Chapter Twelve
(Edited by: Gabbyru. Thank you so much hun x)
Emberly's POV:
Since Saturday I've learned a very valuable lesson. Once an ass is always an ass.
I thought maybe now that I had forgiven him he would go easy on me but no; he has done the opposite.
It's Monday and I truly understand why people hate Monday's with such a passion. Maybe today just isn't my day. I feel a lot more tired ever since yesterday. I did not sleep very well. I went to meet Mom yesterday and I could feel something was wrong but Dad wouldn't budge. He asked me to come and meet him today, after work. He said it's important but he won't tell me what it is. The nerves inside me are all jinxed. I tried to ask him to tell me what was wrong but he said he needed more time to think. Think about what, though? Is Mom okay? It has made me feel very anxious since Sunday afternoon.
Coming back to Arran, he truly stuck to his words when he said he wasn't going to change just for my benefit. I bet he only apologised because of the guilt he felt. I would have done the same exact thing. However, it did clear a lot between us and maybe after the conversation we had, we can make this work. He is very cooperative which I am truly grateful for. I have his schedule with his whereabouts and now I know where he will be without worrying or wasting time searching for him.
Sometimes, it confuses me how quickly he can switch personalities. Not that he has some sort of disorder but still. When he's working he is unbelievably serious and dedicated, which is something I really admire. He won't spare a second glance for anyone. Even if he does, the person has to be worth his time. I know for a fact that he lives to work. He is the true definition of workaholic. But the Arran I met on Saturday was much more calm and relaxed. Maybe he saves all his energy for the weekends. Thinking about Saturday, I frowned. He told me to go home early since he had 'someone' coming. Oh well, it doesn't bother me. We made an agreement to start this deal this week.
However, much to my surprise he seems a lot grumpier today but is still the same arrogant Arran. He didn't make me do any stupid tasks like he made me do in my first week. It was strictly professional which I don't mind at all but I never expected it to be this hard.
Maybe I shouldn't have forgiven him so easily. I half-heartedly replied to an email. I am amazed by the amount of emails he gets in a single day. The intercom buzzes again and like a robot, I pressed the speaker button. He doesn't even wait for me to say anything.
"Inside now." He shouts, making me flinch.
What is his problem now? What have I done this time? I hurry into his office and wait for him to say something. Normally he would've told me what to do straightaway but today he was taking his time. Dressed in a grey suit with a white shirt underneath, no doubt he was looking handsome but I was too tired to even appreciate it. Scratch that, everyone has got time for that. I waited, and then waited and waited some more for him to lift his eyes from the damn file and look up for a minute. I coughed softly to get his attention.
"Sit down." He said sternly, his eyes never leaving the black file in his hands.
I was about to when I saw large, heavy boxes on both chairs. I frowned in confusion. This is very out of character for Arran. Do I want to take a risk by moving these two boxes and then have him yelling at me? I think I'll pass.
"Where?" I said slowly, stifling a yawn. Damn, I'm tired today.
"Well you could always sit on my lap Miss Emberly, the pleasure is all mine." He looked up and leaned his head back on the headrest of the chair. He smirked meaningfully and his eyes blazed with amusement.
What? Did he really say that? How very inappropriate for a boss to say something like that. I blush crimson.
"If you think I will say this twice, then you can snap out of your daydream. Just sit anywhere. Move the damn boxes. It won't kill you to use your brain once in a while" He dropped the smirk and glared at me.
And we're back to square one. If you think I would be deeply wounded by his insults then let me tell you, by now I'm used to it. I nodded slowly while picking up the heavy boxes and carefully placing them on the floor.
"I want you to work on these boxes. They have to be sent to the right department by today." He said jadedly.
I am sure my eyes are wide by now. There must be around fifty files in these two boxes and I have to meet Dad today. I was about to protest when he continued to speak.
"And please do something about the dark circles under your eyes. I don't want my staff to think I've forced you into sexual slavery." His voice may be stern but the glint in his eyes gave it all away. I had to supress a scowl.
I remember him clearly saying my makeup looked like it had been done by five years old and now he wants me to hide the dark circles? What is wrong with him? What happened to 'we will work this out'?
