Elsie's POV
Days turned into weeks, and the weight of grief and responsibilities began to take its toll on me. I threw myself into my work, burying my emotions beneath a mountain of tasks and responsibilities. But no matter how much I tried to distract myself, the pain lingered, gnawing at my heart. I pushed myself relentlessly, burying my pain under piles of work. The walls I had built around me grew thicker, isolating me from the world.
One evening, my best friend Lisa came to visit me at the office. She saw the exhaustion etched on my face and the weariness in my eyes.
My best friend, Lisa, noticed my struggle and was concerned for me. She urged me to take time off, to process my grief and heal properly. But I brushed off her advice, unable to face my pain head-on.
"Elsie, you can't keep going like this," Lisa said, concern lacing her voice. "You're pushing yourself too hard. You need to take a break and allow yourself to grieve."
" Look Elsie, you can't keep pushing yourself like this," she said gently, taking a seat opposite me. "You're only hurting yourself."
I shook my head stubbornly, my voice firm. "I can't afford to break down."
I sighed, rubbing my temples. "I know, Lisa, but I can't stop. I have to keep going, keep the company running smoothly."
Her gaze softened. "Elsie, I understand your dedication, but you can't ignore your own well-being. Your aunt wouldn't want you to suffer like this."
Tears welled up in my eyes as I clenched my fists, my voice trembling. "I miss her so much, Lisa. It's hard to breathe without her."
Lisa reached across the desk, placing a comforting hand on mine. "I know, Elsie. But you can't keep pushing everyone away. Let others support you through this difficult time."
She sighed, frustration evident in her eyes. "You're my best friend, more like a kid sister to me and I understand your dedication, but you can't ignore your own well-being. You're human, Elsie, and you need time to heal."
I looked into her eyes, the weight of her words sinking in. Maybe she was right. Maybe I didn't have to face this alone. But the fear of vulnerability held me back, the fear of getting hurt again.
I remained resolute, refusing to show any vulnerability. "I appreciate your concern, Lisa, but I know what I'm doing."
She reached out to hold my hand. "Elsie, you don't have to face this alone. Jayden has shown his support and care for you. Let him in, let him help you through this."
I recoiled at her words, my walls rising higher. "Jayden is just an employee, Lisa. This is my burden to bear."
Lisa's expression turned pained, and she let go of my hand. "Elsie, don't let your fear and grief cloud your judgment. Sometimes, allowing others to help us is the bravest thing we can do."
Her words hung in the air as she left my office, leaving me to grapple with conflicting emotions. Deep down, I knew she was right, but the fear of vulnerability and the wounds of my past held me back.
A knock on the door interrupted our conversation, and Jayden entered the office, his gaze filled with concern. "Ms Beckman, I just wanted to check on you. You've been working nonstop."
I blinked away my tears, quickly composing myself.
"What do you expect me to do then, Mr Reynolds?". " What brings you in here by the way besides I don't see the reason why you have to check up on me." " Don't you have work to do?," I asked him as I stare at him with a bored expression.
"Really Elsie! This is so rude to say ." I mean where is it written that employees are not supposed to show concern for their bosses". You've gone too far Elsie." Lisa said irritatedly.
"Hey Lisa, please spare me those lines , alright?! . "Don't try to make him totally comfortable with this." As an employee, he should learn how to keep his distance not evading into his boss's personal matters!." I snapped coldly and frustratedly.
He took a step closer, his voice filled with sincerity. "Ms Beckman, it's okay to lean on others, to let them help you. We're here for you, and we want to support you through this."
I stared at him, his words resonating within me. For a moment, the walls around my heart wavered, but I quickly reinforced them, fearing the vulnerability that lay beyond.
"I appreciate your concern, Mr Reynolds, but I can handle things on my own," I replied, my tone distant.
He nodded, disappointment flickering in his eyes, but he respected my decision. "If you ever change your mind, remember that I'm here for you."
As Jayden left the office, I felt a pang of guilt. I knew he genuinely cared, yet I continued to push him away, fearing the pain of loss and heartbreak.
Weeks passed, and my interactions with Jayden remained distant and cold. I watched him from afar, seeing his dedication and perseverance despite my indifference. It puzzled me, how he could continue to care despite my rejection.
One day, as I sat in my office, my strength waning, I felt a sudden wave of dizziness overcome me. The weight of my grief and the stress I had put myself through had finally caught up with me. I tried to steady myself, but everything blurred, and I collapsed to the floor.
When I regained consciousness, I found myself in a dimly lit room, lying on a comfortable bed. Jayden sat beside me, concern etched on his face.
"You fainted, Elsie," he explained softly. "I had to call an ambulance, but they said it was just exhaustion and stress. You need to take care of yourself."
I tried to push myself up, my voice laced with stubbornness. "I don't need a hospital, Mr Reynolds. I'm fine."
He gently but firmly held me down, his eyes filled with worry. "You can't keep ignoring your well-being, Elsie. You deserve to take care of yourself. Let me be there for you."
I felt a flicker of vulnerability, a crack in my icy facade. But before I could respond, my stubbornness took over, and I pushed him away.
"Leave, Mr Reynolds. I don't need your help," I snapped, my voice betraying my internal struggle.
"Also, it's always Ms Beckman to you" , I told him.
Jayden sighed, disappointment flickering in his eyes. "I'll respect your wishes, El-...um sorry Ms Beckman." But know that I'll always be here for you, no matter what."
As he left the room, leaving me alone with my thoughts, I couldn't help but feel a pang of guilt. I knew he genuinely cared, yet I continued to push him away, fearing the pain of loss and heartbreak.
Days turned into weeks, and the weight of grief continued to bear down on me. But deep down, I knew I couldn't bear it alone forever. I needed to confront my pain, to allow myself to heal.
One evening, as I sat alone in my office, memories of my aunt flooded my mind. I couldn't hold back the tears any longer. I broke down, my sobs echoing through the empty room.
Jayden, who happened to be passing by, heard my cries and rushed to my side. He held me gently, offering silent comfort. It was in that moment of vulnerability that I realized I couldn't keep pushing him away.
"Thank you, Jayden," I whispered between sobs. "I'm so tired of carrying this pain alone."
He held me tighter in his arms as I cried pouring out my emotions hidden on the inside of me.