Chapter 34
Fiona
Sighing. I take a seat at the furthest table from the door, which isn’t far in the small staff room. No one else is in the room. and when I look at my phone, I realize it’s because lunch is technically still am her away
At least I’ll have the quiet and won’t have to worry about anyone bothering me. I’ve had so much happen over the last week with Ethan gone, and it only got crazier when he came back, and he’s only been here for two hours at most
And we spent the entire time arguing
Closing my eyes, I lean over the table and rest my head on my arms. My sleep hasn’t been the best this week, and with everyone turning against me, I have no time to rest. Checking over my shoulder and being suspicions of everyone is tiring and has gotten old
Now I also have to worry about Ethan.
Things were starting to go well before his business trip, and now I’m not sure where we stand. He seems to want to listen t me, but then he’ll change his mind. I don’t know if he does it on purpose, or if it’s because of stress like he said. I can’t force him to listen. I know that. If anything, forcing him might only push him further away.
Not only that, but if I need him to be in my corner. Yes, he’s been a prick sometimes, and yes, he keeps changing his views on things, but he’s been there for me since he started this contract- except for this last week
I’ve noticed when Ethan stops thinking about every little detail of something he makes heartfelt decisions. That’s the than I want to be around. The one who is caring, attentive, and understanding. The man he has locked up underneath the guise of cold CEO billionaire.
Ethan saved my life twice and has stepped in here at the company to defend me multiple times, so I know I could depend on him if he just followed his heart.
“Mrs. Aldridge?”
I lift my head to find a young man with a bright orange badge hanging around his neck. An intern. Han told me every intern is required to wear orange badges while the official employees wear bie badges
“Yes?” I ask, confused. I don’t remember meeting the young man before, and I definitely didn’t tell anyone I was coming down here to escape Ethan.
Apprehension fills me, and I shift in my chair. If he’s here to cause trouble, I want to be able to leave & quidha posode 1 can’t deal with another rough situation today.
“Oh, I’m glad I found you,” he says and steps toward me. I stand from my chair, my hand hovering over my Auch doua de comes closer. My heart beats a little faster in my chest as he stops in front of me. He doesnt look mean, but nederd some of the other employees who bullied me.”
“I’m Paul. Mr. Montgomery asked me to bring you this” he explains then he holds up a lunchbox 73 rounded and dared zipped, busting at the seams. There’s no way he had time to send anyone to the store or a restaurant since I let his office
My brain short circuits as Paul passes the bag to me. When had Ethan prepared thi
“Did you make this?” I ask, hoping Paul will have some answers for me. Ethan came from out of town dit het
“No, Mr. Montgomery just asked me to bring it to you” he answers with a smile. “He said to tell you there is a note inside for you to read, and that you can eat as much as you need”
“A note?”
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Chapter 34
Paul nods then waves, “I have to get back to work, but enjoy your lunch.”
“Wait!” He pauses at the door and turns to look at me. He’s so nice and nonaggressive, unlike everyone department do you intern for? If I need… I mean…”
I mentally kick myself. He’s probably incredibly busy at a company like Silverclaw. He needed anything.
“I’m the intern for the COO,” he tells me.
“Ryan?”
else here. “Which
help me if I
“Um, yes. He’s my brother,” Paul says, dipping his head. I smile. No wonder he’s so nice. Ryan is also one of the kindest people in this building.
I hold my uninjured hand out for him to shake, which he takes hesitantly.
(+23)
“It was nice to meet you, Paul, and sorry for keeping you from working,” I tell him, genuinely happy to meet him. Maybe I’ll see him again, or maybe Ryan will let me steal him if I need someone to help me with tasks.
“You too, and thanks,” he says before leaving the room and closing the door behind him.
When he’s gone and I’m alone again, I turn to the lunch I’d set on the table and stare at it. Had Ethan really made this lunch for me?
Sitting back down, I debate whether I should open the gift or not. Is he trying to bribe me or is this a genuine effort to make peace? I want to believe he cares, and I did tell him words were not enough, but this is unexpected. I left to give us both some time to think, and he sends me lunch?
I love a free meal as much as the next girl, and I’ll admit, my lunch is only a small sandwich again because my meager groceries are running low again. I want to accept the offering, but what if this doesn’t mean the same thing to him as it means to me?
His mood swings are bothersome, but there is one thing that weighs heavier on my heart and mind. The hurt I feel can be put away and soothed, but if I decide to leave and break contract, things will become much worse for me.
I could lose everything because Ethan can’t get his head screwed on straight, and that’s what scares me the most. If we can’t straighten things out, I’ll be alone.
My eyes find the lunchbox again, and I lift my hand, grip the zipper, and pull. The tick, tick, tick or the zipper teeth unlocking fills the quiet room.
I pause when the lunchbox is fully open, staring at the mound of food that has a small piece of lined paper folded on top.
Or maybe Ethan is letting his nicer side out. He could be making a final decision with this gifted lunch.
Groaning, I drop my face into my hands. The more I think about it, the more confused and unsure I become.
Being left alone with my thoughts isn’t always the best for me. There are too many things to think about.
Also, how did he know where I was?
A little zing of awareness zips down my spine, and I look around the room. It doesn’t take long until my eyes land on the security camera in the corner of the room. I narrow my eyes at the camera, just in case he’s watching, and turn around,. putting my back toward him as I pick up the small paper.
Neat, thin handwriting greets me, and I take a deep breath as I read the note.
Fiona,
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You may not be happy with me, but I hope you accept this food. You’ve lost weight since I last saw you, and I know you’re not eating much. Don’t get sick or hurt yourself. If you need anything ask me, or even Ryan, for help.
I apologize again for being an ass. I’ll make it up to you.
The note is short and to the point and filled with a hint of worry. Had I really lost weight because I’ve been skipping meals?
The fact that he paid attention enough to notice that, when even I hadn’t, warms my heart and solidifies my choice.
Staying with Ethan, even if it’s painful, is my only option.
