Chapter 72: Chapter 70

Song: 'Ungoldy Hour' by The Fray

Don't talk, don't say a thing

'Cause your eyes they tell me more than your words

Don't go, don't leave me now

'Cause they say the best way out is through

And I am short on words knowing what's occurred

She begins to leave because of me

Her bag is now much heavier

I wish that I could carry her

But this is our ungodly hour

And I know you're leaving now

'Cause I held on to my way tightly

Stay still until you know

Tomorrow finds the best way out is through

And I am short on words knowing what's occurred

She begins to leave because of me

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

HANNAH'S POV

The next morning I woke up with a phone call from Mr. Norman the senior, Dad. He inquired about my health, and when I assured him after several attempts that I was fine now, just slightly lethargic, he dropped a bomb on me.

He called me up to the office.

And I refused right away! There's absolutely no way in hell I’m going back to that place.

.

.

.

I’m going.

Because it takes that little to pursue me.

Just kidding, it took him a while to convince me, but eventually, I caved in.

So now he’s sending his car in about an hour to pick me up.

I took a quick but relaxing shower and wore my usual clothes; dressing up nicely didn’t sit well for me anyway. So staying true to myself, I wore an ice blue mom jeans and a navy blue sweatshirt with white vans. I was hopping down the stairs when the smell of coffee hit my nostrils. I checked the time on my wristwatch; it was 11:43 in the morning, and Elijah is usually out way before this hour.

Did he not go to work today? Impossible.

I sometimes wonder if he works in his sleep, too, or if he sleeps at all.

Jokes aside, I don’t wonder about him.

Liar!

Alright, alright, I don’t wonder about his work schedule.

What do you wonder about him, then?

I can’t say he’s given me much to wonder about lately, except for his rotten behavior.

Lying again? Didn’t you spend the whole night wondering about last night’s almost-kissing experience?

“Good morning, ma’am,” A middle-aged woman with an accent greeted me as I reached the kitchen.

Who is she?

“Good morning. I’m sorry, but do I know you?” I asked the short lady with a kind smile.

“I’m Agatha; I’ve been working for the Normans for more than two decades now. I don’t work much now, but  I had to come when Mr. Norman called me yesterday,” She was wearing a sweet floral dress, and she looked very well-maintained.

“Well, it’s nice to meet you, Agatha. Please call me Hannah.” I shook her hand, reciprocating her polite smile. “So what brings you here, Agatha?” I asked as I settled on the bar stool.

“I’m here to prepare home-cooked meals for you, ma'am. Mr. Norman told me you can’t cook and eat junk all the time.” Boy, is she straightforward or what?

“Well, not all the time,” I said in a low voice a little sheepishly as she handed me a cup of black coffee. “I don’t drink black coffee, Agatha; it’s too bitter for my taste.” I pushed the cup back towards her.

“I suggest you try it once,” she insisted, “while I prepare your breakfast. Is there anything special you would like?”

“You choose; I’m not particular as long as it’s good food,” I assured her, then hesitantly took a sip of my coffee. “Hmm, this is good, not bitter at all.”

While I finished my coffee, she prepared my scrumptious breakfast with scrambled eggs and sausages. She’s from Greece and came to America with her husband as an immigrant. She’s been working for the Normans since Elijah was just a toddler. Now that she’s old and a widow with no kids of her own, they are the ones who still support her.

Shortly after the car arrived, and with a pounding heart, I left. It’s too late to back out now.

The whole car ride I dreaded how I'd face everyone and their judgmental stares. I can feel drops of sweat breaking on my forehead. I wiped my forehead as I hyperventilated in silence. The flashbacks of his insults came crashing down with full force, making my body tremble once again. I can feel my eyes watering as his words echo loudly in my head. I took deep breaths, but nothing helped.

Maybe I can back out.

I’m not ready. I’ll just call Mr. Norman and apologize; I’m sure he’ll understand.

“Ma’am, we are here.” I didn’t realize the car halted until the driver announced it.

I looked through the window and saw we were parked outside the front of the building.

