Something In Between Love

CHAPTER 1

I navigated my way through the crowded sidewalk, the sweet scent of food emitting from the food trucks by the side of the street floated through my nostrils, a ghost of breeze blew through my dark brown shoulder-length hair as I sprinted, the slit on my dress spread, revealing my caramel thigh as I rush through the crowd, I stumbled slightly when my stilettos painfully pinched my feet.

Tears marred my vision, and my breath caught in my throat when the painful memory flashed before my eyes.

I couldn't believe Felix Jones had finally shown himself to me. But why now? after 2 years of going AWOL? I didn't care to know now, the urge to slap him hard across the face was stronger than anything I had ever felt.

My relationship with Felix Jones was nothing peculiar. He showered me with sweet words dripping like honey and clinging to me every second and when I shared my dreams of building a home he proposed to me right there and I thought this could finally be it. The dream of having my own family.

Only to wake up the next day and find out everything from my account had been cleared out, and some things in the house had been taken. I couldn't believe it until I saw a scrawl on a dirty piece of paper on the table that read; "All is fair in love and war" he had always liked that phrase.

He ran off with what I had toiled for my whole life, everything went down the drain.

I desperately searched online and every source of communication I could use yet it was like he had disappeared from the face of the earth.

When I finally found his vacated rented apartment I found out he was married. He has a wife I never knew existed.

Only then did I concede with my Mother's words, that men were indeed nothing but trouble.

My parents didn't have a happy marriage, they were cordial enough to live under the same roof.

When my Dad died my Mom got fired from her job and we slowly slipped into poverty, she became a shadow of herself.

I stopped school and decided to roll up my sleeves, wait tables, and take on part-time jobs to provide for the family.

Mom hardly spoke, when she did, she would only murmur how love was never enough and how it brought nothing but trouble.

One day, with cold eyes, my Mom announced her plans of getting married to a professor in Canada. I was enraged, with tears shining in my eyes I said;

"I don't support this, I won't allow you to do this."

"Am not seeking your permission Em, and there's no need for you girls to come, you're a woman now, stay and take care of your sister. Make sure you marry a wealthy man someday and live well." With those spoken words, she departed.

Once in a while, she would send gifts, which I refused to accept time and time again. Then they stopped coming altogether, five years now and not a word from her, all I knew was that my Mom now sired two daughters.

The ringing of my phone drew me out of my reverie. I peered down at the screen, and Beth's name flashed on the screen.

I ignored it and crossed the busy street, causing a slight havoc.

I finally stood at the other side and my eyes searched for the silver car, but it was nowhere in sight.

My phone rang again, I knew my persistent friend wouldn't stop calling if I didn't answer.

"Why in the world did you run out like that?!"

"Richie found him Beth," my voice trembled.

"Found who?"

"Felix, b-but he's gone– he's gone again, how will I find that bastard again..."

"Wait, wait, wait. