To everybody's utter shock, she went ahead and slapped the poor guy. Jake immediately rushed to her side and took control of the situation. He apologized and dismissed the waiter, and took Erica's hand, making her way out of the hall.
"That was uncalled for! She is a piece and matches what people say about her". Mark stated slowly, making himself audible only to me.
"Really? I don't understand how could she slap him?"
"Yes, she is a drama queen. Everyone in the upper circle knows how much she is full of herself. I sometimes feel sad for boss, how does he stick around with her?"
Maybe she is too good in bed, or maybe they are genuinely in love, whatever it was, I don't care.
Thankfully, I didn't say that out loud.
The day took a pathetic end, and I excused myself from Mark, letting him know that I was tired and was heading back to my room.
Jake was seeing Erica; he had a girlfriend and was involved for a couple of months now. No wonder he asked me to act professional around him. Not that I was planning to make a move, but I felt hurt, nevertheless.
This was the last straw I guess; I had no right to even think about somebody else's man. It pained my heart to imagine him with somebody else. I didn't even realise, but I had tears rolling down my cheeks.
I removed my make-up, changed into my nightwear and hit the bed. Before I cried myself to sleep, I was only sure about one thing. Jake was a closed chapter for me now.
Chapter 15
Being watched?
Emma
"Thanks a lot for your help." I gave a soft smile to the lady at the concierge desk and headed to the elevator to get back to my room.
It was Friday already, and tonight was the end of the week-long meetings after the masquerade ball. I had some spare time so I decided to meet the hotel concierge to plan my bookings for the weekend.
I had booked a Norway aurora tour to see the Northern lights in a small island called Lofoten.
As I walked back, I could sense somebody's eyes on me, when I looked around, I barely saw anybody I recognized. Feeling alarmed, I rushed into the elevator and pressed my floor button. I took brisk steps to my room while constantly looking behind to check for the unusual presence I felt.
The haste led me to bump into someone, and I hushed out a slight shriek out of sheer fright.
"Careful Emma." Mark grabbed me and held my waist to stop me from tripping down. I gripped his shoulders to restore my balance, and was relieved to find him to my rescue.
"Thank God it's you. I got so scared for a minute." I heaved a deep sigh and collected myself. I didn't realize but I was actually standing extremely close to him.
His gaze was soft and for the first time I saw intense emotions in his deep grey eyes, the feeling made me flinch. I always saw Mark as a good friend but for split of a second his eyes said otherwise. His lips were inches apart and his strong cologne filled my nostrils. My pulse was racing through my veins, as his grip on my waist created an unusual sensation. I cleared my throat and stepped back from our uncomfortable position.2
"Umm… what got you so scared Emma? I was looking for you." Mark broke the awkwardness and quickly retained the calmness in his voice.
"Umm... I went to the reception area to confirm my bookings for tomorrow. I am planning to visit Lofoten Islands." I stuttered; my mind still stirred with my odd encounter with Mark.
"That's amazing. Their hikes have such beautiful views. You should definitely try that if you get a chance." He recommended.
"Yes definitely. I am planning on it."
"So, when will you be flying for the States? Will you be taking some time off?"
"No. I am flying out on Sunday evening. Owing to the time difference I would still be back in US by Sunday evening, and would be able to report to office on Monday morning, so no time offs." I felt confident as I planned meticulously, and was sure that nothing could go wrong.
"Great. I am flying back tomorrow morning though."
"That's nice. I also have to check-out early tomorrow so I might recede to my room early tonight."
"What? Why? Will you not attend the Gala?"
"No Mark. It's anyway not my thing. I think I will give it a pass." I shrugged indifferently.
"No way. You must come, else I will get bored. Come on Emma! It's the last event, you should definitely attend." He insisted with puppy eyes. I smiled at his persistence, and reluctantly agreed. His eyes twinkled in excitement at my consent.
We chatted for a while more and then went to our respective rooms. We had decided to meet outside the ballroom at seven pm.
The moment I entered my room, I just collapsed on my bed.
Why did it feel as if I was being watched?
My mind was playing weird tricks and I decided to take a warm relaxing bath to calm my nerves.
The entire week at Norway had sailed through with back to back meetings, orientations and many press conferences and deliberations. Erica, like a parasite, was fixed on Jake's side on all informal meetings and dinner parties. She took immense pride to be the woman standing beside the most eligible bachelor in town, her arrogance clearly reflected in her snooty body language. I tried to make peace with it. If that's what made Jake happy, then I truly wished them my best.
On the other hand, Mark and I were slowly becoming friends. For his sake, I convinced myself to get
