Chapter 5: Back To Work
On Monday morning as Lyse walked into the office building, it felt like all eyes were on her. She continued with her head held high as she tried to ignore the curious glances and hushed whispers that followed her. She could tell that the news of her wedding debacle had spread like wildfire, but she refused to let it ruin her safe place.
She heard the whispers immediately she entered the lobby along with the pitying glances, and felt the awkwardness in their interactions. It was as if she had become a spectacle, a subject of gossip and ridicule.
When she got into the elevator she sighed inwardly when she saw Denise hurrying towards the closing doors and she slipped inside last minute.
’So close!’ Lyse thought to herself, she knew that no good could come out of Denise’s appearance so she looked straight ahead, determined to ignore her.
"Oh Lyse, I did not see you there." Denise suddenly turned to Lyse with a smile as sweet as saccharine. "Should you not be at some exotic location for your honeymoon or something?" She continued, the picture of innocence.
Lyse could sense the tension of everyone waiting for what her reaction was going to be and even though she wanted to launch at Denise and tear off her garish red hair off her head, she smiled instead and said.
"I have discovered that home is much better than exotic locations, havent you heard that vicious beasts lurk in the seas."
Denise narrowed her eyes, clearly not satisfied with the vague answer, "I heard that Brandon dumped you."
The elevator went deadly silent and people stared at Lyse eagerly. Everyone had been dancing around it but no one had the nerve to actually speak on it.