Chapter 44: Chapter 44

Chapter 44:

The weekend’s leisure meant Eileen had no commitments to the company. She slept until late morning, stirred only by Bailee’s call. They made plans to visit Ruby at the hospital later today.

After the call, Eileen lay looking at the blank canvas of her ceiling, the events of the previous evening escaping her. Fragments of memory lingered, just the sour-sweet taste of grape and grapefruit cocktails, their pleasant burn a ghost on her palate.

Pain jolted her as she tried to sit up. Grimacing, she eased back down.

“You’re awake?” Bryan’s voice was casual.

Eileen’s gaze landed on him. He was comfortably nested in a bean bag chair, his attention captured by the laptop’s screen.

Ignoring the soreness protesting with each movement, Eileen rose. “Mr. Dawson, have you had breakfast yet?”

“No. Waiting on takeout,” Bryan replied, putting aside the laptop and standing up. Looking at her, he added gently, “Remember, we’re not at work now.”

He was clearly displeased by her addressing him formally as “Mr. Dawson.” Eileen just took some clothes and went to the bathroom to change without a word.

Vivian’s stinging admonitions echoed in her thoughts, a bitter reminder of the gap between her and Bryan. It was a reality check against any daydreams that might have taken root.

The doorbell’s chime interrupted the silence. Eileen decided to handle it.

Descending the stairs, she opened the door. Roderick, with a goofy grin, pulled down his mask. “Hey, is Mr. Dawson at your place?”

Feel inspired by ga ln o vels . com The receipt in Eileen’s hand displayed Bryan’s details. Eileen said, “Yeah, he is. Is this your new job?”

Roderick peered past her, lowering his voice. “I won’t step inside; I don’t want to embarrass you. When I saw it was your address, I took this order right away!”

Accepting the delivery, Eileen lingered on Roderick’s disheveled state. “Hang on for a second,” she said.

Returning, she handed him a couple of cold beverages. “Stay hydrated, okay? Tough work, but it pays. Save what you can; it might help kick-start something of your own.”

Roderick, with a nod of affirmation, caught something odd in Eileen’s appearance. “Are you okay, Eileen? Your eyes are a bit red and swollen,” he said.

“It’s nothing, just a rough night’s sleep,” Eileen assured him, though she recalled the morning’s puffiness—a souvenir of last night’s excesses. What exactly had happened after the drinks was still a blur.

Roderick paused, uncertainty lining his features. “Is anyone giving you a hard time?”

Eileen met his gaze, reassured by the concern that was a constant in his eyes. “No, it’s nothing like that,” she replied.

Appreciative of his thoughtfulness, she gave him a nod. “You’d better get going—you’re busy, right?”

Roderick acknowledged and swiftly departed on his electric bike, continuing with his deliveries.

Eileen then turned to lay out an inviting breakfast spread. As Bryan descended, she said without looking at him, “Go wash up, then come eat breakfast.”

Bryan complied, joining her soon after. The table boasted an array of morning fare; Bryan had ordered a lot. After all, Eileen was exhausted from the night. Bryan was worried she wouldn’t have enough to eat.

As they ate, Eileen broached the day’s schedule. “Are you planning to go to the company later? There’s a meeting…”

“Tell me when you’re heading out.” Her question hinted at curiosity for his departure time.

“I’ll escort you to the hospital later. Then I’ll head to the office. Expect me to pick you up in the evening. We’ve got that event,” Bryan said. Then, after a moment’s reflection, he inquired, “Anyone you know staying at the hospital?”

“Yeah,” Eileen replied tersely, not wanting to say much. After all, she felt guilty.

But Bryan’s concern broke through. “Who? Is it serious? How have I never heard you mention it?”

Eileen paused, a piece of bread halfway to her mouth, then slowly chewed and swallowed before she could answer. The word landed heavily between them, and Bryan fell into a pensive silence, recalling her tears from the night before.

Meal finished, Eileen busied herself with the cleanup, stowing away leftovers. By the time the table was clear, noon was casting its shadow. She slipped into something casual, ready for the day ahead.

En route, Bryan made stops—a fruit shop for a colorful selection and a mall for health supplements. It wasn’t until they reached the hospital that Eileen realized the items were intended for Ruby.

“It might not be appropriate,” she began, reluctance coloring her tone.

Bryan’s expression tightened as he set the gifts down. “What’s wrong with it? It’s normal for a boss to support their employee’s family in times of illness, especially given the nature of our relationship now.”

Their relationship? What did he mean by that?

Eileen remained silent, her isolation a palpable force Bryan could no longer overlook, echoing the discord sown by Vivian’s words.

With a sigh that carried more than air, Bryan’s voice grew gentler. “Eileen, there’s no need to keep your distance from me. It’s futile.”

