Chapter 24: What Happened to Emily?
What does he mean by that?
"You know what, Liv? I am a very patient person. But it always depends on the situation," he told me.
I was still stunned to speak. A few seconds have passed but a word didn't come out of my mouth. I almost screamed when he grabbed my waist and pulled my face like he was about to kiss me.
"It's Emily!" I said before he could kiss me. He looked at me for seconds before removing his hand from my waist and letting a distance between us. I could barely breathe!
"Why didn't you tell me the other day?" He asked as if he knows it already. I don't remember telling him or anyone. It's just me.
"H-how did you know?" I asked and he pointed to the glass door. I cannot believe that I am such a stupid person.
"You know that it is tinted right? You can't see from the outside but can from the inside," he explained which made me feel a bit dumb. Why didn't I remember that his office has a see-through door? "I was talking to someone on the phone at that very moment so I didn't hear your whole conversation with each other. It did not turn out well, am I right?" Mr. Parker looked at me again, waiting for my response.
I know he's angry, maybe a little because I didn't tell him about it. But I was just protecting him from Emily. If I let her go inside his office that day, she might take advantage of Mr. Parker again. What if she asks for a lot of money? Will he be able to resist her? I'm not saying that he can be charmed but I remembered Alice told me that Mr. Parker has a soft spot for those people who are in need.
And of course, I don't want to lose my job.
There were rumors that they had an affair but Mr. Parker hasn't confirmed it yet. But if they did, will he fire me? Will he choose Emily over me?
"I really didn't know what her real intention was. But she told me that she wants her throne back. She wants to work for you again," I explained.
"Then?" He asked, wanting me to tell more.
"I didn't let her talk to you. I'm sorry, Mr. Parker. I was just-"
"Scared. You're scared that I might let her take your place. Isn't that right?" He asked and I slowly nodded. He heavily sighed but there is no sign of him being angry at me. Or am I just assuming that he isn't? "Have dinner with me tonight, we need to talk."
Mr. Parker's meeting with his business partners just finished. I already called the receptionist from his favorite restaurant to make a reservation because he keeps telling me that we need to talk about what happened with me and Emily. We really didn't have much time to talk lately because we attended three meetings, that's why I feel exhausted and I don't know if I still have the energy to have a long conversation with him.
The restaurant was ten miles away from the hotel and luckily, I did not fall asleep inside the car. He told me not to call Rowan anymore so he is the one who drove. It is a bit embarrassing that I couldn't drive for him. I need to buy a car and learn how to drive right away.
We went inside and one of the receptionists assisted us to our table. I just ordered a vegetable salad because I wasn't that hungry. Our food was served fast so we talked while eating which made me a bit uncomfortable about the subject.
"Why do you think I will let her go back?" He asked, not looking at me. I put the fork down before facing him.
"Because she's the one who worked for you the longest. And it's very impossible not to hear some rumors, Mr. Parker." He had no reaction to what I'd said. It seems like he is tired of hearing these things. I'm sensing he doesn't want to talk about it again but for me, he will.
"Rumors like what?" He was slicing his streak, still not letting his eyes meet mine.
"Like the two of you had a thing," I honestly answered. He stopped slicing his food and made an eye contact with me. If his stare could kill, I'd be dead right now.
"I'd lie if I say I did not expect that coming." He leaned against the chair. "First of all, Liv, I want you to know that Emily didn't resign. I fired her."
What? Am I hearing it right?
But Emily told me before that she resigned because… oh, I remember. She told me it was all a lie. I hate myself for being numb and foolish around her. Am I that so soft for her to make me believe everything that she says? Or maybe, she is just a professional liar.
"I fired her because she crossed the line so many times. She keeps on bringing up a romantic relationship between the two of us which I know you've heard this to many people that I hate it when someone does that. I don't like having an affair with anyone who works with and for me. Especially, my secretary."
Now, I feel like I'm leaving in curiosity which was somehow lightened up. So, what Alice told me was true. I can't believe that I doubted her in the first place.
"I'm sorry, Mr. Parker. I'm sorry if I almost believe those false stories," I apologized.
"There's nothing to be sorry for, Liv. If you do your work nice and clean, I don't think I can do the same thing I did to Emily. Just promise me one thing," he said.
I blinked before focusing on him. "What is it, sir?"
"Don't fall in love with me."