“W-What is this?” I stuttered.

“Louis is not the man he appears to be, I’m afraid.” Miss Billings sighed. “He’s done this before with other coworkers.” She tucked the photo in her pocket and stood beside me.

I sat dumbfounded by what Miss Billings said, but my mind urged me to keep believing in Louis.

“Jessica, I know this is hard for you to understand…”

“You’re lying!” I shouted at her before she could finish her sentence.

I got up and looked at Miss Billings’ shocked expression.

“My lies? Oh, Jessica I’m afraid…”

The anger and frustration I had while working for the newspaper poured out. “No, you’re manipulating me like you have done with many of your employees! Everyone is tired of working for you. The long hours and your behavior are unacceptable. I admired you because you had ethics and integrity, but that’s not the case anymore! I quit!”

Relief washed over my body, I experienced a sense of pride and courage for the first time since Miss Billings took charge.

 Miss Billings’ face showed a sign of fury for a split second, but it returned to a sad expression.

“Jessica, if you want to leave the company, that’s fine, but I expected more from you. Still, I cannot let you waste your energy on a weasel such as Louis.”

“That photo is a fake. Louis would never betray me like that!”

“Lovesickness has infected you faster than the flu; rational decisions don’t stand any power against infatuation.”

“I don’t need to listen to this. Goodbye!” As my hand reached for the doorknob, I experienced the powerful hold of Miss Billings’ freezing-cold hands touching my shoulder. She yanked me back and whispered in my ear.

“Louis always goes to Bouncing Boba after work each Monday. Go there and find out for yourself.”

She released me and smiled. A tremor traveled down my spine as I left the room and hurried to my desk to pack up.

Editor: Lucy Cafiero