Wife for Hire

Chapter 27

(Karmen) 
    I stood on the elevator, the tears falling freely at this point. I didn’t know what to say or what to do even. My hand still stung from punching that bitch and my heart still hurt so bad, from everything with Jason, that at this point I was just tired. The elevator doors opened and I climbed off, there was no way I could face Jason’s father like this and there was no way that I could go back into that crowd of people like this either. I stepped to the side and kicked my shoes off before walking over to the lobby and requesting a car. I stood there for a moment, confused. I had nowhere to go. I didn’t want to go back to Jason’s and Maxine and Joe were both at work and I refused to wait outside for either of them dressed like this. 
    “Karmen, is everything okay?” I looked up to see Derek standing there, concern written all over his face. Derek had been the only one that’s been honest with me the entire time that I had been here. Seeing him for some reason, triggered something in me and I broke down officially this time. I could no longer hold myself up on two legs, I began to collapse, but Derek rushed the rest of the way before catching me. 
    “Karmen! What’s wrong? Are you hurt?!” He yelled. I shook my head and wrapped my arms around his neck. He picked me up, bridal style and began looking me over. 
    “Get me out of here.” I whispered. He looked me over once again before nodding and began carrying me out of the hotel. 

(Jason) 

    I stared at Emily on the ground, screaming about her eye, before throwing my jacket over her and running down the stairs. The elevator hadn’t reached the ground floor yet, maybe I could stop her on another floor. 
    I got to the ninth floor before running out and hitting the elevator button, but when it opened she wasn’t there. I cursed. Where the hell was she? The elevator couldn’t move that fast. Maybe she was on the stairs? I ran back out to the stairs and shouted for her as I made my way down. When I got no response, I knew she was gone. 
    I made it out to the lobby and looked around for any sign of her there. There was none. I walked over to the receptionist desk, pushing a couple people out of the way. 
    “Have you seen my wife? She was really upset when she came through here, wearing a gold dress, her hair was long and in curls, swept to the side?” They all shook her head. I smacked the desk and ran back inside the gala, looking everywhere. When I didn’t see her I climbed on stage to get a better look, when that still didn’t work, I pushed the singer out of the way and looked in the crowd again. 
    “Karmen,” I said into the microphone. “Karmen, please come back and let me explain. It was all a misunderstanding.” I said, I waited for a response, but got nothing. 
    “Jason. What the hell are you doing?!” My dad hissed from off stage. I looked through the crowd again and when I didn’t see anyone walking in the opposite direction I sighed. She must already be gone. I turned to walk off stage at this point I felt completely and utterly lost. She was the best thing that had ever happened to me and now she was gone. My dad looked pissed at first when he saw me, but then his gaze softened. 
    “Son, what’s wrong?” He asked, patting me gently on the back. I shook my head. She was gone. I lost her, she was gone. How was I supposed to get her back? Would she even want to come back? I know that it was all a misunderstanding, but I also know my reputation. The fact that she thought this was all an act said enough. What am I supposed to do? 
    “I messed up dad.” I said. I had been trying to fight the tears for a minute now and now they were falling. My dad looked around backstage and got rid of any prying eyes as we went into the dressing room. I told him everything, I told him about the idea, the contract, living with her, falling for her, my elaborate plan for tonight, everything. He sat there and listened until I was done and I waited. 
    “Well, I suspected something like that had happened.” He said. I looked at him with surprise. 
    “Really?”  He laughed and shook his head. 
    “Son, a girl like that choosing you naturally? No, you’re too spoiled, I figured there was some type of agreement that turned into something more. As for Emily, that was my fault. I’m sorry that I pushed this idea into her head for so long. I shouldn’t have pushed her on you so hard.” He said. It was my turn to shake my head. 
    “I know you just wanted the best for me dad. Maybe I shouldn’t have fought it. That would have been way better than causing Karmen this kind of pain.” My dad shook his head and pulled me into a hug. 
    “Son, it was a misunderstanding, she’s upset right now. Give her some time, some space and then try and explain it again. I’m sure everything will work out just fine. She still loves you.” I nodded and he stood. 
    “As for Emily, I’ll take care of her. Calling my daughter in law the help.” I smiled at how much he cared about Karmen and watched as he left the room. Wherever Karmen was right now, I hope that she’s safe and that someone is with her. All I could do was take my dad’s advice and wait.