“Umm, can you please take the car through the back door and into the parking lot?” I tried my best to sound normal, but my words still came out shaky.

“I apologize, ma'am, but it was Mr. Norman’s orders,” he informed through the rare view mirror. “Are you alright, ma’am?” concern was evident on his sunglasses-clad face.

“Yes,” I said unconvincingly.

Before I could say anything further, my door opened. It was Mr. Norman himself.

What is happening? Why is he out here receiving me?

“It’s good to see you, darling.” He kissed my cheek when I got out of the car. “How are you feeling?” He put his arm around me.

“I’m fine, Dad.” I really am not. “What’s going on? Why are you out here?” I couldn’t help but be skeptical.

“Can’t I come and receive my wonderful daughter-in-law?” He gave me a side smile as he led me inside the company building. I could feel eyes on us, but they weren’t mocking eyes but rather curious ones, like in awe. “Besides, everyone should know that you’re not any ordinary person. I know we can’t tell them yet who you really are, but they should know that you’re important, very important,” he squeezed my shoulder with pride.

Now I understand what he’s trying to do. It helped me relax a little, but I still feel edgy. It’ll take me a lot more to overcome that trauma.

The elevator ride as usual wasn’t easy, and combined with the anxiety I was currently feeling, I can’t say it was a good decision to come back here so soon.

Besides, I rode in the presidential elevator for the first time. It’s massive and much more elegant than the employees’ elevator.

Curious eyes followed us all around until we reached his office.

“Come on, sweetheart, sit here,” ditching the executive table we opted for the couches, “Do you want anything? Let’s have coffee,” he said, pressing his intercom.

“Oh no, I just had breakfast before coming here. Agatha made one hell of a coffee,” I said in gratitude.

“Agatha? What is she doing here?” He looked surprised for someone who called her himself.

“Umm, you called her?” I answered with a question.

"No, I didn’t. But I’m glad if she’s here,” he smiled knowingly.

“She said, Mr. Norm...” The door twisted open.

“Dad, what’s so important that you had to call me so urgently? I was in a meeting." His voice faded too when our eyes met.

“Come on in, Elijah. We have much more important matters at hand than some regular meeting.” He didn’t look too thrilled but obliged anyway and sat across us nonetheless. “Now, do you want anything, Elijah? Coffee?”

“Dad,” he could not have given his father a more unimpressed look.

“Hey, be a sport, you two; there’s no harm in a little family time.” One thing is for sure: his dad can’t read the room.

“Dad, I’m out of here,” he started getting up from his seat when Dad stopped him.

“Sit down, Elijah.” He got serious, “You both are adults; I’m sure you know why I called you here.” Oh boy, here we go. “Hannah, do you think you’re ready to talk?” he asked me.

Silence took over for a few seconds. I can feel my palms getting sweatier with every passing moment. I don’t think I’m ready to talk about this, not to anyone, and certainly not to him. Trying to divert my attention from the room, I bowed my head.

“Dear, you seem tense. Are you okay?”

Tense, and me? What gave him that impression?

Perhaps the fact that you’re profusely rubbing your sweaty palms together and shaking your legs while boring holes in the floor by staring at it?

“I’m not,” I said honestly; there’s no point in lying anyway. “But since we’re here already, I might as well get over with it.” I felt a pair of eyes on me, but I held my ground and didn’t give in to the temptation of looking back.

“Are you sure?”

“I’m sure,” I nodded, but I didn’t meet his eyes.

“I heard you send in your resignation. Now, I know the reason you did it, but is this your absolute decision?” The tone was kind.

“Yes, it is.” I looked up, and my eyes met with the ones that I was deliberately avoiding.

His elbow rested on the sofa armrest, and his hand lay casually on his cheek, covering his lips at the same time. His expressions were as static as they’ve ever been; his eyes were no different than the rest of his face. They too held no emotion, but the way they stared at me it seemed like he could see within my soul, challenging my decision.

How can I read all this when he didn’t even bat an eye? Not even a flicker of an eyelash can be seen, yet they feel penetrating my very being, making my heart go erratic. No longer able to match his intense gaze, I looked away, but from the side of my eyes, I could tell he didn’t.

