Chapter 26. Old Wounds

Vanessa's POV

The night in the car with Mr. Garcia had been humiliating, and I couldn't shake off the burning heat that had crept into my cheeks. His harsh words and actions left a lasting wound, and I found it hard to forget the way my face flushed with humiliation. What did he think of me? Some toy without feelings?

The following day at work, my boss acted as if nothing had happened. He was back to his usual distant and demanding self. "Why are you coming at this time?" Was the first question he asked the moment I walked through the door, his eyes staring lazily at me.

"Time?" I quickly stared at my watch; the time was exactly 7:59, which meant I was one minute away from being late. I was going to explain the time in the traffic, and how I had to walk here, but I'd rather not. I think the universe wants to go against me today, but I wouldn't give up.

"I'm early," I replied, trying to look straight into his eyes, but there was something about him that always