Samantha Uncontrolled - Chapter 5
Posted: Fri Nov 29, 2024 7:38 pm
Note: I'm continuing to make progress on Samantha's story. However, the process of translating it and then ensuring that the translation is accurate and maintains the original meaning slows me down a bit. I truly appreciate it if you notice anything in English that doesn't quite match or seems off—please let me know so I can review it and retranslate if necessary. I hope everything is translated correctly! Thank you for your understanding.
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The atmosphere in the office remained calm, with Valeria, Carla, and I working on the report details. We were reviewing critical points and adjusting the necessary figures, progressing with each page as the charts and tables began to take shape. It wasn't a particularly complicated task, but it required concentration, something Valeria always expected in any project she was involved in.
"This part is already adjusted," Carla commented, marking a sheet with a pen before passing it to the pile of reviewed documents. "We just need to verify the projections for the last three months."
"Perfect, I'll cross-check that with the data we've already corrected," I replied, focusing on my computer screen.
Midway through the process, I heard the sound of the door opening. Megan returned with the coffees, holding a tray with four cardboard cups. Her expression was far from the relaxed joy with which she had started the morning; instead, she seemed somewhat annoyed, especially when her eyes met mine.
"Your coffees," Megan said, her tone colder than before. She placed the tray on the round table in front of Valeria and Carla before heading towards my desk and setting my coffee right on the edge. "I hope this is enough to keep you awake."
"Thank you, Megan," I responded calmly, deliberately ignoring the tension in her voice. I took my coffee, taking a small sip to stay focused on the work.
Megan stood for a moment, observing us as if expecting something more. However, I didn't pay attention to her. If she wanted to show her discomfort, I wasn't going to give her the satisfaction of reacting.
Valeria looked up and offered her a polite smile. "Thank you, Megan. It's always good to have a coffee at hand for these things."
Megan nodded but didn't respond. She slumped into her chair, slightly turning it towards us, though she made no attempt to participate in the work.
After a few minutes, Carla mentioned something about some documents we needed from the Strategic Development Department. "Those papers could help verify the latest figures. They're not here because we left them in the office yesterday afternoon."
"Do you want me to go get them?" Carla offered, slightly rising from her chair. "I don't mind going up to the seventh floor for a moment."
Before she could do so, I intervened with a different idea. "Don't worry, Carla. Megan can go get them. She's here to help us, after all."
I felt Megan's gaze fixed on me, but I remained neutral, pretending not to notice while continuing to review my documents. "Right, Megan? It'll only take a moment."
Megan let out a small sigh before responding, her tone filled with forced patience. "Sure. Where exactly are they?"
"On the main desk of the Strategic Development Department," Valeria explained, without lifting her eyes from my screen. "It's easy to find them. They're in a folder labeled 'Load Analysis'."
Carla tried to intervene. "Really, it's not necessary for Megan to go. I can do it without any problem."
"Don't worry, Carla," I insisted with a controlled smile. "Megan is here to help us, and I'm sure she can handle this quickly."
Megan stood up from her chair, adjusting her headband with a quick gesture. "Alright. I guess I'll go get those blessed documents. But let it be clear, Sam, that I'm not your personal messenger."
"Of course not," I replied with a calm tone, finally looking at her. "But we're all helping in the way we can, aren't we?"
Megan didn't respond. She turned towards the door, left the office, and closed it with a bit more force than necessary.
Once she was gone, Carla looked at me with a mix of curiosity and amusement. "Are you sure it's okay to ask her for those things? She doesn't seem very happy."
"She's here voluntarily," I replied, taking a sip of my coffee. "If she chose to come 'work' on a Saturday, the least she can do is help us. Plus, we need those documents, don't we?"
Valeria didn't say anything, but there was a slight glimmer of approval in her gaze. She seemed to enjoy the dynamics as much as I did.
Time passed as we worked on the necessary documents for the project. Valeria and Carla reviewed details of the final report, while I cross-checked data on my computer, concentrating on keeping everything under control. Megan was still absent, but the atmosphere remained productive.
Eventually, the sound of the door opening broke everyone's concentration. Megan returned with a folder in hand, walking with a firm step and placing the papers on the round table in front of Valeria.
"Here are the documents," she announced, though her tone lacked enthusiasm.
Valeria took the folder, reviewing its contents before frowning. "Megan, these aren't the correct documents. This is from the last audit, not the load analysis we need."
Megan sighed with frustration, crossing her arms. "Well, it's the only thing I found on the main desk. Maybe someone moved them."
Carla slightly rose from her chair, ready to resolve the issue. "Don't worry, Megan. I can go up to the seventh floor and look for them myself. I don't want you to have to go again."
Before she could do so, I stepped in. "No, Carla, it's not necessary. Megan can try again. Maybe she missed checking them properly."
Megan looked at me with a mix of disbelief and annoyance. "Really? I already went once. Why don't you let someone else do it?"
"Megan," I responded calmly, yet enjoying the situation a bit, "you're here to help us, aren't you? Besides, it's Saturday morning. There's no one in the building, so I don't think you'll have any trouble."
Carla tried to intervene again. "Really, Samantha, it's no problem if I go."
"I insist," I said, maintaining a neutral tone. "Megan already knows where they are; it was just a misunderstanding. I'm sure this time she will find them without any issues."
Megan let out a long sigh and took her access card with a deliberate gesture. "Okay. I'll go again, but this is starting to feel more like a punishment than help."
"It's not a punishment," I said with a slight smile, returning my attention to the documents in front of me. "We're just making sure everything is in order."
Megan left the office without saying anything else, letting the door close with a soft thud.
Meanwhile, Carla looked at me with a mix of curiosity and bewilderment. "Are you sure that was necessary? She doesn't seem very happy."
"The important thing is that we have the correct documents," I responded, taking a sip of my coffee. If Megan wants to play at being part of the team, she should act like it.
A few moments passed before the door opened again. This time, Megan returned with the correct folder, which she placed on the table with a sharp movement.
"Here they are. I hope this time they're the right ones," she said with a cutting tone, returning to her desk without waiting for a response.
Valeria quickly reviewed the folder, nodding with approval. "Yes, these are the ones we needed. Thank you, Megan."
Megan didn't respond. She slumped into her chair, opening her computer again while avoiding any eye contact with me. Her annoyance was evident, but I tried to ignore it, returning to my work with calculated calmness.
If you're going to come to work on a Saturday, at least do it with the right attitude, Megan.
The last two hours passed in productive silence, interrupted only by specific comments between Valeria, Carla, and me as we made progress on the work. Even Megan had participated, helping us with minor tasks like sorting documents or cross-checking data. Although her attitude remained distant, she seemed to be stoically enduring the situation.
Finally, we were in the home stretch. Everything indicated that we could finish earlier than expected, which meant we could leave early. This idea cheered me up, and although I tried to ignore it, I felt a small sense of satisfaction thinking about how I had handled Megan during the morning. Maybe this will teach her not to take everything so lightly.
However, this dynamic wasn't going to last much longer.
"Megan!" I called from my desk, turning towards her. She was sitting in front of her computer, browsing something clearly unrelated to work. "Can you go to the server room on the sixth floor and check if Javier left the updated technical reports? It would be very helpful for us to review this last detail."
Megan slowly turned in her chair, crossing her arms with an expression of tiredness mixed with irritation. "No, Sam. I'm not going."
I froze for a moment, surprised by her direct refusal. She had shown resistance before, but she always ended up giving in. This time, however, her tone was firm, almost defiant.
"What do you mean you're not going?" I asked, trying to stay calm.
"I'm not going," Megan repeated, her voice laden with forced patience. "I've done enough for today. If you need something from there, you can go yourself."
Valeria and Carla exchanged uncomfortable glances, though they didn't say anything.
"Megan, you're here to help. That's why you came, isn't it?" I responded, trying to sound logical. "If you're not going to collaborate, then you shouldn't have come."
That last sentence landed like a hammer. Megan leaned forward in her chair, and I could see the flash of anger in her eyes. "Did you really just say that, Sam?"
"Yes, I did," I replied, crossing my arms and maintaining my stance. If she wants to act like a child, let her, but I'm not going to give in.
Megan stood up abruptly, her chair rolling back with force. "You know what, you're right. I shouldn't have come."
Without saying anything else, Megan left the office, closing the door behind her with a bang that echoed in the silence she left behind.
Valeria was the first to break the awkward silence. "Are you sure that was necessary?"
"It's not the first time she's complained," Carla responded in a more conciliatory tone.
I took a long sigh, trying not to show how upset I was. "It doesn't matter. Let's finish this. If she wants to act like a child, let her."
However, as I returned to my desk, I couldn't help but wonder what Megan was doing. Had she left just to calm down, or did she have something else in mind? I decided to ignore it completely and focus on the work. Whatever it is, it's not my problem.
The echo of the closing door still resonated in my mind as I tried to ignore the scene Megan had just caused. It's not my problem, I repeated to myself, focusing on the final adjustments to the report. Valeria and Carla continued working, and the atmosphere, though somewhat tense, seemed to have returned to normal.
But this calm didn't last long.
