It had been four days now since Adrian left. I hadn't received a single call from him. I started getting worried when all my calls went unanswered and my texts unread. I tried to tell myself that it was no big deal, that he must've been busy, considering he was in London but I couldn't shake the feeling that something terribly wrong was about to take place. Still, I tried my best to distract my heart. I had continuous meetings so that helped a little. But then I saw some posts on the social media after he left that brought a flicker of doubt within me.
It wasn't anything unusual, really, if anyone else were to look at it. The paps had spotted him around his office. He was in his regular office clothes, looking handsome as ever. Then there was another random post the next. He was spotted in his club, Red Diamonds, the same club where I met him on the very first night after our first meeting, on Allie's birthday. In the photo, he was with Nate and some other people I could recognize as his business associates. There was one photo or the other every day that spotted him in a restaurant, or around his office, or simply him driving in his favorite car that he used to drive me around with. Seeing these posts every day since he left said one thing loud and clear.
He hadn't gone to London at all.
That conclusion hurt like a knife stabbing my heart. If he was in New York and going on with his life as usual, how could he have missed my calls? If he had the time to smile at the camera, lounge at the club with Nate and his friends, how could he not have the time to call me just once, or to send a short reply to my text just once? Just to let me know he was busy- if he was. Surely he knew that I would never ask him to abandon his work for me?
What was worse than having all these questions was having no answers to any of them. I didn't know if or what I done wrong. I closed my eyes again, trying to recall every moment we spend when he came here to meet me, from him standing outside my door to us exchanging those rings to our silly conversations to the moment he left. Nothing seemed out of ordinary, no matter how many times I played the scene over and over in my mind.
I sighed as I came across one more news about Adrian, in which he said he was currently working on something important, which couldn't be announced now. He asked them to have patience, an annoying smirk plastered on his face. I tried to soothe my heart once. Don't worry, Eve. Maybe he's really busy and this thing he's working on is very important.
I repeated this in my head and my heart again and again as I held the unicorn close to me, trying to get some sleep despite the chaos of my thoughts.
It was finally the day of meeting Mr. Gabriel Blanchet and I'd be lying if I said I wasn't on edge about that. The meeting had been pushed two days earlier because he apparently had some urgent business to attend to later. I couldn't pinpoint the exact reason behind this- maybe it was his reputation or Adrian's confirmation of his reputation or the mere fact that Adrian still hadn't responded to my text. I remembered him making me promise to text him before, during and after the meeting but after hundreds of unanswered calls and texts, I didn't feel like trying again. What use was it when the texts wouldn't even be read? I didn't want to come across as clingy and my self-respect could only take so much before intervening.
Taking a deep breath to calm my nerves, I exited my hotel room after one more pep talk. You've done this before. This isn't the first meeting you're attending with some pervert and this definitely won't be the last. Besides, he won't be the only person present. There's going to be an entire board of directors present. Just act cool and collected like you always do.
I nodded at Leah who stood outside my room and we walked towards the elevator. She gave me briefing about the meeting and the people that would be present. I mentally thought of all the things I'd say and told Leah to highlight certain aspects of the meeting. I made sure to warn her about Mr. Blanchet and instructed her to stay close to me at all times and not to attract attention to herself.
We reached the office and I asked Ed to tag along with us to the meeting room. He seemed surprised at my request since it wasn't every day that his presence was required during the meetings. But this was a new company I was dealing with, in a foreign land and the CEO was a man with a questionable reputation. I didn't want to take any risks. Better safe than sorry. Ed didn't question my request and gave me a nod before looking forward in his usual serious mode.
So the three of us walked inside and we were immediately directed to the top floor where the meeting would be held. We entered the hall to see around twelve people already seated and waiting for the meeting to start. I felt a little relaxed when I saw Mr. and Mrs. Reyes among them. I knew that Mr. Reyes had a share in this company as well but didn't think he'd be here today. They'd told me that they would be returning back to the states a couple of days ago but perhaps they had decided to attend this meeting after all. Mr. Reyes gave me a nod in acknowledgement while his wife smiled sweetly making me return the smile. I quickly came to the conclusion that she was the only female present there beside us and another woman who seemed to be Mr. Blanchet's secretary.
