Ever growing 2

Chapter 63

How am I going to tell Mr. Samuels I'm quitting? I wanted to make sure I wouldn't cause any issues by leaving therefore I worked hard to complete my latest project last night when I got home. I stayed up all night going over every detail. The fact that I'm still standing after the stress I've been through in the past 48 hours is kind of impressive. I keep on telling myself I'll have time for myself soon so I just need to push through.

I had sent an email to Mr. Samuels, asking to meet once he'd get to Montreal. Fidgeting as I sit in my chair anxiously waiting for 10 AM, I start going over what I plan on telling him. I'm sure I'll forget everything once I get there but it keeps me mentally occupied for now. An alarm comes on my phone telling me it's time to go.

"Ella! How are you today?" He greets me. We make small talk about my husband and his wife. Then he asks me what I wanted to talk about. "First, I want you to know working for you is great. I've been doing a lot of thinking lately and I feel like I need time for myself. As you know, things have been challenging in the past year and I need to figure out what I want to do next. Again, you've been very generous and I've learned a lot from you. But I guess I'm just trying to say I'm quitting. Sorry, that was a long speech," I laugh nervously. "I wasn't expecting it and I'm saddened to be losing an amazing employee, however, I understand you need time for yourself. Do what you need to do and let me know if you ever want to join us again," He gives me a small smile. I thank him again before going to my team to announce the news.

Shock is written on everyone's faces. Another speech comes out of my mouth thanking them and reminding them how great they are. A few tears are shed from them as well as myself.

Emptying my office feels strange yet liberating. Somehow it seems to make me feel better about my decision. Max helps me carry a box with some photo frames and other personal belongings. He then brings everything into the apartment. I notice him being nervous when he enters and he quickly asks if I need anything else.

"Are you okay, Max?" I probe him. "Yes, I guess I'm still jet-lagged," He smiles. "Yeah, I'm tired too. Did you want something to drink before you go to the hotel? I won't be going anywhere else today." I'm thinking I need to go for a nap soon. "No thank you, text me if you need anything. Don't hesitate," He looks at me and turns around leaving the apartment. I know he said he's tired but ever since we left L.A. he's been acting differently.

Collapsing on my bed I fall asleep right away. I dream of Ryan, us being on a private beach cuddling. It turns into a nightmare when I now see myself walking home to find him watching the tape Jake made. He gets angry and I notice he's drinking. I wake up out of breath in a panic. It takes me a long time to control my sobs and breathing. The time reads 9 PM when I look at my phone also noticing I missed a call from Ryan. Still shaken from the dream, I decided to wait until tomorrow before calling him.

My night only brought more nightmares my way, Ryan kept on watching the video causing him so much pain. Dreaming of him being tormented was ripping my heart apart so I sat on the couch trying to stay awake until the sun showed up. My body is exhausted but I fear the nightmares.

I woke up screaming again a few hours later, I guess my body had decided to sleep. Ryan tried to call again, he even left a voicemail saying he's worried. He knew I was going to talk to Mr. Samuels yesterday but I never updated him on how it went. I miss him so much but I'm afraid if I talk to him, he'll know I had a rough night. He would most likely feel bad and want to come home.