Chapter 2: first torment
As Nadine offered Lexi a slice of cake, Lexi's eyes widened in horror. The smell of sweet vanilla and sugar wafted up, but all Lexi could think about was the birthday cake from her past. The one filled with maggots. She felt a wave of nausea wash over her, and her mind began to reel.
"Oh, no, thank you," Lexi said quickly, trying to brush off the offer. "I'm not really a fan of cake."
Nadine looked surprised but smiled kindly. "Okay, no worries! Maybe some other time?"
Lexi forced a smile, but her mind was already racing back to that terrible day. She saw herself as a child, forced to blow out candles on a cake crawling with maggots. The memory made her stomach churn, and she felt like she was going to be sick.
Lexi took a deep breath, trying to shake off the flashback. She focused on Nadine's friendly face and the warm sunlight streaming through the windows. She was safe now. She was in a new place, with new people. The past was just that – the past.
But as she turned to leave, Lexi caught a glimpse of herself in the mirror. For a moment, she saw the scared, traumatized child she used to be staring back at her. The image sent a shiver down her spine.
As they parted ways, Lexi headed to her office, where she worked as an assistant accountant. She sat next to the boss, Mr. Thompson, who relied on her keen eye for detail and organizational skills. Lexi thrived in this role, enjoying the challenge of balancing books and ensuring financial records were accurate.
Meanwhile, Nadine worked in a different department, handling cash storage, counting, and calculations. Though her role was more focused on numerical tasks, Nadine's friendly demeanor and quick wit made her a beloved colleague.
As Lexi settled into her workspace, she felt a sense of comfort and routine. The hum of computers and rustle of papers created a soothing background noise. She dove into her work, meticulously reviewing financial reports and flagging discrepancies.
As Lexi worked, she noticed the boss hadn't arrived yet. She thought to herself, "Maybe it's an old man who's the CEO. A young and healthy man wouldn't be late for work." She chuckled inwardly, thinking, "What do I expect from rich people, anyway?"
Lexi's eyes remained fixed on her screen, her fingers flying across the keyboard as she worked. She continued to ponder the mystery of her tardy boss, her mind whirling with possibilities. But for now, she remained focused on her tasks, waiting for further instructions or guidance from the elusive CEO.
As Lexi worked, she noticed the boss hadn't arrived yet. She thought to herself, "Maybe it's an old man who's the CEO. A young and healthy man wouldn't be late for work." She chuckled inwardly, thinking, "What do I expect from rich people, anyway?"
Lexi's eyes remained fixed on her screen, her fingers flying across the keyboard as she worked. She continued to ponder the mystery of her tardy boss, her mind whirling with possibilities. But for now, she remained focused on her tasks, waiting for further instructions or guidance from the elusive CEO.
As Lexi focused on her screen, the employee, a young man with a briefcase in hand, walked into the office. He was there to submit some documents, but his gaze drifted toward Lexi as soon as he saw her. He couldn't help but be captivated by her beauty. Lexi, engrossed in her work, didn't notice the admiring glance.
The employee, whose name was Alex, felt a sudden jolt of surprise. He hadn't expected to see someone as lovely as Lexi working here. He hesitated for a moment, unsure of how to approach her.
"Hi," Alex said finally, trying to sound casual. "I'm here to submit these documents."
Lexi looked up, startled, and smiled politely. "Oh, hi! Just leave them on the desk over there, please.
Alex hurriedly dropped the documents on the desk and found himself staring at Lexi. He couldn't help but be drawn to her warm smile and captivating presence. Noticing she didn't have a desk badge, he mustered up the courage to ask, "Um, excuse me, I couldn't help but notice... what's your name?"
Lexi looked up, still smiling, and replied, "Hi, I'm Lexi."
"I'm Alex," he said, feeling a bit more at ease. He wanted to keep the conversation going, but something about his own behavior felt off. He'd never been so forward with a stranger before. Feeling a bit awkward, Alex bid Lexi a quick goodbye. "Nice meeting you, Lexi. Have a great day."