“Is there no way to change your decision?” Dad asked calmly, but my mind was still conscious of the continuous piercing stare stuck at me.

“It’s for the better,” I answered sincerely.

“Though I don’t agree with your decision, but I understand it,” he said dejectedly. “I’m afraid this whole idea was a big mistake to begin with,” he said, and both our eyes shot up at him. This is the most movement Elijah has done since he’s taken a seat in this room.

Yes, yes, yes! He finally understands that this was stupidity, to begin with.

You’re not as happy as you’re trying to be, Hannah; don’t fool yourself.

“But I’m sorry, Hannah; I’m afraid your resignation can’t be accepted.”

“What?” Now I’m visibly unhappy.

Not that I was unhappy before.

“You were never meant to be our employee, sweetheart; you were only to train under him for six months until you were ready so we could announce the merger. This project was just a foundation to set things in motion,” he explained

You’ve got to be kidding me!

This can’t be happening to me; I had it all figured out.

“You’re not serious, are you?” Urgh, I can feel that he is serious—very serious.

“I am.”

"Well, then I refuse to be a part of it. I don’t want this anymore. Do I not have a say in this at all?” My voice rose a little with desperation.

“Hannah, I understand your sentiments, but it’s not as simple as that. It’s your design that we’re proceeding with; you have to be a part of the team. Besides, once the merger is done, you’ll be heading the project anyway. You’re not merely an assistant here; you’re the heir, darling.”

“I don’t need any sympathy. The last time I checked, my design was bullshit. I’m sure the team works fine without my mediocrity and incompetence.” I repeated the words that have been stinging in my conscience ever since they were spoken: “As for being the heir, I can be a silent partner in all this. Dad, please don’t make me do this.” I almost pleaded.

“Elijah, do you have something to say? You were the one to approve her new design,” he said.

What, he did?

“No,” he uttered the word, but his eyes didn’t wither one bit from me.

Look away, asshole, you're making me nervous.

“Hannah, is there any way to convince you to stay?” I slightly shook my head in response.

“Not even if Elijah apologizes in front of everyone?” My head shot up faster than the speed of light.

“What?” The dude finally changed his posture and dropped his hand.

“Be quiet, Elijah; you had your chance to speak and you didn’t take it.” Dad’s voice held authority.

“Dad, I’m not apologizing to her,” he said, standing his ground. I think I saw his statue move a little in his seat.

Doesn’t his bum go numb from being so stiff?

Things your mind wanders off to during serious conversations, Hannah. Focus!

“Why not? If you can insult her in front of everyone, you sure should have the guts to apologize too. Just because you’re my son and vice president, I can’t let you off the hook so easily; it doesn’t send the right message to our employees. This company has a no-harassment policy, and that includes us too. You said she’s not your wife in the office; that makes it a matter to be dealt with by the company.” I sat there dumbfounded at the exposition that he was making.

Is he serious? Will he actually make him apologize?

And how do I feel about this?

Do I need his apology?

“Dad, I’ve said it once; I’m saying it again. I won’t do it,” I rolled my eyes.

And he calls me stubborn.

Actually, now that I think about it, a public apology doesn’t seem like a bad idea.

It's a genius idea.

“Fair enough, then you leave me no choice,” he stood up. “You’re fired,” a loud, abrupt gasp escaped my mouth, and I had to cover it with my hands.

Something changed in Elijah’s expression too; he lifted his left eyebrow by half a millimeter.

“You can’t fire me.” I think he’s still letting his father’s words sink in because his voice stayed the same decibel as it was before.

“You’re right, I can’t. You’re my son and a board member. But I can lay you off of all your current and upcoming projects; I’m still the CEO.” Not even in my wildest imagination did I think this meeting would take a turn like this.

“You can’t do this, Dad. You’ve already manipulated me into this fucking contract and marriage in the first place; you can’t keep threatening me with it on every given chance.” What does he mean he was manipulated into this?

Who can threaten this hulk of a man?

Oh, right, his dad, the biggest of all Avengers.

