The following day, while going to work, my mind is racing. I cannot stop thinking about what happened between Mr. Crawford and I. I think that was my most embarrassing moment with him so far. I hope he acts like nothing happened between us because it would be better for both of us. I greet Nora in the lobby before I take the elevator up. I always greet Nora because her face usually indicates how my day is going to start. I don’t know how she knows, but if Mr. Crawford is angry with me, her face will tell me. I arrive on my floor, drop my purse on my desk and walk to the lunchroom to make coffee for Mr. Crawford and Vivienne. It’s my usual morning routine every time I come to work. I finish making their coffees and walk to their offices to deliver them. While walking to their offices, I can’t help but wonder how they’re always at work before me. I’m never late, but they both always arrive before me. I think it’s because they have cars and I take the bus to work. I can’t wait to be wo

Sunday is here, and I’m excited to go to the polo match. I ‘ve never been to one, and I hope Mr. Crawford doesn’t make it horrible for me. I step out of the taxi after paying the driver and walk to Mr. Crawford's apartment complex. This is the first time I’m going to his house, and I’m curious to see how he lives. I’m sure it will scream ‘bachelor.’ I walk inside the building and take the elevator to the penthouse, no surprise there. He’s a rich man, and I’m sure he could afford to buy the whole building if he wanted. I step out of the elevator into a beautiful apartment, nothing like how I imagined. His place screams money rather than bachelor. There’s a piano in the living room. It has floor-to-ceiling glass windows, and you can clearly see the full city landscape from up here. I walk further into the house, and on my right is a kitchen more beautiful than my house. “Turn around,” a voice says from behind, startling me. “Mr. Crawford,” I say once my brain recognizes the voice. “Y

“You haven’t called me that since before I could reach the top of the fridge without jumping.” Mushroom was his nickname for me when I was younger. “I know. I was hoping it would remind you that I love you dearly.” “I never said you didn’t love me.” “I know you didn’t, but I felt I needed to remind you.” “Why?” “I need you to remember so you can forgive me for not listening to you.” “Do you believe me now that Adeline is not homeless? That she only came back to you because she doesn’t want to be alone?” “Yes, I do. I’m sorry I didn’t listen to you.” “It’s okay, you don’t have to apologize. How did you find out she’s lying?” “She sent her driver to pick up her things from the house.” “She has a driver. And she’s moved out,” I ask, shocked. “Yes, to both of your questions and this time. It’ll be the last time I ever believe her and take her back.” “Promise me that?” “I promise you, my dear niece, who loves me more than anyone in this world, that I will never believe Adeline

Later in the day, around three in the afternoon, I receive a call from Evan. “Hello, Eleanor,” he says when I answer. “How are you doing, Evan?” “I was doing great until my cousin called, yelling and asking me why I was distracting you at work with flowers.” “He did what?” I ask, shocked. “You heard me right, Eleanor, and you know what made it funnier?” “No,” I say, wondering what horrible thing Mr. Crawford said. I can't believe he called Evan yelling. How do flowers at work make me distracted? “It’s especially funny because I don't recall sending you flowers today. So I don't understand why he’s accusing me.” “I’m so sorry, Evan. I didn’t think he would call you about the flowers. I lied and used your name.” “It's fine, Eleanor. If you don't mind me asking, who would send you flowers that would make you have to lie?” “Alex.” “Alex? Alexander Lewis?” “Yes, him.” “Now it makes sense why you told him they were from me.” Evan must also know about the fallout between Alex a

It’s been a few hours since he yelled at me in his office and I haven’t seen or spoken to Mr. Crawford since. I’m more than grateful for the reprieve. I’m getting ready to go out and have lunch with Evan. He called earlier and said he’d be in the area, so he wanted to meet up. I’m getting up from my desk when I knock a file off accidentally. I bend down to pick it up, and someone speaks to me. “Where’re you going?” Vivienne asks. She must’ve seen my handbag on the table. I always keep my purse under my desk during working hours. I also hardly go out to lunch, opting instead to eat here at the office. We have a cafeteria, and the food isn’t bad. “I have a lunch date,” I say, lifting my head from under the table. Mr. Crawford is standing in front of my office and the glare he sends me makes me want to pee my pants. What did I say wrong now? “Who’s the unlucky man?” Vivienne asks. “It’s not that type of lunch date. We’re just friends going to lunch,” I hope Mr. Crawford believes me