Temptress

46|Goodbye

*chapter song included*

Elliot's POV

I sat behind my desk and stared blankly at the financial report.

Guilt was eating me up on the inside.

I just wanted to say something that would hurt her. I just wanted her to feel how I felt.

But it backfired terribly.

Even after burying her father, she still allowed me to interrupt her mourning and harass her body without any complaints.

I sighed out of frustration as yesterday's events replayed in my head.

Why didn't I just let it go? I should've just forgiven her then and there.

I wish I could go back, just for a moment, and make a different choice.

I'd say things differently—I'd be more careful, more thoughtful.

I would tell her that I do want to give us a second chance, but I'm afraid to trust her again.

But it's too late now. The damage is already done.

Flashbacks of the way her eyes filled with tears as she watched me, reappeared.

I thought it would satisfy me to see her hurt, but it didn't. It only ached my heart more.

My heart ached more because I knew that she deserved to be happy more than anyone in this world.

All the shit she's been through and I tried to hurt her even more.

I'm an asshole.

I knew that she already blamed herself for some things that had nothing to do with her.

Every time I thought about it, the frustration builds up again, and I get caught in this cycle of anger at myself and regret for what I'd done.

I know I can't change the past, but right now, that's the only thing I want to do.

I need to apologize and tell her how I really feel.

There was a knock on the door before my assistant popped in. "The new director is here to see you."

I nodded before motioning for her to send him in.

A short, bald man in an expensive tailored suit walked in.

Erick Johnson, 40 years old.

"Good day, Mr. Harrington. It's a pleasure to meet you."

"Likewise," I said as I pointed to the chair in front of me. "Sit."

His file is impressive, but not as impressive as Sereia's.

They both had the same accomplishments, but the problem is that he's sixteen years older than her.

He should've had more than her by now.

The fact that she achieved all of that just so she could work here to get revenge impressed me.

He put a folder in front of me. "I've planned out everything I want to carry out for the next year. You will be the first to hear about any updates."

I looked through the folder and they were honestly good ideas.

But he wasn't her. He didn't have her ideas.

No wonder everyone was fighting to get her.

She really is one of a kind.

"Do you like them, sir?" he asked and I kept my face straight as I flipped through the pages.

I want to see her. I want to hear her voice.