Our Accidental Forever
Chapter 15: Kate’s Encouragement

Chapter 15: Kate’s Encouragement

Ella’s POV

As I stepped into my apartment that evening, the weight of the day seemed to fall off my shoulders.

The long hours at work, the constant pressure of being perfect, and the ever-present awareness of Arec, all of it melted away as soon as I closed the door behind me. But there was still one more thing I needed to do before I could fully unwind: call Kate.

Kate had been my rock through everything, especially after Klaus. She was the one who picked up the pieces when he shattered my heart, and she was the one who encouraged me to take this job in the first place. Now, she was going to have to hear about my latest twist of fate.

I plopped down on the couch and dialed her number. She picked up after the first ring, her voice bubbly and warm as always.

"Ella! Finally, I’ve been dying to hear how your day went. Spill the tea, girl."

I couldn’t help but smile at her enthusiasm. "Oh, Kate, where do I even start?"

"The beginning, obviously! You got that shiny new job and I want all the details. How’s the boss? Are you settling in? Come on, give me something to live for here!" she teased, and I could practically hear her bouncing on the other end of the line.

I sighed, not really sure how to put it all into words. "Well, the job itself is... intense. I mean, I knew it would be, but I didn’t expect it to be this challenging right off the bat. But I’m handling it, you know? I’m determined to make it work."

"Of course you are! You’re amazing, Ella. I’ve always known that. But why do I sense there’s more to this story? You sound... hesitant?"

I bit my lip. There was no easy way to say it, but I knew I couldn’t keep it from her. "So, you remember that night at the club? The night after Klaus broke things off?"

Kate let out a dramatic gasp. "You mean the night you finally let loose and had that one night stand? Oh, I remember. What about it? Don’t tell me he’s called you or something!"

I laughed nervously. "No, no. It’s not that. It’s just... um, well, it turns out that guy is my new boss."

There was a pause, and for a second, I thought the call had dropped. Then, Kate burst into laughter so loud I had to pull the phone away from my ear.

"Oh my God, Ella! Are you serious? That is... wow, that’s amazing! You? A one-night stand with your boss? I didn’t know you had it in you!"

"Keep your voice down," I hissed, even though no one could hear her but me. "It’s not funny, Kate. It’s a nightmare! How could this even happen?"

"It’s hilarious," she managed to say between fits of laughter. "The irony! The drama! You, the most buttoned-up person I know, and you accidentally sleep with your boss! What are the odds?"

I groaned, covering my face with my hand. "I know, right? I’ve been trying so hard to keep things professional, but it’s been... challenging. Every time I see him, I’m reminded of that night, and it’s so awkward."

"Awkward? More like hot! What’s he like? I bet he’s super handsome. Come on, Ella, give me something!"

I rolled my eyes, but I couldn’t stop the smile that crept onto my face.

"Okay, fine. He’s... yeah, he’s handsome. But that’s not the point. The point is, I’m trying to move on from all this, Klaus, that night, everything. I need this job to work out, Kate. I can’t let myself get distracted."

Kate’s laughter faded, replaced by a softer, more serious tone. "Ella, I get it. Really, I do. You’ve been through so much with Klaus, and I’m so proud of you for focusing on yourself and your ccareer

But don’t be too hard on yourself. You’re allowed to have a little fun, you know? And if your boss happens to be a hottie you’ve already hooked up with, well... maybe it’s not the worst thing in the world."

I sighed, leaning back against the couch. "I know, but it’s complicated. I’m just trying to keep my head down and do the best job I can. I don’t want to mess this up."

"You won’t," Kate said firmly. "You’re one of the most competent, dedicated people I know. And if this Arec guy has any sense, he’ll see that too. As for Klaus, forget about him. He wasn’t good enough for you, and you deserve so much better."

"Easier said than done," I muttered, my thoughts drifting back to Klaus for the first time in days. "He really messed me up, Kate. I thought he was the one, you know? And then he just... did that."

There was a pause on Kate’s end, and when she spoke again, her voice was filled with gentle warmth. "I know it hurts, Ella. But you can’t let him have that power over you. He’s gone, and it’s his loss, not yours. You’re amazing, and you deserve someone who sees that, someone who’s all in, not just when it’s convenient for them."

I blinked back the sudden tears that threatened to spill over. "Thanks, Kate. I really needed to hear that."

"Anytime, babe. That’s what best friends are for. But seriously, don’t beat yourself up over what happened. Focus on your work, keep doing your thing, and who knows? Maybe something good will come out of all this."

"Maybe," I echoed, not entirely convinced but grateful for her encouragement. "For now, I’m just taking it one day at a time."

"And that’s all you need to do. But listen, if you ever want to vent, or if you need to talk about how ridiculously hot your boss is, I’m here for you. I’ll even bring wine!"

I laughed, the tension in my chest easing a little. "I’ll keep that in mind. And I promise, if anything else happens, you’ll be the first to know."

"Good. But seriously, Ella, you’re going to be okay. You’re stronger than you think, and you’ve got this. I believe in you."

"Thanks, Kate. That means a lot."

"Anytime, babe. Now go get some rest. You’ve got a big day tomorrow, and you need to be on your A-game."

"Will do. Goodnight, Kate."

"Goodnight, Ella. And remember, don’t let the hottie boss distract you too much!"

I hung up the phone, still smiling at Kate’s words.