CHAPTER TWENTY SEVEN**Faith couldn't count how many times she had checked her email notifications in the last few days. The results were the same. There was no feedback from the companies, none had called for an interview, and she was still unemployed. For how long would this continue? Now, she was very impatient.She'd always heard her colleagues discuss how hard it was to secure a good job, but Faith had never thought it would be this tough. The door was nudged open and Sterling walked inside, he was dressed in a business suit, preparing to leave for the office. Their gazes met and Faith watched as his eyes scanned through her clothes, which consisted of a knee-length skirt, a sleeved shirt, and matching low heels, her hair had been nearly clipped in a bun. "Where are you going?" He approached closer. Faith realized she had not mentioned it to him, she just hadn't thought it was necessary. "I looked up online, there are still several places that I haven't applied to, I mi
CHAPTER TWENTY EIGHT**Faith returned to the office. She still couldn't get over the stares from her co-workers. She got that some were surprised by her return, while the rest like Darla and her friends hadn't made an effort to hide their displeasure. Her eyes held his briefly and she experienced a swift change in her breathing, her heart was starting to pound too fast. There had been a considerable change in their relationship, just like the way he was staring at her right now, making her mouth feel dehydrated. "_And finally, by 2:PM, you have a meeting with the Benson's" Faith tried to sound as professional as she could but knew she failed under his consuming stare. "That's all, would you like to make any adjustments to your plans?" His stare didn't waver, her heart missed another best when he straightened to his feet and started to prowl towards her. "Yes, I would love to bend you over this desk and fuck you. Right here and now."Faith choked on a breath, how could he utt
CHAPTER TWENTY NINE**It was Jeb who walked inside. Faith recognized him, he was a senior in the marketing department. He was a cool guy and one of the few people who treated her sincerely. Faith had adjusted her clothes and hair as best as she could, she silently prayed that Jeb hadn't noticed anything. "You wanted to know when the product will arrive from LA, I think this will help to boost the supplies." He handed some files to Sterling, whose features were still hardened in a scowl. Faith watched as Jeb stared at her, the poor guy probably wondering what he had done wrong. The telephone rang and Sterling started to make some calls and Jeb walked over to Faith."Great to see that you're back to work again!" He whispered, smiling broadly. "Thank you!" Faith returned his smile, she felt a little more relaxed and less anxious that they were at least some people positive about her return."You've got some lipstick stains here."Faith's eyes widened at his words and she flushed
CHAPTER THIRTY**The gentle breeze stroked Faith's face as she mindlessly roamed the street where she used to live. A sigh escaped her mouth when she recalled how Dan used to be insecure and get jealous of Sterling. Now, Sterling was just the same, or perhaps even worse? Was this a men's problem? Faith wished she had enough experience to know. All day in the office, she had ensured that Sterling knew she was upset with him. She didn't speak to him unless it was work-related. Still, his stubborn heart wouldn't budge, it irked Faith so much that he even pretended not to notice that she was angry at him.Didn't he understand how restless and guilty her heart felt that an innocent man lost his job today because of her?Faith was walking aimlessly, she didn't expect to suddenly bump into a familiar face.It was her old friend, Natalie.The air suddenly turned awkward as Natalie approached. "You seem to be living well, after all." Faith didn't know how to respond to that, she also
CHAPTER THIRTY ONE**"Sterling?" Faith was on the verge of sleep, but this conversation had been held back for too long, it was time they finally talk about it. Once again, they've had sex. Raw. She knew she was on the pill, but how could he be so careless to not have asked about it?She found it scary because Sterling had always been a thorough man, why did he forget such an important aspect of their lives this time?"Hmm?" His deep voice resonated. Faith stared at him, bare-chested as he was, he met her gaze. "This need to stop!" Faith whispered in a low but firm tone, for a moment she saw the confusion displayed on his features. "I mean, I don't think we're being careful enough, y_you've never used protection and even though I'm on the pill, there is still a slight chance of me getting pregnant!" Faith rushed out the words in one breath. A pause of silence followed and an awkward sensation trickled down her spine, this was not a conversation she loved to discuss with anyon
CHAPTER THIRTY TWO**Faith frowned at her reflection in the mirror, her palms cupped her cheeks as the crease lines on her face grew even deeper. Why did it feel as though she was gaining some weight lately?Perhaps she'd had a healthy appetite for the last few weeks? Squeezing herself earlier into the lacy black gown had been a little tough and she had made a mental note to start dieting, or maybe it was time to hit the gym. Reapplying some lipstick to enhance her lips, she arranged some strands of hair that had fallen out of place. Faith walked out of the bathroom, she couldn't go missing for too long. Tonight was the celebration of the company's thirtieth anniversary and there were a lot of important guests. She'd always accompanied Sterling Hunter as his assistant, and this year was no different. She returned to the slightly crowded hall, her eyes spotted Sterling, he was speaking with some business associate. The waiter started to pour her a drink which she gladly accep
CHAPTER THIRTY THREE**Mondays were exhausting as usual, it always seemed to be the longest of all the days.Frequent meetings, fixing appointments, and summing up the previous week's data. It was something Faith would never get used to despite her years of working at the office. She hurriedly walked towards the cafeteria, even though it was her coffee break, she still had a lot of workload to be completed. "___ you might be w_wrong! Tell me you're joking!" Faith heard Darla's familiar high-pitched voice. "I certainly heard it right! Remember, that famous reporter? I told you I overheard some parts of their conversation, do you think she really got married to the boss?"Faith froze at the doorway. She stared from Darla to Yvonne, there were some other colleagues present as well. There were gossiping openly about the one thing she had strived the most to be kept hidden."Now, you are reaching! Why would Mr. Hunter tie the knot with that ugly slut! I don't believe you and I also
CHAPTER THIRTY FOUR**"What did you do! Why did you say that back there!" Faith yelled, shock and disbelief coursed through her. After Sterling had dropped the bomb, he'd led her more like dragged her out of the cafeteria, he didn't head towards his office, but rather, to his car which was parked outside. "Where are you taking me?! You haven't answered me! He led them to the back seat of the unmoving car, and she tugged her hand free. Faith held his stare, still demanding an explanation. His response came, but it wasn't the answer she needed."Did you always tolerate them speaking to you like that? You didn't appear very surprised, today isn't the first time, is it?" "That's not what I'm talking about__" She started but was cut short when Sterling inched closer so their thighs were just brushing. The entire car was too small. She was all but surrounded by his presence. He grabbed her hand once again and she winced. "Well, this is what I want to talk about, and you will answ