I took some time to observe the infamous Gabriel Blanchet. He was handsome, I'd give him that. But his looks were on the dark side. His dark black hair was swept backwards, the length reaching down the nape of his neck, just a few inches shy from his shoulders. His eyes were piercing green, which looked borderline evil to me, especially at present when he raked them over my form, as if trying to undress me with his eyes. He had an evil smirk on his lips, making me suppress a disgusted shiver.
The way his gaze lingered on certain parts of me was unnerving and I couldn't wait for this meeting to be over so that I'd be safe in the cocoon of my blanket and the unicorn, most likely with Adrian's photo to comfort me. I quickly pushed his thoughts out of my mind as I greeted them. I introduced Ed as my manager and he went along with it without hesitation, making me grateful to have him here. Out of the corner of my eyes, I saw Mr. Reyes raise an eyebrow but thankfully, he didn't comment.
The meeting started and a young man started talking about the company. He had prepared a PowerPoint to explain about their ideas for the advertisement, if I were to choose them. I put forward my own terms and conditions if I were to have this deal, making the people voice out their thoughts. I countered their questions with reasonable explanations, to which they murmured the agreement. The meeting was going on quite well but I couldn't help but notice that Mrs. Reyes looked uncomfortable sitting there. In fact, it was only Mr. Reyes who did the talking and that was only on rare occasions. I briefly wondered if the man, Gabriel Blanchet had tried something on her, which could explain the tense posture of her husband.
The meeting went on, and I was having a very hard time trying to ignore the way Mr. Blanchet was looking at me. He was directly across me and I'd catch his eyes every time I looked forward. What was more unnerving was, he didn't even try to be subtle about it. He never once looked away even when I caught him looking. It made me remember my first meeting with Adrian, how he hadn't taken his eyes off me the whole time as well. But while Adrian's stare had made my heart race with an unknown excitement, my heart was currently racing with a different emotion- fear and disgust. Gabriel Blanchet's stare made my skin crawl. I suppressed my emotions and had to try hard to keep up the cool façade I had on me.
After what felt like forever, the meeting ended and I hastily got up to leave after assuring them that I'd think over everything and let them know of my decision, whether I would work with them. The lecherous man got up and walked towards me, stopping when he was too close for my liking. Outstretching his hand to me for a handshake, he spoke for the first time since I'd arrived.
"It's a real pleasure to finally meet you, Ms. Evelyn. I'm sure I'm going to love working with a woman as beautiful as you. You can take all the time to think, and if you have any questions, we can arrange another private meeting where I can clear all of your doubts."
His words, heavily laced with innuendos made me snap. I had been tolerating his perverted eyes for the entirety of the meeting but this was the last straw. I would never let anyone talk to me that way, that too, in front of everyone. I could see some people smirking at me whereas others looked uncomfortable. Mr. Reyes had his fist clenched as his wife tried to calm him down. Fuming, I turned my attention back to the sorry excuse of human in front of me. My eyes flashed as I leveled him with a hard glare after taking a step back.
"I thank you for the suggestion, Mr. Blanchet, but that won't be necessary since I'm perfectly capable of making my own decisions. As for my doubts being cleared, your offer for a private meeting has quite perfectly cleared all the doubts I had about your personality. I announce here that we will not be working together under any circumstances. Now, I believe we're done here. If you have anything to add, you can meet my manager after making an appointment. I'd say it was nice meeting you, but I'm afraid that would be lying. Good day, Mr. Blanchet. Good day, ladies and gentlemen."
I nodded at everyone, before turning to walk out, completely ignoring his arm which was still outstretched. However, I stopped just before leaving the meeting hall. I turned back around and making sure my voice was loud and clear, I called out, my eyes trained on the scumbag. "One more thing, it's Ms. White for you, Mr. Blanchet. Make sure to remember that if, God forbid, we meet again."
I walked out with my head held high, satisfied by the redness that had covered his evil face.
"You really handled him so well, Ms. White," Leah exclaimed as we got into the car. I let out a deep breath that I didn't even know I was holding as Ed started driving, taking us far away from the wretched man. I saw Ed nod briefly in agreement as well, making me smile slightly. He really was a man of few words. Turning my attention to Leah, I spoke in a serious tone. "I may have put him into his place today, but I want you to be on your guard at all times, Leah. I doubt he would let the matter go easily. We're still going to be here for three more days. Just be careful, alright?"