My phone vibrated on the desk, lighting up the screen with a WhatsApp notification. When I saw it was a message from Megan, my heart skipped a beat. What does she want now? I quickly opened it, fearing the worst.
"I'll be waiting for you on the 7th floor. If you don't come, I'll show the photos I took of you yesterday to Valeria and Carla. Your call."
The air seemed to escape my lungs. I felt like the ground was slipping beneath me, and my entire body tensed up. She can't be serious... But, knowing Megan, I knew this wasn't a joke.
"Is everything okay, Samantha?" Valeria suddenly asked without looking up from the papers in front of her.
I forced myself to catch my breath and respond with a neutral tone. "Yes, everything's fine."
Carla looked at me, curious. "You seem worried. Is it something related to the calculations? We can review them together if you need help."
"Uh... no, it's not that," I replied quickly, trying to sound convincing. Think, Sam, think. "It's Megan. She messaged me. She says she needs me to go up to the seventh floor for something, I don't know what. But don't worry, I won't be long."
Valeria raised an eyebrow, clearly interested. "The seventh floor? Seems like that seventh floor is really growing on her."
I let out a nervous laugh, trying to downplay it. "You know how it is. But it's fine. Anyway, I have to take the access card with me, so don't worry. You can stay here, and since the door opens from the inside, you won't have any trouble getting out if we finish before I return."
Carla nodded with a sympathetic smile. "Okay. Don't worry, Samantha. We'll keep making progress here."
"Thanks," I murmured, taking my access card hanging around my neck. I left my phone on the papers resting on the round glass table, an almost automatic gesture as I tried to organize my thoughts. I tried to maintain a neutral expression as I walked towards the door, but inside, my mind was in chaos.
As the elevator took me to the seventh floor, my heart was pounding. What is Megan planning? Why now? Every second inside the elevator felt like an eternity, and when the doors finally opened, I felt like my fate was sealed.
I can't let this get out of control. I have to face her... again.
With trembling but determined steps, I headed towards the seventh floor, preparing for whatever Megan had planned.
When the elevator doors opened on the seventh floor, I stepped forward with my heart still pounding. My eyes scanned the empty space in front of me, expecting to see Megan in the hallways, but there was no trace of her.
The floor was immersed in an unsettling silence, barely interrupted by the buzzing of the LED lights. This level of the building had a modern and elegant design that perfectly fit the strategic purpose of its main occupant, Valeria.
The internal reception, the first thing I saw after exiting the elevator, was decorated with modern furniture in navy blue and beige tones. A glass coffee table rested on a textured rug, and on it was a perfectly aligned stack of corporate magazines. The upholstered chairs, with a minimalist yet comfortable design, gave the waiting area a professional yet welcoming feel.
Normally, a receptionist would control access to the inner offices from the white counter at the back, but the space was completely deserted. The security cameras, mounted at strategic points on the ceiling, seemed to observe everything in complete silence.
Where is Megan? What is she planning? I thought, advancing cautiously.
Beyond the reception area, the space opened up to a collaborative work area. The cubicles of the Strategic Development Department were arranged in a wide and organized formation. The partitions were low, encouraging communication among team members. Each cubicle had a high-end computer, a corporate phone, and an adjustable lamp that glowed faintly, despite the stations being empty.
The place seemed too orderly, as if no one had worked there recently. It was strange, almost surreal.
I continued walking, the sound of my heels echoing against the porcelain floor. The air was slightly cool, indicating that the air conditioning was working at an optimal level, but not enough to counteract the sense of discomfort that invaded me.
Finally, I reached an open door at the end of the hallway. I immediately recognized it as Valeria's office, with its transparent glass offering a direct view inside. The inner blinds were partially closed, letting in some light while maintaining a degree of privacy.
The office had a minimalist yet sophisticated design, with furniture in shades of gray and blue. Valeria's desk was spacious and perfectly organized. A laptop was connected to a state-of-the-art curved monitor, alongside a cup holder containing an empty glass. An agenda lay open on the desk, with neatly written notes, as if they had been thought out as carefully as the strategies Valeria created here.
On the wall facing the desk, a framed performance certificate dominated the space, constantly reminding anyone who entered who the most competent person in this department was.
I approached the door cautiously, feeling the weight of the situation on my shoulders. Is Megan here? Or does she just want me to wait?
I looked inside the office, but it was empty. Only the faint flickering of the monitor broke the stillness. I stood at the threshold, unsure of what to do.
The air felt dense, charged with the possibility of what was to come. And then, I heard a soft noise behind me.
Standing inside Valeria's office, I looked around with uncertainty. The space was immaculate, organized as a reflection of its meticulous owner's character. Why did she make me come here? What is Megan planning now?
I approached the desk, observing the curved monitor softly blinking in anticipation of some activity. My hands were tense, resting on the smooth surface of the desk, as I tried to calm my breathing. The silence on the floor was overwhelming, amplifying the sound of my own heart pounding.
Suddenly, I heard a movement behind me. I turned quickly, but Megan was already inside the office, leaning casually against the door frame. Her expression was a mix of satisfaction and defiance, with her arms crossed and a slight mocking smile that made my stomach churn.
"Megan, what are you doing?" I snapped, trying to maintain my composure. "Why did you send me that message? And why here, in Valeria's office? We have nothing to do here. They're waiting for us downstairs to continue with the work."
Megan didn't move. Her smile widened a bit, as if she had been expecting this reaction from me. Before I could say anything else, she interrupted, her tone laden with tense calmness.
"You know, Sam? I've been putting up with you all morning," she began, straightening up and taking a step towards me. "All morning doing what you ask, running around like your personal messenger."
"Megan, I didn't ask you for anything out of the ordinary," I replied, trying to sound firm. "You're here because you wanted to come, remember? No one forced you."
"That's true," she admitted, shrugging. "But you, with your professional attitude, so... bossy, have been incredibly rude to me. Do you know how that feels, Sam? Because I don't think you do."
"Megan, I'm not disrespecting you," I said, feeling my patience starting to wear thin. "I'm just trying to get things done. If you have a problem with that, you should have told me before."
Megan let out a dry laugh, taking another step towards me. "Oh, I'm telling you now, Sam. And you know what? I think you need a lesson. One that helps you understand that you can't treat me the way you have today."
My chest tightened at those words, and for a moment, I didn't know how to respond. A lesson? What is she saying?
"Megan, don't start with this," I said, my voice trembling a bit more than I would have liked. "Stop playing around and let's go downstairs. There's work to be done."
But she shook her head, still with that smile that made my nerves tingle. "No, Sam. I'm going to make sure you remember that you can't play with me."
The air in the office felt heavier with each word, and for a moment, I felt like the world was shrinking to the space between the two of us. What is she going to do? I thought, feeling my entire body tense up.
Megan took another step towards me, and although her mocking smile remained, her eyes held an intensity that made me feel trapped. My entire body seemed paralyzed, unable to move as the silence in the office grew heavier.
"You know, Sam," she began, her voice lower but with a malicious tone. "I'll tell you something: I liked your attitude much more yesterday afternoon. Remember? Your body trembling, that expression of pure fear on your face... you looked terribly scared. It was a much more... interesting version of you."
"What are you talking about, Megan?" I managed to stammer, though my voice betrayed my growing panic.
Megan tilted her head to the side, as if my reaction was a game to her. "Oh, you know exactly what I'm talking about, Sam. But today, with all your arrogant attitude, with that air of superiority... well, I've decided it's time to make you go back to that same situation. Right here, in Valeria's office."
"What?" I exclaimed, taking a step back while feeling my hands tremble. "You can't be serious! This is ridiculous."
Megan let out a soft laugh, but there was no humor in it. Only an implicit threat. "Of course, I am. You're going to be just like yesterday, completely naked and vulnerable. And this time, it will be here, in this nice and professional space of Valeria's. After all, I think it fits perfectly with your attitude of always wanting to be so professional."
"You can't ask me for something like this," I said, my voice rising a notch as I desperately tried to regain some control. "This doesn't make sense. You're crossing the line, Megan."
"Crossing the line?" Megan replied, slowly pulling her phone out of her pocket and holding it in front of me. "Sam, you crossed the line when you decided to treat me like your personal assistant. But it's okay, because now I have something you don't: control. And if you don't do what I say, I'll show Valeria and Carla the photos I have of you. Believe me, Sam, they'll be very interested in seeing them."
My eyes fixed on the phone, and I felt my breath quicken. She can't be serious...
"Megan, this isn't a joke. You can't do this," I tried to reason, my voice trembling as I searched for a way out.
"It's a lesson, Sam," Megan said, her voice more serious now, as if there was no room for negotiation. "A lesson to teach you that you can't treat me the way you have today. So, either you do what I say, or I go down and show them these photos right now."
The air in the office felt heavier than ever, and my mind raced for a solution I couldn't find. What am I going to do? I can't let her do this... but I can't allow those photos to be exposed.
The weight of Megan's threat was crushing, as if every word she uttered wrapped me tighter in a circle I couldn't escape. I looked at her phone, still in her hand, like a weapon pointing directly at my dignity.
