The Assistant

CHAPTER 18: She's What?!

《JAMES》

It's been a couple months now since I last saw and spoke with Belle.

I couldn't believe she was in on it and didn't tell me.

I guess part of my frustration was that she made me look like a fool. I was embarrassed, hurt, pissed off, though most of the anger I was feeling was at Rob more.

After returning back, everything went almost back to normal. Well, everything except for the fact that I no longer had an assistant. It wasn't cause I let her go. I had received an email a couple weeks after I came back from her telling me that she didn't want to come back and that it was best to give in her two weeks notice.

Now, of course I didn't want her to quit. However, I was just so fucking mad at her still, that I never questioned it. I never called, email or texted her about it. About trying to make her stay.

After a month of trying to move on from her and hiring a secretary as well as going back to being the same old me, the bitter part. I had thought about Belle but focused or more like distracted myself with work.

Today, I'm sitting in my office and taking a look at some new clients that have asked for my help recently.

After putting away both Rob and his uncle, I have become far more cautious about who I pick to help.

Not that I wasn't as careful before in selecting. However, now, because of the incident that happened with them two, I have started doing deeper background checks and history of the clients.

Things are going......good. I guess.

Then I hear a knock on my door.

"Come in." I reply as I continue looking at a few emails of one of our new clients.

"Mr. Wimbleton, a man by the name of Ed, would like to speak with you. He says you know each other." My secretary, Shelley, says after opening the door.

I had to think for a moment of who Ed was and then I quickly remembered that there was only one Ed I knew. Then right as I look up at her, I see Belle's father standing beside Shelley.

I stand up and thank Shelley, then excuse her. To which as she leaves, she shuts the door behind her.

At first, we share a brief moment of awkward silence before saying anything.

"Please, take a seat." I tell him as I gesture with my hand towards one of the chairs that is across the desk from me.

I then sit down in my chair as he does in the one I gestured.

"Thank you." Ed says as he takes a seat.

"Of course. Would you like a drink?" I offer.

"No thanks. I won't be here long." He says.

"Okay. So what is....." I began but stopped after he cut me off.

"Please. I want to start off by apologizing for the behavior of my daughters and for Rob. Well, mostly for my daughters. That Rob was an asshole that I have waited so long to get rid of him. But I'm not here to talk about him. I'm here to tell you that for one thing, me nor my wife blame you for leaving. However, it wasn't until recently, that I discovered certain emails. Both of which, Monica had created. One was sent to you as Belle's resignation. The other was sent to Belle, apparently, that was meant to be from you and telling her that she no longer worked here." He pauses for a moment.

"What? I'm sorry Ed, but if this is some kind of a joke, you are wasting your time and should leave then." I tell him.

"It isn't a joke. I hadn't discovered it until Monica confessed to me the other day and even showed me what she did. She said she was upset of what happened with Rob being sent away and everything. But, she is now going to therapy, anger management and is getting some help. But the daughter I am most concerned about and has no idea that I'm even here, or what had happened with the emails and everything, is Belle. I know she should have told you about her knowledge of what Rob was planning on doing. However, I was also informed by Monica that Rob had threatened her. Threatened to ruin my business and our family. Not that any of this excuses her not telling you sooner, but I really do hope you can find it in your heart to forgive my daughter." He says the last part with pleading eyes.

"Ed, I'm not sure I can. As much as I appreciate you coming here and telling me what all happened, I just, I'm not sure." I tell him.

"I understand." He replies while nodding his head. "But there's something else that I'm going to tell you and again, I would probably be killed by Belle for saying this but, if you don't want to get back together with her, then that's none of my business. However, my unborn grandchild, needs to have have their father in their life."

As soon as he says the last part, I at first am not sure of what he had just said. So I ask him.

"What? Is Belle.....She's pregnant?" I ask him in shock and surprise while quickly feeling the wall I have rebuilt around my heart, begin to crumble down.

"Yes. She is." Ed replies. "And I didn't tell you that because she doesn't want anything from you. However, because she doesn't know yet what Monica has done, that the right thing to do would be to tell you. From a father's point of view. Man to man. I thought you should know. And know that no matter what you decide to do with that knowledge, is up to you and no one, including Belle will be upset with you. But again, just thought you should know." He finishes.

I feel like saying something but am too much in shock. She is pregnant and I didn't know about it. I'm gonna be a dad.

"Well, I need to get going. My plane leaves in an hour. Originally, I had come here cause I was visiting a friend. But it was really good seeing you again and I trust you will make the right choice. Cause believe it or not, she is still in love with you." I hear him say before standing up from the chair and starts walking towards the door.

"Ed! Thanks for telling me." I tell him after snapping myself back to reality.

He then smiles and continues to leave as I sit back down in my chair, still in shock, but yet, happy. I have to get her back.

Next chapter will be posted soon! :)