Always Yours

Chapter 3

A knock woke me up from my much needed sleep. I curse as I get out of bed. I haven't been able to sleep since Ryan left. There's this big hole in my chest full of sadness and guilt. I walk down the stairs feeling so heavy and out of life.

"Good morning ma'am" the older of the two people dressed as officers greeted

"Good morning. Is anything wrong?" I whisper, scared that if I raised my voice any higher, I'll offend the two police officers in front of me

"Not at all. We just need your help in confirming something"

My mind goes back to the event that happened 2 days ago. I release a shaky sigh glancing towards the younger officer who was busy scrutinising me, like he could see all the truth written on my face. I quickly calmed myself and turned my gaze to the older policeman, finding myself a little bit relieved at his expression.

The younger officer brings out a paper, specifically a picture. He raises it to me allowing me to see it clearly.

"Do you know this man, ma'am?"

I chuckle mentally at the irony of it all. Of course I'll know him. I'll recognize him anywhere. I took this picture. It was our 3 month anniversary and we travelled to Paris to celebrate and spend some time together. I remember forcing him to take a picture under the Eiffel tower claiming that I felt guilty he doesn't have one picture after taking almost hundreds of me. He forcefully smiled and that was enough for me as I now had a memory to carry around with me. He collected the picture weeks ago, telling me he wanted to use it to make a locket for me instead of putting it in my purse. If I had known that the same picture would be used to confirm if I have any relation to him then I wouldn't have let it go.

"Ma'am?" The voice of the officer brings me back to reality. I blink twice trying to get my head clear

"Sorry what?"

"I asked if you recognize the man in the picture"

I look back to the picture and back to the officer

"He looks familiar. I think I've seen him pass around the neighbourhood few times" I school my features, trying not to dwell on the fact that I just denied my long time boyfriend who would do anything for me

"Alright ma'am. Thank you"

I shut the door immediately after they turned around. Sliding down the wall, I let my tears fall free. I don't know why I lied. Maybe it was because of the fact that I didn't want to put a stain on our family name or the fact that I was scared but I know whatever reason it was, it still didn't justify the fact that I just denied Ryan.

"Ma'am. We're here" the voice of my chaffeur brings me back to reality. I look outside the window. The reflection of the tall building made of glass blinding my eyes. R&S company. The only company that gave me a reply to my email

"Thank you Josh. I'll call you when I'm done" I step out of the car, inhaling the fresh air the wind carries along. I begin walking towards the building, ignoring the lustful eyes of both men and women. I know I'm a sight to look at but at least don't stare openly at me especially when you're with another lady. I give a snare to the man who didn't have any shame to pretend as if he wasn't looking even with his girlfriend right beside him. Men never learn.

The cool air of the office greets me. An appreciative difference to the scorching sun outside.

I make my way towards the receptionist.

"Hello. I'm here to see Mr Houston" I recite the name I memorised from the email. I had no idea if that was the boss or the manager but the email stated that I should ask of that person when I got here.

The petite lady looks up from the novel she was reading and as she goes to drop the book, I get a peek at the title. "Haunting Adeline". Nice book. I was so obsessed with it and I would recognize the cover anywhere but I don't think its suitable to read in an office.

"Miss Birlem right? From Birlem&Co?" Her voice is opposed to her stature. She sounds matured and has an edge of dominance to it.

"Yes"

"Alright. Mr Houston isn't available right now but he has directed you to the boss, that's where I'll lead you to now" she gets up from her seat asking me to follow her after giving instructions to her younger colleague.

A meeting with the boss himself? I begin to revise my requests and go over it in my mind. If I'm going to be talking with the boss directly then I have to be straightforward.

We enter the elevator and she presses the number 18 which is the highest floor in the building. No surprise the boss is on the highest floor.

She didn't bother to make conversation which makes me guess she isn't the conversation type. Her pose says so. Straight and precise. The elevator bell dings which makes my heart beat faster in my chest. She knocks at the only door on this floor, after hearing a barely audible "come in" she enters. She motions with her hand to hold on as she announces my presence, after being given the go ahead to bring me in, she allows me in. Nothing could have prepared me for what was in store for me.

I enter the office and couldn't help but notice how gloomy everything was. It was designed to not have any life. For work and work alone. My eyes finally find the owner of the deep baritone voice and my heart stops beating as I make eye contact. The sound of the door being closed makes my throat close up as I realize that I'm in the room alone with someone I never thought I'll set my eyes upon. Ryan.