I knew that Valeria and Carla were waiting for me downstairs. I knew I couldn't afford to give in to Megan like this, but at the same time, the fear of what she could do with those photos was paralyzing. Maybe if I comply, she'll just limit this to this absurd scene, and then it will all be over.
I let out a long sigh, lowering my gaze to the floor while feeling my control slipping through my fingers. "Okay," I murmured, though my voice was barely audible.
Megan arched an eyebrow, clearly enjoying my defeat. "What did you say, Sam? I didn't hear you."
"Okay," I repeated more forcefully, though the tremor in my voice betrayed my apparent firmness. "I'll do it. But after this, it's over. We'll go downstairs and finish the work. Understood?"
"Of course," Megan responded with a wide smile, as if she had won a game that hadn't even started.
"Megan, can you please close the door?" I asked, feeling that every word was a bigger concession than I could afford.
"Sure, Sam. With pleasure." Megan walked towards the door, pushing it with a firm click before returning to her spot, leaning against the wall with her arms crossed. "There. Now there are no interruptions. All yours."
I took a deep breath, trying to calm the trembling of my hands. My mind was clouded by shame and anger, but I forced myself to move. Get this over with. Just do it quickly, and then it will all be over.
I first took off my loafers, sliding them gently on the floor. I felt the cold floor against my feet, a physical reminder of how exposed I was starting to feel.
Then, I proceeded to take off my tight jeans, pulling at the fabric with some difficulty. The waist slid off easily, but when I reached the ankles, the fabric seemed to resist, clinging to my feet as if refusing to let go. I had to lean against the edge of the desk, pulling harder and moving my feet awkwardly until I finally freed myself. I bent down to pick them up from the floor, shaking the fabric before folding them carefully and placing them on the desk in an attempt to maintain some order amidst the chaos I was feeling.
With careful movements, I took off the linen jacket, feeling the fabric sliding down my arms. I folded it meticulously and placed it on Valeria's desk, next to her laptop and curved monitor, which seemed like silent witnesses to the scene.
I continued with the blouse, my trembling fingers unbuttoning each button, as if each one was a step towards a revelation I wasn't ready to face. The fabric fell softly, and I placed it carefully, feeling how each garment I removed was a reminder of my growing vulnerability.
The atmosphere in the office felt suffocating, as if the air conditioning wasn't enough to counteract the heat rising through my face and neck.
"Everything, Sam, and don't forget the accessories," Megan added with an almost playful tone.
With trembling hands, I took off my earrings and watch, each movement a ritual of disrobing. Each piece of jewelry was carefully placed on the desk, next to the laptop and monitor. The access card hung around my neck, a reminder of my professional identity that now seemed ironically out of place.
"This too?" I asked, my voice barely audible as I pointed to the card.
"Of course," Megan responded with a triumphant smile.
With a slow movement, I slid the card over my head, feeling its cold metal against my skin. I placed it next to the rest of my belongings, a further symbol of my surrender.
Finally, I was left in my underwear, my breath ragged as I struggled to maintain my composure. I knew what was coming next. Megan wasn't going to stop here.
"Continue, Sam," Megan said, crossing her arms and observing me with that fixed gaze that made my knees tremble.
I closed my eyes for a moment, trying to gather the strength I felt was abandoning me. Just get this over with. Just a little more and you can get dressed again.
With determination, I took off my bra, feeling the fabric slide down my shoulders and freeing my breasts. My trembling hands clung to the fabric, delaying the moment before letting it fall, exposing my body even more.
Then, with slow movements, I lowered my panties, feeling the fabric slide down my thighs. The feeling of complete nakedness was overwhelming, but I forced myself to continue, to face the humiliation Megan had orchestrated.
My movements were slow, methodical, as I removed the last garments and carefully placed them on the desk. Now, standing completely naked, the office's cold seemed to intensify. My body trembled, and not just from the temperature, but from the shame that enveloped me like a second skin.
Megan took a step forward, observing me with a mix of satisfaction and triumph. "See? Much better. That's the Sam I like to see. Now, stay like that for a moment while I think of something."
My lips trembled, but I said nothing. I just wanted it all to be over, wishing the ground would open up and swallow me whole.
Standing completely naked in the center of Valeria's office, every second felt like an eternity. This wasn't my space; it wasn't the office where I had worked countless hours, building an air of professionalism and control. This was Valeria's territory, my rival. Everything in this place, from the minimalist furniture in shades of gray and blue to the imposing performance certificate on the wall, seemed to remind me that I didn't belong here.
The cold air conditioning felt like tiny needles on my bare skin, intensifying the vulnerability that already overwhelmed me. I could hear every little sound in the office: the faint buzzing of the curved monitor, the rustle of the cold floor beneath my feet, even my own irregular breathing. Everything was too crisp, as if my senses were hyperactive, registering every detail of my humiliation.
I tried to stand firm, but my body trembled uncontrollably. My hands instinctively covered my most intimate parts, as if that could restore some of the control I had lost. Megan, however, didn't let a second go by without taking advantage of my state.
"Well, Sam," she said with a mocking smile, as she pulled her phone out of her pocket. "Look at you. How professional you look now."
My eyes fixed on her phone, and my heart began to race. "Megan, no...," I tried to say, but my voice was barely a whisper.
"Oh, relax," she replied, lifting the phone and focusing it on me. "Just a couple of photos. I need proof, you know? In case you decide to be rude to me again."
The click of the camera resonated in the office like a gunshot. My body tensed even more, and my hands clenched the arms I was using to cover myself. It was as if the mere sound of the camera had solidified how vulnerable I was.
"Megan, stop," I managed to say, my voice trembling as much as my body. But she ignored my plea, taking another photo as she slowly walked around me, assessing me like an exhibit.
"You know," she said thoughtfully, without taking her eyes off her phone, "I think I should ask you something. How does it feel, Sam? How does it feel to be like this, in Valeria's office, completely naked?"
I closed my eyes tightly, wishing this nightmare would end. But her insistent voice forced me to open them again.
"Come on, Sam. Be honest. Isn't this what you wanted? Playing at being the boss, giving orders. Now I want you to tell me how you feel."
My throat was dry, but I knew I had no way out. I swallowed hard, my lips trembling as the words left my mouth. "I'm terrified," I finally admitted, my voice breaking.
Megan tilted her head, enjoying my confession. "So much fear, Sam? Of me, of Valeria? Or of everything?"
"Of everything," I responded, feeling my eyes fill with tears that I refused to let fall. "I shouldn't be here. This shouldn't be happening."
"Well, here you are," Megan said with a soft laugh, finally putting her phone back in her pocket. "And I must say, Sam, seeing you like this makes me feel like the day hasn't been so bad after all."
My legs trembled, and I could barely stand. I tried to regain some control, but the office itself, with its impersonal air and echoes of Valeria's authority, seemed to conspire against me. I just need this to end. I just want it all to be over.
Megan took a step towards me, her smile less mocking but no less intimidating. "Well, Sam, I think that was all I needed. But don't worry, we're not done here yet."
I was completely motionless, the air in the office seeming to grow even colder as I watched Megan's eyes move in a calculating manner, assessing the space around her. The triumphant smile on her face chilled me more than the air conditioning.
Then, I saw her approach Valeria's desk, where I had left all my clothes and accessories. My eyes widened in horror, panic rising within me as she gathered everything in her arms with an irritating calmness.
"Megan, what are you doing?" I asked with a trembling voice, my breath ragged as I took a step towards her, still covering myself with my arms.
"Just improving the dynamics a bit, Sam," she replied with a smile as she started walking towards a small door at the back of the office.
It was the Creativity Room, a soundproofed space equipped with whiteboards, mobile furniture, and projectors. It was the room Valeria used for brainstorming sessions or informal meetings, but at this moment, Megan seemed to have other plans.
I followed her with my eyes, my body paralyzed by fear as she inspected the place with interest. Her eyes lit up when she saw a cabinet in one of the corners, with a small key still inserted in the lock.
"Perfect," Megan murmured, opening the cabinet with a slow movement, almost as if she were enjoying the scene. Inside, there was enough space to store my things, and before I could stop her, I watched as she carefully folded each garment and placed them inside.
"Megan, don't do this," I said, my voice breaking as I took another step towards her. But my body trembled so much that I could barely move.
Megan didn't respond. She closed the cabinet door with a firm click that resonated in my ears like an endless echo. And then, with a slow, almost painful movement, she removed the key from the cabinet, holding it between her fingers as she looked at me.
"See this?" she said with a smile that didn't hide her satisfaction. "Now I have the key. And I don't think you'll need it anytime soon."
My legs trembled as I watched her put the key in her jean pocket, securing it as if it were a trophy.
Then, as if her triumph wasn't enough, she returned to Valeria's desk. My access card, the only item she hadn't stored in the cabinet, was still there, solitary on the desk. Megan picked it up with a deliberate movement, holding it between her fingers before looking at me directly.
"I think I'll take this too," she said with a carefree tone, twirling the card between her fingers. "I'm sure you don't need it now, right?"
"You can't do this," I managed to say, though my voice sounded weak and desperate. "Megan, please..."