She nodded and I slumped in my seat, my energy draining out from the events of the day. There was no way I would be dealing with this company now, given the nature of the CEO. That added one more task to be completed before our departure. I sighed. The faster I wanted to return home, the more it seemed that the universe was trying to delay it.
***
It was late, almost one at night and I still couldn't fall asleep. I'd been holding the photo frame that Adrian gave me, looking at how good we looked together. I tried to stop myself from calling him again that night because I'd already done it as soon as I'd returned back to my hotel room. As always, he didn't respond. Once again, I tried to reassure my heart. It is still daylight there in the states. He must be busy in his office.
Despite my struggles to stay positive, my heart was learning not to get fooled by my reasoning. My trust in him was waning, and I hated it. I hated the fact that I turned so distrustful by slight gap in communication between us. Surely, there must be many couples out there who wouldn't talk for months and still be in love with each other? We both had our own works, what if we didn't talk for a few days? Many couples did that and they were still fine. I'd be fine too, Adrian was just busy.
But Adrian is not like other men. He has never put his work before you. There hadn't been a day before that he didn't call, text or meet you, was there? My subconscious chose that moment to butt in and I groaned aloud, trying to block out my thoughts.
I decided to let go of any hopes of getting a wink of sleep tonight. Sitting upright on my bed, I started working instead. I had to search for other advertising companies here and finalize a deal with them before I could return and be back in the arms of the man I loved. I'd then tell him I loved him before pulling his ears out of his big skull for ignoring me. I might even demand that he send me two gifts every day, since he hadn't sent me one since the day he left. I sighed. Why did my every single thought lead to him and his silence?
With a great deal of effort, I managed to get my head into work. I sent some emails to Leah, despite knowing that she might be asleep. She could see them the next day, I didn't care. I was in the middle of sending another mail to my assistant about fixing a meeting with a new company when I heard someone knocking on my door.
I looked at the time. 1:42 am. I furrowed my eyes as the possibilities of serial killers and ruthless vampires being at my door. Then there was a flicker of hope that bloomed within my chest. Maybe Adrian came here again with another of his surprises? The thought of that being a possibility was enough to make me stand up in a hurry to answer the door. I added a few things on the mail I was working on and hit send before moving towards the door.
I smiled to myself as I turned the doorknob. The devil was going to have a heart attack when he'd see me prepared for his surprise this time. Biting my lips to contain a giddy smile, I swung the door open. My smile died when I realized I'd been wrong.
Stupid me! I silently scolded myself when I saw the highly intoxicated swaying man in front of me.
Gabriel Perverted-son-of-a-jackal Blanchet.
I let shock consume me for a few seconds before processing everything and immediately shutting the door on his face. But it turned out that the man was fast, even in his inebriated state. He put a foot in before I could shut the door completely. I tried pushing the door anyway but his strength was no match for me. He forcefully pushed it open and walked into my room, closing the door with his foot. "Ah, Ms. Evelyn. I'd thought you looked beautiful earlier in broad daylight, but seeing you at night, in that silk robe, it just tops every vision of you I have imagined so far."
Stupid, stupid, stupid! I mentally scolded myself over and over as I realized I was trapped and that sneaky little bastard had locked the door. My heart started beating furiously against my chest. I shuddered when his words registered in my mind. I didn't even want to think of what he could possibly imagine about me. Taking advantage of my slight distraction, he lunged at me, effectively trapping me between the wall and himself. I looked down and cursed again for wearing a night robe tonight.
"What? Cat got your tongue now, dearest Evelyn? You were using them quite fast earlier, weren't you? How about you use them again now, for different purposes?" He smirked evilly, making bile rise inside my throat. Before I could do anything, he leaned forward. I quickly turned my head to side that resulted in him connecting his lips with my cheek. I sprang into action and tried pushing his body off me with all my might, but he didn't budge an inch. I forced myself to keep calm and prevent panicking when he roamed his hands over my waist, pressing himself close to me.
I saw him lean towards me with every intent of kissing me. I couldn't let that happen. I'd promised Adrian that he would be the only man I'd kiss and I was going to make damn sure that I kept the promise. I forced my brain to think of something and decided to take a chance. I pretended to relax and melt into his arms, making him loosen his grip on me a little.
