“What? You did?” I asked as my eyes widened in surprise. “Really?”
He nodded and averted his eyes away from me. His expression turned thoughtful. “I decided to eavesdrop since it was obvious there was more going on than met the eye.”
I let out a sigh of relief; it felt like a heavy load had lifted off my head. He saved me the long explanation; I wouldn’t have to convince him anymore.
“But wait, you heard our conversation and you didn’t barge in to confront her? Why?” I asked, curious as I stared at him intently.
He remained silent, his expression unreadable as he stared into nothing in particular. “Well…” he began, his voice hesitant. “I knew Erin for years. I mean, I thought I knew her, but I guess she is not the same girl who worked for me for three years,” he replied, his voice dripping with disappointment.
“I thought I knew her too,” I said, my voice barely above a whisper. Still, inside, I was beaming with relief. Now that Mr. Clinton knows, she will be too afraid to continue playing her games… I guess… Still, a wave of doubt hit me, but I brushed it off.
“So what are you gonna do now that you know?” I asked, and he just shrugged. “I will do what I must for your sake,” he responded, turning to his laptop. “You should go to bed; it’s late.”
But as I met his gaze, my heart sank. For a moment, I felt seen, cherished. His concern was genuine, but it wasn’t the kind I longed for. It was paternal, protective-not passionate. The realization stung, exposing my own hidden hopes. I’d been foolish to think he might feel more, feel deeper love; but I guess I was duty, a responsibility imposed on him by my father. And I don’t know how I can deal with how that makes me feel.
I felt my face fall, my smile fading. The room seemed to shrink, leaving only the ache within me. But I refused to reject my obsession with him, even though Erin’s words kept nagging me.
I smiled wryly and stood up from the bed, my gaze never leaving him. “Goodnight, Mr. Clinton. Go to sleep too,” I managed to say; inwardly, I felt a prick in my heart. I shouldn’t feel this way anyway: hurt, disappointment. Perhaps I should put more effort in or try something else to improve our relationship. But that will have to wait for now; I’ve got Erin stuck to my back, and it’s time to get her off.
He glanced at me, gave a curt nod, and returned to what he was doing.
“Let me switch the light back on. Now that i’m leaving you can feel comfortable under the dim light,” I said, keeping my wry smile as I turned the light on. “Goodnight.”
As I walked away, I felt his eyes on me; his gaze was soft and intent, but truly I didn’t want to see the other emotion concealed in there if it wasn’t passionate care or love.
I slammed the door behind me. Attempting to walk down the stairs, but who I saw made me jump in fright. My heart skipped a beat as I stumbled backward. “Erin.” She stood right in front of me, her face darkened as her eyes shot daggers at me.
“Why are you so desperate to get rid of me?” she asked, her face contorted and her eyes flared with anger. “Aren’t you afraid of how I’ll retaliate for ratting me out?”
I chuckled, squaring my shoulders, my gaze fixed on her. My eyes flashed with fearlessness as I took a step closer. I refused to be the loser this time, not anymore.
“I didn’t rat you out, Erin.” I smiled, my lips curving in derision. “You ratted yourself out. Your little confession ruined you.”
She chuckled in disbelief, her eyes narrowing in feigned amusement. “Whoa, Sarah, you had me there. Don’t think for a second that you…”
“Just shut up…” I snapped, cutting her off, my expression turning dark but still matching hers. “And go to sleep; stop being a stalker.”
With one stride, she closed the distance between us, her anger rising to the surface. “You think…”
“I said shut up, Erin!” I spat, my voice rising. “I don’t want to hear those stupid threats of yours; it’s not gonna work on me anymore. I am sick and tired of your foolish tricks, your mental instability, and of course your annoying attitude. So step aside, bitch.” I eyed her in disgust and attempted to walk past, but she suddenly gripped my arm and swiftly pulled me back.
My anger flared, and I unleashed it without holding back. I slapped her across the face, the sharp sound slicing through the air and echoing throughout the whole place.
She held her jaw, staring at me wide-eyed, her face plastered with shock.
I thought it was time I gave her a taste of her own medicine; she had tormented me for far too long, and it had to stop.
I brought my face closer to hers and cast a shadow over her. “Don’t you dare threaten me again. Or else I’ll make sure you never use that mouth again,” I warned, my tone surprisingly deadly and resolute.
Her lips parted; she was unable to respond. But her eyes were twitching as she still held her cheek.
“Where is that snake now, huh?” I taunted, my face hovering over hers. “That fox has disappeared; now you look just like a scared child. Pathetic!” I spat, my demeanor intimidating.
I was smiling inwardly. I couldn’t believe I pulled this off; I guess I have put her in her place.
I was about to walk away before I felt a presence behind me. I turned around to find Mr. Clinton standing at the door with his arms crossed. His expression was unreadable as his gaze was fixed on Erin.
Erin’s focus snapped to his direction; immediately, she noticed me staring at him. Her face softened as her eyes brimmed with fake tears.
“Mr. Clinton, I…”
Mr. Clinton raised his hand to silence her, his face devoid of any emotions.
And I liked that.
“Goodnight both of you-and Erin; we will talk tomorrow.” He said his tone icy cold. “He turned away and entered his room, leaving us staring daggers at each other.
“You will regret this, Sarah,” she threatened, her eyes fierce as her hand slid down her face.
I snorted when I saw the red marks on her cheek; my fingers had left deep imprints on her face.
I let out a quiet laugh and glanced at my palm.
Did I really do that?
I have never fought in my life; this was the first time I had ever slapped someone this hard.
A smirk tugged at my lip, my eyes brimming with relief.
“Goodnight, Erin; we will see tomorrow,” I said and made a beeline for my room.
Finally, she will be out of my life soon, and I can focus on Mr. Clinton.