"Of course, I can," she replied, shrugging as she slid the card into the other pocket of her jean. "And I am doing it. Now, Sam, I wonder how long you'll last here before someone comes up and finds you like this. That would be interesting, wouldn't it?"
Panic completely overwhelmed me. My mind was filled with images of Valeria or Carla entering through that door, finding me in this state. I tried to speak, to plead, but the words wouldn't come out of my mouth.
Megan, for her part, seemed to enjoy every second, her smile growing as she watched me from the center of the office.
Megan stopped just before leaving Valeria's office, turning to look at me one last time. Her mocking smile left no doubt about how much she was enjoying this situation. Her eyes scanned my figure from top to bottom with intentional slowness, as if she wanted to make sure I felt every second of my vulnerability.
"See you soon, Sam," she said with a carefree tone, as her lips curved into a smile full of triumph.
"Megan, you can't leave me here!", I tried to say, but my voice came out more as a desperate plea than an order.
She didn't respond. She simply turned on her heels, opened Valeria's office door, and left, closing it behind her with a firm sound that resonated in my head like an endless echo.
For a moment, I stood completely still, the silence of the office enveloping me. My heart pounded as I tried to process what had just happened. Did she really leave me here alone? Like this, with nothing?
My first reaction was impulsive: to run after her, demand that she return my things. But a thought stopped me in my tracks. The security cameras. I knew that outside, in the hallways and in the elevator, the cameras were active, watching every corner. Although the seventh floor was empty, those cameras would make me visible if I went out naked. I couldn't afford to have someone review those recordings.
Instead, I carefully approached the inner blinds of Valeria's office. I parted them just enough to look outside without being seen. From there, I saw Megan walking calmly down the hallway, as if she didn't have a single worry in the world.
I followed her with my eyes as she walked away, each of her steps increasing the distance between us. Her confident and relaxed gait made my frustration and embarrassment grow even more. Finally, she turned the corner of the hallway and disappeared from my view, leaving me completely alone.
"Damn it!" I muttered under my breath, stepping away from the blinds.
My eyes desperately searched for a solution, any way out of this disaster. My gaze fixed on the cabinet where Megan had stored all my things. I ran to it, grabbing the handle with force and trying to turn it. But, as I feared, the cabinet was locked. I shook it a couple of times, as if that would magically make it open, but it was useless. Megan had made sure to take the key and keep it with her.
I leaned against the cabinet, feeling desperation take over me. I was not only trapped completely naked in Valeria's office, but I was also completely cut off. My cell phone, the only tool I could have used to ask for help, was left in the fifth-floor office.
I took a deep breath, trying to calm down. Think, Sam. There has to be a solution. But every thought that came to my mind clashed with the harsh reality of my situation: I was trapped, vulnerable, and with no immediate options.
Time seemed to stand still as I stood there, alone in that immaculate office, with the perfectly organized furniture that only seemed to mock my chaotic reality.
Every second that passed in that office felt like a weight on my shoulders. I looked around desperately, my eyes stopping at every corner of Valeria's impeccably organized space. The curved monitor on the desk remained on standby mode, softly blinking as if waiting for someone to use it. The laptop, closed but connected, seemed to silently observe me from its place.
Each object in the office seemed to reflect its owner's personality, everything had that competitive air, that sense of someone who works meticulously to be the best at everything she does. The minimalist decoration, the furniture in shades of gray and blue, even the empty cup holder next to the keyboard... everything spoke of someone who left nothing to chance, someone who always sought to prove her worth.
My eyes rested on the framed certificate on the wall. The words "Strategic Merit Recognition" seemed to mock me from their privileged place. It was a constant reminder of how much Valeria strived to stand out, to make herself noticed. And here I was, an intruder in her space, completely vulnerable. If she knew I was here, naked... she could get me fired, and something like this would be perfect for ruining me.
I shook my head, trying to push those thoughts away. I don't have time for this. I need a solution. But every time I looked around, everything I saw reminded me that this wasn't my place.
My breath quickened as I scanned the office for something, anything, that could help me. I approached the small cabinets under the desk, pulling on the handles with force. Empty. Only perfectly organized folders with immaculate labels: "Project Analysis," "Monthly Reports," "Budgets." Not a single piece of clothing, not even a blanket or something to cover myself with.
I opened the desk drawers with the same desperation. The first one was full of office supplies: pens, clips, sticky notes. The second had an additional agenda, also organized with carefully marked dates. Not a trace of anything that could help me.
As I searched, my hands trembled, and my breath grew more irregular. What am I doing? This is crazy. Being here is already a disrespect. Valeria would never allow me to be in her personal space without her permission, much less snooping around.
Every time my gaze crossed something that clearly belonged to Valeria, I felt a bigger knot form in my stomach. There was something intimidating about how orderly everything was, as if even the slightest alteration would be noticed.
Finally, I stopped, leaning against the desk as I tried to calm my breath. I looked towards the small Creativity Room through the glass walls, but I knew there was nothing useful there. The cabinet where my things were stored remained an insurmountable obstacle, locked and out of my reach.
How did I get myself into this? I thought, closing my eyes tightly for a moment. But the images of Megan storing my things, closing the cabinet, and taking the key with her were still imprinted in my mind.
I opened my eyes and looked around once more, hoping I had overlooked something. Nothing. There was absolutely nothing I could use to cover myself. Every corner of the office seemed to be conspiring against me, reminding me that this wasn't my place.
The cold air from the air conditioner continued to hit my skin, intensifying my nervousness. I sat for a moment in Valeria's chair, feeling the cool leather surface stick to my skin. Sitting there didn't calm me; instead, it only made my discomfort grow.
I need to get out of here. But I can't do it like this. I can't go out into the hallway... I can't stay here forever.
Thoughts swirled in my mind as the feeling of being trapped became increasingly unbearable. I had no plan, and every time I looked around, everything I saw reminded me of how out of place I was.
The silence in the office was suddenly interrupted by the echo of footsteps in the outside hallway. My heart stopped for a moment before racing uncontrollably. Who could it be? Maybe someone from the cleaning staff or an employee who had forgotten something. But what does it matter? I can't let them see me like this.
The sound of the footsteps resonated clearly against the high-quality polished floor, the material amplifying each movement as if the building were conspiring to expose me. I looked around desperately, my hands trembling as I searched for a place to hide. The blinds were completely closed, and although I could try to peek through the slats, panic paralyzed me. What if they see me? What if they're closer than I think?
The air conditioning seemed colder than ever, the contrast with the cold sweat covering my skin making my body tremble. My breath became more erratic as the footsteps drew closer, each one resonating louder than the last.
Now the footsteps were so close that they seemed to be right outside Valeria's office door. Think, Sam, think! Finally, my gaze landed on the Creativity Room.
I ran to the small soundproofed room, my feet sliding slightly on the smooth floor but managing to make minimal noise. I entered and closed the door behind me as quickly as I could, praying that no one had heard the faint click of the latch. I hid behind one of the mobile tables, crouching against the wall, trying to make myself as small as possible.
From my hiding place in the Creativity Room, I heard Valeria's office door open with the beep of an access card. My muscles tensed even more as I heard footsteps enter the space, but this time I wasn't alone. A familiar voice broke the silence, clear and firm: it was Valeria.
"Why do you think Sam needed us to come up?" Valeria asked, her tone filled with curiosity.
Another voice, equally familiar, responded with a lighter tone: Carla. "I have no idea. Megan was pretty vague about it, but it seemed important. She said Sam wanted to show us something."
My eyes closed tightly, a cold sweat running down my back. Megan... of course it had to be Megan. This is another one of her tricks. She wants me to be discovered.
Valeria let out an audible sigh. "I don't understand why she didn't just come down to tell us. And sending her access card... that was strange, don't you think?"
"Yes," Carla agreed, her voice more animated. "Megan seemed too... I don't know, excited. But I thought maybe she was excited about something Sam found."
From my hiding place, I could hear their footsteps as they walked around the office. They seemed to be inspecting the place, confused by the lack of activity.
"Well, there's nothing out of the ordinary here," Valeria said after a moment, her tone now more serious. "My office is as it always is. Where is Sam?"
Carla laughed softly. "Maybe she's in the bathroom or in the Creativity Room. Although, if Megan sent us up here, I thought it would be something urgent."
I opened my eyes and bit my lower lip to keep the panic from overwhelming me completely. What am I going to do? If they find me like this... My mind raced, but there was no solution. If I came out, it would be immediate humiliation. If I stayed, they would eventually search for me anyway.
Valeria spoke again, her tone now more inquisitive. "This doesn't make sense. Why would she make us come up if she's not here? Something doesn't add up."
"Maybe Megan didn't understand what Sam wanted," Carla suggested.
"Do you think Megan is playing a joke on us?" Valeria said, her tone slightly exasperated.
Carla let out a soft laugh. "Knowing Megan, it wouldn't surprise me."
My hands trembled as I tried to remain silent. They were just a few steps away from the door to the Creativity Room, and I knew it wouldn't be long before they decided to look in here.
