Unprecedented Passion

Chapter 3 - Crossroads of Fate and Ambition

Weeks passed quickly while Evelyn and Gabriel managed their developing personal relationship and challenging work environment. There was obvious anxiety as Gabriel's choice on the London post drew near.

Gabriel texted Evelyn one morning, saying, "We need to talk tonight." Her phone rang. Important.

A beat went out of her heart. She was both excited and afraid at the mysterious message. Her thoughts kept straying to the potential subjects of their talk even though she worked hard all day.

The smell of a freshly made dinner welcomed her inside Gabriel's flat that evening. Looking unusually homey in an apron, Gabriel was in the kitchen.

Can you cook? Startled, Evelyn began.

Gabriel lit up with a smile. "I felt a peaceful evening in would be nice. I also had to chat to you about something crucial."

A knot in Evelyn's gut tightened. Seated at the dining table, she watched Gabriel through the last of the food preparation.

Gabriel snatched her hand in his as soon as they sat down to dinner. You are aware that I have to make a decision on London before tomorrow, Evelyn.

Evelyn gave a stiff sneer. You know.

Gabriel drew a big breath. "My choice is now made. I'm going to take the deal.

Even if Evelyn had anticipated this, her heart plummeted. Seems to me.

Squeezing her hand, Gabriel said, "But there's more." "Evelyn, please come with me. I have been researching options for you in London, and one at a well-known company is exactly what you need. The director there expressed great interest in meeting with you when I spoke with them.

Stunned was Evelyn. For me, you did all that?

Gabriel nodded, real eyes. I want to hang onto you, Evelyn. Not professionally nor personally. In London, we can start over together. What say you?

Evelyn's thoughts rushed. The offer enticed, but it also meant leaving behind all she knew. I need to give it some thought.

With a sympathetic look, Gabriel said. Give yourself plenty of time. I promise to support you no matter what you decide."

Dreams were exchanged and peaceful talk occupied the remainder of the evening. Later that evening as they lay together, Evelyn could feel the decision's weight bearing down on her. Starting anew in a new city was intimidating, but the idea of living without Gabriel was intolerable.

Evelyn slipped out of bed early the following morning to go for a stroll and relax. Thoughts of her life, her work, and her love for Gabriel raced through the peaceful streets. By the time she got back to Gabriel's flat, she had decided.

When she entered, Gabriel was in the kitchen brewing coffee. Smiled, he said, "Morning."

Evelyn said, "Morning," drawing in a long breath. I've chosen.

Setting down his drink, Gabriel focused entirely on her. As well?

Evelyn responded, "I'll go with you to London," her voice steady. I'm ready for a new experience and I want to be with you."

Gabriel grinned relievedly. I am the happiest man alive now, Evelyn."

They embraced, exuberant about the future and at ease. But as soon as they began organizing their relocation, things at work got more difficult.

Feeling her power eroding, Isabella planned a number of moves to weaken Evelyn's standing. She caught everyone off surprise when she revealed a significant change in the project schedule during a pivotal meeting.

Two weeks must be added to the program, Isabella said. "Everyone will have to step up and make sure we hit the new deadlines."

Evelyn and Gabriel looked at one other worried. Almost hard was this new schedule. "This is a really big change, Isabella. It might lower the calibre of the project and tax our resources."

There was an icy smile from Isabella. "I am quite sure about the skills of our group. Anyone who feels they cannot manage the strain should speak up right now."

Gabriel's jaw fixed. Resolved, he said, "We'll make it work." But in the process, we must watch out that we don't burn out our staff."

Evelyn was determined and frustrated at the same time when the conference ended. Isabella obviously wanted to drive her to the breaking point with her action. Evelyn, though, was not going to back down.

When they were going over their plan later that evening, Gabriel glanced at Evelyn worried. "This new timetable is going to be brutal."

I know, Evelyn said. "But Isabella cannot win. We need to band together and demonstrate to her that we can manage."

