AN UNEXPECTED COLLAPSE
951 Words
Cooper
After informing Ingrid that she could leave work earlier than usual today, I remained in my office finishing up several documents that needed my approval before the upcoming trip. The project scheduled to begin in two days would require my full attention, and I wasn't willing to leave loose ends behind. Yet despite the amount of work sitting before me, my concentration kept drifting elsewhere.
My eyes found the floor-to-ceiling window overlooking the company entrance once again. Down below, Ingrid had just exited the building. Richard was already waiting for her beside his vehicle. From this height, I couldn't make out their conversation, but I found myself watching them longer than necessary. The sight irritated me for reasons I didn't care to examine. Richard wasn't some ordinary husband struggling to provide for his family. He was the CEO of Richgrid Security and Tech, a man with enough money and influence to ensure his wife never needed to work a day in her life if she didn't want to.
So why was she here?
Why come to Mercer Corporation?
Why apply for a demanding position under me?
The more I thought about it, the less sense it made. She had qualifications, that much was obvious, but there was still something I couldn't piece together. She reacted too strongly to matters that didn't concern her. She paid attention to details she shouldn't care about. And every time I felt close to figuring her out, she managed to leave me with even more questions.
My jaw tightened.
Whatever she was hiding, I would uncover it eventually.
And when I did, she was going to regret underestimating me.
By the time I arrived home, the tension from work had followed me all the way there. The moment I stepped through the front door, however, the rich aroma of food greeted me. Different spices mixed together in the air, instantly revealing that several dishes had been prepared. Before I could properly take in my surroundings, a small body launched itself at me.
"Daddy!"
A smile threatened to appear before I could stop it.
I bent down and scooped Holly into my arms, holding her securely against my chest. She wrapped her tiny arms around my neck immediately, and some of the stress from the day eased away. No matter what happened at work, Holly always had that effect on me.
"Missed me already?" I asked.
"Very much."
Aurelia approached us moments later.
"Welcome back. The cook prepared several dishes because I wasn't sure what you'd be in the mood for."
I nodded.
The house felt unusually peaceful.
"Go freshen up first," Aurelia suggested while taking Holly from my arms. "We'll wait for you downstairs."
I promised I wouldn't take long before heading upstairs. After changing and washing up, I returned to the dining room where both Holly and Aurelia were already seated. Holly's face brightened immediately when she saw me.
Dinner began quietly.
Several dishes covered the dining table, and for a while the only sounds came from utensils and occasional comments from Holly about her day. It was surprisingly comfortable. Maybe too comfortable.
Eventually Aurelia broke the silence.
"Who will be traveling with you for the project in two days?"
I took a sip of water before answering.
"Ingrid."
The reaction was immediate.
Aurelia's hand paused halfway to her plate.
"Ingrid?"
"She's my PA."
"I thought James would be a better choice."
I placed my glass down.
"James is my secretary."
"And?"
"And Ingrid's responsibilities fall under the duties of a PA. The trip concerns matters she'll need to handle personally."
Aurelia seemed unconvinced.
"I just think James is more experienced."
Before I could answer, Holly looked up from her food.
"Traveling?"
I glanced at her.
"Remember the mini vacation your mother mentioned?"
Her eyes lit up instantly.
"We're really going?"
"Yes."
The excitement on her face was immediate.
She began talking nonstop about places she wanted to visit and activities she hoped we'd do together. Watching her enthusiasm made the conversation about Ingrid disappear for the moment, something I was grateful for.
Unfortunately, Aurelia wasn't.
"I still don't understand why Ingrid has to go."
I looked at her directly.
"The discussion is over."
Silence followed.
Holly, thankfully, seemed too excited about the trip to notice the tension.
The meal continued for several more minutes before something suddenly changed.
The smile vanished from Holly's face.
Her fork slipped from her fingers and landed against the plate with a soft clatter.
"Holly?"
She pressed a hand against her stomach.
At first, I thought she was simply uncomfortable.
Then her face twisted in pain.
"Daddy..."
The sound of her voice made every muscle in my body tense.
"Holly?"
She doubled over slightly in her chair.
"My stomach hurts."
Panic shot through me instantly.
The color was already draining from her face.
Aurelia was on her feet before I could react.
"Holly!"
Tears gathered in my daughter's eyes as she clutched her stomach harder.
"It hurts."
My chair scraped loudly against the floor as I stood.
The comfortable dinner atmosphere disappeared in an instant.
All that remained was fear.
Real fear.
I reached her side immediately, lifting her into my arms.
Her small body trembled against mine.
"Daddy..."
The weakness in her voice sent a chill through me.
Aurelia looked just as frightened.
"What happened? She was fine a moment ago."
I didn't have an answer.
All I knew was that my daughter was in pain.
And that terrified me more than anything else.
"Get the car ready," I ordered sharply.
Without waiting another second, I tightened my hold on Holly and headed for the door.
Because whatever was wrong with her, I wasn't taking any chances.
- Writer