"Let's check," Valeria finally said, her determination clear in her voice. "If we don't find her, we'll go back to the fifth floor. This is starting to feel like a waste of time."
The footsteps grew closer to the door. I could feel my heart pounding against my chest as I crouched even lower behind the mobile table, trying to make myself invisible.
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The atmosphere in the office remained calm, with Valeria, Carla, and I working on the report details. We were reviewing critical points and adjusting the necessary figures, progressing with each page as the charts and tables began to take shape. It wasn't a particularly complicated task, but it required concentration, something Valeria always expected in any project she was involved in.
"This part is already adjusted," Carla commented, marking a sheet with a pen before passing it to the pile of reviewed documents. "We just need to verify the projections for the last three months."
"Perfect, I'll cross-check that with the data we've already corrected," I replied, focusing on my computer screen.
Midway through the process, I heard the sound of the door opening. Megan returned with the coffees, holding a tray with four cardboard cups. Her expression was far from the relaxed joy with which she had started the morning; instead, she seemed somewhat annoyed, especially when her eyes met mine.
"Your coffees," Megan said, her tone colder than before. She placed the tray on the round table in front of Valeria and Carla before heading towards my desk and setting my coffee right on the edge. "I hope this is enough to keep you awake."
"Thank you, Megan," I responded calmly, deliberately ignoring the tension in her voice. I took my coffee, taking a small sip to stay focused on the work.
Megan stood for a moment, observing us as if expecting something more. However, I didn't pay attention to her. If she wanted to show her discomfort, I wasn't going to give her the satisfaction of reacting.
Valeria looked up and offered her a polite smile. "Thank you, Megan. It's always good to have a coffee at hand for these things."
Megan nodded but didn't respond. She slumped into her chair, slightly turning it towards us, though she made no attempt to participate in the work.
After a few minutes, Carla mentioned something about some documents we needed from the Strategic Development Department. "Those papers could help verify the latest figures. They're not here because we left them in the office yesterday afternoon."
"Do you want me to go get them?" Carla offered, slightly rising from her chair. "I don't mind going up to the seventh floor for a moment."
Before she could do so, I intervened with a different idea. "Don't worry, Carla. Megan can go get them. She's here to help us, after all."
I felt Megan's gaze fixed on me, but I remained neutral, pretending not to notice while continuing to review my documents. "Right, Megan? It'll only take a moment."
Megan let out a small sigh before responding, her tone filled with forced patience. "Sure. Where exactly are they?"
"On the main desk of the Strategic Development Department," Valeria explained, without lifting her eyes from my screen. "It's easy to find them. They're in a folder labeled 'Load Analysis'."
Carla tried to intervene. "Really, it's not necessary for Megan to go. I can do it without any problem."
"Don't worry, Carla," I insisted with a controlled smile. "Megan is here to help us, and I'm sure she can handle this quickly."
Megan stood up from her chair, adjusting her headband with a quick gesture. "Alright. I guess I'll go get those blessed documents. But let it be clear, Sam, that I'm not your personal messenger."
"Of course not," I replied with a calm tone, finally looking at her. "But we're all helping in the way we can, aren't we?"
Megan didn't respond. She turned towards the door, left the office, and closed it with a bit more force than necessary.
Once she was gone, Carla looked at me with a mix of curiosity and amusement. "Are you sure it's okay to ask her for those things? She doesn't seem very happy."
"She's here voluntarily," I replied, taking a sip of my coffee. "If she chose to come 'work' on a Saturday, the least she can do is help us. Plus, we need those documents, don't we?"
Valeria didn't say anything, but there was a slight glimmer of approval in her gaze. She seemed to enjoy the dynamics as much as I did.
Time passed as we worked on the necessary documents for the project. Valeria and Carla reviewed details of the final report, while I cross-checked data on my computer, concentrating on keeping everything under control. Megan was still absent, but the atmosphere remained productive.
Eventually, the sound of the door opening broke everyone's concentration. Megan returned with a folder in hand, walking with a firm step and placing the papers on the round table in front of Valeria.
"Here are the documents," she announced, though her tone lacked enthusiasm.
Valeria took the folder, reviewing its contents before frowning. "Megan, these aren't the correct documents. This is from the last audit, not the load analysis we need."
Megan sighed with frustration, crossing her arms. "Well, it's the only thing I found on the main desk. Maybe someone moved them."
Carla slightly rose from her chair, ready to resolve the issue. "Don't worry, Megan. I can go up to the seventh floor and look for them myself. I don't want you to have to go again."
Before she could do so, I stepped in. "No, Carla, it's not necessary. Megan can try again. Maybe she missed checking them properly."
Megan looked at me with a mix of disbelief and annoyance. "Really? I already went once. Why don't you let someone else do it?"
"Megan," I responded calmly, yet enjoying the situation a bit, "you're here to help us, aren't you? Besides, it's Saturday morning. There's no one in the building, so I don't think you'll have any trouble."
Carla tried to intervene again. "Really, Samantha, it's no problem if I go."
"I insist," I said, maintaining a neutral tone. "Megan already knows where they are; it was just a misunderstanding. I'm sure this time she will find them without any issues."
Megan let out a long sigh and took her access card with a deliberate gesture. "Okay. I'll go again, but this is starting to feel more like a punishment than help."
"It's not a punishment," I said with a slight smile, returning my attention to the documents in front of me. "We're just making sure everything is in order."
Megan left the office without saying anything else, letting the door close with a soft thud.
Meanwhile, Carla looked at me with a mix of curiosity and bewilderment. "Are you sure that was necessary? She doesn't seem very happy."
"The important thing is that we have the correct documents," I responded, taking a sip of my coffee. If Megan wants to play at being part of the team, she should act like it.
A few moments passed before the door opened again. This time, Megan returned with the correct folder, which she placed on the table with a sharp movement.
"Here they are. I hope this time they're the right ones," she said with a cutting tone, returning to her desk without waiting for a response.
Valeria quickly reviewed the folder, nodding with approval. "Yes, these are the ones we needed. Thank you, Megan."
Megan didn't respond. She slumped into her chair, opening her computer again while avoiding any eye contact with me. Her annoyance was evident, but I tried to ignore it, returning to my work with calculated calmness.
If you're going to come to work on a Saturday, at least do it with the right attitude, Megan.
The last two hours passed in productive silence, interrupted only by specific comments between Valeria, Carla, and me as we made progress on the work. Even Megan had participated, helping us with minor tasks like sorting documents or cross-checking data. Although her attitude remained distant, she seemed to be stoically enduring the situation.
Finally, we were in the home stretch. Everything indicated that we could finish earlier than expected, which meant we could leave early. This idea cheered me up, and although I tried to ignore it, I felt a small sense of satisfaction thinking about how I had handled Megan during the morning. Maybe this will teach her not to take everything so lightly.
However, this dynamic wasn't going to last much longer.
"Megan!" I called from my desk, turning towards her. She was sitting in front of her computer, browsing something clearly unrelated to work. "Can you go to the server room on the sixth floor and check if Javier left the updated technical reports? It would be very helpful for us to review this last detail."
Megan slowly turned in her chair, crossing her arms with an expression of tiredness mixed with irritation. "No, Sam. I'm not going."
I froze for a moment, surprised by her direct refusal. She had shown resistance before, but she always ended up giving in. This time, however, her tone was firm, almost defiant.
"What do you mean you're not going?" I asked, trying to stay calm.
"I'm not going," Megan repeated, her voice laden with forced patience. "I've done enough for today. If you need something from there, you can go yourself."
Valeria and Carla exchanged uncomfortable glances, though they didn't say anything.
"Megan, you're here to help. That's why you came, isn't it?" I responded, trying to sound logical. "If you're not going to collaborate, then you shouldn't have come."
That last sentence landed like a hammer. Megan leaned forward in her chair, and I could see the flash of anger in her eyes. "Did you really just say that, Sam?"
"Yes, I did," I replied, crossing my arms and maintaining my stance. If she wants to act like a child, let her, but I'm not going to give in.
Megan stood up abruptly, her chair rolling back with force. "You know what, you're right. I shouldn't have come."
Without saying anything else, Megan left the office, closing the door behind her with a bang that echoed in the silence she left behind.
Valeria was the first to break the awkward silence. "Are you sure that was necessary?"
"It's not the first time she's complained," Carla responded in a more conciliatory tone.
I took a long sigh, trying not to show how upset I was. "It doesn't matter. Let's finish this. If she wants to act like a child, let her."
However, as I returned to my desk, I couldn't help but wonder what Megan was doing. Had she left just to calm down, or did she have something else in mind? I decided to ignore it completely and focus on the work. Whatever it is, it's not my problem.
The echo of the closing door still resonated in my mind as I tried to ignore the scene Megan had just caused. It's not my problem, I repeated to myself, focusing on the final adjustments to the report. Valeria and Carla continued working, and the atmosphere, though somewhat tense, seemed to have returned to normal.
But this calm didn't last long.
My phone vibrated on the desk, lighting up the screen with a WhatsApp notification. When I saw it was a message from Megan, my heart skipped a beat. What does she want now? I quickly opened it, fearing the worst.
