The Last Word
1064 Words
The air was heavy with power and something dark, and Sebastian's office smelled of leather and old whiskey. I sat in front of him, forcing myself to look calm, my fingers curling into the fabric of my dress. But it was impossible to ignore the truth because of his piercing, evaluating gaze. He was aware. He was always aware that I would visit him.
"So," he whispered while clenching his fingers. "Eloise, why do you need this job?"
His tone was one of quiet calculation rather than kindness. My throat constricted, and my heart raced. What could I say without coming across as weak? Wouldn't that make this something I couldn't manage?
I said, hardly raising my voice above a whisper, "I need a fresh start." Stability is what I need. And Reginald. I forced myself to look into his eyes and let out a sharp exhale. "He won't give it to me."
Sebastian's mouth clenched. Regend owns half of Blackthorn Hollow. He can take care of you. "Why come to me?"
I let out a sour laugh. "That's because Reginald doesn't want me to be self-sufficient." He wants me to be broken and reliant on him. I can't work anywhere else because of him. I won't get a job. Everyone is terrified of him.
Leaning back, Sebastian examined me as if determining is I was worth the chance. "You think that this isn't a trap? That you weren't sent to spy on me by Reginald?"
My chest erupted in anger. "No! I would never—"
"Would you not?" His voice was unreadable and smooth.It's convenient that you came here, of all places. Too handy.
I clenched my fists. "I needed help, so I came. Since I had no other option."
Between us, there was silence as I felt the pressure of his scrutiny. Then he let out a slow, purposeful breath. Suppose I do believe you. "Why should I help you?" is still an unanswered question.
My heart fell. Why ought he to? He would turn against his own brother if he hired me. Was that worth it to me?
I got up suddenly. I got it. I appreciate your time.
His voice interrupted me as I was about to go to the door.
"Eloise."
My breath caught in my throat as I froze. I turned back to him slowly. He fixed his calculating eyes on mine, as if considering a choice he had already made.
"Return to your seat."
After hesitating, I complied. The air between us was oppressively heavy.
Sebastian said, "I have a proposition for you."
I felt a knot of dread. "What kind of proposition?"
He drummed his fingers on the desk. "You mentioned that you require stability. safety. Ensure a bright future for your daughter.
My stomach grew constricted. "Yes."
"I can provide you with all of that. However, in exchange—" He slackened his speech almost entirely. "By day, you'll be my secretary. And you'll be mine at night."
It was a slap of words. My breath caught. "What?"
He didn't flinch or smile. "You heard me."
I felt a chilling wave of shock. "I— I can't, Sebastian."
"Think about it," he said with ease. "Eloise, you're at the end of your options. Until you crawl back to him, Reginald won't stop. Do you want that?
I breathed sharply and quickly. He was not mistaken. However, this? This was a completely different matter.
I muttered, "I need time to think."
Sebastian's mouth clenched. "Tomorrow is your deadline. But don't get me wrong; I get what I want. And I want you now, Eloise."
His words weighed me down like a burden I was unable to release. As I left his office, my heart was pounding relentlessly. Tomorrow was my deadline.
Furthermore, I was clueless about what to do.
As I stepped outside Ravenshadow Enterprises, the crisp evening air bit my skin. My legs were wobbly, and my mind was racing. How did I get here? What has happened to my life?
I pulled my coat tighter around me as a gust of wind carried the smell of rain. The pavement was covered in long shadows as the streetlights flickered. I looked up at the tall building behind me, the windows gleaming in the darkness. Sebastian had outlined a future in that office that I could hardly fathom.
Am I capable of doing this? Could I survive at the expense of my dignity? For security?
I was startled out of my reverie when my phone buzzed in my pocket. As I struggled to extract it, the sight of the name on the screen made my breath catch.
Reginald.
My fingers lingered over the decline button as I paused. I understood his call. Most likely, he was already aware that I had visited Sebastian. He was always well-informed.
With my chest heaving, I hit decline and shoved the phone back into my pocket. I was unable to return to him. Not with all he'd done.
A familiar voice startled me out of my reverie. "Eloise?"
My pulse was pounding as I turned abruptly. A few feet away, Beatrice stood with a puzzled and worried look on her face. Her piercing eyes scanned me as if she could see right through me, and her dark curls framed her face.
"Beatrice," I said, feigning a feeble smile. "What are you doing here?"
She tilted her head and crossed her arms. "Remember, I work here?" She looked at me. "What are you doing here?"
I paused. "I was meeting with Sebastian."
Her eyebrows raised a little. "And?"
I shook my head and let out a breath. "He gave me a job offer."
Beatrice scowled. "And you appear to be on the verge of vomiting."
I gave a feeble laugh. "It's complicated."
"With Sebastian? It is, of course. With a sigh, she took a step forward. "Look, I have no idea what's going on, but feel free to talk to me if you need assistance."
That was what I wanted to think. However, Beatrice was powerless to keep Reginald away from me. Nobody was able to.
"Thanks," I muttered. "I ought to leave."
She watched me intently as she nodded. "Watch out, Eloise."
With a heavy heart, I turned and left. I have to make a decision tomorrow.
And there would be no going back, no matter what I decided.
- Writer
