Dominic

Monday morning at the office, all eyes are on me—but they won’t meet mine. Clusters of chattering employees in the hallways and open workspaces abruptly clam up and avert their eyes when I pass by. It’s fucking awful.

Presley avoids me like I have the plague, hiding away in her office, her face turned toward her computer. Only Beth, a true professional to the end, continues to look me in the eye and handle our business as smoothly as if that damn news story never happened.

Thank God for small miracles. And the story, to be honest, is petty and ridiculous. An escort I went out with a handful of times wanted to cash in and sold her story. There was nothing all that salacious about it, but the media latched onto it and it spread like wildfire—destroying everything in its wake—including my reputation.

Gia called from the agency first thing that morning and told me she had deleted my file and that we needed to cut all ties. I told her that was fine. I don’t plan on using her services again anyhow. But of course, the damage was already done.

• • •

By Wednesday, the story still hasn’t died down, and it’s starting to wear on me. I’d like to think I’m resilient, untouchable, but this week has been humbling, to say the least.

Beth looks up and chirps, “Good morning,

perched efficiently at her desk, hard

everything that’s been going on, I didn’t realize how badly I needed things at the office to

that I’m sure doesn’t reach my eyes.

details. “You have a meeting with

another piece of me. All I’ve done this week so far is

are a few

“Can do, sir.”

. exactly like yesterday. All week, I’ve been so edgy and off my

with the

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