Chapter 3

Emily’s POV

Ring!

The shrill sound of my phone shattered the office’s silence. I glanced at the caller ID. St. John’s Hospital.

“Ms. Carter, your mother has gone into acute heart failure. We’re trying to stabilize her. We need you here immediately to sign the consent forms!”

My mind went numb. I shot to my feet, knocking over the coffee beside me. Brown liquid spilled across the desk and dripped onto my expensive suit. I didn’t stop to clean it. Grabbing my bag, I ran to Nathan’s office.

“Mr. Reed, my mother is in critical condition. I need to leave for the hospital right now.” I pushed open the door without knocking.

Nathan sat on the couch with Vivian nestled beside him. They appeared to be browsing honeymoon itineraries on a tablet. He frowned at the interruption, lifting his gaze from the screen to take in my disheveled appearance.

“Critical?” His response was detached. “Go. Hand your work over to the deputy secretary.”

“Thank you.” I turned to leave.

“Wait.” Vivian suddenly spoke. She stood and offered me a packet of tissues, her eyes filled with condescending pity. “Ms. Carter, your clothes are stained. Of course you’re worried about your mother, but you represent Reed Group. Rushing out like this won’t make a good impression. Besides…”

She paused and turned to Nathan. “Hasn’t Ms. Carter been handling tomorrow’s international acquisition negotiations? If she leaves now, what will you do tomorrow?”

Nathan’s frown deepened.

I drew a breath and spoke quickly. “I’ve already emailed you a briefing with all the key acquisition data. The deputy secretary has been involved from the beginning and is fully capable of taking over. Mr. Reed, I have to go.”

Before either of them could answer, I ran out.

By the time I reached the hospital, my mother had been stabilized and transferred to the ICU.

Through the thick glass, I stared at her skeletal body, surrounded by tubes. My tears fell silently against the window.

For years, I had given all my energy to Nathan, to Reed Group, even to his mother. The only person I had neglected was my own mother. Her health had always been poor. Every time she called, I was working late, entertaining clients, or dealing with something for Nathan.

Two days later, her condition stabilized enough for her to return to a regular room.

That evening, she woke and weakly clasped my hand.

“Emily…” Her voice was faint. “My body’s starting to give out. The only thing I’m worried about now is you.”

I forced back my tears and managed a smile. “Mom, don’t say that. The doctor said you’re recovering well.”

“Don’t try to fool me.” Her clouded eyes searched mine. “You and Nathan… It’s been five years. Has nothing come of it?”

I went rigid. Mom had always known I loved Nathan. She knew why I had worked myself to the bone all these years.

“Mom, he and I… We’re just coworkers.” I lowered my head, unable to meet her eyes.

“If he’s just a coworker, why are you giving him your whole life?” Mom sighed, tears slipping from the corners of her eyes. “Let him go, sweetheart. You can’t force someone to belong with you. I’m afraid that when I close my eyes for the last time, you won’t have anyone left who cares about you…”

“Mom, stop. I’m letting go. I really am.” I folded over the edge of her bed and sobbed.

After staying with her for three days and making sure she was out of danger, I returned to the company. Work was piling up like a mountain. I couldn’t stay away any longer.

I stopped short outside the secretarial office.

Vivian was sitting at my desk.

She swiveled casually in the ergonomic chair I had specially ordered. In her hands was a pink journal.

The journal where I wrote down my private feelings. The one I always kept locked in my drawer.

“What are you doing?” I strode toward her, my voice ice-cold.

Vivian looked up, not remotely embarrassed at being caught. Instead, she gave a little laugh and tossed the journal onto my desk.

“You’re back, Ms. Carter? Your mother’s all right?” She stood and smoothed her skirt. “I couldn’t find Nathan’s usual tea, so I thought I’d check your cabinet. Apparently your drawer wasn’t locked properly.”

“This is my private desk. Whatever you’re looking for, you have no right to search it without permission.” I put the journal away and checked the rest of my things.

Someone had moved the resignation letter at the very bottom.

Vivian stepped closer and lowered her voice so only I could hear. “Emily, I know how you feel about Nathan. Spending five years waiting on him like a nanny must have been exhausting.”

I straightened and looked at her coldly. “That’s none of your business.”

“How could it not be?” Vivian smiled with the arrogance of someone who had already won. “I’m his future wife. I’m just reminding you to know your place. Nathan relies on you for work. That isn’t love. Your pathetic little crush means nothing to him.”

I clenched my fists, my nails digging into my palms.

“Are you finished?” Without expression, I pointed toward the door. “Then leave. This is my workspace. Stop disturbing me.”

Her expression shifted. She gave a cold snort. “Don’t get too full of yourself, Emily. Once we’re married, I’ll have a say in who stays at Reed Group.”

With that, she strutted away in her heels.

I sank into my chair and stared at my ransacked desk. Exhaustion crashed over me like a tidal wave. I hadn’t argued with Vivian.

Because every word she said was a truth that had been tormenting me.