Chapter 15
The weekend went by in the blink of an eye. I spent the weekend with Louis at the hospital. When I told him the news he was very happy, he gave me peace to see his smile and his emotion. I can't wait for him to come home either. I miss his presence.
It's already Monday and I just met with the doctor to organize the date of the operation, it's Wednesday. I also met the donor, Ingrid. She is a very sweet woman, she treated me very well and to make it up to her, I took her to a cafeteria so we could share a coffee. I tried to do this as quickly as possible, I don't forget that I have to be at the company promptly. However, I never thought it would be so difficult to come to work after what happened between Mr. Hills and me. But I realize that it is not as easy as it seems when I find myself in front of the dizzying building that looms in front of me. I blush remembering what happened. It's embarrassing and I don't want to face it. I don't feel ready but I have to. This work is worth a lot, it will serve me a lot and I cannot waste it. I'll just be professional and pretend nothing happened. I hope he behaves in the same way, I wouldn't want him to mention anything about that night.
He put my thoughts aside, took a deep breath and pushed through the doors that gave way, making my way to the elegant reception area. I get into the elevator and press the button that leads to the top floor of the building. On the ascent, I try to relax and think of something different to relieve a little of the tension that permeates my body, but it's impossible. The more I tense up, the more memories I have of that night. The elevator doors open on the top floor and I'm quick to lock myself in my office. I leave my bag in its place, take a seat on my place and open the computer. There is a lot of work.
My working day passes under mild stress, but to my blessed luck, I don't see Mr. Hills all day. I guess he got locked in his office.
I wonder if he avoided me too, but I doubt it too much and dismiss the idea.
It starts to get later and later, but I force myself to finish the work and to motivate myself a little, I decide to go in search of a coffee. I leave the office, I notice that everything is a bit uninhabited, there is barely a murmur, which I appreciate. I go to the machine and once I have my coffee in my hands, I start walking toward the office, however, a female figure crosses my path. And I know that she is a woman mainly because of the expensive fragrance that she fills me with. I look up, meeting a pair of dark eyes and fascinating blonde hair. I examine her a little with her gaze, she is dressed quite formally, she seems to have come out of a gala, but no. The dress that she wears of hers is golden and it hangs on her slender figure. She is tall, a couple of centimeters more than me, she is smiling and she is very confident in herself.
"So you're Eva," she says, smiling.
“I am the secretary of...
“Yes, I know she“ interrupts me ”. I've seen you before, on your third or second day on the job. I find it impressive that Nicholas has chosen a woman so ... "She examines me with her eyes as if he was looking for a specific word to define me", formal and correct. You even look like a saint. Don't be offended, it's just a joke.
She laughs exaggeratedly and I flash a short, closed-mouth smile in an attempt to humor her.
"I don't think we've been introduced before unless Nicholas told you about me...
She stares at me and I realize I have to answer her.
“I don't talk much with Mr. Hills.
“I can already imagine her“ laughs ”. The relationship between you must be formal due to work circumstances and Nicholas is very strict about it. He "pauses and shakes my hand." My name is Camille, I'm Nicholas's partner, or at least I will be, soon. He's a bit complicated when it comes to feelings, he never knows what he wants.
"Eva," he murmured, accepting her hand. If he'll excuse me... I have to get back to work.
He takes one last look at me.
"Of course. Bye.
She doesn't let me greet her back, because she turns around and instantly disappears down the aisles. I sigh and lock myself in my office again.
That was strange.
I put the thought aside and focus on work until finally I'm done with it and figure it's time to go. I collect my belongings, leave the office and take the elevator that takes me to the reception from which I go outside.
I start to walk towards the parking lot that is located outside, I feel footsteps behind me and a small feeling of fear makes me start walking a little faster, but I calm down when I think that I am not the only one who is leaving. the hour working
I keep walking and then...
"How long, Eve?
I stop abruptly, my mouth open repeatedly, but I don't utter a word.
That damn voice...
It just can't be.
*
I go blank, not being able to process what I just heard... I'm in shock, I still don't dare turn around but...
"Don't turn around."
My gut is screaming at me not to, but I do it anyway. I have to check that I'm not crazy and that I just heard it was my mistake. I'm very tired and maybe that...
I don't even know who I'm kidding, because I can see it when I turn on my heel and see him. His brown hair, his lopsided smile and his dark eyes...
It just can't be.
Jonas...
"You will not say anything? Not even a hello? She expected a little more. Just so you know, I have missed you, a lot “she says, smiling amusedly.
I can't find words to explain the despair that seizes me, nor can I say something coherent to face it. My mind and I are in shock and all I can remember is the night of the incident. His body on mine, his laugh, his grip on my wrists… I squeeze my eyes shut. I wish it was all a bad dream, but it's not because he's still there, standing in front of me like it was nothing, like he hadn't raped me, like he was innocent.