"I'll be waiting for you on the 7th floor. If you don't come, I'll show the photos I took of you yesterday to Valeria and Carla. Your call."
The air seemed to escape my lungs. I felt like the ground was slipping beneath me, and my entire body tensed up. She can't be serious... But, knowing Megan, I knew this wasn't a joke.
"Is everything okay, Samantha?" Valeria suddenly asked without looking up from the papers in front of her.
I forced myself to catch my breath and respond with a neutral tone. "Yes, everything's fine."
Carla looked at me, curious. "You seem worried. Is it something related to the calculations? We can review them together if you need help."
"Uh... no, it's not that," I replied quickly, trying to sound convincing. Think, Sam, think. "It's Megan. She messaged me. She says she needs me to go up to the seventh floor for something, I don't know what. But don't worry, I won't be long."
Valeria raised an eyebrow, clearly interested. "The seventh floor? Seems like that seventh floor is really growing on her."
I let out a nervous laugh, trying to downplay it. "You know how it is. But it's fine. Anyway, I have to take the access card with me, so don't worry. You can stay here, and since the door opens from the inside, you won't have any trouble getting out if we finish before I return."
Carla nodded with a sympathetic smile. "Okay. Don't worry, Samantha. We'll keep making progress here."
"Thanks," I murmured, taking my access card hanging around my neck. I left my phone on the papers resting on the round glass table, an almost automatic gesture as I tried to organize my thoughts. I tried to maintain a neutral expression as I walked towards the door, but inside, my mind was in chaos.
As the elevator took me to the seventh floor, my heart was pounding. What is Megan planning? Why now? Every second inside the elevator felt like an eternity, and when the doors finally opened, I felt like my fate was sealed.
I can't let this get out of control. I have to face her... again.
With trembling but determined steps, I headed towards the seventh floor, preparing for whatever Megan had planned.
When the elevator doors opened on the seventh floor, I stepped forward with my heart still pounding. My eyes scanned the empty space in front of me, expecting to see Megan in the hallways, but there was no trace of her.
The floor was immersed in an unsettling silence, barely interrupted by the buzzing of the LED lights. This level of the building had a modern and elegant design that perfectly fit the strategic purpose of its main occupant, Valeria.
The internal reception, the first thing I saw after exiting the elevator, was decorated with modern furniture in navy blue and beige tones. A glass coffee table rested on a textured rug, and on it was a perfectly aligned stack of corporate magazines. The upholstered chairs, with a minimalist yet comfortable design, gave the waiting area a professional yet welcoming feel.
Normally, a receptionist would control access to the inner offices from the white counter at the back, but the space was completely deserted. The security cameras, mounted at strategic points on the ceiling, seemed to observe everything in complete silence.
Where is Megan? What is she planning? I thought, advancing cautiously.
Beyond the reception area, the space opened up to a collaborative work area. The cubicles of the Strategic Development Department were arranged in a wide and organized formation. The partitions were low, encouraging communication among team members. Each cubicle had a high-end computer, a corporate phone, and an adjustable lamp that glowed faintly, despite the stations being empty.
The place seemed too orderly, as if no one had worked there recently. It was strange, almost surreal.
I continued walking, the sound of my heels echoing against the porcelain floor. The air was slightly cool, indicating that the air conditioning was working at an optimal level, but not enough to counteract the sense of discomfort that invaded me.
Finally, I reached an open door at the end of the hallway. I immediately recognized it as Valeria's office, with its transparent glass offering a direct view inside. The inner blinds were partially closed, letting in some light while maintaining a degree of privacy.
The office had a minimalist yet sophisticated design, with furniture in shades of gray and blue. Valeria's desk was spacious and perfectly organized. A laptop was connected to a state-of-the-art curved monitor, alongside a cup holder containing an empty glass. An agenda lay open on the desk, with neatly written notes, as if they had been thought out as carefully as the strategies Valeria created here.
On the wall facing the desk, a framed performance certificate dominated the space, constantly reminding anyone who entered who the most competent person in this department was.
I approached the door cautiously, feeling the weight of the situation on my shoulders. Is Megan here? Or does she just want me to wait?
I looked inside the office, but it was empty. Only the faint flickering of the monitor broke the stillness. I stood at the threshold, unsure of what to do.
The air felt dense, charged with the possibility of what was to come. And then, I heard a soft noise behind me.
Standing inside Valeria's office, I looked around with uncertainty. The space was immaculate, organized as a reflection of its meticulous owner's character. Why did she make me come here? What is Megan planning now?
I approached the desk, observing the curved monitor softly blinking in anticipation of some activity. My hands were tense, resting on the smooth surface of the desk, as I tried to calm my breathing. The silence on the floor was overwhelming, amplifying the sound of my own heart pounding.
Suddenly, I heard a movement behind me. I turned quickly, but Megan was already inside the office, leaning casually against the door frame. Her expression was a mix of satisfaction and defiance, with her arms crossed and a slight mocking smile that made my stomach churn.
"Megan, what are you doing?" I snapped, trying to maintain my composure. "Why did you send me that message? And why here, in Valeria's office? We have nothing to do here. They're waiting for us downstairs to continue with the work."
Megan didn't move. Her smile widened a bit, as if she had been expecting this reaction from me. Before I could say anything else, she interrupted, her tone laden with tense calmness.
"You know, Sam? I've been putting up with you all morning," she began, straightening up and taking a step towards me. "All morning doing what you ask, running around like your personal messenger."
"Megan, I didn't ask you for anything out of the ordinary," I replied, trying to sound firm. "You're here because you wanted to come, remember? No one forced you."
"That's true," she admitted, shrugging. "But you, with your professional attitude, so... bossy, have been incredibly rude to me. Do you know how that feels, Sam? Because I don't think you do."
"Megan, I'm not disrespecting you," I said, feeling my patience starting to wear thin. "I'm just trying to get things done. If you have a problem with that, you should have told me before."
Megan let out a dry laugh, taking another step towards me. "Oh, I'm telling you now, Sam. And you know what? I think you need a lesson. One that helps you understand that you can't treat me the way you have today."
My chest tightened at those words, and for a moment, I didn't know how to respond. A lesson? What is she saying?
"Megan, don't start with this," I said, my voice trembling a bit more than I would have liked. "Stop playing around and let's go downstairs. There's work to be done."
But she shook her head, still with that smile that made my nerves tingle. "No, Sam. I'm going to make sure you remember that you can't play with me."
The air in the office felt heavier with each word, and for a moment, I felt like the world was shrinking to the space between the two of us. What is she going to do? I thought, feeling my entire body tense up.
Megan took another step towards me, and although her mocking smile remained, her eyes held an intensity that made me feel trapped. My entire body seemed paralyzed, unable to move as the silence in the office grew heavier.
"You know, Sam," she began, her voice lower but with a malicious tone. "I'll tell you something: I liked your attitude much more yesterday afternoon. Remember? Your body trembling, that expression of pure fear on your face... you looked terribly scared. It was a much more... interesting version of you."
"What are you talking about, Megan?" I managed to stammer, though my voice betrayed my growing panic.
Megan tilted her head to the side, as if my reaction was a game to her. "Oh, you know exactly what I'm talking about, Sam. But today, with all your arrogant attitude, with that air of superiority... well, I've decided it's time to make you go back to that same situation. Right here, in Valeria's office."
"What?" I exclaimed, taking a step back while feeling my hands tremble. "You can't be serious! This is ridiculous."
Megan let out a soft laugh, but there was no humor in it. Only an implicit threat. "Of course, I am. You're going to be just like yesterday, completely naked and vulnerable. And this time, it will be here, in this nice and professional space of Valeria's. After all, I think it fits perfectly with your attitude of always wanting to be so professional."
"You can't ask me for something like this," I said, my voice rising a notch as I desperately tried to regain some control. "This doesn't make sense. You're crossing the line, Megan."
"Crossing the line?" Megan replied, slowly pulling her phone out of her pocket and holding it in front of me. "Sam, you crossed the line when you decided to treat me like your personal assistant. But it's okay, because now I have something you don't: control. And if you don't do what I say, I'll show Valeria and Carla the photos I have of you. Believe me, Sam, they'll be very interested in seeing them."
My eyes fixed on the phone, and I felt my breath quicken. She can't be serious...
"Megan, this isn't a joke. You can't do this," I tried to reason, my voice trembling as I searched for a way out.
"It's a lesson, Sam," Megan said, her voice more serious now, as if there was no room for negotiation. "A lesson to teach you that you can't treat me the way you have today. So, either you do what I say, or I go down and show them these photos right now."
The air in the office felt heavier than ever, and my mind raced for a solution I couldn't find. What am I going to do? I can't let her do this... but I can't allow those photos to be exposed.
The weight of Megan's threat was crushing, as if every word she uttered wrapped me tighter in a circle I couldn't escape. I looked at her phone, still in her hand, like a weapon pointing directly at my dignity.
I knew that Valeria and Carla were waiting for me downstairs. I knew I couldn't afford to give in to Megan like this, but at the same time, the fear of what she could do with those photos was paralyzing. Maybe if I comply, she'll just limit this to this absurd scene, and then it will all be over.