"Sometimes your generosity touches me, Sir." I murmured.
"Well at least something is touching you." He smirked mockingly.
Cheeky bastard.
While I was working on the files, which consisted of reading each one carefully before deciding which departments they needed to be sent to, I couldn't help but stare at this one blue file with great confusion. According to me the statements in this file couldn't even be possible. Even though I don't have much experience, I do have common sense. There must have been some sort of error made. I was about to inform him myself, when he came outside of his office.
"What's taking you so long?" He questioned me.
"You." I shook my head. Shall I ask him? He seems to be in a pretty bad mood. Ha, whom am I kidding? He's always in a bad mood.
"I'm just confused. It says you've recently spent two hundred thousands euros in Italy last month while shopping... The accountant must have added a couple of extra zeros. Who spends two hundred thousands euros in one go? " I laughed uneasily.
Right? Who in their right mind spends thousands just on shopping? I know he's rich but he can't be stupid and blowing his money just like that.
"No, the statement is correct." He stated matter-of-factly.
"But how is that possible? It was spent on shopping. It doesn't make any sense."
I know his clothes are branded but come on, how much does a shirt really cost? He doesn't seem the type to wear diamonds, so spending such a huge amount of money on just clothes is absurd. Male clothes if I must add. He arched both his eyebrows up, eyes challenging me, silently saying 'try me'.
"Emberly, money isn't a problem for me. It never has been. I make hundreds, thousands and millions within an hour. It really doesn't bother me." He said lost in thought.
I was speechless at his statement. I knew he was rich but seriously? He is wealthier than I can even imagine. But what is hard for me to digest is that it doesn't bother him at all. Well, he is a billionaire for a reason. I would be lying if I said money doesn't matter to me. If it didn't, I wouldn't even work for him in the first place and the idea of him having more money than any person I ever met, left me feeling completely stunned. Hell, he has more money than Mr White and he is the richest person I have ever known.
"Anyways I am having lunch with my Grandma, I will be back by two... Until then, I want you to work on these files. Also, there are some documents I want you to fax." He said quickly, checking the time on his wristwatch.
I snapped out of my thoughts and nodded, making notes. "Anything else?"
"Yeah, have lunch first, the canteen is on the first floor." He spoke softly.
I look at him blankly. Did he really mean it or he is just having a laugh at my state. He looks around uneasily, probably because of my shocked expression.
"I just don't want my staff to think I am starving you." He said casually, regaining his infamous smirk. I managed to merely scowl.
"Later, Emberly." I watched him stroll out so gracefully.
Concentrating back on work, I managed to send the all of the files to each department it belonged to. Much to my delight, they were all sent to the right department. I felt like patting myself on the back.
So far, so good.
I checked the task manager and much to my delight, I only had two more tasks that had to be done before I could have my much needed lunch break. After ticking the task off I moved to the next one.
Shit. I had to stop myself from banging my head on the nearby wall with great effort. Not faxing again. I grunt loudly. Now I won't be able to have a lunch break at all.
Disappointed with myself, I go inside his office for the documents. I grabbed it, when I saw a small sticky note on the top of the first file. Thinking it must be another task I started reading it carefully.
'I don't know why Linen Inc. never received the fax last week but I have a feeling it has something to do with you. Here are the processes on how to fax. Please follow them carefully. A. Raymond.'
He has left me speechless... twice. This note startled me completely. How can a small note stir my emotions? He could have left it to me to figure it out on my own, but he didn't. First he told me to have lunch and now he's made my job much easier. Maybe he isn't that bad. Maybe, as usual, I'm overthinking things. I smiled widely at the note. It was simple, yet infectious. I have to give him credit for his neat yet so stylish handwriting. I bet he got trained to write certain way too. After happily sending the fax, I logged off and decided to finally have my lunch.
When I arrived at the canteen I was surprised to see the number of people having their lunch. And here I really thought it was just Arran and I running the whole empire alone. This is the first time I am having lunch whilst the other employees are having it too. Normally I would have gotten myself a sandwich from a nearby shop and eaten it while doing my work. I decided to get cold pasta since my throat hasn't quite recovered.
