Chapter 51: Chapter 49

Song: 'I hate you, I love you' by Gnash

Feeling used, but I'm still missing you

And I can't see the end of this

Just wanna feel your kiss against my lips

And now all this time is passing by

But I still can't seem to tell you why

It hurts me every time I see you

Realize how much I need you

I hate you, I love you

I hate that I love you

Don't want to, but I can't put nobody else above you

I hate you, I love you

I hate that I want you

You want her, you need her

And I'll never be her

...............................................................

I sat among a group of five people, all having one thing in common.

Their eyes were on me.

There’s complete silence in the room, only the sound of finger-tapping is heard.

That too stopped when Jenna, one of the five, slapped Dany’s hand. Once again, complete silence reigns in the room as all of them look at me with questions in their eyes.

Questions that they’ve already bombarded me with since the minute I stepped inside the office today.

“We’re waiting, Hannah,” said Nicole.

So just a quick recap as to what is happening.

Dany, like an idiot, couldn’t keep his mouth shut about yesterday’s encounter. And now, as a result of that, I’ve been summoned to the court of justice by my colleagues to answer their questions.

Their questions are simple.

1. How do I know him?

2. Are we dating?

3. Why did he stop me so dramatically?

4. Why didn’t I tell them that I know the ‘hot boss’?

Last but not least,

4. Why did he threaten Dany and is his job actually in jeopardy?

Hmm, where do you think I should start?

Should I tell them the truth?

“He’s my husband,” I said the truth without blinking and looked at each of their faces. At first, they stared back at me and then looked at each other and laughed.

“Yeah right, very funny,” they all stopped laughing, “now, shut up and tell the truth.” Said Jenna.

“But I am telling the truth. He really is,” I maintained my honesty knowing very well that they won’t believe me in their wildest dream.

“Hah, you wish! Like he’d ever even look at you… no offence” Sandra sneered like it’s unimaginable.

I know what she said is true but still, I didn’t like the sound of it. I also know that there’s nothing wrong with me either but even I can tell I’m not his type. In fact, I’m probably the first person on the list of people he wishes death upon or perhaps intends to kill himself.

Ah, I’ve achieved quite a lot at such a young age. Mom must be proud of me.

That reminds me, what was that all about yesterday? I’m still unable to understand, despite thinking about it all night.

And now these clowns are here again to eat my head out.

“None taken, Sandra.” I mocked back.

“Don’t you dare change the topic, Hannah," said Nicole.

“There is no topic. Dany just exaggerated things, and now you all are overreacting.”

“Excuse me, missy, my job was threatened last night in that parking lot, and you’re saying I’m exaggerated?” he said dramatically. "He wasn’t very pleasant with me the other day too” he pouted.

“He never is,” I said under my breath.

“What?

“Never mind,” I rolled my eyes at them.

“Come on, Hannah, what’s the secrecy?” Shane the shorty said as he put his arm around Jenna’s waist.

“Okay, you guys got me,” I raised my hands in surrender and made my face absolutely serious, “now listen, I’m telling you guys, but promise me it will not go out of here?” they promised unanimously. So I gathered everyone a little closer for a huddle and whispered slowly so only they could hear.

“He’s Batman," I paused for them to process, "Now please don’t tell anyone that you know or that I revealed his identity, else I’ll be in trouble.” Untangling themselves from the huddle, each one of them looked at me as if I was the first target on their killing list, meanwhile I pretended to be scared maintaining my character. Unable to hold longer, I laughed and rolled my eyes at them once more.

“Cheer up, guys, it’s nothing like you think it is. We’re family friends, well, our dads are, and that’s all.”

“Really! Why didn’t you tell us that before?” Sandra probed.

“Because I didn’t know I had to?” I raised my eyebrows.

“Oh, please, all this while we were drooling over him from afar only to know now that you’re friends with him?” it was Nicole’s sad voice. "Wait, did you mention us to him?" I gave her a look that said "why would I do that".

“Ah, now I know how you joined in late for this internship program,” Shane said, considering himself a genius for putting two and two together.

“Of course, otherwise, there’s no way she could’ve gotten in here. Only the best ones get chosen here.” There aren’t many people I dislike, but Sandra is one of them.

“Or maybe they realized that the best one didn’t come in this batch, so they had to bring one in later.” I retaliated.

“Oh, forget about that,” Nicole hushed us both, “Hannah, please set me up with him, please,” she made puppy dog eyes to convince me, “or at least introduce me to him. I will take it forward from that,” she pulled her top down a little to reveal her assets.

“I’m sorry, Nicole, but I can’t do that, I hardly know him,”

Perhaps because you’re married to him?

“Let’s get back to work guys. I think we all got our answers,” Dany came to my rescue.

As we all dispersed, Dany took me to the coffee room.

“You got me into a lot of trouble, dude,” I said as I pressed the button for my coffee.

“Yeah, I realize, I’m sorry. I should have asked you alone rather than telling everyone.”

“It’s okay, it’s not your fault. That was bound to happen one day,” I took a sip of my coffee and noticed he was still tense, “hey, I said it’s okay, don’t worry.” I put my hand on his shoulder for reassurance.

“Tell me honestly, Hannah, is he going to fire me? Because I feel he wasn’t just saying it, he might actually do it.” He was genuinely worried.

“Hey, relax, nothing like that will happen.”

“How can you be so sure about it, did he say something to you about it?”

“No, he didn’t but I’m sure he won’t do it. And if he did, I won’t let him.”

“I just don’t know what I’ve done wrong to rub him off in the wrong way.”

