Page 90 of Deceptive Desires

I’ve never been fired before.

I never even considered the possibility that I’d ever be fired.

I contemplate asking why, then realize it won’t make a difference. I’m fired either way. And I’d rather not hear what lie he came up with.

I just nod and walk out with Jill. I hand her my badge, but I don’t respond when she wishes me well on my future endeavors.

I stand on the sidewalk, numb and confused. It isn’t until I grab my phone to call Roman that I realize I’m shaking.

Not wanting to be seen through the clinic window, I walk to the café across the street and call my fiancé.

“Sunshine, what’s wrong? Do you need me to come get you?” he asks frantically.

“Yes, please,” I whisper through the phone. “They fired me.”

As soon as the words leave my mouth, a wave of shame overcomes me. I don’t think it’s my fault. I’ve never received so much as a complaint from doctors, coworkers, nor patients. I’ve assumed this whole time that it’s because of Dr. Sanders’ advances towards me, but what if I just messed up and the timing is a coincidence? What if it is my fault?

“Oh, sunshine. I’ll be there in five minutes. Are you still at the clinic?” he tells me, the worry in his voice evident.

“No, I’m at the café across the street.” I murmur.

“I’ll be there in four minutes. Stay on the line with me,” he instructs.

Over those four minutes, I sit in silence at a table, just soaking in what happened. Roman whispers words of encouragement in my ears the entire time.

I listen to him, and realize no matter what, he’ll always love me and stand by me.

Because he’s the perfect man.

Because he’s my hero.

Chapter 64

Roman

For the first few days, she was so upset. It was hard to see her that way.

My sunshine should always be shining brightly, never to be dulled by the darkness that prowls the earth. It’s not her fault her boss was disgusting and needed to be dealt with. It’s not her fault I had to save her from an unsafe work environment.

But even her sadness doesn’t make me regret what I did. What I had to do. It was worth it to ensure she’s safe.

And now, she’s happier. She’s started picking up more sessions at the yoga studio. She even smiles more than before. I didn’t realize the stress and weight that job was putting on her, but now that it’s gone, she’s thriving. She’s even been meeting with Margot to help finalize her wedding and start planning ours.

The only thing that’s missing is Gracie, but she’s halfway through the summer semester. She’ll be back in a month and a half.

But even without her best friend, she’s doing better. It’s such a relief having her around. And now that work is out of the way, we can start our family sooner.

As soon as the ink dries on the marriage certificate, I’m pumping her full of me until her belly is round with my baby.

Chapter 65

Cecilia

It’s been a week since I was fired, and I’ve decided it was for the best. I’ve never felt happier or freer. And as much as I hate not contributing financially, Roman’s wealth helps lessen the feeling of being a burden. I’m not sure what his net worth is, but I’m starting to suspect it’s a lot higher than he lets on.

Every day has been peaceful. I get to do long yoga sessions in the mornings, take care of our plants, and even wedding plan with Margot for both of our weddings. It’s been incredible. Roman even makes time for me during the day, and we have lunch together most days.

We’ve been living this perfect life, and I couldn’t be happier.