Page 275 of The Grand Duel

She waves her hand at me. “I do hope you’re not asking me.”

I dip my head to my shoulder. “You’re the one who hired me, Ed. I respect you.”

She pops a brow. “Well, then yes. You can work from home. In fact, you can head home today. An order.”

I huff a laugh. “Nice try.”

I hang up my coat and walk to my office, setting up.

My heart feels as if it’s twice the size since walking through the front doors. Although, I think it has all morning if I’m being honest. The idea that I’ll see him today after four days of nothing is making me a nervous wreck.

After last night, the way his eyes looked as if they hadn’t seen the inside of his eyelids in days, I need to see him.

I need to see him, and for him to see me, and then I need an apology and for him to come home and love me for the rest of our lives.

Four days of this silence has opened up a deep hole in my chest, and yet he thinks it’s better that we spend the remainder of the pregnancy apart.

What will be left of me by then?

How big of a void can I be before I cease to exist?

I thought all night long about what I’ll say to him when I see him, a million scenarios transpiring in my mind.

I lift the lid of my laptop and click onto our shared calendar, preparing for the day.

Three notifications pop up, one after another.

The first one is from last night. Eleven forty-one. A reminder that was sent to me via the calendar with an action labelledhomewith the noteLowerwick Estate.

I lift my hand to my throat, trying to ease the burn. Sitting forward, I click onto the next notification, a nine thirty meeting with a client.

I open the note.

HQ

My brows gather as I look towards my office door and the offices beyond. He’s not here? I push back my chair and walk numbly, heading down the corridor.

I push open his office door, my heart jarring when I find his desk cleared.

He’s working from headquarters permanently?

I grit my teeth, my hands fisting at my sides as tears gather in my eyes.

How can he be so thoughtful and sweet by letting me know where he is, only to clear his office out that same day because he can’t work alongside me?

“Lissie, love,” Edna calls, walking into the room. “Scott’s here, darling. Are you okay?”

I turn, not being able to hide my emotions. I force a smile and shrug, looking away.

“Why don’t you leave visiting today? Charlie wouldn’t expect you to go all?—”

I shake my head. “I need to go. I won’t be able to stay as long today because I have Robert Muller coming in after lunch. Couldyou maybe find his file for me? I’m behind this morning, Ed. I’m sorry. Traffic was a nightmare getting in.”

“Of course I can. And hey, if you’re not feeling up to it, take your laptop and work from home. I can meet with Robert.”

I meet her eyes and nod. “I’d have to come back for the car anyway, but thank you.”

“Alright, Love. How about I pop down to Dotty’s Bakery before you get back. I’ll get you one of those caramel shortbreads you like.”