The Billionaire's Pursuit

JL 22

She was waiting for him in the office. Usually he arrives before eight in the morning but today ,there is no sign of him.

The moment their plane has touched the ground he got back to his calls and rushed to exit the airport. He didn't say a word to her all this while and left her alone at her apartment. Without leting her know what was going on. She tried to ask him many time, but he would shut her down with reciving calls or sending emails. He spoke in such angry hushed tone, she couldn't even make a guess as to what was going on. She has tried to call him many times during this time,but his phone has been switched off. She even took courage and went to his place, but he was nowhere to be found. She stood outside his penthouse for couple of hours, but there was no sign of him. She learned from the watch that he hasn't been in for a while.

She didn't know what was going on with him. They've had such a great time, right uptil that dreaded phone call which has changed everything. She left his place disheartened and decided the best place to get hold of him would be in the office.

At last, the door flew open and gave some hope to Emma, to get her answers. But it was all in vain, as he was not alone. He came with all the heads of department and Ethan was also along with him, all of them were looking glum, making her more anxious.

He didn't even glanced at her and walked past to his office. Emma didn't know what to make of it. But Ethan came to her quietly and said gravely "You'll need to stay strong for this storm."

Before she could ask him or make sense of what he has said, he patted her shoulder and quickly went to Adian's cabin. This made Emma stress even more, as to what could his words mean. She didn't do anything wrong, so what did he mean by it and he is a person who doesn't joke around.

Something terrible must have happened for them to behave in such a way. But still, it does not justify the way Adian is behaving. He could have shared his troubles with her, after all they are more than employer and employee. When all this is over she'll give him good, for his childish behaviour.

Through out the day Emma didn't get a chance to speak with him. It was like a tornado of meetings. People were just rushing in and out of his office, it was like a competition going on, who'll look more glum exiting Adian's cabin.

The day was finally coming to an end, but it didn't seem so in his office, even Ethan hasn't come out yet. They didn't even came out for lunch. Adian just buzzed her to get some sandwiched along with hard coffee.

Around seven in the evening the rush has trickled down a bit, an hour or so later Ethan came out with grave expression on his face.

He quietly came up to her and said "You need to stay strong, Em. No matter how strong the strom is." Before she could ask him anything, her buzzer rang indicating that Adian is calling her.

Ethan just squeeze her shoulder and guestured her to go in fast and left the office with bowed head, lost deep in his thoughts.

Emma took some deep breaths, shrugged her shoulder, put a serene look on her face, preparing herself to face Adian. She has never seen him behaving in such a cold manner, not even on her first day when his temper was at the highest peak. Whatever it is, it's not looking too good. If she is to go by Ethan's words, a disaster was waiting to occur, the moment she enters that door. This was an unknown battle and she was wasn't going to give up just because of fear. Clearing up mind from all the thoughts, she quietly knocked his door and entered without waiting for him to call her in. After all he buzzed her and would be expecting her.

She couldn't take a proper look at him when he came in the morning. But now, she did, his hair was standing in all directions as if he has been running his fingers through them, there were dark circles under his eyes and his face supported a stubble.

Before she could ask him anything he said "Emma, take these papers and mail it,then you can leave for the day." She was perplexed at his statement. Why was he treating her as an employee.

"Its ok Adian. I can wait for you as long as it'll take. But, now, can you please tell me what is going on? what has happened to make you stress out so much?" Her nervousness was visible in her tone.

Adian looked at her for a while as if trying to find something there. But for the life of her, Emma didn't know what he was searching. If only he'll tell her, maybe then she can help him.

"Just an old project, don't worry. I don't know how long it'll take me." He tried to put a smile on his face. "I'll feel better if you go back to your place." Saying it, he again started tapping on his laptop without giving her a glance.

Not knowing what to do anymore she quietly left the room. He has never treated her in such a manner. It seemed as if he didn't even want to see her face. Even though, if it was due to some project he could have shared it with her, not dismissing her like a regular employee.

She didn't know what to do.

She thought it was best to give him some time alone. Maybe it's just that he has been stressed and she is making it out more than it really seem to be.