I took a sharp breath when I saw the price tag. Mother of god, a bowl of pasta has a higher price than petrol. This is how they make money? I only had a small amount of money with me. I might have some money in my bank. It's not like I can't afford it but knowing I could get a meal deal from Subway for a lesser price made it indigestible. Plus it's only my second week in the office so the pay was still due.
"You don't have to pay." I heard someone say.
I turned around, only to see a small, petite woman. She had red, fiery, curly, hair that reminded me a lot of one of my maths teachers for some reason.
"Excuse me?" I said bewildered.
"I said you don't have to pay." She repeated and got a sandwich for herself.
"Why?" I questioned her. I felt heat creeping in. was I that obvious?
"You're the boss's new assistant, that's why." She explained, shrugging her shoulder.
Of course I don't. Duh.
"Oh, thank you." I replied to her, pleasantly.
She smiled, turned on her heel, and started walking away.
Okay... not awkward at all. I got myself the same pasta pot and drink and managed to find an empty table around the corner. I sat down at an empty table feeling like the new kid on their first day of school. I looked around and I was taken back by the appearance of others workers. All of them were dressed so sophisticatedly that it made me feel isolated. Biting my lip, I debated whether I should just go back to my cubicle.
"Hey."
I looked over my right shoulder and the same guy who helped me with the tape recorder, stood there with a tray in his hand.
"Jason right?" I said remembering his name. He smiled brightly.
"Yeah, mind if I join you for lunch?" He asked me.
"Sure, be my guest." I gestured for him to sit.
"So what's working with the boss like?" He questioned me.
"You really want to know?" I asked him, feeling a lot more relaxed.
"Actually, not really." He shrugged his shoulders apologetically.
"Which department do you work in?" I questioned him realising I really don't know much about the building I work in.
"Finance."
I had fun talking to Jason. His contagious smile made him special. He told me about his first day and I was happy that I finally knew someone other than my boss. Noticing the time, I freaked out. It was fifteen past two and Arran must be back. I apologised to Jason and literally ran from there. I silently sent a prayer wishing he had gotten stuck in traffic. I was about to turn back on my heels when I saw him pacing in his office like a raging bull. His head turned to where I was and he glared at me. Uh-oh. I gave him a weak, apologetic smile. He sighed in response and ran a hand through his hair, frowning at me.
"Have you seen the time?" He snapped eventually.
"I am so sorry..." I muttered.
"Remember it next time... now go and get me a coffee with Advil."
He seems so pissed off. I wonder what happened to him. He had lunch with his grandma but why is he acting like he just met his ex?
After getting him coffee with Advil, he sent me to make some appointments. While I was working, I received a call from Miss Johnson and I wondered if I should tell him. I tried to resolve the matter myself but she kept insisting on talking to him. If only I could tell her how angry he is right now. It's like she is willing to sign her own death warrant with her own bare hands. After trying to persuade her to tell me instead, I gave up and called him.
"Sir, Miss Johnson is on the other line. She said it's an emergency." I said cautiously.
"Pass her through." He grumbled over the phone.
What exactly is his problem? Nevertheless I passed her through and continued doing my work. I felt all my nerves jinxed and I waited anxiously. Like when you get that feeling that something bad is about to happen.
"Come inside." He said over the intercom.
"Type these fucking letters up and have me sign them before copying and mailing them to others members of board." He shouted, making me wince.
Boy, he is mad. Honestly, chill, will you? Please?
"Why did I received an email from Mr Smith saying he never got his appointment reminder from our company?"
"I was about to send them to him." I explained him quickly.
"Damn it Emberly, how long does it take?" He bangs his fist on the table, making me jump and I abruptly take a step back, knocking something off the shelf behind me.
Standing stock still, I watch a small ceramic craft plate break into pieces. He pales, and his hands freeze as he gazes at me, suddenly ashen.
"I... am...so..." I whispered.
"Get out." His stance changes immediately, his eyes hardening to flint.
"I am really sorry." I swallowed the lump forming in my throat.
