Chapter 43 I thought she claimed to love me...

Chapter 43 I thought she claimed to love me...
Chapter 43

Julian's POV

"Did you even listen to yourself?" I asked, fuming in anger.

"Mr. Blackwood, I think that's the best solution: to sack the part-time employees and leave the full-time staff. That's what most companies do," the manager replied, his tone matter-of-fact.

"We are not like 'most companies.' We are different; everything about us should be,' I insisted.

"But what about paying them? The company is short on cash as it is," he countered, a hint of frustration creeping into his voice.

"I've been able to talk to some investors. I should be able to talk to more tomorrow," I said.

"But what if they do not agree? Let’s shed some staff, at least if not all," he pressed on.

"Why are you being pessimistic? If you were in their position, would you be happy to be sacked suddenly? Most of them have families to feed. We can't just let them go for our own gain," I said, my voice rising slightly. He fell silent, his hands locked together in front of him.

"Just go home and relax your brain. You need it," I added, and he bowed his head and left the office.

After sorting through some documents and making a few phone calls, I left the office.

As soon as I stepped outside, Marcus pulled up with the car and i got in beside him.

I eased into the cushion of the seat, letting out a sigh of relief as the cool breeze hit me.

"Ehn, ehn, Marcus, I've been meaning to ask you. Do you remember the day I had that meeting with Mr. Werther? I can't seem to recall what happened after the meeting. I remember meeting up with Victoria, and she mentioned something about travelling or so...how did I get home that day?"

Marcus's eyes remained fixed on the road ahead. "I just...met...i mean found you drunk and took you home, that’s it."

I shot him a suspicious glance, but I knew Marcus wouldn't lie to me. "But it’s strange for me not to remember anything at all, not even a little bit."

"Yeah, you were pretty drunk that night, so I doubt you'll remember anything," he said, shrugging slightly.

"Was Victoria with me?" I asked, my curiosity piqued.

"No, she wasn't there when I found you. She'd probably left," he replied, keeping his focus on the road.

We arrived at my hotel, I entered the elevator with Marcus and as I stepped out, I noticed an envelope lying by the door.

“Did you drop this?” I asked, turning to Marcus, who was following behind me.

“Drop what?” He looked where I pointed. “No, I didn’t.”

I picked up the envelope. Written on it was “To Julian.”

I opened the door and entered the room, with Marcus trailing behind. I placed the envelope on the dining table and turned to him. “Marcus, order something to eat.”

He nodded and pulled out his phone to call in the order. While we were waiting for the food, I decided to video call Sophie. I missed her and wondered if she was getting ready for bed or waiting for my call. The anticipation fluttered in my chest as I pressed the dial button.

The screen lit up, and Sophie’s face appeared, her eyes brightening at the sight of me. “Julian! I was just thinking about you.”

“Baby,” I said, my heart lifting at the sight of her. “What are you up to?”

“Nothing much. How about you? You look a bit stressed,” she said, her expression shifting to concern.

“Yeah, it’s been a long day at work. We’re facing some tough decisions,” I admitted, running a hand through my hair. “But I’m handling it.”

“Good to hear. And you know I’m here for you, right? I’m always waiting for you,” she said softly, her voice wrapping around me like a warm blanket.

“Of course. It just helps to talk to you.” I smiled, feeling the tension in my shoulders ease.

Just then, there was a knock at the door. “I think that’s the food,” Marcus said, heading over to answer it.

“You ordered food? What did you order?” Sophie asked.

“Yes, we ordered some pasta and a salad,” I said, chuckling at her enthusiasm.

As Marcus brought in the food, I continued, “What about you? Have you eaten?”

“Not yet, but I’m about to. I’ll go downstairs now; Rose would have made something,” she replied, her smile infectious.

“Eat well. You need to take care of yourself, for me,” I said, half-jokingly but sincere.

“I will!” she said as she left the room and went downstairs.

The conversation flowed easily as Marcus set the food on the table. I felt a warmth spread through me, grateful for Sophie’s presence, even through the screen. We shared stories and laughter, and for a moment, the stress of my day melted away.

After talking for hours, the screen light went off, and I felt the familiar pang of loneliness settle in.

“We should be going back home in a week's time,” I said to Marcus, who was sitting opposite me, busy with his phone. "I can't wait to see Sophie."

He raised his head and nodded. I stood up to head into my room and saw the envelope again. I had almost forgotten about it. Curiosity urged me to sit back down and inspect it further. Picking it up, I noticed there was nowhere on it that stated who the sender was.

My heart raced as I opened it, bringing out pictures that made my blood run cold. I clenched my fists, anger boiling within me as I stared at the images. I hit my hand on the table, jolting Marcus, who looked at me in concern.

“What’s wrong?” he asked, his voice laced with worry.

My hand hurt, but it was nothing compared to the pain I felt in my heart. There was Sophie, hugging a guy, with a bright smile on her face. In another picture, she looked utterly carefree, laughing with him. The last one struck like a dagger—her kissing him, her hand resting on his chest.

“Julian, what is it?” Marcus pressed, but I didn’t answer. Instead, I flung the pictures away, frustration boiling over.

Marcus went to pick up the pictures, his eyes widening as he processed what he saw. “This… this can’t be real.”

“Marcus, is it possible to go back home tomorrow?” I asked, my fist still clenched, the anger coursing through me like fire.

“No, you have some meetings with the investors tomorrow and a meeting with the shareholders the day after,” he replied, his voice steady but cautious.

“What time is the shareholders meeting?” I demanded, urgency creeping into my tone.

“Ten in the morning,” he said.

“Book a flight for after the meeting. You can stay here and round off the rest,” I ordered, my mind racing. I packed up the pictures, returning them to the envelope, my thoughts still reeling with betrayal.

Sophie needed to explain this. I couldn’t wrap my head around how she could do something like this. I thought she claimed to love me. The warmth I felt earlier was now replaced by a cold dread. I had to confront her, to understand why. My heart pounded as I headed to my room.