Chapter 44
Behind The Mask
Damien
Thud! Thud! Thud! My arms and muscles felt sore as I pounded my fists on the sandbag with venom.
I wasn't a frequent regular to the gym, I kept in shape but just enough to not look like those walking bags of muscle.
I didn't want to admit it, but I needed to let off some steam. Especially after my conversation with her.
Elena.
Her name had been on my mind all morning, I'd come to the gym with the hope an intense workout would snap her out of my thoughts. I was wrong.
Even now her words from last night echoed in my head.
"You married a woman you didn't love, treated her like trash...You made her leave you…You made her sign this contract…"
Elena's words echoed non stop in my head, even now I could feel her deep seated pain. Pain that I'd caused.
What was wrong with me? I growled under my breath, punching at the sandbag with greater frequency and vigor.
I'd hurt her, oh I really had, guilt pricked at me as memories of the old Elena flowed through my mind. I hadn't thought of her to be particularly bright but I was wrong, so wrong.
I'd torn the marriage contract, of course, I had. I didn't want our future working relationship to be complicated by some needless formalities.
But deep down I knew I was lying to myself.
I'd felt inadequate, holding her to a contract she couldn't remember had felt like a low move, even to me. Whatever we were going to have, should be from both our desires, not a thin sheet of paper.
So you want something? A mocking voice echoed in my head.
Enough. I abruptly stopped punching the sandbag, my chest was still rising and falling with quick breaths.
I didn't want to think much so I packed up my things and left, driving back the short distance back home.
I thumbed through my cell phone absentmindedly, mentally reminding myself of the things I had to do when I got to the office.
I was still thumbing through my cell phone when I parked and got out, walking to the door. It was locked.
That's strange I thought, frowning but not taking any notice. Perhaps Elena had gotten up early, the thought of her made me pause for the slightest of seconds.
I opened the door and walked in, heading upstairs to my room. The house was quiet I thought, quieter than usual.
Where was Elena? I suddenly recovered from my daze and I stared around, despite myself, I went and knocked on her door.
"Elena?" I called out softly, waiting for an answer. I got none. "Elena," I called a few more times before I opened the door slowly.
Where was she? My eyes narrowed as I took in the empty room. I was just about to leave when I caught sight of something on her bed.
It was a sticky note I realized, picking it up.
'I'm sorry but I can't continue staying with you, it's not appropriate. Thank you for all the care you showed me, Sir.
Elena.
What! I read the note more than twice and a bitter smile filled my face. She was gone. But I quickly pulled myself together, perhaps it was probably for the best.
I'd torn the contract, going forward she was my secretary. Indeed it was a little inappropriate for my secretary to be staying with me.
But my thoughts did little to mask the disappointment I felt at her departure.
"Get a grip, Damien," I hissed, shaking my head to clear my thoughts. I wasn't about to mope around because Elena had left, I had things to do.
I quickly adjusted my mood and I started getting started for work. Within the next hour I bathed and got dressed, today I was wearing a navy blue suit.
I was surprised to see Elena had made me a sandwich before she left, the sight of it brought a smile to my lips.
I soon arrived at the office, Clara was already busy at her desk. "Good morning sir," she looked up the moment I walked in.
I nodded, not saying anything.
"Bring my schedule for today," I ordered, walking past her and into my office. I hung my suit jacket on a hook and took my seat just as Clara walked in, ever-present clipboard in hand.
"Sir you have a meeting with the execs at nine and you said the meeting for the Houston project was to be postponed till further—"
"No," I interrupted. "The Houston project meeting will go as planned, schedule them after the execs meeting."
I'd cut out most of the people on the team for the project a few weeks ago and I'd been carefully selecting their replacements in recent weeks.
Elena would've assisted but then that accident had happened, my eyes flashed with cold lights when I recalled the image of Mike standing over Elena.
My only regret was that I couldn't sue the bastard, Elena wouldn't like the publicity and the Houston project was at stake also.
That didn't mean I'd let it slide through, I wasn't that kind.
"Okay understood," Clara nodded as she noted down the change.
"Anything else?"
"Yes," Clara listed off a few more things. The job of CEO was less glamorous than many would think. I had to attend conventions, gala's, and social gatherings where we'd exchange polite words over a glass of wine.
"And—" Clara looked hesitant, not sure of how to speak.
"What is it?" I stared at her, "Say it."
"Well, it's about Mr. Connor," she began.
Connor? I frowned in confusion but I slapped my head lightly. How could I forget? He was one of the members I'd tossed off Project Houston. What did he want?
"What is it?" I pressed, something that could make Clara uncomfortable definitely wasn't easy.
"He—" Clara stuttered. "He's requested a meeting with the Chairman, Mr. Lucas."
"What?" Clara's words took me by surprise and for a moment I simply stared. Connor wanted to see me?
But I soon snapped out of my thoughts. It was important to note the position, of chairman was the person above me, the CEO.
But what no one knew was that it was the same person. Lucas was the name Jane called me by, she'd wanted me to be the chairman but I'd declined.
I didn't want to be a mere figurehead, I wanted to actively oversee the company. I owed Jane a lot, so I didn't want any mishaps to come up.
We'd settled on a compromise, I would fill both positions.
And since I couldn't be in two places, no one had laid eyes on Mr Lucas. Any issue addressed to him, had to come through me. But why would Connor be looking for the chairman?
These thoughts flitted through my mind in a split second before I nodded.
"Give Connor this…" I quickly penned down an email address, one in Lucas's name to keep up appearances. "Tell him to send his issue there."
Clara nodded, retreating from the office. I was very curious to see what issue Connor could possibly have that he wouldn't bring it to me, and well if it was about me… a smile slowly touched my lips.
He probably should be careful with his words.