“Ethan told her the long-distance relationship would make their bond stronger.”

I watched Lila’s face as the reality of the paper in her hands began to sink in.

The denial in her eyes turned to confusion, and then to a quiet, cold horror.

“He uses the same phrases,” I said softly.

“He tells you that you are different. That you understand his soul.”

Lila dropped her hands to her sides, the folder clutching against her thigh.

“He told me I was the only one,” she whispered.

“You are the third one this year, Lila,” I said.

“You are just the only one who made the mistake of showing up at his office on a Friday afternoon.”

She looked away, staring at the concrete pillar behind her.

Her shoulders slumped.

She looked very young and very small in the oversized office hallway.

“What am I supposed to do?” she asked, her voice cracking.

“You should go home,” I said.

“And you should find a lawyer who specializes in employment law.”

“Why would I need a lawyer?” she asked, looking back at me with sudden panic.