Twice in a lifetime

10

There's no point in arguing with them. I sighed and headed for the stairs.

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"Ashford is in a bad mood!"

That was what I heard as soon I stepped into my cabin.

Apparently, Dante, along with three others, was inside my cabin.

I raised my brow in question.

"Okay. But in all honesty, what happened when I was not present for the entire day? Did you guys screwed up the presentation. Please say no." I  passed them a look.

"The presentation went well. But the guy was nuts yesterday and today, too. I think he was kinda pissed that you weren't there." Dante countered, and I let out my breath.

Yesterday, I had to call in sick because Lyra was too adamant that she wouldn't attend daycare. On any other day, I wouldn't fall under her resolute, but yesterday she wasn't feeling herself. I know how to feel to be all on your own in a completely different environment. And she's still a toddler.

So I took a leave and we went out and by evening we met Mason and his family.

Surprisingly, Lyra grew a strong attachment with them, and I couldn't be happier. They even asked me to drop her at their home while I'm away, but I'm weighing on those options.

I know that it's completely okay with them but I couldn't burden them with my problems. Sometimes, I wonder if it's a toxic trait. But bear with me, because I have never had anyone do anything for me in free will. Except the Martinez, of course, but I can't take them for granted.

"He's probably not kissed by his girlfriend in the morning. That's why he's sour today." I state in distaste to my colleagues, referring to Lucian.

They let out a light chuckle. "Let's get working then. Don't want his mood to ruin our day, now do we?"

"Am I the only one who feels like his employee rather than his 'work' partner?" Jennifer huffs and plumps down on my seat.

"Count me in." I said.

"Me too."

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"Well, the security backup needs a bit more update. Because each time the software updates—" I was reviewing our progress of the project along with Dante and Amy, who was Ashford Inc counterpart.

"Ms. Lockwood, you have a visitor." The receptionist informed me.

"Um. Okay. Tell them to wait for a while. I just need to wrap this up." I tell her and watch her leave.

I continued my discussion but was again interrupted by Jessica.

"I apologise, but the lady is quite adamant about meeting you. She said it's important. I tries to stop her–" She voiced apologetically.

"It's fine, Selena. You can go. We are almost done anyway. We will mail you if there's anything notable. Amy assured me, and I passed her a grateful smile.

I followed Jessica towards the waiting room only to meet....

......Ms. Nelson?

What is she doing here?

Panic rushed through me. My daughter was the only person on my mind right now.

My mother instincts kicking me. I feel a pit in my stomach.

I composed myself and acknowledged her.

"Ms. Nelson, is everything alright?"

"Thank God you are here. I just— I wanna tell you something. I'm so sorry...." She spluttered out in distress, and I couldn't help but feel anxious.

I stood silent, waiting for her to complete. I shouldn't draw any conclusions in my head.

"She—she's hospitalized. She fell down from the stairs.....her right arm is fractured and.....and she had a concussion. I'm so sorry this shouldn't have happened. It's our fault. I tried calling you, but you weren't picking up...."

I couldn't think straight. I can't pon this down on anyone. It was an accident

I asked her in a trembling voice, "Where is she now?"

"Bright Horizon children's hospital." She murmured.

"It's okay, Ms. Nelson. It was an accident. I need to go to Lyra." I assured her, even though I was shaking on the inside.

" I'm sorry. Ms. Lockwood. My colleague is already there. Lyra is unconscious right now due to the medications.... she's alright." She sighed in remorse.

"You... you should go now, Ms. Nelson. I will take my leave as well." I whispered and left for the H.R. Dept. to inform about my departure.

I packed up my things as fast I could. My shaky hands weren't helping me at the moment.

I informed Julia, Mason's mom, and she's on her way to the hospital. I'm so grateful that I have them by my side. How I wished it was my mom instead. But she's probably getting sunbathed in Miami beach with her boyfriend.

I silently prayed nothing went wrong as I walked through the corridor and into the elevator.

I notified Dante and Amy about my daughter's situation. Dante even insisted that he join me. But I denied it.

I scanned my I.D., and the passage opened. I stepped outside.

"Office hours ain't over Ms. Lockwood."

Please. Not now.

I stepped back inside and turned to the meet the icy, blue-eyed man.

"I already notified the H. R about my early departure, and I was granted permission." I spilt, my energy draining.

"Well, consider that cancelled." He sneered. His eyes, too distant.

"Luc—Mr. Ashford. Please don't do this to me right now. You can extend my work hours tomorrow. Not today, please." My voice quivered.

The people present in the hall were passing us a look, but I couldn't give a damn about it right now. I need to see my daughter.

Lucian's eyes flashed a spark of concern, observing the desperation in my voice. For a moment, I could see the glimmer of the man I loved. But it all passed in a swirl.

"Ms. Lockwood. When I say something, you listen. You are not supposed to take a holiday in the 3 months you will here. But you breached it. Nobody gets special consideration. If you are going anywhere now. That will be your cabin. But if you defy me. I will make sure you regret it."  He threatened me in his deep voice.

My hands itched to slap him.

I bit my tongue to stop myself from talking this any further. The last thing I want right now is fuelling his anger.

My eyes filled with tears. I took a final glance at him and found him smirking at me.

A sadist. That's what he is.

I quickly went inside and I couldn't hold back my tears. I was shaking. I felt utterly helpless. I wanted to scream.

My soul gripped with pertubation.