Did he threaten to fire him for marrying me?

Makes sense. No wonder he’s so fond of me.

“The choice is yours, son; this is justice. You can’t have it any other way.” The eyes that were piercing my soul a while ago were throwing daggers at me, piercing me to the wall now.

Hey, what did I do? It wasn’t my idea; I hope my eyes were able to convey this message.

Though I wish it was my idea, instead, like a loser, I just handed in my resignation.

Urgh, you emotional idiot!

“But I’m still your father and not a tyrant,” he said, breaking the silence once again. “There’s a second option here too. There’s a five-day business trip to LA that you both have to attend. In those five days, if you’re able to convince her to stay, then we can talk; if not, then I’m sorry; my decision stands final.” Huh, what?

“But…” I stood up too.

“I’m sorry, Hannah; there’s no way out of it for you. If at this time you both can work out your differences, well, if not, then you can back out of this project. My decision is final; you both leave Thursday night.” He left no room for further argument.

“But... but I can’t go next week,” guess who is still in the mood to argue? Me.

“Is there any place else you have to be?”

“No, but…”

“Is there any prior commitment you have made?”

“No, but I have...”

“Then it’s settled. You’re both going.”

“Mr. Norman, I mean, Dad, I can’t go; I have my reasons,” I pleaded.

“What is it?” he genuinely asked.

“I can’t tell you, but I do.” Oh, how did the tables turn around so quickly?

Why is this very much alive Greek God sculpture not saying anything?

He’s the only one among us who’s still seated. Didn’t he have to get back to his meetings?

“I’m sorry, honey, but it just seems like an escape. And this business trip is much too important for the company to be compromised for your personal lives. I’ll see you guys later,” he patted my cheek and left the room.

Dammit!

“You wanted this, didn’t you?” I stepped towards him and pointed a finger at him, but instantly retrieved it, remembering what happened the last time.

‘Don’t you fucking dare point a finger at me.’

“You’ve got to be delusional to think I’d want something like that,” he said so casually like he’s the least bothered.

“I didn’t hear you protest about it—let alone move a muscle,” I said the last part more to myself.

“Because unlike you, I don’t like to waste my energy where there’s no outcome,” he said, giving his shoulder a slight shrug.

“He’s your dad; of course, he won’t fire you,” I accused.

“I was right, you are delusional,” he said, standing up and making me take a step back.

He’s six feet one, and I’m five feet four. That’s my excuse for being intimidated by him.

You didn’t look intimidated last night.

Oh no, that’s because last night he was leaning down and I was on my tippy toe... I mean, last night was...

Oh, save it. You know what you mean; you’re talking to your subconscious.

“I might have to go, but I don’t have to like it. Don’t think you can convince me to stay,” I said, folding my arms with determination.

“Sure, Hannah, I’m scared.” Is he being sarcastic?

Hey, that’s my department!

Come on, Hans, come up with your own sneaky remark and mark your territory.

“Oh, I forgot to tell you,” the door opened again. “Your mother and I are going for lunch; care for a double date?” Dad popped back in to collect his things from his table.

“I’ll just head home; I feel tired,” I said suddenly before he declared a new decree.

“Fair enough, I can’t force you there,” I sighed with relief. “Elijah, drop her home," I celebrated too soon.

Oh God, this cupid.

“Dad, stop pushing it. I have to get back to my meetings,” he reasoned, finally.

“Nothing significant that can’t be ditched for a long drive with your lovely wife, I’m sure.” Oh boy, here we go again.

“Dad, it’s okay; I can go by myself; don’t worry,” I tried to assure him.

“Nonsense, you don’t have a car, Hannah; I got you here; it’s my responsibility to send you home safely,” he insisted.

“Safe? Nothing’s going to happen to me. I’m an independent person,” as if my family wasn’t enough to baby me; now he’s doing it too. Great!

Let me grow up, people!

“I know you are, sweetheart, but...”

“Cut it; I’ll drop her,” Elijah snapped. “Get going, Hannah.” Oh, so much attitude, you mighty one.

