As we stepped into Mr. M's office, a rush of nerves flooded my system. Sharlene's hand felt cold and clammy in mine, a silent testament to her own anxiety. Despite my own fears, I resolved to exude an air of bravery. I wanted to be the rock she could lean on, unwavering in the face of uncertainty.
Glancing at her, I could see the mix of fear and determination in her eyes. My heart clenched at the sight, but I offered her a reassuring smile. "Don't worry, love," I whispered, squeezing her hand gently. "I'd risk anything for you."
Mr. M stood tall and imposing, his arms crossed and his expression stern. He gestured for us to take a seat, his demeanor leaving no room for argument. Sharlene and I exchanged wary glances before complying, tension thick in the air.
"So... you have secrets that I wasn't aware of, hmm?" Mr. M's voice was calm, but there was an underlying edge to it that sent a shiver down my spine.
"Mr. M, we didn't—" Sharlene began, but he raised a hand, silencing her.
"Sharlene," he interrupted, his tone clipped. "Of all people... I thought I knew you well enough to trust that you wouldn't do this."
I opened my mouth to interject, but Mr. M held up a hand, cutting me off before I could speak. My pulse quickened, dread pooling in the pit of my stomach.
"Donny," he said, his voice tinged with disappointment. "I am not asking for your explanation yet."
Standing up, he walked over to his desk and retrieved a brown envelope, his movements deliberate and calculated. My heart hammered in my chest as he withdrew a stack of papers from within.
"Do you know what this is, you two?" he asked, his gaze piercing.
"No," we replied in unison, unable to meet his eyes.
"This is a contract," he declared, holding up the papers for us to see. "I had plans for you both, great plans, individually. But you ruined everything when you showed people that night that you somewhat have a thing for each other."
The weight of his words hung heavy in the air, and I couldn't bring myself to meet Sharlene's gaze. Guilt gnawed at me, knowing that my actions had jeopardized our careers.
"Since you both ruined my plan," Mr. M continued, his voice grave, "here... take this contract. Sign it."
My heart sank as he handed the papers to us, the weight of impending consequences pressing down on my shoulders. Sharlene's eyes brimmed with tears, and I cursed myself for putting her in this position.
"Are you terminating our contract?" she whispered, her voice trembling with fear.
I swallowed hard, unable to meet her gaze as I silently berated myself for my recklessness.
As I glanced down at the contract, my heart skipped a beat. It was for the Gab and Max story on MMK. Relief flooded through me, mingling with disbelief as I processed Mr. M's words.
Suddenly, his laughter filled the room, rich and hearty. Sharlene and I exchanged bewildered glances, unsure of what to make of his sudden change in demeanor.
"It was just a prank!" Mr. M chuckled, his amusement contagious. "I see potential in you both. Congratulations!"
Relief washed over me like a tidal wave, and I couldn't help but laugh along with him. The weight that had been bearing down on my shoulders lifted, replaced by a buoyant sense of elation.
Sharlene wasted no time in enveloping Mr. M in a grateful hug, her joy palpable. MMK, here we come!