Once She Came Like a Flash novel Chapter 45

**TITLE: Faith Didn’t Survive Time – by Aadi Sharma**
**Chapter 45**

Jasper reclined in his chair, a picture of ease, crossing his legs with an air of nonchalance. His strikingly cool gaze flickered towards her, and the sharp contours of his lips transformed into a subtle, knowing smile that seemed to hold a secret.

“Apologies, Ms. Whitley, but I haven’t been feeling my best lately. I just started a course of antibiotics today. I hope you won’t mind if I opt for tea instead of something stronger?” His voice was smooth, yet there was an undeniable edge to it, as if he was testing the waters.

He reached for a delicate teacup resting on the table, tapping it lightly against hers in a gesture that felt almost ceremonial. After taking a measured sip, he set the cup down, the clink echoing softly in the charged atmosphere.

Renee, on the other hand, clutched her glass of alcohol tightly, an anchor in a stormy sea of discomfort. It felt as though every pair of eyes at the table was trained on her, their gazes filled with a mix of mockery and silent laughter, leaving her feeling exposed and vulnerable.

“Mr. Zeller, your health is of utmost importance,” she replied, forcing a polite smile that barely masked the turmoil within. With a determined lift of her glass, she downed the shot in one swift motion, the liquid burning a fiery path down her throat.

She despised drinking.

In her previous job, she had partaken in far too many business dinners where the wine flowed freely, leading to a cascade of regrets and a ruined stomach. There were countless nights where she had indulged to the point of nausea, teetering on the brink of throwing up, ultimately resulting in painful stomach ulcers.

Now, even the scent of alcohol was enough to churn her stomach. Yet, she pushed through the wave of nausea, forcing herself to swallow the harsh liquid, feeling it sear as it descended.

“Impressive, Ms. Whitley,” Jasper remarked, one eyebrow arching in amusement, as if he found her struggle entertaining.

“Wow, a real woman of steel.”

“She can really hold her liquor.”

“Not only beautiful, but tough too.”

“Damn. She’s willing to go that far just to win Mr. Zeller’s favor.”

Laughter erupted around the table, a cacophony of applause and teasing remarks that only heightened her sense of isolation.

Across the room, Kayla’s disdain was palpable; she couldn’t stand how alluring and flirtatious Renee appeared. Rolling her eyes, she thought, What a temptress!

Renee settled back into her chair, taking a cautious sip of juice, hoping to quell the rising nausea. With Jasper’s declaration of being on antibiotics, the group seemed to have collectively decided to keep things light and civil, avoiding any push for him to drink more.

Just then, her phone buzzed insistently on the table, a distraction she desperately wanted to ignore. She picked up her cutlery, focusing on the food before her, but the persistent buzzing continued, relentless as if it were stuck on vibrate.

“Ms. Whitley, your phone is ringing,” Jasper commented, his tone laced with feigned innocence, as if he were merely offering a friendly reminder.

Her hand froze mid-motion, and she managed a small, tight smile. “Yes, I’m aware.”

With a resigned sigh, she picked up the phone and unlocked it, her heart sinking as she saw a barrage of messages from Adam.

[Renee, please don’t just focus on eating.]

VERIFYCAPTCHA_LABELVerify