Loss and Love

The Project

EMILY’s POV.

“Do you think your parents’ relationship is affecting yours?” Anita asked.

I was quiet for some time and there was an awkward silence between the both of us.

Does my parents’ relationship affect mine?

My mind slowly drifted to scenes of my father and mother, always fighting and arguing over material things. My dad always wanted to be in control, he wanted everything for himself . And mother, she wanted enough so she could show off to her friends, and brag about the material things she owned.

“Earth to Emily, Earth to Emily are you there?” Anita’s voice brought me out of my thoughts.

“Yeah..sorry I got lost in the thoughts.” I said, and let out a small smile.

“I am sorry about that, I guess my questions are a bit intrusive.” Anita apologized.

“No, it is okay Anita. I am sure you meant no harm.” I said, a small smile on my face.

“I just want to make sure you do not go down the wrong path in your search for a life partner. I understand you need someone who can be there for you at all times, but you have to forget about the material things attached to the person.” Anita said, her voice laced with concern.

Staring at the computer screen, I saw my boyfriend’s face. He was smiling happily, and I was with him.

But the smiles looked so fake, just two people pretending that they are happy with each other.

“Was I really forcing him to be someone he is not? Did I trouble him so much he is forcing himself to be rich? Are my demands a bit too overwhelming?”

Walking across the room , Anita gently placed her hand on my shoulder, “Do not worry, I am sure you can work something out.”

“Thanks girl, I have to go.” I said , standing up, I grabbed my purse and left the office.

“Where to ma’am?” My driver asked.

“My boyfriend’s office.” I said, and sat in the back seat of the car.

The driver turned on the ignition and my car roared to life. Leaning on the backseat, I closed my eyes.

The ride was smooth and soon I fell asleep.

“Ma’am, ma’am.” My driver softly called out trying to wake me.

“Yes” I said, opening my eyes.

“Where are we?” I asked , still feeling groggy.

“We are at your boyfriend’s office ma’am.” My driver said.

Looking outside the car’s window I saw that we were in the VIP parking lot of my boyfriend’s company.

“Thank you.” I said, and stepped out of the door. Taking the private elevator to my boyfriend’s office, I gently knocked on his door .

“Come in.” A voice said.

With a wide smile on my face, I walked into his office.

“Baby...” He said, somehow agitated.

His voice and body language showed that something was wrong,”I came to surprise you but looks like you are busy.”

“No, no , not all at babe. I can never be busy for my princess.” He said, placing a kiss on my forehead.

“What are you doing here?” He asked.

Taking my seat, I scanned his desk with my eyes . It was covered in disorganized files.

“Can’t a lady come to her boyfriend’s ?” I asked.

“Well.. that is not what I meant. It is the first time you are here and I know how tight your schedule is.” He said,trying to provide some justification for his question.

“I missed my boyfriend so I cleared my schedule to come spend some time with him.” I smiled warmly as I spoke.

“Aww, babe. How sweet.” He said and his eyes darted to the files on his desk.

“I am sorry about this..I am a bit busy right now.” He said, a guilty smile on his face.

“Ohh...it’s okay. I can sit here and watch you work. After all, a man is the most handsome when he is working.” I tried to put him a ease.

Walking across the room, he placed a kiss on my forehead and cheeks,”Thanks babe.”

“What are you working on Richard?” I asked.

His face suddenly became drawn and pale, confirming my suspicions that something was wrong.

Richard hesitated, then said, “it is nothing just the normal work stuff.” He said, but something in his voice gave him away. It was more than that.

“Why don’t you want to tell me what is really going on?” I pressed ,my worry growing.

Richard sighed, running his hand through his hair. “It is just...complicated, I am not sure how to explain it.”

I could tell that he was holding something back, and my curiosity was piqued. “Please, just try.”

He hesitated, then began to speak, and his words came in a rush.

“There is this project I have been working on. It..it’s not going as planned . And there are some risks and minor complications involved. I just do not know what to do. I do not want to drag you into this, but I also do not know who else to turn to.”

My mind was racing. What kind of project was he taking about? What does he seem so worried.

“Can you at least tell me what it is about!” I asked.

“I ...I can not. I am sorry but it is too risky and I do not want you to worry yourself.” He said, looking at me? His eyes full of conflict.

I felt a surge of frustration. I wanted to help him but he is being so vague, and I was starting to get angry.

“I can not help you if you won’t tell me what is happening. You are so worried and I am not just going sit here and let you go through this alone. We are supposed to be in this together.”

However he remained quiet,he only looked at me but not a single word came out of his mouth.

He got a notification and as he read it, his eyes went wide with shock.

I grew frustrated by every passing second, what was he hiding from me?