With that, he turned and left, wondering why he'd acted so strangely. Lexi watched him go, slightly puzzled but still smiling. She returned to her work, unaware of the impression she'd made on Alex.
After closing hours, Lexi left her office. Upon going to the company's gate, she found Nedine looking for a taxi to go home. She called out to her and offered her an evening greeting. They had a little chat on how their day went, and as they were waiting for a taxi, which they found none, a black car with tinted glasses pulled over right in front of them.
Lexi had a little tense moment and she had a little flashback on how she was adopted when she was young and she was packed in the boot of a black car with tinted glass, which she was tied down like an animal. Lexi got a little scared and told Nedine to walk away.
But upon the car window winding down, Alex revealed himself, which he smiled warmly at the two ladies and offered them a ride. Lexi actually disagreed because of her trauma, but Nedine, upon seeing Alex's interest in her friend, started persuading Lexi to get in the car, saying she would flag down a taxi afterward. Lexi disagreed because she knew the night would be dangerous for a lady to walk home alone.
Nadine kept persuading her to get in the car. Lexi agreed but on one condition: for them to get into the car together. Alex was a little bit disappointed because Lexi wasn't going to be alone with him. Nedine actually agreed and got into the car. Lexi sat at the front seat while Nedine sat at the back seat.Nadine sat at the back seat, her eyes fixed on Lexi's profile as she gazed out the window. She couldn't help but feel a little suspicious about Lexi's behavior. "Why does she get scared of every little thing?" Nadine wondered to herself. "First, it was... now it's a car." She thought maybe Lexi was hiding something she didn't know about. Nadine's curiosity was piqued, and she found herself wanting to know more about Lexi's past. She leaned forward slightly, her eyes still on Lexi's face, as Alex drove them through the evening traffic.
As Alex drove, he asked Lexi about her position in the office. Lexi replied that she was the assistant manager. When she asked Alex about his role, he revealed that he was the managing director. Lexi's eyes widened in surprise.
Nedine chuckled in the backseat, her laughter echoing through the car. "He doesn't know he's actually the boss of the boss of the company," she said with a grin.
Lexi's curiosity got the better of her, and she asked about the CEO. Nedine's expression turned serious, and she warned, "You shouldn't bring him up. He's kinda cold and rude. He fired almost five employees within one month."
Lexi's eyes sparkled with concern. "Is the boss that cold?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
Nedine glanced at Alex before responding, "Alex is actually the boss's best friend." Lexi's eyes snapped to Alex, her face a picture of shock.
Alex confirmed Nedine's words, saying they were childhood friends. Lexi's curiosity got the better of her, and she asked Alex about the CEO's name. "Klaus," he replied, his voice casual.
The moment the name left Alex's lips, Lexi's demeanor changed. Fear crept into her eyes, and she felt a chill run down her spine. The name Klaus stirred something deep within her, a memory she couldn't quite place. It was as if she had heard the name before, and it was connected to her trauma. Lexi's mind began to reel, her thoughts racing with possibilities. Who was Klaus, really? And what did he have to do with her past?As Lexi went into her apartment she cooked dinner, took her bath and changed into a comfortable wear
Her mind went back to Alex telling her that the boss name is Klaus which got her worried
Thinking about the name alone got her shiver a little
Then she started hearing voices in her head " go on fours lex I'm gonna flog u on pussy till u ask for death '
Lexi was brought back to reality by the sound of her phone
She didn't even bother to check her notification before driving into sleep
Lexi was standing at the middle of her house when she heard thunder clap from the outside
She thought to herself wasn't I just sleeping just now??
There she saw a shadow lurking around her house
She said "who is there" but no words
On though, turning back she saw the face she never wanted to see ever again standing with a metal pipe smirking evily at her
He worked breakly at her and was about to hit her with it
Lexi screamed out from her dream,she was breathing and sweating profusely the hugged her legs to her body and cried silently