Chapter 31

I rubbed my wrists that had marks on them and I didn't dare lift my head up fearing Ms. Grayson's interrogation. I was scared beyond words as I felt my heart break in half. I respected Killian's mom and if there was to be a relationship between us, I wanted to tell her properly.

This was definitely the worst timing to be caught with Killian, especially with my hand held and all, it looked like we were making fifty shades of how to get fired in the worst possible way. I was beyond embarrassed as Ms. Grayson kept on asking me to answer her questions.

What the hell were you doing?

She was more disappointed than angry and I had no words to even start explaining myself. Killian has told me when we were in Weslan that his mom hired me because I hated him. I wondered if she was serious and then I thought how hopeless she must've felt to employ a person who tried to kill her son.

“Is my question not clear, Ms. Joyce? I asked you what is going on between you two? Are you dating?” she asked her frown scaring the daylights out of me. I clasped my shaking hands together, I haven't even thought about getting caught by her. I was trying to buy more time to come up with some sort of answer to her questions.

I looked at Killian, my anger all forgotten by this unexpected happening. He was standing beside me a little startled to be caught like this. We had decided that we were going to keep our relationship a secret until we figured out how to tell his mom because I didn't want anyone to know.

“We are dating, mom,” announced Killian grabbing my hand and interlocking them.

“What are you doing?” I whisper-yelled my eyes the size of saucers.

I was shocked that he just blurted out our relationship to his mom like that. Yes, we agreed to tell his parents eventually but announcing it like this was never in my wildest dreams. I tried to let go of his hand, but he held on to it tighter, as if telling me to stay put.

“Is it true, Ms. Joyce?” she asked her face not showing any signs of what she was thinking inside her mind.

“Y-yes...” I replied ashamed that I broke her trust.

“You had one rule to follow. I gave you one simple thing to do. But you seem to enjoy breaking the rules and doing God knows what in the office! Gather your stuff and leave.” ordered Ms. Grayson with her face hardened.

“But—” I started even though I had no excuse to offer.

I broke the rule and this was the consequence.

“You're fired! I already told you any kind of involvement with your boss will result in your termination. You have no reason to say here so leave.” she said pointing her hands to the door.

“She is not leaving, I need her here.” Killian defended me as I tightened my hand and looked between them my eyes shifting between both.

“I hired her and I will fire her, Kilian,” she threatened, making me feel really scared.

“It's not about some kind of power struggle between us, mom. I know you hire and fire my secretaries but this time it is different. It is an important time for the company with the new Raushan hotel in Weslan. I'm talking about millions of dollars in profit. If she is fired right now, how do you plan on replacing a qualified candidate on such short notice? You know we only have ten days before the deadline,” explained Killian making his mom decide logically.

I was impressed at how Killian put rational reasoning behind my staying at this company. I was very happy that Killian defended me and that too from his mom. I felt like this was more satisfactory than him defending me anywhere else. Because I knew how he loves his mom and tries as much as he can to make her happy.

“As soon as the shareholders' meeting ends, you will leave this office immediately,” she said finally speaking after thinking in silence for a minute or so.

Only ten days and I'm jobless.

•••

Daniel wasn't as intimidating as I thought he was when he first met. He almost made me shit my skirt the first time we met but as I got to know him, he was actually much sweeter than what he made it seem. He was genuinely a nice guy and I could understand why Nicole was and is still obsessed over him.

I was in Daniel's office to get some files from him for the project. The deadline was looming over us and the work increased just as much but I was here chatting with Daniel as I got permission for a break from Killian. I really needed a break, especially from the stress of only having seven days before the deadline, before I lost my job here at Raushan. I was trying to enjoy it as much as I can while it lasted.

“Eliana, There is something I need to tell you,” said Daniel scratching his ears that had started to get a little red.

Why is he being shy? What happened?

“What is it, Daniel? Did something happen?” I questioned a little worried about what was making him be like this.

“I wanted to ask you for some advice," he looked at me and sighed," it's about this girl that I like–”

“No, Daniel. I'm the last person to ask for relationship advice. I suck at it real bad. One time a friend asked for relationship advice and the next day she broke up with her boyfriend so I don't plan on doing something like that again.” I explained my lack of knowledge regarding relationships.

“Actually you're the first person that came to my mind regarding this matter. Everybody around me knows Nicole loves me and even Killian says I should be with her, but I don't love her like that. I see her like a little sister but she mistook that for another thing,” he said and sighed again.

My gosh, Nicole will be so heartbroken when she finds out.

“So this girl you like, who is she?” I asked trying to take his mind off Nicole as it was making his mood change.

“I lack the words to describe her, she is out of this world," I saw his eyes brighten as he talked about her," we met when I was in Bangkok and she is a travel writer. Her name is Hannah and we've been dating on and off for about three years. I want to settle down with her, get married, and have kids with her. But she hasn't been picking up my calls since last week and I don't know what to do.” he said talking about what made him so stressed.

“But she is fine, right? Nothing happened to her," I asked and he nodded," then...did you forget something you should've remembered like a birthday or anniversary?” I questioned trying to find what made her ignore him.

“Of course! How could I have forgotten! Our anniversary was last week and I forgot. I didn't even call her on that day! Thank you so much, Eliana. You've helped this dumb guy save his relationship,” he thanked me and stood up rushing to his desk.

Why are men so forgetful of such dates?

“I hope she accepts your apology. I gotta go now, make sure you invite me as a VIP guest when you guys get married.” I said taking the files from the couch I was seated at and going to the door.

“You will be the first one I would invite to my wedding, you mean so much to me,” he said typing on his phone non-stop without a glance at me.

“Don't let Hannah hear that, I don't wanna fight with her,” I said laughing as I opened the door.

I stared wide-eyed at the girl before me who took a few steps back. She then ran away, her turquoise heels not hindering her from sprinting away. It took me a moment to realize that she could've been standing here all this time.

Did Nicole hear everything?