Chapter 22 Did he?.....
~Haven.
Walter, Mom, Dad, Hannah, Mason's damned gaze…. it was starting to drive me crazy, but at least I have a job now, right?
……….
I walked back into the room with Walter quiet behind me.
I hated that the man I loved was nothing but an inconsiderate devil who didn’t care about how I felt.
Sigh.
My phone buzzed with a notification, and when I checked, it was from Mr. Rashford's company.
A smile rolled across my face as a breath of relief escaped my lips.
“Good morning, Miss Haven. We hope this message finds you well.
We received a message from your father saying he has agreed that you work with us.
We will be thrilled to have your presence, but some things have changed.
Your father, Mr. Sutherland, has refused to let you model for our company, as your sister Hannah was once our model, and he does not want you replacing her.
However, we have agreed to let you work with the CEO's grandson as his secretary. Please let us know whether or not you're satisfied with this.
Well wishes, Miss Haven. Have a beautiful day.”
I read through the mail, and I no longer knew how to feel.
Dad found a way to ruin my happiness…. again.
He didn’t let me have the job because Hannah used to have that spot. He probably couldn’t stand his daughter being replaced by someone else.
Fair, isn’t it?
But…. at least it was better.
Better than nothing. Even if I had to work as a secretary, it was still something.
I’d leave here, away from Walter. Probably meet new people, a man who would help me get my mind off Walter.
I texted back.
“I’ve agreed to work with the CEO'S grandson. Please send the address and everything else I need to know.”
And that was it.
……
The previous day, I barely saw Walter… like he was avoiding me.
Hannah wouldn’t stop shooting glares at me, and Mason’s over-the-top respect was gradually scaring me to death.
But it was a new day, a new beginning—a day where I would finally step away from the house, to work, away from Father’s company and…. Walter’s prying gaze.
I looked into the mirror one more time.
My shirt, brown pants, brown bag…. perfect.
I walked out of my room, clenching the envelope I held, when Walter stood in front of me.
I tried walking past him, but he kept getting in my way.
“I thought I warned you to stay away from me,” I spat, not caring that my voice was raised.
“Haven,” he whispered, almost scared. “We need to talk. We really need to talk. Privately,” he whispered.
I laughed.
I couldn’t help it.
“It won’t work,” I uttered before walking away.
I couldn’t believe it… he thought he could trick me with that expression of his. Make me worry something was actually wrong…..
Stupid.
I got into the car and looked over the address one more time before stepping out.
The drive wasn’t long. Not that long…..
I alighted from the car, and I wouldn’t deny it—the place was huge.
The logo Har Hair sat firmly on the wall. The pink color matched the white walls perfectly.
I barely stared before heading in.
I walked in and headed for the reception with a smile hanging on my face.
A fake one.
“Hi,” I greeted.
She glared at me like I’d stolen from her. “How may I help you?” she asked, her mouth barely opening.
I cleared my throat. “Hum….. Mr. Rashford sent me here. He said I’d be meeting with his grandson, Mr. Harrington the Third. Here’s the letter,” I said, handing over the sheet of paper with me.
“Oh…. forgive me… my manners,” she said nervously. “I thought you looked familiar, but I didn’t know… I just wasn’t paying attention. I didn’t know you’re Mr. Sutherland’s daughter.”
Hmmm. Bitch.
“Which way, please?” I asked.
“I’ll lead the way,” she offered, bowing as she walked in front of me.
We finally arrived at his grandson’s office…. somehow it took centuries to get there. …my legs ached, and my jaw felt sore from all the smiling.
The door opened, and the face I saw….. it was one I knew.
Harrington. The man I met at the club that night.
He sat at the desk with his legs crossed. His head was thrown lazily back, and his hands rested on the desk.
I swallowed.
He’d texted me the other day after being stupid at the club. He apologized for being stupid because he was drunk and Walter had beaten him up.
I didn’t bother asking how he knew Walter, but I had to apologize for how Walter behaved, though it still didn’t rule out the fact that he offered to sleep with me like I was a slut.
The lady at the reception had left, and I was left alone with Harrington, which somehow made me uncomfortable.
Maybe because of how he spoke the other day.
I forced a smile, and I could tell his was forced too.
“Good morning, sir,” I greeted, lowering my head.
“You don’t have to be so formal,” he answered, laughing nervously. “Sit,” he offered.
Harrington cleared his throat. “Once again, I’m sorry about how we met the other time. I…. I wasn’t really myself. I had a few drinks, and Walter beat sanity back inside of me,” he chuckled. “Considering that he’s married to your sister, it’s quite weird he was that angry at me for talking to you just because both of you are …” Then he paused.
I felt shame wash over me.
Harrington knew about my affair with Walter, and he blurted it out before he could control himself.
He paused, but it didn’t matter…. he already said it.
My eyes welled up with tears. My heart ached.
“I’m…. I’m sorry,” he whispered.
“You don’t have to be,” I answered, packing my bag. I tried to hide the tears, but they rolled out.
Everything I had with Walter? It kept bringing me trouble…. I hated it.
And I was starting to hate Walter as well.
“I guess I’ll take my leave now. About the job….. I’ll get back to you if I’ll still be needing it.”