A Second Chance With Mr Steele

Chapter 9: Confrontations

Emma's Point of View

The shrill sound of my alarm tore through the early morning silence, pulling me from restless dreams into the harsh light of reality. I groaned, slamming my hand down on the snooze button before reluctantly rolling out of bed. My muscles ached, a dull reminder of the tension from yesterday. After a quick stretch, I sat up and muttered a short prayer under my breath. God knows I would need it.

The bathroom greeted me with its cold tiles, jolting me further awake. Brushing my teeth and constantly gagging on water felt almost mechanical, my thoughts drifting to what lay ahead. After my shower, I stood in front of the mirror, carefully adjusting the bandage on my wrist. The pale blue dress I chose seemed unassuming yet professional, perfect for avoiding unnecessary attention.

Looking into the mirror, I smiled in satisfaction before muttering "A new week as Mrs Steele, here goes nothing" with that I took to my heels and went down.

Downstairs, the rich aroma of coffee wafted through the air, momentarily lifting my spirits. Maybe Adrian had waited for me this morning, after all it's my first day as his wife. I quickened my steps toward the dining room, only to find Marian clearing the table.

“Good morning, Mrs. Steele,” she greeted with a polite smile.

I nodded, my disappointment quickly morphing into irritation. “Where’s Mr. Steele?”

“He’s already left for work,” she replied, her tone as neutral as ever.

“Of course he has,” I muttered under my breath, barely audible. “How rude. He didn’t even bother giving me a ride when we work in the same damn building.”

Marian returned moments later with a simple breakfast. I ate in silence, my frustration growing with each bite. Once finished, I called for an Uber. The ride to the office was predictably tedious, with New York’s relentless traffic turning a fifteen-minute commute into an agonizing crawl. By the time I stepped out of the car, it was well past eight.

The difference between my apartment and the office was barely 10 minutes worth of walking but now that I was living with Adrian it had become almost 30 minutes trip, and I damn hate it.

Hurrying into the elevator, I pressed the button for the CEO’s floor. The doors slid open with a soft chime, revealing a line of women in tight dresses and high heels, each clutching a file. My brows furrowed as I pieced it together.

"He’s interviewing replacements. For my job." I mumbled

The realization hit like a slap. These women, dressed more for a strippers club than an office job, were here to take my place. I clenched my jaw, ignoring the whispers and judgmental stares as I strode past them toward Adrian’s office. Without bothering to knock, I turned the knob and pushed the door open.

Adrian looked up from his desk, startled. A young woman perched on the chair across from him, her legs crossed provocatively. She turned to glare at me, clearly annoyed by my intrusion.

“What’s going on here?” I demanded, my voice sharp enough to slice through the tension.

Adrian’s expression darkened. He dismissed the woman with a curt, “Kindly give us a moment.”

She rose, deliberately adjusting her skirt to reveal more of her legs before sauntering out, flashing Adrian a sultry smile.

Once the door closed behind her, Adrian leaned back in his chair, pinching the bridge of his nose. “What are you doing here, Emma?”

I folded my arms, standing my ground. “I came to work, Adrian. I made it clear yesterday that i'm returning, whether you like it or not.”

“Why are you so damn stubborn?” he groaned, running a hand through his hair. “I told you to simply resign. I’ll set up any business you want.. hell, I’ll fund your wildest dreams but you cannot keep working here as my assistant.”

“No,” I snapped. “I’m not some damsel waiting for your handouts. I want my job, and I’m not going anywhere, I will not let those quirky bitches take my position! No way in hell.”

Adrian sighed, clearly frustrated. “Fine,” he conceded, raising his hands in defeat. “On one condition.”

I narrowed my eyes. “What condition?”

“No one here is to know you’re Mrs. Steele. You’ll come to work separately, no exceptions.”

I tilted my head, amused by his demand. “Just that?”

“Just that,” he confirmed.

“Deal!,” I said, my tone icy. “I didn’t want anyone knowing I was married to you anyway.” I mumbled to myself

“Did you say something?”

“Nothing.”

He dismissed me with a wave of his hand, and I left his office, my heels clicking loudly against the floor.

The crowd of hopefuls still lingered outside. I addressed them with as much authority as I could muster. “Good morning, ladies. The interview is over. You may leave.”

One woman stood, furious. “What do you mean it’s over? I spent hours preparing for this!”

I met her glare without flinching. “I’m sorry, but there’s no vacancy anymore.”

Murmurs and hisses followed as the women filed out, their discontent palpable. Once they were gone, I sighed in relief. “What a dramatic way to start the day.”

Back at my desk, I threw myself into work, tackling emails and schedules until noon. Stretching in my chair, I heard the elevator chime. Strange. it wasn’t time for the investor meeting yet.

The doors slid open to reveal Celia, dressed in a dress so short and tight it looked painted on. She strutted to my desk, her heels clicking with purpose.

“Still here, Emma?” she sneered, dropping her purse on my desk. “For Adrian to let his so called new bride work as his assistant is one thing, but for you to shamelessly stay is another level of pathetic.”

I refused to rise to her bait. “What can I do for you, Ms. Celia?”

“I’m here to take Adrian to lunch.”

I forced a polite smile. “Unfortunately, he asked not to be disturbed today. If you don’t have an appointment, I can’t let you in.”

She laughed, a sound dripping with condescension. “Pathetic. I'd like to see you stop me”

Before I could respond, she spun on her heel and headed straight for Adrian’s office.

“I wouldn’t do that if I were you!” I called after her, but it was too late.

I followed just in time to see her lean over Adrian’s seat and press her lips to his. My stomach churned. His surprise was evident, but he didn’t push her away like I expected.

“Hi, Addy,” she purred.

“Celia!,” he replied, his tone sounded some what neutral.

I turned and walked out, his voice calling my name was the last thing I heard as the door closed behind me. Back at my desk, I sank into my chair, forcing myself to focus.

"Why does that kiss bother me?" I wondered bitterly. "This marriage isn’t real. I shouldn't care who he kisses".

Minutes later as I fought to focus, Adrian and Celia walked out, her arm linked with his. I pretended not to notice, keeping my eyes fixed on my screen.

As soon as the elevator doors closed behind them, I muttered, “If he’s so into her, why didn’t he just marry her? Isn't she his mother's choice?”

The thought stayed with me as I grabbed my bag, heading for lunch. But as I approached the elevator, the doors opened, and my blood ran cold.

Mrs. Evelyn Steele stepped out, her presence as commanding as ever. Her sharp eyes landed on me, and she smiled.

“Just the person I wanted to see,” she said smoothly.

My heart sank. I had expected this confrontation, but I wasn’t ready. Not by a long shot.