Something in between love

Chapter 2: The Crests

EMILY

Sebastian Crest, the 32-year-old CEO of the great and vast Crest Publishing empire, owns small businesses, buys and sells stocks large enough to build an entire company; however, the one company he couldn't acquire one hundred percent was the one he worked up with his sweat and blood alongside his Father. Sunshine Publishing.

He made the Varencia Republic weekly as the richest and youngest CEO four times in a row, he owns resorts and hotels in five different provinces across the Varencia Republic, and of course, he wouldn't be a completely arrogant heir if he didn't own at least one private jet.

He had an intimidating aura and a mix of unruliness, with a cool, dark, lean, sophisticated, sexy look that makes every female he crosses paths worship the ground he walks on. His plump lips were constantly set in a grim line, his forehead always furrowed in concentration.

He had everything a man could ever ask for but I can't help but think he has the saddest gray eyes I've ever seen.

The first time our gaze met, a chill ran down my spine, he terrified me, and at the same time, his eyes held an eternity of mysterious depths that made me curious.

Our mutual hatred for each other started when I encountered his Father, Robert Crest. He frequented the Cafe where I work, and we soon became close friends.

One day, the man simply asked if I could use a photocopy machine, and I said yes. Before I knew it, I was called for the job offer of an assistant to Sebastian Crest, and Robert left no room for argument.

At first, Sebastian appeared to have accepted me but acted as if I wasn't in the room. Before I knew it, the workload increased with each day that passed, and the late nights and early mornings became a constant routine. There were days I would stumble into meetings, arrange wrong schedules, and burst into tears every time he scolded me. I had no professional etiquette, but unlike his numerous personal secretaries who couldn't put up with his tyranny and resigned I was determined to last longer.

Gossip ran around that I was a nepotist employee who slept with the boss's Father to get a spot but I didn't care.

One day, I overheard Sebastian raving about how unfit I was for the position and how much of a mess I was. And that was the last straw. Before I could think twice about it, I barged into the room, looked at him dead in his cold eyes, and said I wasn't afraid of him, I vowed to be the best assistant he's ever encountered, and I said I would resign when I chose to.

Since then, I waited with shaky legs for a deathly white envelope, but it never came.

"Look at him," Beth whispered, disrupting me out of my reverie.

Sebastian stood afar, greeting guests, his charisma and confidence oozed off of him.

He wore a conventional dinner suit that molded to all the right contours on his body, his thick dark hair slicked stylishly, and his oval-shaped face could cut through glass.

"I feel like fainting in appreciation of his beauty."

I scoffed at my friend's statement.

"Come on Em, don't tell me you don't fall for him every time you two work together. I mean, he just came back from a two-week trip but the man still looks gorgeous!"

"You mean when I finally look at him without thinking of putting a bullet in his heart? He's the only one keeping me up at night."

Beth gasped. "He keeps you up at night?"

I rolled my eyes. "It's like he's sent from hell to torment me," I sigh in frustration.

She chuckled. "You know, it's believed that men only pick on women they like…"

I snickered, "Like? Sebastian?"

"Could be possible," she shrugged. "You two act like an old couple, you know everything about each other."

"Merely Professionally."

"But you-"

"Shh…here he comes."

"Where were you and why are my parents absent?" He asked in a controlled tone.

I could sense the anger in his tone and as usual, it caused the hairs on my back to stand on end.

"Sophia hated the dress we sent her earlier…"

Sebastian's jaw tightened.

"So, we purchased a new one and sent it an hour earlier. Mrs. Crest is currently in a conference meeting and doesn't want to be disturbed, They'll be here in ten minutes," I finished swiftly.

He shut his eyes and cursed under his breath.

"And my Father?"

"He's uh…" I hesitated. I haven't stuttered in two years. I had a feeling he had caught on to my foreign attitude as well.

"Don't you dare withhold anything from me, Emilia," He warned.

I cleared my throat. "Mr. Crest said not to–"

"Not when your job is on the line. You have a second to spill."

"You won't fire me. You need me." I replied confidently.

My colleagues ignored the scene as it was no longer a thing of astonishment for them.

"Oh really? What makes you so sure?" he gritted out.

"Because that card doesn't work on me anymore." I meet his heated gaze.

"Fine," he relented, "I'll let this go since you're only doing your job. Get on the phone with Sam and find out if they've left home," he commanded.

Theodore Roderick hurried over and tapped Sebastian's shoulder.

Theodore's Sebastian's oldest friend--more like brothers. They were like each other's shadow.

Theo was in his late twenties, tall, lean with defined muscles, always dressed in bright colors, soft features, and blonde hair that hung on his forehead, highlighting his green eyes; he had the boy-next-door look going on.

