After delivering the crimson stones to Hugo the next morning, I was dumbfounded to see the items on my office table vanish, leaving no subtle trace nor a speck of dust as it was cleanly wiped down. It was only later that Timothy informed that Nathan was looking for me.
"You've got to be joking..." I stared incredulously at Nathan as he led me to an empty room just beside his office, a place where all my stuff had been shifted into. "Have you been neglecting your medication, Nate?" Quickly, I pressed my palms against his forehead before placing another on my temple.
"What are you doing?"
"Checking for any fever." I replied. Grabbing hold of both my hands, Nathan sighed, as if there were so many worries plaguing him. "Hey. You know that you can tell me anything, right?"
"I know." Kissing on both palms before continuing, "but for now, I need just need you to trust me. Besides, I prefer to have my girlfriend close by my side."
I contemplated for a moment before giving a nod. I will not force him if he isn't ready to tell me what's going on. Just as he trusts me, I too, will do likewise.
I shook my head and breathed out a laugh, disbelieving that I was about to comply with his request.
"What about my workstation?" I asked, worried that the elevator will become my second office.
"I've purchased new ones. They should be arriving in the afternoon." Our moment was interrupted with the sound of yelling.
"Get out of my way!" The muffled voice on the outside was one that seethed with rage and anger before its volume tremendously increased when two figures came bursting into the room.
"Miss, wait! You can't be in here!" Timothy, who looked flustered, peered over to Nathan apologetically. "I'm sorry, sir. I could not stop her."
"It's okay. I'll handle this."
The woman who had a huge hat shielding her face, looked back as Timothy left the room, probably feeling relieved to have him off her back.
"Are you Nathan Crosby?" She took off her cap, her appearance still out of view from the both of us. "My name is Aurelia Harrison, and I am here to address a few things."
All oxygen was removed from my lungs as terror struck. That alluring appearance that etched a scar across my heart, breaking the dam of pain from five years ago; a pain that I thought I'd be free with Nathan by my side. A pain that I was afraid, would repeat once again.
Amelia.
"Alright. Timothy will escort you to my office. I'll be there in a few minutes." Nathan gestured for Timothy, leading her out of the room. Unconsciously, I found myself trembling as flashes of the past appeared in my head. My vision grew blurry. Soon after, I felt a familiar pair of arms engulf my small frame, wrapping me in a comforting assurance.
"Trust me, Ava. I'm yours." He said, resting his head atop of mine before pulling me even closer to him. "I assure you that nobody will be able to take me away from you." Tearing away, his thumb wiped the teardrop that had trickled down my face before looking straight into my eyes, his gaze full of love and earnestness.
"I'll see you later." He said, placing a soft peck on my head before our hands separated, leaving me in the room, with thoughts running wild and rampant in my head.
"I apologize if we have disturbed your slumber, but we just got back from all our wedding arrangements and we are utterly exhausted."
I remembered the moment when I saw the ring on her finger, the moment where everything was sent tumbling down from the highest and happiest moment in my life.
"I told Nicholas that I was not in need of an extravagant one, but he insisted that I should, saying that marriage only happens once in a lifetime."
I recalled the scene when Nicholas held her hand, agreeing with Eleanor that I was just a means for others to stir up gossips, a source of rumor that would bring down his reputation.
I was nothing but a fool in love, a naïve girl that had her heart ripped to pieces. The ache in my heart intensified into a dull pain, prompting me to clutch the fabric on my chest.
Trust me, Ava. I'm yours.
Taking a few deep breaths, I steadied myself as I felt the pain diminish, remembering what Nathan has said and affirmed.
This was no longer the 1800s.
Amelia or not, this time, even if it's a non-existent path, I will personally craft one myself.
A path that exists only for Nathan and I.
Nathan's POV
"Are you Nathan Crosby?" She said, the sneer in her voice evident as I studied her expression. "My name is Aurelia Harrison, and I am here to address a few things."
"Alright. Timothy will escort you to my office. I'll be there in a few minutes."
As Timothy led her to my office, I felt anxiety and worry rise. The whole time, I sensed Ava stiffen, trembling in shock and perhaps even terror. Without a doubt, I was certain that she was reliving the memories in her head. The moments that pained me the most, having to reject her and play my role; a role that served as a double-edged sword.
"Trust me, Ava. I'm yours." I needed her to know that she was the only one for me, that I will guarantee that this time, everything will be different. I drew her closer to me, hoping that even if its just a little, I would be able to wipe all her fears away. "I assure you that nobody will be able to take me away from you."
The tears that built in her eyes finally gave way. Tenderly, I wiped it away, caressing her skin with mine, the warmth that poured into me with just a small touch. As much as I wanted to stay here with her, there were bigger things that were at stake.
"I'll see you later." I placed a soft kiss on the top of her head, breathing in her sweetness before withdrawing my hands from hers, taking one last look before heading to the office. Entering, I strolled over to the woman, ready to say my piece.
"It's a pleasure to finally meet you, Miss Harrison." I extended a hand for a shake, only to have it ignored as she plopped down on the chair, crossing her legs one over another, resting her perfectly manicured nails on a finely made leather bag. Returning to my chair, I studied her movements meticulously, only to dip my head as I felt a smirk form on my lips.
This should be easy.
"I'll just say this plainly." She shot, looking incredibly displeased as if ready to spew out venom. "I have no intentions of marrying you. Whatever my parents may say, you can kiss that marriage proposal goodbye. I will not be used as a tool for the merging of both companies just because of those old lunatics. I will have none of it. Do you understand?"
Before I could even reply, she hastily headed for the exit, prompting me to chuckle in delight.
"What are you laughing at?" The distaste she held in her eyes quickly dissipated at my response.
"I'm afraid that you're erroneously directing your anger to me, because it seems that we have reached a consensus." I answered coolly, a happiness spreading in my heart as there were now two parties in dissent with the marriage.
"What do you mean?" I kept quiet, smiling with an outstretched hand as I invited her to sit down. Her baffled appearance was soon replaced with a grin as she realized that we were no longer enemies, but allies. "It's that girl you were talking to, isn't it?"
I applaud her wit and shrewdness, the ability to understand everything in just a few minutes with limited details. The next successor of the Harrison Enterprise was not one to be messed with.
"I didn't expect that you'd be against this marriage as well. I apologize for my behavior." I shook my head and let out a small smile, knowing that the genuine pardon was heartfelt.
"So, what made you reject this marriage?" I inquired, curious to the reason behind her outburst.
"It's simple. I do not wish to be an instrument for someone else. I want freedom in choosing who I love, not one that is already picked out for me. Besides, I'm not ready for marriage yet." She said firmly.
"Ah... the old romantic." I cooed, prompting her to chuckle.
"Aren't you one as well?" She retorted, revealing a slight smirk as she reached out her hand towards my direction. "Then, I wish you all the best to your future. Our future."
Placing my hand in hers, I gave it a sturdy shake, letting out a chuckle in the process.
"To our future."