I smirked at him, fighting the urge to bash his head in. "Oh, is that why you're here? You should've told me before. I wouldn't have struggled pointlessly. How can I ever refuse a man like you? You're easily the most handsome man I've come across. Just look at that jawline!" I raised my right arm up towards his face, sensing that his grip on me had considerably slackened. He had relaxed completely, thinking I was about to do his bidding as he had that evil smirk back on his face. The stupid man didn't even doubt an ounce on my intentions despite everything I told him in his office. I returned his smirk despite anxiety clouding my heart as I swung my fist hard into his jaw.
"Now this is what suits you the most," I commented as he let out a groan of pain, staggering in his feet at the unexpected attack. I'd thought that would buy me some time to make my escape but apparently he was faster- that, or the effect of alcohol had made him numb from the pain. He collected himself quickly and turned to me. His face had turned red with anger now.
I watched warily as he stalked back to me but my adrenaline kicked in again and I punched him on his nose just as he got in front of me. I reveled on the distinct crack I heard, letting me know that his nasal bone was broken.
He doubled over in pain at the attack. I didn't waste any time before running towards the door and latching onto the lock. I had just managed to get my hand on the knob when my hair was pulled so hard, making me feel as though it was about to rip out of my skull. I couldn't hold back the shriek of pain that escaped me when he used his hold on my hair to get himself up.
"You've had your chance, bitch. Now you're gonna pay for this." He snarled and pulled me close by my waist against his chest, his hands digging tightly into my flesh and I couldn't help but whimper in pain. I tried swinging my hands for another punch but he held both of my hands captive in a strong grip.
"I normally like feisty women but you, mon amour, have gotten into my nerves. Now be a good little bitch before I lose my patience. I can make it worthwhile if you be good." He spat before attaching his lips onto my neck. I thrashed around in his hold, trying to evade his lips. His hands travelled upwards, roaming all over my body. My heart was beating so hard I could hear it ringing in my ears loudly.
I watched in panic when he smiled evilly again and leaned close to me, about to kiss me. I felt angry tears running down my cheeks when I thought of how pathetic I must look if anyone were to witness me. In my state of desperation, I lifted my leg and kicked him hard in the groin. His hold on me slackened again as he cried out in pain and fell down, hissing out curses. I landed another punch on his already bleeding nose before running to unlock my door just in time to see Ed and some of his companions about to barge in with guns in their hands and Leah following them.
I sent a silent prayer of thanks to the heavens above that Leah had somehow seen my last mail where I'd instructed her to call Ed and his team if I didn't send her another mail by fifteen minutes. I watched with a detached emotion as Ed lifted the man up from his ground and rained punches all over him before handing him over to his mates who dragged the now unconscious man with them.
It was pathetic, I was aware but I couldn't hold my tears any longer. The moment Ed and his teammates had come to my rescue, I felt that all my energy had drained from my body. I had been trying so hard to be strong to protect myself and now that the threat was gone, I realized how weak I actually was. Not caring about my employees, I knelt down on the ground and sobbed hard, trying to let my tears wipe out every fear from me.
I felt a hesitant hand against my shoulder and briefly registered Leah calling my name in concern. "Ms. White? Can you please stand up? Let me take you to your bed."
Numbly, I got up and let her lead me to my bed. My eyes were open but I couldn't see anything else other than the sight of the vile man coming towards me with his evil smirk. I could hear whispering and rustlings before I felt someone draping a blanket around me. A moment later, I felt something pressing against my hand. It was the unicorn. I raised my head to see Leah holding it out to me with a blush on her face and worry in her eyes. I thought her eyes looked red and puffy but couldn't bring myself to ask her about it, making me feel guilty. I was such a heartless employer.
Leah's words pulled me out of my self-loathing. "I think this will make you feel better," she started hesitantly, relaxing a little when I took the unicorn from her hands. She excused herself and went out of a room, coming back almost immediately with something in her hand and extending it to me. "It's green tea. It will help you soothe your nerves."
I took it but gave up on drinking after taking a sip. Trying to compose myself, I wiped the tears from my eyes before addressing Leah and Ed, who was still standing at the door, looking at me with worry. "Thank you, both of you, for saving me tonight. I can't imagine what would've happened if..." I couldn't bring myself to finish the sentence. Shaking my head, I took a deep breath before continuing, "Anyways, it's late. You should both go and get some sleep. I'll be alright."