"I said get the fuck out from here." He closes his eyes. I think he's trying to contain his temper but is failing miserably.
"I swear it was an accident. I will fix it or replace it." I have an overwhelming urge to cry but somehow managed not to cry by biting my lip furiously and painfully.
It's true though. I never had intentions to cause damage. I was just shocked and scared by the tone he was using. He stills, and very slowly, all the colour drains from his face. Double shit.
"Replace?" he laughs dryly. "You make my life a living hell and now you want to fix it? Why don't you fucking replace... You know what... just get out." His eyes blaze in anger.
The knife twists slowly and painfully deep in my heart. Will it always be this way? Is he always going to act like this? I slowly walked back on my heels and sat down on the chair. With shaking fingers, I started typing the email. My heart was still thumping loudly against my chest and my mouth felt dry.
He ignores me for the next few hours and I continue doing my work. After a few hours more, he came out of his office. I looked up, only to find him glaring at me, eyes narrow and cool. I look away, focusing on the task at hand and trying to suppress the shiver that runs through me. He's still mad. Jeez, I said I was really sorry and I would fix it but for god sake will he stop acting like I took his kidney out.
I shudder involuntarily as I gaze numbly at the closed doors of his office. Shall I or shall I not? Slowly making my way inside his office I see the mess I made earlier. Bending over so I am sitting on my knees I carefully looked at the ceramic plate I accidentally knocked over. It was a small heart shape plate with something written which I couldn't comprehend. I put the pieces in a pile and placed them in a paper wrapping them securely. How weird for him to have something inexpensive in his office? It looks old too.
Putting in my bag I retuned to my table. I wait for him to come back but when he didn't. I shut the computer off and made my way home. There is no point waiting for him if he isn't going to come back. Going to my parent's house, I couldn't help but think about his reaction. This isn't the reaction I was expecting at all. Normally when you break something accidentally, the other person would say it doesn't matter or don't worry about it. But him... He wanted to bury me alive.
Parking my car next to my dad's, I began to feel relaxed.. It had been a long and tiring day. He hugged me protectively, just what I needed the most. After sitting down and chatting for a bit, I could tell he wanted to say something. He was fiddling with his wristwatch and kept clearing his throat after every five seconds. It was very unlike my dad.
"So dad what's the news?" I asked him with a 'don't-you-dare-to-hide-it-from-me' look.
"Berry we've decided to move to Spain." He sputtered, exasperated.
He is going to do what? My eyes widened in shock.
"Why what's wrong here?" My voice was barely audible.
"Your mother always wanted to live in a small, sunny place. I am doing this for her." He rubbed his eyes.
I noticed how tired he looks. He has aged a lot since mom's surgery. Mom was still in hospital and I knew it was her dream to live near a coast.
"What will I do without you two?" I whispered.
"Move with us." He shrugged casually and it made me smile.
If only he knew it's next to impossible. I can't just break the contract and run off to Spain, no matter how appealing it sounds.
"Dad you know I can't. I just got the job." I explained him. I told him over the phone that I was offered a job do that he wouldn't get suspicious.
"Then leave it. You don't have to do it." He said as if leaving a job is a normal thing for him.
"Dad it's not possible. You know that... plus my studies." I rolled my eyes at him.
"Then I guess we'll have to stay behind."
No... No, he can't do this. I will not let them both sacrifice their happiness because of me.
"No Dad, do what you want to do. Don't worry about me. Please, do it for Mom."
"Are you sure?" He questioned me.
"Absolutely, but if I hear that you're flirting with Spanish women, I will send Cherry after you." I teased him.
"Don't, please. As much as I love her as my own daughter, I know she will come with a samurai sword."
We both laughed, knowing Cherry would pull this stunt.
"When are you leaving?" I ask him.
"Thursday." He replies nervously.
"So soon?" I was baffled. He just nods. Emberly don't be a bitch and don't spoil their fun. I gave him my best smile, assuring him I would be okay without him.
"I guess I have to cancel your ticket." He laughed wholeheartedly.