Gabriel nodded, his regard for Evelyn deepening. I agree with you. It will pass. Collaboratively.

Late nights and laser-like concentration characterized the following several weeks. Evelyn and Gabriel worked nonstop, sometimes taking a few hours of sleep at the office before starting over. Though the mutual challenge strengthened their bond, there was obvious tension.

Evelyn's friend Claire called one evening as they were finishing up another exhausting day.

"Evelyn, you need to rest," Claire said. "You seem beat."

Sighing, Evelyn said, "I know, Claire." We are, nevertheless, quite near to the finish. Now is not the time to stop."

Claire lowered her voice. Give me your word that you will look after yourself. Should you require anything, I'm here."

With a rush of appreciation for her friend's help, Evelyn murmured, "Thank you, Claire."

When the deadline drew near, hostilities flared. Calling an urgent meeting, Isabella was haughty.

Looking at Evelyn, she said, "I have some concerns about the progress." "I'm afraid we won't make the new deadlines because we're behind schedule."

Standing her ground was Evelyn. Isabella, we are quite conscious of the difficulties. We are delivering on schedule since our staff works nonstop."

Isabella furled her eyebrows. "Hopefully so. For any missed deadline would be interpreted as a lack of leadership."

Gabriel spoke up, forceful as usual. "We have a competent and committed group. We're going to make the deadlines."

Evelyn had a rush of tiredness after the meeting was over. Even with the tremendous pressure, she was resolved to disprove Isabella.

Gabriel glanced at Evelyn worriedly that evening as they discussed their progress. "You're overcharging yourself."

I have to, Gabriel, Evelyn said. "Failing is not an option."

Gabriel scooped her up. "We are not going to quit. Still, you have to look after yourself. We need the finest of you."

Evelyn nodded, glad for his encouragement. It will. I like having you here with me.

The last week was an avalanche of activity. Working with an inspiring degree of focus and resolve, the team pulled together. Evelyn and Gabriel hardly left the office as the deadline approached; they slept in shifts and fueled themselves with coffee and willpower.

Evelyn had a surge of exhaustion the night before the deadline. Looking at Gabriel, who was going over the finished presentation, she said. Admittedly, "I don't know if I can keep my eyes open."

Warm eyes, Gabriel grinned. You did a fantastic job, Evelyn. We have a little while farther to go."

Evelyn gave a nod, determined now. Working into the night, they polished their presentation. Retired but content, they sat back as morning broke.

With a relief-filled voice, Evelyn replied, "We did it."

Gabriel took her hand with proud eyes. We carried it out. Evelyn, you have my sincere pride.

There was obvious anxiety when they showed the board their final work the following day. While Evelyn observed with a critical eye, Isabella was tranquil. She believed in their work since they had given it their all.

There was quiet after the presentation. Subtly approving, the board members then started to nod. Though Isabella's face was incomprehensible, Evelyn could sense the irritation in her eyes.

Grateful, the board chairman got to his feet. Superior effort. The project will be a huge success."

Evelyn and Gabriel gave one other a triumphant glance. Had they done it? Evelyn experienced exhilaration and relief as they left the boardroom.

We made it, she replied, looking at Gabriel.

Grinning broadly, Gabriel embraced her firmly. 'I never gave it a second thought.

Evelyn experienced a sense of achievement and optimism for the future as they emerged of the building together. Their obstacles had only strengthened them as a pair and as a team.

They realized, meanwhile, that their adventure was only getting started as they anticipated their new life in London. Though there were many unknowns in the future, they were prepared to confront them together.

Evelyn got an email alert later that evening as they were enjoying their achievement in Gabriel's apartment. With a startled widening of her eyes, she opened it.

It is what? Seeing her look, Gabriel asked.

"It's from the London firm," excitedly said Evelyn. "They made me a formal job offer. You and I are heading to London."

Joy lighted up Gabriel's face. That's fantastic, Evelyn!"

Excited about what was ahead, they embraced. Their trip was just getting started, they realized as they gazed out at the metropolitan skyline.