Chapter 9 The Timing Was Too Perfect
Emma's POV
I sat at my desk, staring at the project files spread before me. The morning light filtered through the windows of my spacious office at Reynolds Jewelry Group, casting long shadows across the design sketches of the Starlight Collection. My fingers traced the outline of the signature diamond pendant that would become the centerpiece of the collection.
A sharp knock interrupted my thoughts. Jessica burst in without waiting for my response, her eyes wide with excitement barely contained beneath a veneer of professional concern.
"Emma, is it true you had a fight with Mr. Reynolds last night?" she asked, closing the door behind her.
I straightened in my chair. "That's not really your business, Jessica."
She pressed on, undeterred. "The whole company is talking about it! Mr. Reynolds has been like a volcano today. He's already made three department managers cry."
I raised an eyebrow. "And what exactly are people saying?"
Jessica leaned forward conspiratorially. "Some think it's because you've been... you know, not meeting his needs lately. They're saying that's why he's so frustrated and tense."
"Are you serious?" I couldn't hide my shock at the absurdity. "That's what people think?"
"Not everyone," Jessica said, handing me a project report. "Some are saying you've officially broken up, which is why he's acting like he's lost his mind."
"My personal life is separate from my work," I said firmly. "I'd appreciate if everyone focused on their own responsibilities."
Jessica's curiosity was insatiable. "So you really did break up?"
I fixed her with a stern look. "Jessica, if you want to keep your job, go back to doing what you're paid for."
She nodded quickly and retreated, but not before shooting one more curious glance my way.
Later that afternoon, I headed to the break room for water. As I filled my glass, the room suddenly went quiet. I turned to find Gavin standing in the doorway, his eyes bloodshot, his normally impeccable appearance slightly disheveled.
The other employees quickly found excuses to leave, filing past Gavin with downcast eyes.
We were alone now. I maintained my professional demeanor. "Mr. Reynolds, I sent you the revised sapphire arrangement for the Starlight Collection centerpiece. It needs your approval."
Gavin stared at me, his coffee cup clutched so tightly his knuckles were white. He completely ignored my comment about work.
He deliberately bumped my shoulder as he passed, causing water to spill from my glass onto my white blouse.
I stood frozen, fighting back the humiliation and tears that threatened. The gathered employees outside the break room collectively held their breath, but no one dared intervene.
"At least he didn't fire me in front of everyone," I murmured to myself, taking deep breaths to regain composure.
Back in my office, I was changing into the spare blouse I kept for emergencies when my phone rang. Unknown number.
"Hello?" I answered cautiously.
"Emma, it's me, Sophia." Her sweet voice made my stomach clench. "I'm at Starbucks downstairs. Could we talk?"
"I'm working, Sophia. If you have something to say, please be direct."
"Then I'll wait until you finish work," she persisted, her voice honeyed determination.
I couldn't help but scoff. "I thought you made yourself quite clear at the restaurant yesterday."
Her voice changed, becoming tearful. "Emma, I know you hate me, but please give me a chance to explain."
I ended the call, muttering to myself, "Does she really think I'll fall for this act twice?"
By evening, I'd deliberately stayed late, hoping everyone would be gone when I left. As the elevator doors opened to the lobby, I spotted Sophia sitting on a sofa, her maternity dress elegantly showcasing her pregnancy.
She rose as soon as she saw me. "Emma, thank you for meeting me."
"I didn't agree to meet you," I stated flatly, but before I could continue, I heard familiar footsteps behind me.
Gavin strode past me without acknowledgment, heading straight to Sophia. "Why are you here? I told you to rest at home."
Sophia looked up at him with practiced vulnerability. "I came to explain things to Emma. I don't want you two fighting because of me."
I couldn't help but laugh. "How noble of you, Sophia."
Security guards and late-shift employees were now openly watching our drama unfold in the grand marble lobby.
"I don't need your interference," Gavin snapped at Sophia, his tone harsher than the one he'd used with me. "Emma and my business is none of your concern. You should be home resting."
Sophia's eyes immediately welled with tears. "Gavin, are you tired of me? Have I and the baby become a burden to you?"
Gavin's expression twisted with pain. "It's not like that. But you shouldn't be bothering Emma."
"If Michael were still alive, I wouldn't have to depend on you," Sophia sobbed, her hand protectively cradling her belly.
I stood to the side, coldly observing her performance, inwardly marveling at her acting skills.
Gavin turned to me, his expression complex. "Emma, this doesn't concern you. You can go."
I straightened my spine. "Yes, Mr. Reynolds, I was just leaving."
I pushed through the revolving doors into the evening air, mentally calculating how quickly I could transition the project to someone else. Behind me, I heard the rapid click of high heels.
"Emma, please wait!" Sophia called out.
I kept walking toward the parking garage, ignoring her.
Suddenly, a screeching sound of tires made me turn. A car emerging from the underground garage had slammed on its brakes, but not before hitting Sophia, who had apparently rushed into its path.
She crumpled to the ground, clutching her stomach. "My baby! Someone help my baby!"
The driver, a young intern named Tom, jumped out in panic. "Oh God! I didn't see her! She ran right in front of me!"
Gavin burst through the doors, his face draining of color when he saw Sophia on the ground. "Sophia!"
He rushed to her side, kneeling beside her. "Are you hurt? How's the baby?"
Sophia grabbed his arm with surprising strength for someone supposedly injured. "Gavin, it hurts so much... I'm afraid for the baby..."
I stood frozen, watching the scene unfold.
"I swear she suddenly ran out in front of me, Mr. Reynolds!" Tom was practically in tears. "I was driving slowly, I promise!"
"Get away from her!" Gavin roared, lifting Sophia into his arms with surprising gentleness.
Gavin carried her to his waiting Bentley, completely forgetting my existence.