I had to stop my tears from spilling out of my eyes. My Dad has been through a lot. He married my Mother when they were both still in college. All my life I have never seen them fight. My Mom did have her ups and down but my Dad always managed to cool her down. That's the reason why I share a special bond with him. I guess he taught me to be patient no matter how bad the situation is. Sure I'm going to miss them but I am doing this for them. They deserve to be happy and finally live their life without me.
"Just take care of Mom, yeah? And keep me informed with every little thing." I said hugging him tightly and bidding him goodbye.
"I promise and look after yourself, Berry. Always remember sometimes the smallest things take up the most room in your heart." His eyes shone with affection.
"Quoting Winnie the Pooh again are we, eh?" I elbowed him lightly.
"Yes, but I mean it." He kissed my forehead softly.
Oh Dad, I will definitely miss you. I quickly turn around. Thinking about what he said to me, I grinned. But that's when I realised, it must have meant a lot to him. Sometimes the smallest things take up the most room in your heart. He spent thousands on clothes and he doesn't seem to care. But when I accidentally broke that plate, he looked pained, like I took a piece of his heart out. Someone he loves must have given that to him because that's the only personal thing I saw in his office. Not even a photograph of his family. I raced my car in my house's direction. Quickly unlocking it, I rushed to the kitchen to find the superglue. I opened my bag and took the paper out which had the broken pieces in it.
Boy, the heart was literally in million pieces. I felt like a completely insensitive person. I should have been more careful. Look what I've done now, I scolded myself. No wonder he calls me clumsy. I put the pieces together like a puzzle and carefully started sticking it back together with glue.
'SON OF A...' I nearly screamed when a small piece pierced my finger. I continued fixing the broken plate, gluing them together and leaving it to dry. Once it was dried, I picked it up carefully. The pieces were back together but obviously the damage was permanent. Thanks to me. I started reading the poem on the ceramic plate.
'Love is patient, love is kind.
It does not envy, it does not boast,
it is not proud.
It is not rude, it is not self-seeking,
it is not easily angered,
it keeps no record of wrongs.
Love does not delight in evil
but rejoices with the truth.
It always protects, always trusts,
always hopes, always perseveres.
Love never fails.'
While reading the poem, my mouth drops open, and I feel as if someone has pulled a rug from under my feet. It's so beautiful. My heart swelled with pain. No wonder it meant a lot to him. I carefully picked the ceramic plate up and placed it in a box.
I changed into my nightclothes and sat on the corner of my bed. A part of me was eager to give it to him now. He must be awake. How can he sleep when I broke his heart? Okay, maybe I am exaggerating but the ceramic plate did resemble a heart. After debating with my inner conscious, I gave up and grabbed the keys to my car.
While driving to his place, I thought of all the ways I could approach him. What if he doesn't open the door? That would be such a waste of petrol. Hey, don't give me that look; he does live on the other side of the city. As I was nearing his house, I began to panic.
Shit, I am in my hello kitty shorts and an oversize t-shirt. Yup, totally rocking the grandma look. I parked my car near a kerb outside of his house and picked the box up as gently as I could. Last thing I want to do is break it twice. I checked the time and nearly choke on my own saliva. Holy shit, it's two in the morning. Where did all the time go?
As I near the gates, I was caught off guards by the security. They weren't here last week when I came here. I pressed the bell and waited for them to open the door. I bet I look stupid.
"Hi, I am here to see Arran Raymond. I am his assistant and it's an emergency." I felt my whole face heating up with embarrassment.
This is what happens when I follow my instincts. Make a complete fool out of myself.
The guards looked at each other confused, but one of them went inside. Later he was back, followed by Arran who was just in grey sweatpants. They were hung low, showing the band of his boxers. My eyes lingered on his shirtless, upper body. He didn't have completely ripped muscles; in fact it was lean, which I like.
What the hell... I snapped out of my thoughts and looked down at my feet.
"What are you doing here?" he inquires me sternly. The guards left us alone.
I panic briefly; it's now or never. "Please hear me out first. I know it's late but I couldn't wait till morning."
His lips were pressed into a hard, uncompromising line. Taking that as a good sign, I continued speaking and defending my actions.
