Out of the Shadows ✔️ [Completed] [Book One]

Chapter 49

Work is mercifully busy and I gladly throw myself back into the long, gruelling hours I used to work. Although I continue to live in this everlasting darkness, I start to feel like I could get used to it. That I could somehow learn to rebuild the wall around my heart ... not that there is anything really left to protect.

He's never far away from my thoughts if I even give myself a second to think. So I choose not to and keep my mind occupied at all times. I avoid sleep as much as possible because each time I close my eyes I see the hurt in his eyes when I slapped him. Then starts a vicious circle in my mind that feels like it will drive me crazy. It begins with guilt for not listening to him, then anger at me for feeling guilty, then anger at him for turning up when his guilt got too much, then more anger at him for ending it, then back to my guilt for not listening because at least I would have answers now. I want so badly just to hate him. It would be so much simpler.

We are meeting with a new potential client this week, so thankfully there is lots of work to be done. I'm able to fully immerse myself in preparing everything ready for the pitch, so I don't have to think about him.

Helen is very excited about the pitch. Apparently the directors of the new company have asked that I be involved by name, which is a huge compliment. On the evening before the presentation we prepare well into the night and I'm only too happy to work the overtime.

After my morning run I give myself a little pep talk and decide to wear the grey fitted suit I bought months ago that fit so perfectly. But, I must have lost a little weight since then because when I look in the mirror it doesn't look as good as I remember.

While I stand there the memories rise up of wearing this suit the first time I met Daniel. His shy smile and the look on his handsome face when we both reached for the same bottle of champagne. Oh God... the champagne! I forgot about him placing the champagne in the back of my car without me knowing. Just breathe I remind myself.

The pain threatens to overwhelm me. But, instead of falling apart again, I quickly change into a fitted red shift dress and black jacket.

I walk to the tube wrapped up in my winter coat and thick scarf on this beautiful crisp winter morning. I glance round at all the other commuters going about their usual routines. I love that no one really pays attention to anyone else on the tube. This way I can easily pretend for a while that I'm functioning like a normal person.

The presentation is scheduled for 9.30am, so I run through my pitch again while Helen greets the directors. Helen has already met two of them and they sounded keen to use us so she is on her best behaviour.

My personal assistant informs me that they have all arrived now, so they are ready whenever I am. I straighten my dress and walk confidently into our meeting room. The four men stand to greet me and I give my full attention to each person in turn.

The fourth man is just pouring himself a cup of coffee on the far side of the room while I speak to his colleagues. Once I have made my introductions, I walk over to last man to introduce myself and my blood immediately freezes in my veins ... it is Ed.

He looks immaculate as usual in a fitted black pinstripe suit. He is wearing a light grey shirt and plain black tie. His hair is groomed to perfection and he is clean shaven. He is clearly here to impress, but I see beneath the gentlemanly facade to the monster that he really is.

He grins devilishly at me and takes my outstretched hand before I can pull it back. He grips my hand with his, then uses the other to gently caress the outside of my hand. I wrench my arm from his grip.

The other men are in conversation with Helen, so I'm thankful they are not able to witness the shock and disgust on my face. He leans in close to my ear so I'm the only one who can hear him.

"I told you that you would see me again Elizabeth. I'm so looking forward to working closely with you... to spending some real quality time together." As the others look over he smiles innocently and talks louder. "It's a pleasure to meet you Ms Cooper; I've heard such wonderful things about you." He takes a sip of his coffee with a smug grin on his face. He walks over to return to the group and leaves me standing there traumatized.

Helen looks over to me and is clearly confused that I have not taken any action to start the presentation. "Are you ready to begin Lizzie?" She asks and fires a warning look at me.

"Y-y-yes." I stumble over the word and pick up my folder, but my hands are shaking too much to grip it properly. I drop it clumsily on the floor. Papers cascade around my feet and I freeze for a second. Helen bends to pick everything up and looks at me questioningly.

"I just need a minute." I whisper to her and pour myself a glass of water. She nods back at me, completely unaware of the devil in the room.

"OK gentleman before we begin I've met Martin and David before, but you two gentleman have Lizzie and I at a disadvantage." Helen is thankfully trying to buy me some time.

"I'm Paul Anderson. I am a director and shareholder."  Helen then turns her attention to Ed.

"I'm Edward Mathers and I'm a director." He doesn't look fazed at revealing who he is and smiles at Helen as he speaks. I imagine that he would never believe that I would confide in my boss about my sordid past. Helen's eyes widen when she connects my reaction to his name and suddenly realises who he is.

"I understand what is going-" I cut her off. This campaign is too important to let a piece of shit like him take it from me.

"I'm ready now Helen. Sorry about that gentleman. Welcome to HCM Services Limited. I'm Lizzie Cooper and I'm here to explain why we are the marketing company for all your business needs." For the first time in my life I feel like I don't care what anyone thinks of me. I'll be damned if Ed thinks he is going to destroy my career and my reputation.

I know I am good at my job, so I ensure I present the pitch of my life. I take satisfaction in the fact that I've wiped the smug grin off his stupid face. I make eye contact with each of the men in front of me, including Ed to let him know that this is my domain and I'm in control. The other three directors look impressed with the presentation. However, I'm thrilled to see that Ed is seething by the redness of his complexion and that he has not won his little game to make me look a fool.

While they leave Ed takes the opportunity to take a final dig at me when he shakes my hand.

"Nice presentation, but you can't keep that act up my darling." He grins before leaning closer to me. "I hear that Daniel Weston finally finished with you. You should have listened to me Elizabeth. Shame on you, my love." Ed laughs, but all I hear is how desperate he sounds. I keep my face neutral and professional while he talks. Really I want to punch him in the face again. Put into practice what Daniel's personal trainer taught me, like the heel of my hand to the underside of his nose – but I won't give him the satisfaction.

Once they have gone Helen closes the door and rushes to my side.

"I'm so sorry. I had no idea. I don't know how you just did that, you were fantastic." She embraces me and I hug her back.

"Please don't worry about it. If I've learnt anything over this last year it's that I'm not scared of him. I can handle him now."

"I'm going to call a meeting with Martin and David and explain the situation. I refuse to work with that man. How dare he come here and be so brazen." She pauses. "You certainly did handle him, there was steam coming out of his ears at the end. I thought he was going to explode. Now, lets go and get some lunch with a nice cold bottle of wine ... my treat."

- hey! So, Ed has reappeared - what do you think of how Lizzie handled him?

Can't wait to hear your comments and please tick the little star -