G U A R D E D | Tom Hiddleston

P A R T 2 | Chapter 23

Are you death or Paradise?
Now you'll never see me cry
There's just no time to die.

"What?" I finally whispered, he then avoided my gaze.

"It's not professional to be in love with the ones you work with. You should know." He said.

"I can't believe you are throwing that in my face" I whispered again, not wanting to be heard or to cause a scene.

"Well it's true. I saw what the situation with Tom did to you. I don't want to go through that myself" he said but still avoided looking at me.

"So then you're resigning because i do not love you, or chose you" I nodded.

"I'm resigning because it is stupid feelings that are getting in the way of me and my career" he corrected me.

"You won't be needing me anymore, anyhow. You're going to go on to live your perfect little married life with Tom, you're going to get much higher security so I am no longer needed" he snapped his head towards me.

A tear rolled down my cheek. "Stephen" I said quietly not wanting to sob.

"What?" He asked me, sounding annoyed as hell.

"Who set up this meeting?" I asked him.

He sighed "Does it matter?" He asked me.

"Yes" I flatly answered him.

"I did, I did as soon as Tom told me his intentions with you. It's been a while, I just never had the guts to go through with this so called meeting. But now I know it is necessary" he admitted.

"So what you mean to tell me is that you're making this decision solely based on my personal feelings and choices?" I asked him getting annoyed myself.

"Exactly" he nodded.

"Then maybe this is unprofessional" I said then looked down at my hands.

"I have the paper work of my resignation" Stephen said holding his hand out as a waiter placed a Manila folder in his hand. The waiter looked at me sadly then walked away.

He opened the folder and tossed it so that it would land in front of me, where a dinner plate would usually be. He also tossed a pen just to fuel the fire.

"Don't bother" I said then closed his folder.

I stood up and he followed "what do you mean, i need you to sign that or I won't be released of your ball and chain" he snapped causing people to look over at us.

"I said don't bother because I'm going to be letting go of you. So no paperwork needs to be filed. You're more than welcomed to pick up your things and leave" I said to him then flipped open the manilla folder with my index finger to see he already had a job backing up his resignation from me.

"And to me it seems you better get packing. Your next job starts Monday" I said then grabbed my bag and walked away.

"Misty!" Stephen shouted from behind me but I kept walking. I brought my phone up to my ear as I called my father to pick me up. I was in tears by now. My best friend, the man who has been at my side at my absolute worst, was leaving. Not only that but he had the audacity to drag me through the mud.

"I still need you to sign this" Stephen said as he pulled my wrist that wasn't holding my phone. I looked at him pointedly, thats when my father picked up.

"Colin, honey, what's wrong?" He asked 

"Dad can you pick me up, I'm at .."

"Give me the phone" Stephen demanded as I read out the address to the restaurant.

"You don't work for me, you don't give me orders now step back" I snapped.

"Wait what?" My dad asked over the phone "never mind. Tell me when I get there" he then hung up. I stuck my phone in my pocket.

"I am not signing anything Stephen because I fired you. Now leave me alone" I said then turned on my heal to step back inside the restaurant.

I walked towards the host "Hi I'm Mystique" I said to him but before I could get another word out he smiled. "What can i do for you, Miss Misty?" He asked.

"A former employee of mine is harassing me and won't leave me alone may I request that he be removed off the premises?" I asked him without turning around.

"Former? It happened like two seconds ago!" Stephen shouted behind me.

It was like a nightmare what was happening. I always have had to say goodbye to everyone in my life. But never did I think I was going to have to bid a goodbye to Stephen. He was my rock.

"I-I'm sorry Stephen. If Misty is feeling unsafe. It is our duty to prevent that from happening" the host said bringing out his walkie talkie.

"Do not call Security!" Stephen pointed at The Host.

But he did it anyways.

"Misty. Don't do this. Let's talk" Stephen grabbed my wrist. I snatched my wrist back, utterly offended that he had the audacity to be the victim.

"Talk about what? You didn't let me talk. You didn't want to talk before. Before putting in paper work before even bringing it to my attention. Like, God, Stephen. You didn't even give me a warning!" I was completely losing it now. But he remained quiet. Security walked past me to grab Stephen to escort him out.

"Wait. No. I need to talk to her" Stephen said.

"Would you like to hide out in the kitchen, Miss Misty, I'll personally be your escort until your ride arrives" the host said nudging me to walk towards the kitchen. I quietly nodded then began to walk.

Behind me I could hear Stephen attempt to bargain with the securities. He was also attempting to make them believe that this was all a joke. And i wish it was a joke. How is it that my life seems to be coming together but fall apart at the same time?