With those parting words, he retreated to his car and drove off, leaving Eileen alone with a mix of relief and reluctance.

Sighing, she admitted to herself the challenge of maintaining distance. After all, walking away from what was familiar was never simple.

Entering the ward with the fruits and supplements, Bailee was taken aback by the unexpected sight. Ruby’s expression transitioned from shock to delight.

“Are these from Huey? Is he here?” Her eyes darted to the door, hopeful.

Previously, Eileen had only ever brought modest selections of fruit. The lavish basket was clearly not her doing, leading Ruby to such an assumption.

Torn over revealing the source, Eileen hesitated. Ruby had inadvertently offered her an out.

Eileen replied, “He bought these things on his way here. But he decided not to visit. After all, we’re not officially an item!”

Ruby narrowed her eyes, a mix of disappointment and urgency in her voice. “He is a catch, Eileen. What is holding you back? Didn’t you two go to Lakedale together? And he got hurt because of you, right?”

“Yes, our paths crossed at Lakedale. His injury… It was an accident,” Eileen responded while setting aside the fruit basket and health supplements, eager to steer away from a conversation spiraling towards Huey. Seeking to redirect the focus, she turned to Bailee.

“How have things been with you at work lately?” Eileen inquired.

Bailee was eager to share her news. “Going great! I’ve actually become a formal employee ahead of time. They’ve transferred me to a secretary position on the top floor!”

Her eyes shone with excitement. “My salary bumped up by two thousand!”

Eileen’s concern showed. “A secretary position? What are your responsibilities?”

Uncertainty crept into Bailee’s voice. “I’m not quite sure yet. The notice came in just last night, and I’ll start this coming Monday.”

She paused, a frown crossing her features. “It’s just—I don’t see how it fits with my degree. Eileen, any advice?”

After a brief silence, Eileen offered some reassurance. “You’re only beginning. Expect the basics, like brewing coffee or handling paperwork. Don’t expect to see sensitive material right away—not for the first six months at least. Just take it step by step.”

Ruby chimed in, “Listen to Eileen. She’s got the know-how. Put in the effort, Bailee; learn from your sister.”

Bailee nodded, resolve strengthened by their words. The room filled with their lively exchange, the earlier topic of Huey dissolving away unnoticed.

The day wore on until Eileen’s phone rang with news from Bryan. He was already at the hospital.

“I’ve got something to do tonight, so head out; visit another time,” she said to Ruby, swiftly collecting her things to leave.

As Bailee accompanied Eileen to the elevator, her voice dropped to a whisper. “Eileen, the fruit basket, it wasn’t from Huey, right? Was it from Mr. Dawson?”

Eileen met Bailee’s gaze, a trace of astonishment on her face. “You always see right through me, don’t you?”

Bailee’s eyes narrowed, piecing together an unspoken puzzle. “But why? Does he know about Mont’s condition now? Didn’t he suspect that you’re his wife?”

Eileen dismissed it. “No.” After all, she hadn’t told him the identity of the patient she was visiting.

Switching subjects, she warned, “When you start at the office, Kian will be around. Just be cautious.”

Bailee nodded with a determined glint in her eyes. “Don’t worry. I know what I’m doing. And if it doesn’t sit right, I have no problem walking away.” She knew that if Kian’s presence at work ever became a threat, she wouldn’t hesitate to leave.

Bailee bid her farewell as the elevator doors closed. Stepping out of the hospital, Eileen found Bryan by the roadside, casually leaning against the car with a cigarette in hand. Spotting Eileen, he drew one last drag before crushing the cigarette out and discarding it.

He swung the passenger door open. “Get in,” he said, his voice leaving no room for discussion. Then, without another word, he strode to the driver’s side.

Feeling weary, Eileen didn’t protest. She settled into the seat and buckled up. “What’s the plan?”

“We’re celebrating Vivian’s birthday at a hotel. Might head to D.V. Club after. It’ll be a late night,” Bryan replied, his attention on the road as he guided the car into the flow of traffic. Partway through their journey, he paused to pick up a meal for Eileen.

Eileen hesitated before taking the food. She knew she wasn’t qualified to join this kind of dinner. She figured it was better to eat now rather than be left hungry later.

She found the aromas wafting in the car matched her preferences perfectly, though Bryan seemed to think otherwise. Nevertheless, he continued until they arrived. At a mall close by, he picked out a formal outfit for Eileen. Then they made their way to the hotel.

During the drive, a call from Stella had come, her anger barely contained even through the muffled sounds. Eileen could hear Bryan’s face tighten, a wordless end to the call marking his frustration.

The birthday event was small, not the lavish affair one might expect. A select few private rooms had been arranged, hosting a mix of Vivian’s friends and members of influential families.

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