"Mr. Murray wants to have a word. Immediately," Theo said in an anxious tone.

"Okay," he turned to leave but turned to her again.

"Tell Sophia to get here fast before I go get her myself. This isn't a dress party."

They stalked off.

I sighed as I watched them join the guests. He looked exhausted from his trip, I wonder how he's still so active after a two-week trip.

I quickly got on the phone with Sophia.

"Sophia, your brother is coming to get you in five minutes!"

Then I cut the call. Sophia fears her brother more than death.

I stood at the entrance waiting for Sebastian's parents.

After two minutes, a black sleek limousine arrived, and instantly their car was crowded by reporters, flashing cameras, and asking a million questions like, "Mr. Crest, how do you feel about retirement…"

"Please, say a word for the camera…"

The Crest couple emerged dressed as impeccably as ever; it was like they came right out of a magazine page.

Robert Crest, in a black tuxedo and a bow tie, his silver hair slicked back, towered over his petite wife, who wore an equally beautiful black velvet gown with diamond-shaped silver sequins splattered all over the dress. Silver earrings highlighted her high cheekbones; she glowed whenever she smiled.

The bodyguards led them inside the hall.

They were greeted by guests as soon as they were spotted. Some shook hands with Robert, while some kissed Celine on the cheeks and commented on how stunning she looked.

They held each other by the arm, their love sparkled even in old age, and they laughed and conversed with each other with elegance. I felt a pang of jealousy at their connection, and for a moment I yearned for a love so evident.

Sebastian and Theodore approached his parents. He hugged his Father, they muttered inaudible words– I prayed silently they wouldn't argue, I breathed a sigh of relief when he released his Father and kissed his Mother's cheek lovingly.

Soon, they were laughing and making jokes. But it didn't reach his eyes. As usual. Something was bothering him.

The only time I catch a glimpse of Sebastian letting down his guard is when he's with Theo.

Standing side by side with his Father, one could see that he's a replica of him.

The broad shoulders, wrinkles that form at the corner of their eyes when they smile, the signature beauty mark beside their right nose, and their habit of rubbing behind their necks when they are in an awkward situation.

"He looks so stiff when he's with his parents," Beth comments thoughtfully.

"It's no secret how they don't get along with his Father," I replied.

"True," she mumbled.

My gaze met with Robert Crest, and he gestured for me to come over.

I approached him and noticed Sebastian had left the spot. He gestured for me to lean closer.

"I need you to do damage control for me, can you do that?"

"Anything," I replied.

"Make sure you keep Seb away from the entrance, I have 'that' guest coming in now. Wait and receive him for me, will you?"

"Got it." I turned to leave but he called me back.

"Emily, why aren't you asking any questions? " he said with a suspicious stare. "This is so unlike you."

"Am I supposed to?"

He smiled and squeezed my hand.

"Good answer."

"I'm smart," I smirked.

"You look beautiful tonight," he commented and pecked my cheek. I gave a mock bow. He rolled his eyes and shooed me away.

I headed for the entrance, and as soon as I did, a white limousine stopped, and a handsome, tall man dressed in a blue suit and a white shirt, unbuttoned at the collar, emerged. He shoved a hand in his long, dark hair. I thought he was a model.

When he turned, I swear his gray eyes glistened in the night. He had a scar running down his right brow. He was as tall as Sebastian, but while Sebastian had a commanding aura, he had an intense aura. He also appears to be older. He seemed like the type of man girls knew was dangerous but still fell for.

He approached and stopped in front of me, I held my breath.

"Emily Asher?" he inquired. Oh God, his voice was as smooth as honey.

"Ah…Yes, sorry." I swallowed anxiously.

"I reckon my uncle Rob sent you?"

"Yes please, this way."

I led the way through the crowd, careful not to fall on my face.

He was attracting curious stares, especially from the ladies.

"Michael!" Robert exclaimed as we approached him.

"Uncle Rob!" Michael smiled–which was beautiful by the way. They shared a man hug.

"So good to see you again kid. Wait here, it's time for my speech. Emily, where is Seb? He has to be here," Robert asked.

"Right here Father."

Sebastian approached with a blank expression.

It was like a dark cloud hanging above his head.

"Hello cousin, long time no see," Michael said.

He reached for a handshake but Sebastian ignored him.

"Not long enough," he quipped, his eyes fixed on his Father who was on the stage.

I left and stood beside Beth at our table.

"Who was that Greek god you came in with?"

"Don't ask me, I'm trying to recover from such a sight,"

She chuckled. But my attention was drawn to Sopia's arrival. I couldn't believe my eyes, surely my eyes must be playing tricks on me. But it became a reality when they drew closer, and then I realized that Felix Jones was standing right in front of me as Sophia Crest's date. In the end, he came to me.