“No thanks.” I retorted with an eye roll.

“Oh, stop it. You both fight like a teenage couple,” Eww, barf, “Hannah, you’re going with him; end of discussion, alright?”

“Alright,” I said with gloom.

“I should get going; my girl is waiting for me,” his happiness was evident. “Now while you oldies sit at home, we youngsters have to keep the romance alive,” he proudly laughed at his own dad joke.

He finally left, and we waited a couple of seconds in case he decided to come back.

“Let’s go; I don’t have all day,” he commanded and walked ahead.

“LeT’s Go, I DoNt hAvE alL DaY” I walked behind him, inaudibly repeating his words in mockery.

I guess I wasn’t that inaudible, or he just has impeccable hearing abilities.

Because he stopped walking, making me bang into his back - hard. Ouch!

He turned around just to give me a look but, thankfully, didn’t say anything further.

Okay, why didn’t I think this through before leaving with him—that everyone in this office will be looking at us harder than they did when I came in with his dad? Since he’s walking ahead, I don’t know if he can hear the whispers and chatter, that are clearly about us.

How can he not? He just heard my mumbling a few seconds ago.

Reaching the elevator, he got inside it and waited for me to catch up, as I was a few feet behind.

“Learn to ignore these whispers. The sooner you learn, the lesser they’ll affect you,” he said to me when I finally got inside the elevator after my self-intended walk of shame.

Did he just give me genuine advice?

We got into his Audi E-Tron and headed home. I tried taking his advice to ignore all the noises and curious looks, but I couldn’t. I guess it’ll take me a while to get used to all this attention.

And so far, no one knows who I really am or what relationship I have with him. God knows what will happen then, not that I want to find out.

But in a month or two, everyone will find out when the merger will be announced.

No one needs to know we’re married, though, since in nineteen months we’ll be getting a divorce anyway.

I felt my heart drop at the thought.

I was brought back to reality when I felt my hand graze against his. My heart skipped a much stronger beat this time.

I snatched my hand away instantly like his touch sent waves of current through my body. But worse than that happened, our eyes collided at that moment and held.

We were a few seconds into our staring when the honk of a car brought us to our senses.

Eyes on the road, idiots!

It’s just the two of us now, and shit definitely got awkward.

“Thanks for dropping me,” I initiated to kill the deadening silence. He didn’t answer.

What a shocker!

I looked outside the window; it was a sunny but windy afternoon.

“What happened to your car?” he asked after a few minutes.

What a shocker!

“I don’t have one.” I shrugged.

“Why not?” he asked further without looking at me.

“Why do you think, genius? I can’t drive.” I didn’t turn towards him either, but from the corner of my eye, I saw his face turning towards me before his eyes went back to the road.

Neither of us said anything after that; the rest of the drive went smoothly and in comfortable silence.

I hopped out of the car when we reached home, but I stopped when he called my name.

“Take any car you want from the garage. I’ll send in your driver tomorrow morning.” He didn’t stay after that and drove away.

………………………………………………………

Author’s note:

Isn’t Richard Norman the coolest dad ever?

Elijah would beg to differ.

He’s going out of his way and trying his hardest to make their relationship work. So far, he’s not had luck on his side, but who knows which attempt will pay off? He stays optimistic regardless.

Babies are off on a business trip.

Will this trip do them any good to bring them closer, or will it drift them further apart?

Only time will tell.

Elijah is finally getting to know Hannah. Though in oblivion, he’s still trying to bring ease into her life in his own non-expressive ways.

Four months into the marriage and he just got to know she can’t cook or drive. SMH!

But our boy is getting there.

I know that, how?

Because he didn’t object to the idea of being away from Hannah.

Something tells me I lowkey wanted this.

Will we see a new kind of Elijah on the trip, or will he continue to rub her off the wrong way?

P.S. Elijah’s intense stares have me all giddy; I don’t know how Hannah survives them. *starry eyes*

There is so much more to happen and so much more to unpack.

Keep your fingers crossed, and don’t forget to vote, comment, and share.

Your feedback keeps me going!

Much love😍