Next day, El woke up feeling much better than the previous day.
She saw that Alec wasn't in the room. Her weakness was reduced therefore she was able to get ready for the day.
She showered and changed and came downstairs.
"Where is Mr. Wilson?" She asked Patty.
"Mr. Wilson left early for a client meeting".
"Would you like to have your breakfast now?" El nodded, "Yes".
She had her breakfast and went back to her room.
She called Mark. "Hi Mark, are you back at south-hills?"
"Yes, Did you call Isobelle?"
"Not yet, I'll call her soon. But first, I need you to take care of few things. There is a high chance Mr. Wilson might look into my background, so take care of it alright. I think everything is already arranged"
"Yes" Mark replied.
"However, could you tail any person looking for El?"
"Yes, that won't be a problem."
"Great. Also check if any of my devices are being tapped and if someone is keeping an eye on me". Michelle said in a single breath.
"Alright". Mark replied
"And lastly, have someone keep an on Alec Wilson." El said with a slight smile.
"I know Isobelle has asked you to keep an eye on me four years ago, but stop updating her about everything" El said.
"Isobelle didn't ask me to keep an eye on you, she asked me to look after you. She cares.."
Michelle interrupted Mark "I know, she cares for me the most. I just don't want her to worry about me, I can take care of myself."
"Fine, I'll take care of everything and I'll be around" Mark said.
"I know, thankyou" she said and hung up.
An hour later,
El received mail from Nora Fabrics and Styles. It read,
'Congratulations Ms. El, you have been selected as one of our new recruits at our prestigious organization for the post of junior assistant designer.'
"I had almost forgotten about it", El sighed,
She felt elated at her selection.
She read the joining letter again, the joining date was a week ahead.
There was no way she would deny working there. She had worked hard for it.
The door knob turned and Alec entered the room. "You look well today".
"I thought you wouldn't be here till evening, '' El said.
"Are you disappointed that I'm back early?" Alec asked coldly.
"No.. that's not what I meant." El said in a timid voice.
He shot her a glare, "Ricky is here for lunch. Come downstairs in five minutes'' he said and left the room before Michelle could say anything.
Downstairs,
"Did you find who drugged her?" Ricky asked.
"Not yet and don't tell her about it".
Ricky nodded.
A Few minutes later, Michelle came and took her seat.
"Alec told me you felt sick on the wedding day, how are you feeling now?" Ricky asked.
"I'm feeling better". A moment later, El's phone rang, she saw it was Isobelle calling and she cancelled the call.
"Who was it?" Alec asked.
"A friend," she replied.
"Mark?" Alec asked again.
"No, it's Is.. Izzy, I didn't call her after the wedding so she is worried."
Alec's face twitched "worried that I may do something wrong to you?" he was clearly angry.
"Tha.. that's not what I meant. I'm sorry."
Ricky was baffled to see their interaction.
She was clearly scared of Alec. Well, who wouldn't be after what transpired at the Hamspearl, Ricky thought.
Ben entered and said
"Sir, you've got a call, it's regarding the Snowwill project"
Feeling a bit annoyed, Alec said "You guys continue, I'll be back".
Ricky looked at El, "You don't need to be scared of him. He won't hurt you. He is not always like this, give him some time".
El nodded.
"Are you originally from South Hills?" Ricky asked, trying to change the topic.
"No, I've been here for 6 years, for my pre- University studies and then graduation. Before that I was in Valcity"
El replied with her well concocted lies.
"Do your parents know about the wedding?" Ricky asked.
"I've been an orphan since I was an infant", El said plainly.
"I'm sorry I didn't…" Ricky was speaking when El interrupted saying
"It's okay, it's been a long time."
Ricky hesitated for a moment and said
"To be honest, I'm glad you married Alec, Elena was indeed not a suitable match for him."
"Her squeaky voice always got on my nerves", Imitating Elena's voice Ricky continued
"Al, buy me some more jewellery." Ricky chuckled.
El laughed as well and joined Ricky
"Oh,no. I've got a zit on my face. I ain't stepping out for a week." El said, mimicking Elena.
"Wow you nailed the accent,'' Ricky said .
"I'm pretty good at accents," El said, praising herself which she hardly did.
They continued to talk and joke around.
When Alec completed his call, he heard them laugh as he got closer to the dining area.
"Now do french" Ricky said.
"Ello, Monsieur Reeky, ow may I elp you? '' they laughed again.
Alec arrived and took his seat, El got silent in his presence
"Having fun?" Al asked in a cold voice.
Ignoring his tone Ricky said "Yes, we were"
"Why haven't you started with lunch yet?" Alec asked.
"Your wife wanted to wait for you." Ricky replied.
Alec looked at El, their eyes met for a moment.
"Let's start now," Alec said.
Soon lunch was served, while eating, El hesitantly spoke,
"I.. My job application has been approved at Nora Fabrics and Designs. I'd like to work there."
Alec nodded and casually and replied, "Fine. I'll have one of my cars and a driver arranged for your commute, when do you start?"
"Next week"
"Alright" said Alec.
El didn't expect that Alec would readily agree without any disagreement or comment.