persona immediately stripped off me and replaced me with fear. I might have seemed all that high and mighty with Claire but I assure you that this was not me at all. It might have just been the desperate feeling to break free from Claire's grasp and the will to overturn her that fueled my bravery. However, I was sure that this special 'fuel' was gone and I had no way of acquiring it again.

Frantically I was when I continuously pressed the button on the lift panel. Praying that Claire did not catch up to me yet and that she was not going to cause another commotion. Being swarmed by numerous curious beings this morning was enough for me already.

As the lift doors opened, I swiftly jumped in and kept pressing the button for the highest storey. The elevator seemed to be on my side today as I found the lift doors opening sooner than usual. Spiritually, I thanked the lift before I quickly entered my office.

When I finally pulled my phone out of my pocket, only then did I realise just how many notifications I received from Abigail. They all revolved around the belief that I must have died in the hands of the cruel Claire and her vowing that she will get revenge for me. What can I say, I had an amazing junior as a friend.

To reassure her sensitive heart, I quickly shot her a message saying that I was still alive, not forgetting to capitalize the words to add to the dramatic factor. I could not help but sigh in happiness as I saw just how worried Abigail was for me and how much she loved me platonically.

'You scared me! Hey, do you have time to grab a quick lunch? My lessons ended and now I'm hungry!' I mentally read the latest message Abigail sent me. Eyeing the coffee and cupcake smiling innocently at me from my table, I could not help but let out a sigh as I sadly replied to Abigail's seemingly cheerful message that I could not eat with her since I just bought food.

I think that I had been friends with Abigail for so long that she now knows how to lure me with my favourite food. Note that this was an act that no one but my closest friends, family, and that horrendous ex of mine knew.

"I'll buy pretzels for you." I read Abigail's message out loud.

'I'll be there soon.' Was all that I sent before I left my office.

Due to my physically weak body, I dreaded the thought of having to walk to where Abigail was however, for the sake of my longing stomach, I ignored the feeling and instead replaced it with excitement. I looked forward to meeting Abigail and telling her all about the contract, which I was sure she would be surprised to hear.

I grabbed my bag and then slid to the lift doors. The queasy feeling of anticipating the fact that I will be telling my best friend all the drama that had happened and listening to her opinions urged the elevator to swiftly and safely transport me to the lobby.

Ignoring the stares I received from those around me, I rushed toward the entrance. There was a bakery right across the road that sold the most marvellous pretzels. I feel that their pretzels are the few best in the world. It is, in fact, their signature good. I checked my watch, I had a good thirty minutes before lunch was over for all employees. Perfect, just enough time to summarise all that had happened after Abigail brought me to that matchmaking event and all the responsibilities I am to shoulder from now on. I had to mentally remind myself that I should leave the fact that the one who proposed this offer was my boss albeit I have a feeling she has another trick to get me to fess up.

As I got to the traffic lights, I began tapping my feet impatiently. My eyes darted around and took in the surroundings as a way to kill time. A soft yawn escaped my lips, it seems like I did not sleep well the previous night.

Beep!

As the traffic lights switched from red to green, I made my way quickly across the roads. Only when I was sure that I was on the pavement then did I start searching for the bakery. It was easy to spot the infrastructure as Abigail had been waiting before the building, waving to me when I turned in her direction. Her natural red hair made her stand out from the rest of the crowd which increased the chances of seeing her.

I ran to her, out of breath when I stopped right before my junior. As I took my time to regain my normal breathing, Abigail chuckled before commenting something along the lines of 'still possessing a weak physical body.' Unlike me, Abigail was extremely athletic and had participated in various sports competitions that were held in school. This was an achievement that I could never hope to achieve, no matter how hard I work and this was spoken from personal experiences.

We both entered the bakery in unison. The interior design was akin to the exterior design, giving off a vintage vibe. The walls were made of red bricks and possessed no form of painting with no chunks of bricks poking out of the wall. The rectangular-shaped window next to the entrance door was clear as if it had just been cleaned. Pinkish floral curtains paired with the window made the bakery feel like an ancient cottage. Not forgetting the flowerbed located just below the window completed the exterior design of the building. The flooring was made with wooden tiles with long rectangular strips of wood covering the floor of the entire infrastructure. Each table was circular and made of wood with four feet supporting each table. Stable wooden chairs with four of each occupied each table. Cloths with a similar design to the curtains concealed the surface of each table.

To our right was the counter that extends from the back of the building to the front of the building. The edges of the counter were chipped off and smoothened. Although the counter is also made out of wood, it also included glass. The worktable was half transparent, enabling customers able to admire the goods being sold and choose treats accordingly to what they prefer. The platform withstanding the weight of the goods was made of timber with acrylic trays containing the treats. The surface counter was also covered with floral cloth. Both Abigail and I can agree that this was one of our few favourite go-to places when we needed time to ourselves and tasty bakings.

Due to our frequent visits, the owner of the bakery, a young female who had just barely inherited her family's business, had gotten to know us. This was enough proof of just how faithful Abigail and I were to this iconic place. From the time when we would study together here to just coming for short breaks, the number of visits we made gradually decreased with us getting busier with each following year.

"Good afternoon Abigail and Eveline! The usual?" The sweet lady behind the counter asked. Abigail nodded before paying and then the two of us quickly went to sit down. The lady quickly wrapped up our order, two almond pretzels; a baguette; and a few various biscuits into a circular-shaped bowl with the circumference curled upwards.

"Here you go! And the drinks to go with it." The lady exclaimed as she rested the bowl on the table along with two cups of refreshments. "Tell me if you wish to take out your treats, and I'll wrap them up for you."

After we thanked the lady, Abigail turned to her baguette and nibbled the bread slowly. She had always been a slow-eater, I was glad to see that this did not change.

I took a large bite out of my pretzel and was ready to tell Abigail everything. The nervous feeling was still present but I chose to ignore it.

"Abigail," I began.

The redhead hummed in response.

"There are a few important things I need to let you know," I said confidently. "Please don't freak out when you hear them, alright?"

Sensing how serious I was, Abigail seemed slightly anxious as well, but she proceeded to nod.