I let out a long sigh, lowering my gaze to the floor while feeling my control slipping through my fingers. "Okay," I murmured, though my voice was barely audible.
Megan arched an eyebrow, clearly enjoying my defeat. "What did you say, Sam? I didn't hear you."
"Okay," I repeated more forcefully, though the tremor in my voice betrayed my apparent firmness. "I'll do it. But after this, it's over. We'll go downstairs and finish the work. Understood?"
"Of course," Megan responded with a wide smile, as if she had won a game that hadn't even started.
"Megan, can you please close the door?" I asked, feeling that every word was a bigger concession than I could afford.
"Sure, Sam. With pleasure." Megan walked towards the door, pushing it with a firm click before returning to her spot, leaning against the wall with her arms crossed. "There. Now there are no interruptions. All yours."
I took a deep breath, trying to calm the trembling of my hands. My mind was clouded by shame and anger, but I forced myself to move. Get this over with. Just do it quickly, and then it will all be over.
I first took off my loafers, sliding them gently on the floor. I felt the cold floor against my feet, a physical reminder of how exposed I was starting to feel.
Then, I proceeded to take off my tight jeans, pulling at the fabric with some difficulty. The waist slid off easily, but when I reached the ankles, the fabric seemed to resist, clinging to my feet as if refusing to let go. I had to lean against the edge of the desk, pulling harder and moving my feet awkwardly until I finally freed myself. I bent down to pick them up from the floor, shaking the fabric before folding them carefully and placing them on the desk in an attempt to maintain some order amidst the chaos I was feeling.
With careful movements, I took off the linen jacket, feeling the fabric sliding down my arms. I folded it meticulously and placed it on Valeria's desk, next to her laptop and curved monitor, which seemed like silent witnesses to the scene.
I continued with the blouse, my trembling fingers unbuttoning each button, as if each one was a step towards a revelation I wasn't ready to face. The fabric fell softly, and I placed it carefully, feeling how each garment I removed was a reminder of my growing vulnerability.
The atmosphere in the office felt suffocating, as if the air conditioning wasn't enough to counteract the heat rising through my face and neck.
"Everything, Sam, and don't forget the accessories," Megan added with an almost playful tone.
With trembling hands, I took off my earrings and watch, each movement a ritual of disrobing. Each piece of jewelry was carefully placed on the desk, next to the laptop and monitor. The access card hung around my neck, a reminder of my professional identity that now seemed ironically out of place.
"This too?" I asked, my voice barely audible as I pointed to the card.
"Of course," Megan responded with a triumphant smile.
With a slow movement, I slid the card over my head, feeling its cold metal against my skin. I placed it next to the rest of my belongings, a further symbol of my surrender.
Finally, I was left in my underwear, my breath ragged as I struggled to maintain my composure. I knew what was coming next. Megan wasn't going to stop here.
"Continue, Sam," Megan said, crossing her arms and observing me with that fixed gaze that made my knees tremble.
I closed my eyes for a moment, trying to gather the strength I felt was abandoning me. Just get this over with. Just a little more and you can get dressed again.
With determination, I took off my bra, feeling the fabric slide down my shoulders and freeing my breasts. My trembling hands clung to the fabric, delaying the moment before letting it fall, exposing my body even more.
Then, with slow movements, I lowered my panties, feeling the fabric slide down my thighs. The feeling of complete nakedness was overwhelming, but I forced myself to continue, to face the humiliation Megan had orchestrated.
My movements were slow, methodical, as I removed the last garments and carefully placed them on the desk. Now, standing completely naked, the office's cold seemed to intensify. My body trembled, and not just from the temperature, but from the shame that enveloped me like a second skin.
Megan took a step forward, observing me with a mix of satisfaction and triumph. "See? Much better. That's the Sam I like to see. Now, stay like that for a moment while I think of something."
My lips trembled, but I said nothing. I just wanted it all to be over, wishing the ground would open up and swallow me whole.
Standing completely naked in the center of Valeria's office, every second felt like an eternity. This wasn't my space; it wasn't the office where I had worked countless hours, building an air of professionalism and control. This was Valeria's territory, my rival. Everything in this place, from the minimalist furniture in shades of gray and blue to the imposing performance certificate on the wall, seemed to remind me that I didn't belong here.
The cold air conditioning felt like tiny needles on my bare skin, intensifying the vulnerability that already overwhelmed me. I could hear every little sound in the office: the faint buzzing of the curved monitor, the rustle of the cold floor beneath my feet, even my own irregular breathing. Everything was too crisp, as if my senses were hyperactive, registering every detail of my humiliation.
I tried to stand firm, but my body trembled uncontrollably. My hands instinctively covered my most intimate parts, as if that could restore some of the control I had lost. Megan, however, didn't let a second go by without taking advantage of my state.
"Well, Sam," she said with a mocking smile, as she pulled her phone out of her pocket. "Look at you. How professional you look now."
My eyes fixed on her phone, and my heart began to race. "Megan, no...," I tried to say, but my voice was barely a whisper.
"Oh, relax," she replied, lifting the phone and focusing it on me. "Just a couple of photos. I need proof, you know? In case you decide to be rude to me again."
The click of the camera resonated in the office like a gunshot. My body tensed even more, and my hands clenched the arms I was using to cover myself. It was as if the mere sound of the camera had solidified how vulnerable I was.
"Megan, stop," I managed to say, my voice trembling as much as my body. But she ignored my plea, taking another photo as she slowly walked around me, assessing me like an exhibit.
"You know," she said thoughtfully, without taking her eyes off her phone, "I think I should ask you something. How does it feel, Sam? How does it feel to be like this, in Valeria's office, completely naked?"
I closed my eyes tightly, wishing this nightmare would end. But her insistent voice forced me to open them again.
"Come on, Sam. Be honest. Isn't this what you wanted? Playing at being the boss, giving orders. Now I want you to tell me how you feel."
My throat was dry, but I knew I had no way out. I swallowed hard, my lips trembling as the words left my mouth. "I'm terrified," I finally admitted, my voice breaking.
Megan tilted her head, enjoying my confession. "So much fear, Sam? Of me, of Valeria? Or of everything?"
"Of everything," I responded, feeling my eyes fill with tears that I refused to let fall. "I shouldn't be here. This shouldn't be happening."
"Well, here you are," Megan said with a soft laugh, finally putting her phone back in her pocket. "And I must say, Sam, seeing you like this makes me feel like the day hasn't been so bad after all."
My legs trembled, and I could barely stand. I tried to regain some control, but the office itself, with its impersonal air and echoes of Valeria's authority, seemed to conspire against me. I just need this to end. I just want it all to be over.
Megan took a step towards me, her smile less mocking but no less intimidating. "Well, Sam, I think that was all I needed. But don't worry, we're not done here yet."
I was completely motionless, the air in the office seeming to grow even colder as I watched Megan's eyes move in a calculating manner, assessing the space around her. The triumphant smile on her face chilled me more than the air conditioning.
Then, I saw her approach Valeria's desk, where I had left all my clothes and accessories. My eyes widened in horror, panic rising within me as she gathered everything in her arms with an irritating calmness.
"Megan, what are you doing?" I asked with a trembling voice, my breath ragged as I took a step towards her, still covering myself with my arms.
"Just improving the dynamics a bit, Sam," she replied with a smile as she started walking towards a small door at the back of the office.
It was the Creativity Room, a soundproofed space equipped with whiteboards, mobile furniture, and projectors. It was the room Valeria used for brainstorming sessions or informal meetings, but at this moment, Megan seemed to have other plans.
I followed her with my eyes, my body paralyzed by fear as she inspected the place with interest. Her eyes lit up when she saw a cabinet in one of the corners, with a small key still inserted in the lock.
"Perfect," Megan murmured, opening the cabinet with a slow movement, almost as if she were enjoying the scene. Inside, there was enough space to store my things, and before I could stop her, I watched as she carefully folded each garment and placed them inside.
"Megan, don't do this," I said, my voice breaking as I took another step towards her. But my body trembled so much that I could barely move.
Megan didn't respond. She closed the cabinet door with a firm click that resonated in my ears like an endless echo. And then, with a slow, almost painful movement, she removed the key from the cabinet, holding it between her fingers as she looked at me.
"See this?" she said with a smile that didn't hide her satisfaction. "Now I have the key. And I don't think you'll need it anytime soon."
My legs trembled as I watched her put the key in her jean pocket, securing it as if it were a trophy.
Then, as if her triumph wasn't enough, she returned to Valeria's desk. My access card, the only item she hadn't stored in the cabinet, was still there, solitary on the desk. Megan picked it up with a deliberate movement, holding it between her fingers before looking at me directly.
"I think I'll take this too," she said with a carefree tone, twirling the card between her fingers. "I'm sure you don't need it now, right?"
"You can't do this," I managed to say, though my voice sounded weak and desperate. "Megan, please..."
"Of course, I can," she replied, shrugging as she slid the card into the other pocket of her jean. "And I am doing it. Now, Sam, I wonder how long you'll last here before someone comes up and finds you like this. That would be interesting, wouldn't it?"