"I know you probably hate me by now but I really want to apologise. It must have meant a lot to you and I am extremely sorry. I tried to fix it and I swear I will pay you for the damage somehow or you can cut it from my pay but please don't be mad at me. I am really sorry." I gave him the box with shaky hands.
I waited for him to respond but he seemed too shocked to even blink. I bit my lip and look at his eyes hopefully. The way he was looking at me made me nervous. After a while, a soft smile plays on his lips as he looks around chuckling softly.
He gazed down at me. "I am sorry too, Emberly. I might have overreacted a little."
I had to suppress an urge to roll my eyes at him. "A little?" I questioned and he chuckled.
"You can stay here tonight." He smirked and winked.
And he's back. For the first time, I was glad the arrogant Arran is back.
"And crash on your sofa? Thanks but I'm going to have to take a rain check on that. Maybe next time?" I bit my lip, stifling the stupid grin trying to break through.
"Whenever you want." His smile was a genuine one and his eyes were gazing down at me intently.
Afraid he might hear the loud thumping of my heartbeat, I faked a yawn.
"See you tomorrow, Sir." I took long footsteps toward my car, almost running.
"Hey Emberly, drive safe. I don't want my staff to think I've done something to your car if you show up on the news tomorrow." He shouts behind me.
"That's deep. Almost touched me. Here." I turned around and pointed to the left side of my chest.
"Nice... We are making some progress." He eyed me darkly yet playfully and I reddened.
"Night." I mumbled.
Sitting down in the car, I managed to calm my nerves. He stood there till I turned left at the junction. I smiled inwardly feeling a lot loosen. I couldn't help but grin like an idiot at his smile. He should smile more often. It's worth dying for.
As I reached home, I had a strong craving to squeal like a hormonal, teenage girl. If I knew it would make me feel this happy, I would've done it earlier. I am shocked to admit this but he is actually growing on me. I feel like I can recognise him, relate to him. He is just an average person with hell lot of money. But he still cares about the small things that matter. I tried to sleep but gave up. After a while, I heard a ping from my laptop. I had a feeling of who it might be.
From: Arran Raymond
To: Emberly Rae
Subject: Get a new phone.
I hope you are safely home by now. Thank you for fixing it. It's very valuable. Can you get yourself a new phone?
Arran Raymond
CEO, Raymond & Company.
Grinning at the message I quickly typed a reply.
To: Arran Raymond
From: Emberly Rae
Subject: Waiting for the payday.
I have, thank you. Again, I am really sorry for the damage I've caused. About the phone Sir, I clearly remember having one till someone decided to take all the anger out on my poor phone. Now having said that, I am waiting for the payday so I can finally buy a new phone.
Emberly Rae
Assistant to Arran Raymond, CEO, Raymond & Company.
I know I should be sleeping but I couldn't help it. Lying on my bed with the laptop on my lap, I waited for his reply. I heard a ping again and I nearly shrieked. Grow up, will you? I scolded myself.
From: Arran Raymond
To: Emberly Rae
Subject: Confusion
I sincerely accept your apology, Miss Emberly. Coming back to your phone, I do remember the same person offering you a new phone. What happened to that?
Arran Raymond
CEO, Raymond & Company.
I grinned. He said the same words that I said when I forgave him. I want to reply something really witty but at the same time I don't want to appear like I'm trying too hard. After typing and deleting again and again, I gave up and clicked send.
To: Arran Raymond
From: Emberly Rae
Subject: Short-term memory.
I don't know what really happened. You see, according to my boss, I've got a very weak memory and I tend to forget things.
Emberly Rae
Assistant to Arran Raymond, CEO, Raymond & Company.
There I said it. Now the stare down with the watch begins.
From: Arran Raymond
To: Emberly Rae
Subject: We shall discuss this tomorrow.
I will remind you tomorrow, Emberly. Till then, have a nice sleep. You need it. See you tomorrow.
Arran Raymond
CEO, Raymond & Company.
I smile brightly at the message and switched the laptop off. For the first time in two weeks, I was really looking forward to get to work tomorrow.
â¦â¦â¦â¦â¦
P.S I know the poem is from Bible but the character in this book doesn't know. Thank you.