He Hurt Me, Now He Wants Me Back

Imogene Scott

"Hi." I say casually, then turn back around.

"I expected more than a 'hi"."

I don't respond because I don't want to. I'm late for work and I don't think I want to strike up a conversation with this man.

Except he thinks this is a reunion and he continues to try to talk to me. "I tried to find you after our dance. But you just disappeared."

I throw him a quick glance, then glance at the elevator's monitor. The elevator will get to the ground floor in a few seconds. If I can manage to play dumb all through, I might be able to escape this person who's obviously trying to flirt with me. "I stay in the penthouse by the way." he says again.

I cock my head. Oh, shit. The penthouse is on the highest floor of the building and they say the building owner stays on that floor. Does he perhaps, own the building?

I continue not to say a word even though I know this man standing next to me has the power to make me vacate my apartment.

"You know, it's really rude when someone tries to talk to you and you refuse to respond. I'm pretty sure you can speak." there's a little bit of annoyance in his voice now, "I...I'm sorry." I finally say. "It always kinda works for me when I pretend I'm not listening."

"You have a grudge against men or something?"

Tell me about it. My ex husband showed up a few days ago on such a big night, professed his undying love for me and suddenly disappeared again. What a big joke men are. "Nah. I just usually don't have time to date. So I don't bother getting to know someone new."

Now, I'm over sharing details.

"You can start now," he says immediately.

The elevator door opens and I give him my best fake smile. "I'd rather not."

I step out and I don't wait for him to respond before I start walking across the lobby. Well, that went well. I just hope I never cross paths with him again. Who am I kidding, the chances are 50/50.

The drive to work is a blur and when I finally arrive at work, I sit in the car for a moment. I mutter some self reassuring words to myself like I always do before getting out of my car and heading into the building.

"Good morning, Miss Scott."

Emmett's greets me as I walk in. He seems a bit chirpy today which isn't like him. But I don't bother to ask him what's going on. "You have a meeting with the chairwoman of Kennaway Fine Art Guide."

I'm personally excited about it. It's a really big art organization and the chairwoman, Rita Phineas is stepping down soon. She's

considering recommending me to

the board as the next chairwoman. If that happens, I might be the youngest chairwoman of the organization at thirty.

As Emmett and I walk towards my office, my phone buzzed with a text. I pull it out from the pocket of my slacks and stare at my screen for a moment. It's a text from Elinor. [Elinor- Something is really off about Breonna. I'm having someone do a background check on her just in case. Do not worry, I have things under control.]

She expects me not to worry? How is that even plausible? The person I entrusted my child with seems shady and...

"Miss Scott?" Emmett jilts me. "The chairwoman is waiting."

My heart clenches and I force my gut instinct to trust Elinor as I step into my office. Mrs Phineas is seated on the chair opposite mine and I quickly take a seat. Shit, I don't know how I'll be able to concentrate.

***

By the end of the meeting with Mrs

Phineas, she agrees to recommend me to the board members. I'm elated but also worried since all could think about all through the meeting is Lily. Is she safe? Elinor thinks something is off about

Breonna, then it means Lily is in

danger.

I rush into my car as soon as Mrs Phineas drives out the lot. I start to dial Elinor's number and she answers after the third ring.

"Did you find out anything?" I ask, my fists clenching around the steering wheel.

There's a long pause at the other end of the line. "It's something big."

I gulp down. "Tell me."

My heart sinks to my stomach. How could I have been so stupid to believe Damien would disappear just because I told him to? And how long has he known about about Lily? Why did he pretend not to know? How could he?

"Breonna is Damien's adopted sister."