On Edge

CHAPTER 7

Emily's POV

I pushed through the glass hospital doors, past the busy lobby flooding with patients, who were being wheeled around on wheelchairs by their guardians, some could barely walk but were managing to while some were supported by impatient nurses who threw a glare and raised their voices at them once every few seconds.

My heart thumped faster and I briskly hurried after Sam, who came to my rescue after the spectacle Sophia showcased. Now we can't get a hold of her.

Sam was leading me straight to the VIP hallway, I immediately straightened my spine and prepared my mind for Sebastian's temper and how to thaw it.

I clutched my iPad just in case I needed a counter plan.

Sam swiped the card key and the wooden door slid open, he entered but I stopped. Before I could summon the courage to step in, Sebastian opened the door. I inhaled sharply at the stone-cold look in his vacant eyes. His stubbled jaw tightened, his hair was mussed as if he had repeatedly run his hands through it, his necktie hung loosely around his neck and his eyes were sunken and glassy with grief.

At that moment he looked mighty attractive. Although I never thought about it or admitted it, today of all days. I almost laughed out loud at the absurdity of my thoughts.

I boldly tried to enter the room but he grabbed me by the arm and dragged me out to a corner, away from the hallway. I resisted the urge to pluck my arm from his tight grip.

"What happened? How is Sophia causing a ruckus when I specifically instructed you to keep an eye on her."

He said in a controlled tone.

"She snatched my keys and fled,"

"Thank you for stating the obvious. But weren't you supposed to be prepared for it?!" he gritted out. "Check the tabloids and tell me what you see. Now."

He stood watching me with guarded eyes as I nervously scrolled through the tabloid.

I gasped at the images of Sophia fighting her way into the hospital. A video of her wailing and yelling at her brother and whosoever could hear her in the lobby to allow her to see her Father. It seemed she was intoxicated. Shit, I should have suspected when she had no shoes.

I paused the video and internally cursed at my luck. When I finally looked up at Sebastian, he was borderline furious.

"Mr. Crest–"

"I gave you one job, Asher. One. Job."

"I can fix this, I promise–"

"Don't you dare promise anything, you never do your job right Emilia, you don't take your job seriously, how could you let her slip through your fingers?!"

From the way his hands are tucked in his pockets, he's struggling to keep his temper in check.

"Am sorry Sir, I'll try to track my car and find her," I swallowed.

"Make sure you bring her to me, don't waste my time Emilia,"

"Could you stop?"

Theodore cut him off. He was furious, which was unlike him.

"Theodore, not now we're having a discussion–"

"No buddy. Give it a rest man, this isn't the time nor the place for your display of ambition and the will to be in control."

"Theo–"

"We're all having a darn hard time, give it a break, Emily's got a black eye for Christ's sake, I bet you haven't even noticed."

Sebastian's gaze roamed around my face, unmoved by the discovery while I discreetly tried to hide it. I bet I looked stupid.

"Soon the media will be trooping in here, first let's get the funeral out of the way then we can discuss other things please?"

Theodore tapped his friend on the shoulder, and I watched as they both walked off, I then realized he too was emotionally exhausted, just like Sebastian was. Theo lost his Father when he was younger and Robert assumed a Father figure in his life. He truly loved him.

********

Sebastian's POV

"I think you're taking it too far with Emily," Theodore said to me as he sipped his scotch. He winced as the liquid burned his throat, he was never a drinker.

"What are you talking about?"I replied.

I sat opposite him on an armchair that had simple wooden legs.

We were back home in my room seated in the dark except for the yellow light from the lampstand on the table. At some point I lost my suit and necktie, only my white shirt remained, and I folded it up to my elbows.

My room was a combination of black and brown, my large bed was at the right corner of the room covered with black bed sheets and blankets and a brown pillow. The ash-colored curtains were opened, revealing the street lights and a view of the entire Mansion ground.

I silently sipped my scotch deep in thought while facing the flat-screen television hung in between the built-in cabinet.

"You know damn well what I'm talking about Seb."

I sighed. Theo will never let me off. He had always had a soft spot for Emily–everyone had a soft spot for Emily. For some reason, it irked me that she could easily charm everyone around me including myself, even though I would never admit to It.

"Don't you have a home?"

"Stop changing the subject, it's annoying."

"I have no reason to because there's nothing to talk about. End of discussion." Theodore scoffed as he peered down at the drink swirling in his glass and murmured, "You're a fool."

"Glad you noticed. I might as well fire her while I'm at it."

Theo's head jerked up at my words.

"You're kidding right?"

"I don't need her anymore, do I? The one who adores her is no more."

"I thought she warned you never to threaten her with such words again?"

"I'll do as I please,"

I downed my scotch in one gulp. I could feel Theodore's eyes on me.

"What?"

"You're always on edge whenever you talk about your capable personal assistant, and I have a vivid idea what it's about,"

"Quit it T, this isn't the time to fly to the moon,"

"I didn't say anything," he shrugged, "I know you're grieved and distressed about losing Robert, nonetheless you're too arrogant to show it, so now you're channeling it the only way you know how, and of course, Emily always gets the end of the stick. So stop it,"

"I have no idea what you're talking about."

"Then why are you on edge Seb?"

"Leave it, T, we're done talking about Emilia." I leaped from my chair and approached the large window.

"Why?" Theo pressed. "Because you can't stand it that she's the only woman who isn't falling at your feet declaring her undying love?"

My body stiffened but I was determined not to satisfy Theo's curiosity.

"Tell me how many assistants before Emily lasted a month-no, a week with you. None, she was the only one who could stand you–"

"So what Theo?!"

"So, you should own up to your shit and apologize! She endured so much because of you."

The vein in his neck popped up, which meant he was thoroughly furious.

"I will do no such thing!"

"You're doing it, Seb. Own it."

I shut my eyes, Theodore was right, he was always right. But that doesn't mean he was going to admit it.

Theodore sighed, "Look, I know you're intimidated by Emily-"

"I am not intimidated-"

"Whatever man, she's good at what she does, she's everything those girls falling at your feet aren't, so stop being stupid and leave her alone."

"If she's so great why don't you-"

"You know she's not my type."

Theodore dropped his glass and headed for the door.

"Check on Soph."

"Do it yourself, I'm off the clock!" he called back.

"I deserved that"

Of course, I knew Emily wasn't Theo's type, I was simply cross-checking. Then my phone rang.

"Emily."

"Sir, the funeral is scheduled for tomorrow."