Panic completely overwhelmed me. My mind was filled with images of Valeria or Carla entering through that door, finding me in this state. I tried to speak, to plead, but the words wouldn't come out of my mouth.
Megan, for her part, seemed to enjoy every second, her smile growing as she watched me from the center of the office.
Megan stopped just before leaving Valeria's office, turning to look at me one last time. Her mocking smile left no doubt about how much she was enjoying this situation. Her eyes scanned my figure from top to bottom with intentional slowness, as if she wanted to make sure I felt every second of my vulnerability.
"See you soon, Sam," she said with a carefree tone, as her lips curved into a smile full of triumph.
"Megan, you can't leave me here!", I tried to say, but my voice came out more as a desperate plea than an order.
She didn't respond. She simply turned on her heels, opened Valeria's office door, and left, closing it behind her with a firm sound that resonated in my head like an endless echo.
For a moment, I stood completely still, the silence of the office enveloping me. My heart pounded as I tried to process what had just happened. Did she really leave me here alone? Like this, with nothing?
My first reaction was impulsive: to run after her, demand that she return my things. But a thought stopped me in my tracks. The security cameras. I knew that outside, in the hallways and in the elevator, the cameras were active, watching every corner. Although the seventh floor was empty, those cameras would make me visible if I went out naked. I couldn't afford to have someone review those recordings.
Instead, I carefully approached the inner blinds of Valeria's office. I parted them just enough to look outside without being seen. From there, I saw Megan walking calmly down the hallway, as if she didn't have a single worry in the world.
I followed her with my eyes as she walked away, each of her steps increasing the distance between us. Her confident and relaxed gait made my frustration and embarrassment grow even more. Finally, she turned the corner of the hallway and disappeared from my view, leaving me completely alone.
"Damn it!" I muttered under my breath, stepping away from the blinds.
My eyes desperately searched for a solution, any way out of this disaster. My gaze fixed on the cabinet where Megan had stored all my things. I ran to it, grabbing the handle with force and trying to turn it. But, as I feared, the cabinet was locked. I shook it a couple of times, as if that would magically make it open, but it was useless. Megan had made sure to take the key and keep it with her.
I leaned against the cabinet, feeling desperation take over me. I was not only trapped completely naked in Valeria's office, but I was also completely cut off. My cell phone, the only tool I could have used to ask for help, was left in the fifth-floor office.
I took a deep breath, trying to calm down. Think, Sam. There has to be a solution. But every thought that came to my mind clashed with the harsh reality of my situation: I was trapped, vulnerable, and with no immediate options.
Time seemed to stand still as I stood there, alone in that immaculate office, with the perfectly organized furniture that only seemed to mock my chaotic reality.
Every second that passed in that office felt like a weight on my shoulders. I looked around desperately, my eyes stopping at every corner of Valeria's impeccably organized space. The curved monitor on the desk remained on standby mode, softly blinking as if waiting for someone to use it. The laptop, closed but connected, seemed to silently observe me from its place.
Each object in the office seemed to reflect its owner's personality, everything had that competitive air, that sense of someone who works meticulously to be the best at everything she does. The minimalist decoration, the furniture in shades of gray and blue, even the empty cup holder next to the keyboard... everything spoke of someone who left nothing to chance, someone who always sought to prove her worth.
My eyes rested on the framed certificate on the wall. The words "Strategic Merit Recognition" seemed to mock me from their privileged place. It was a constant reminder of how much Valeria strived to stand out, to make herself noticed. And here I was, an intruder in her space, completely vulnerable. If she knew I was here, naked... she could get me fired, and something like this would be perfect for ruining me.
I shook my head, trying to push those thoughts away. I don't have time for this. I need a solution. But every time I looked around, everything I saw reminded me that this wasn't my place.
My breath quickened as I scanned the office for something, anything, that could help me. I approached the small cabinets under the desk, pulling on the handles with force. Empty. Only perfectly organized folders with immaculate labels: "Project Analysis," "Monthly Reports," "Budgets." Not a single piece of clothing, not even a blanket or something to cover myself with.
I opened the desk drawers with the same desperation. The first one was full of office supplies: pens, clips, sticky notes. The second had an additional agenda, also organized with carefully marked dates. Not a trace of anything that could help me.
As I searched, my hands trembled, and my breath grew more irregular. What am I doing? This is crazy. Being here is already a disrespect. Valeria would never allow me to be in her personal space without her permission, much less snooping around.
Every time my gaze crossed something that clearly belonged to Valeria, I felt a bigger knot form in my stomach. There was something intimidating about how orderly everything was, as if even the slightest alteration would be noticed.
Finally, I stopped, leaning against the desk as I tried to calm my breath. I looked towards the small Creativity Room through the glass walls, but I knew there was nothing useful there. The cabinet where my things were stored remained an insurmountable obstacle, locked and out of my reach.
How did I get myself into this? I thought, closing my eyes tightly for a moment. But the images of Megan storing my things, closing the cabinet, and taking the key with her were still imprinted in my mind.
I opened my eyes and looked around once more, hoping I had overlooked something. Nothing. There was absolutely nothing I could use to cover myself. Every corner of the office seemed to be conspiring against me, reminding me that this wasn't my place.
The cold air from the air conditioner continued to hit my skin, intensifying my nervousness. I sat for a moment in Valeria's chair, feeling the cool leather surface stick to my skin. Sitting there didn't calm me; instead, it only made my discomfort grow.
I need to get out of here. But I can't do it like this. I can't go out into the hallway... I can't stay here forever.
Thoughts swirled in my mind as the feeling of being trapped became increasingly unbearable. I had no plan, and every time I looked around, everything I saw reminded me of how out of place I was.
The silence in the office was suddenly interrupted by the echo of footsteps in the outside hallway. My heart stopped for a moment before racing uncontrollably. Who could it be? Maybe someone from the cleaning staff or an employee who had forgotten something. But what does it matter? I can't let them see me like this.
The sound of the footsteps resonated clearly against the high-quality polished floor, the material amplifying each movement as if the building were conspiring to expose me. I looked around desperately, my hands trembling as I searched for a place to hide. The blinds were completely closed, and although I could try to peek through the slats, panic paralyzed me. What if they see me? What if they're closer than I think?
The air conditioning seemed colder than ever, the contrast with the cold sweat covering my skin making my body tremble. My breath became more erratic as the footsteps drew closer, each one resonating louder than the last.
Now the footsteps were so close that they seemed to be right outside Valeria's office door. Think, Sam, think! Finally, my gaze landed on the Creativity Room.
I ran to the small soundproofed room, my feet sliding slightly on the smooth floor but managing to make minimal noise. I entered and closed the door behind me as quickly as I could, praying that no one had heard the faint click of the latch. I hid behind one of the mobile tables, crouching against the wall, trying to make myself as small as possible.
From my hiding place in the Creativity Room, I heard Valeria's office door open with the beep of an access card. My muscles tensed even more as I heard footsteps enter the space, but this time I wasn't alone. A familiar voice broke the silence, clear and firm: it was Valeria.
"Why do you think Sam needed us to come up?" Valeria asked, her tone filled with curiosity.
Another voice, equally familiar, responded with a lighter tone: Carla. "I have no idea. Megan was pretty vague about it, but it seemed important. She said Sam wanted to show us something."
My eyes closed tightly, a cold sweat running down my back. Megan... of course it had to be Megan. This is another one of her tricks. She wants me to be discovered.
Valeria let out an audible sigh. "I don't understand why she didn't just come down to tell us. And sending her access card... that was strange, don't you think?"
"Yes," Carla agreed, her voice more animated. "Megan seemed too... I don't know, excited. But I thought maybe she was excited about something Sam found."
From my hiding place, I could hear their footsteps as they walked around the office. They seemed to be inspecting the place, confused by the lack of activity.
"Well, there's nothing out of the ordinary here," Valeria said after a moment, her tone now more serious. "My office is as it always is. Where is Sam?"
Carla laughed softly. "Maybe she's in the bathroom or in the Creativity Room. Although, if Megan sent us up here, I thought it would be something urgent."
I opened my eyes and bit my lower lip to keep the panic from overwhelming me completely. What am I going to do? If they find me like this... My mind raced, but there was no solution. If I came out, it would be immediate humiliation. If I stayed, they would eventually search for me anyway.
Valeria spoke again, her tone now more inquisitive. "This doesn't make sense. Why would she make us come up if she's not here? Something doesn't add up."
"Maybe Megan didn't understand what Sam wanted," Carla suggested.
"Do you think Megan is playing a joke on us?" Valeria said, her tone slightly exasperated.
Carla let out a soft laugh. "Knowing Megan, it wouldn't surprise me."
My hands trembled as I tried to remain silent. They were just a few steps away from the door to the Creativity Room, and I knew it wouldn't be long before they decided to look in here.
"Let's check," Valeria finally said, her determination clear in her voice. "If we don't find her, we'll go back to the fifth floor. This is starting to feel like a waste of time."
The footsteps grew closer to the door. I could feel my heart pounding against my chest as I crouched even lower behind the mobile table, trying to make myself invisible.