Leah looked at me worriedly. "Ms. White? Do you want me to stay with you tonight? I swear I don't mind."
I let out a soft laugh before shaking my head. "Thank you, but I'll be fine, really. Don't worry about me. I'd like to be alone now, if you don't mind."
She gave me one unsure glance before murmuring a quick goodnight and walking out towards her room. I looked up to see that Ed was still standing at my door. I stood up and walked towards him in weak steps. "Ed, I thank you again for... intervening in time. But as I said, you should go and rest. I'll be fine."
He looked down, remorse filling his features. "You should be firing me now instead of thanking, Ms. White. He wasn't supposed to get here in the first place. But don't worry, I'll get to the bottom of this and find out who was responsible for letting him in. Please go and rest, Ms. White. I'll be guarding your door tonight. But before that, please let me call a doctor to tend to your wounds." He said, gesturing to my bleeding knuckles.
I shook my head. "You don't need to do that, Ed. You've been working the whole day. And please don't bother with the doctor either. It's just a minor injury. I'm sure I'll be fine. He... he was sent away, I assume?" I hated the way my voice shook when I asked about him.
Ho nodded grimly. "He has been taken care of. Now, please rest yourself, miss. You have gone through a lot. I'll be around if you need me for anything. I insist." He added when I opened my mouth to say there was no need. I sighed and thanked him again as he walked out, but not before I assured him that I really didn't need a doctor.
The tears came back once I was alone with my door firmly locked. I ran to the bathroom and turned the shower on. My tears mixed with the flowing hot water when I remembered the way his hands had roamed over me. I furiously rubbed my skin, crying in pain when some parts of my skin bled. I stood there in the running water for a long time, wishing that the night had only been a horrible nightmare that I would soon wake up from. Never in my life had I ever felt so violated, not even when I used to work as a waitress in a diner during my high school and men would try to grope me.
I finally got out of the shower and observed myself on the mirror. My eyes were bloodshot, my neck had bruises from when he bit me aggressively and there were finger marks on both my upper arms from when he held me after I'd punched him. I looked over to my knuckles, which were red and swollen. Maybe I shouldn't have denied Ed's offer to call a doctor but I did not have the energy to see another face for tonight. I laughed humorlessly at how dirty I still felt despite having just showered.
Dressing myself up in the most conservative clothes I had with me, I got into the covers, pulling them up to my neck. I did not want to go to sleep, scared that tonight's event would haunt me down in the dark hours. Biting my lips to prevent myself from crying again, I unlocked my phone and dialed the number I had promised myself I won't dial again today, hoping he would pick up for once.
I held my breath as the ring went on in the silence of the night, praying to every God known to make him pick up my call. I needed him more than I'd ever needed anyone else. I needed him to chase all my demons away tonight. Please pick up, Adrian. Please, I need you. I silently pleaded, hoping he'd hear my desperate call for help. My heart sank with each ring that went unanswered. I felt an immense relief when I heard a familiar voice before it was replaced with disappointment.
"Hello, I am Adrian Stone and you have reached my personal number. I apologize that I am currently unavailable but you can leave you message after the beep. I'll make sure to get back to you as soon as possible. Thank you."
I couldn't hold my tears back anymore when I was faced with the option of leaving a voicemail. I'd stopped leaving one after I didn't get a response the first three times I tried. But I was desperate now. They said the third time is a charm. I hope fervently that it was true. Wiping my tears, I took a deep breath before speaking into the silence.
"A-Adrian? Are you there? I know you must be b-busy right now. I-I'm sorry for calling you and t-texting you so many times but p-please call me back. I-I need you, Adrian. I-I'm hurt and in p-pain and c-crying and mis-miserable here. P-Please call me. Please. I need you. I m-miss you so ba- "
The rest of my words died when the phone beeped again, signaling that the time for voicemail had ended. I pressed my hand against my mouth to stop the noise as I sobbed hard, afraid not to alert Ed who was still pacing outside my room. I was scared to sleep, so I decided to wait for Adrian's response even if it took all night. In the meantime, I prayed that the third is really a charm.
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So... what do you think?