“No one has to do anything wrong to rub him off, trust me,” I consoled him, “Calm down now, you’re not going anywhere,” I hugged him to assure him nothing would happen. I know what this job means to him, working at Norman and Co. is a dream a few get a chance to make reality and being associated with it will take you to the career heights you always wanted. Also, he has been saving up for a particular house he wants to buy for his fiancée as a wedding gift.

My attention diverted as I thought I saw a shadow moving from near the door. I peeked from where I was standing but didn’t see anyone. Maybe I imagined it.

After a few minutes, Shane came and informed me that Margaret was looking for me. I quickly finished up my coffee and went to her office.

“You called me Margaret?” after knocking on her door I entered.

“Yeah, where’s your cell phone?” she asked.

I checked my pockets and realized I didn’t have it on me, “I think I left it on my desk. Everything alright?” I asked.

“Elijah was looking for you, he said he’s been calling you but you didn’t pick up. Did you meet him?” what, why was he calling me?

“Why would I meet him?” I gave her a confused look.

“Because he came here looking for you?”

What?

My mind instantly went back to the shadow I thought I hallucinated.

It can’t be him, right?

I mean it doesn’t make sense.

Why would he lurk behind the wall and not just walk in to talk to me? Whatever ‘talking’ means here.

“Alright, I’ll give him a callback,” I said still a little disoriented, and walked away.

“Hannah wait!” Margaret called up from behind.

Oh oh, I think I can sense what it is, so clenching my eyes shut, I braced myself up and turned around.

“Yes, Margaret?”

“Sit, I want to talk to you,” reluctantly, I sat, “what’s the deal with you two?”

Ah, I knew it!

This man has created such a big problem for me.

While he's unapproachable, I've become an easy target for everyone's questioning. And I didn't do anything.

How do I tell her I’m not ready for another interrogation within the same day, of course, keeping it professional?

“I don’t understand,” I pretended to be oblivious, “who are you talking about?”

“You know very well ‘who’ I am talking about, you and Elijah.” She called me out.

“Why would we have a deal, we have no deal, yup, none whatsoever,” here comes my verbal diarrhea.

“I’m sure you have a subtle way of convincing” she still didn’t let go and inquired further, “but hearing all the rumors and taking account of what I’m seeing I don’t think I’m quite convinced.”

“There’s nothing like that, Margaret, we’re just family friends, nothing more.” Considering she already heard the rumor, I told her the same lie I did to others.

“Listen, I’m not trying to intrude in your personal life but I'll say this as an advice, if there is anything, I’m not saying there is, but in case there is then don’t let it take a toll on your professional life. Such flings don’t often last longer. You’re really good at what you do, you have a long way ahead, don’t let it get ruined because of some timely distraction, okay?” she said in all sincerity and I can sense it.

I smiled as I heard her concern and compliment. I felt so relieved to hear her appreciate my work. I’ve worked really hard for this, I think I’ve proven myself. But as she said, I still have a long journey ahead, this is just the beginning.

So far so good.

“Okay, thank you,” I was grateful to her and I think she can see that in my eyes, “and don’t worry, I’m not distracted,” I assured her once again.

“Good. Now off you go.”

I got back to my desk and saw a single miscall from him. I called back instantly but he didn’t pick up.

Did he come down here just to talk to me?

Forget it, if it was something important he’d call back. And if not then it’s a good thing I didn’t meet him.

I tried working for the next few minutes but couldn’t concentrate. I can’t help but be curious.

Fuck it, why wait for a call back when I can just go up to his office and ask.

I reached on his floor and asked Casey, his secretary if he was in his office or not and got a positive response.

I reached his office and knocked softly, as usual, no answer came but I didn’t wait this time and opened the door.

An abrupt gasp left my mouth at the sight in front of me.

He is not alone in there.

Eva is there.

Not only there but also in a position that is rather compromising.

He has his hands around her lower back almost near her butt, meanwhile, her one hand is caressing his chest, his tie is on the floor and quite a few buttons of his shirt are undone, and her other hand sits dangerously low on his thigh near his crotch. Both of their lips moved in hunger while they kissed not stopping even for breathing.

I don’t know why I didn't leave instantly but just stood there, probably unable to move.

Both of them were so engrossed with each other that they didn’t realize that the door opened. Did they not hear me gasp either?

My heart sank at this sight, I don’t know why. To say I am shocked would be an understatement.

How does one react to seeing their husband kissing another woman while you watch from afar like a stranger?

In my situation, I actually am the stranger.

Whatever the reaction should be, one thing is certain it can’t be positive.

This is the second time I’ve witnessed this thing.

Oh my God!

Now that I think of it, this does look familiar.

Familiar with what happened on our wedding night.

Is Eva the same girl from that night?

My heart pounded as a memory of that night resembled the way too well with the scene upfront.

Am I feeling jealous?

Maybe.

For some incomprehensible reason, I feel cheated on.

I should not though, we have a commitment.

And as per that, what’s happening here is the most natural thing to happen. In fact, standing here feels illegal, like I’m intruding on someone’s intimate moment.

So what if that someone is your husband and that you would’ve wanted this for yourself?

I blinked my eyes a few times to break out of the dizziness I was feeling all of a sudden, while they continued in oblivion.

My feet feel so heavy, unable to move yet my eyes and heart have had enough.

I sucked in a deep breath and forced myself to leave.

Dragging myself, I turned around but heard him call me.

“Ms. Evans,” I stopped and turned only to see him in that exact same position. The difference was that now he was looking at me, I know I look visibly pale and it’s embarrassing to look at him, “Close the door when you leave.”

Did he know all this while I was standing here?

Did he want me to see him kissing another woman?

What exactly is he trying to do?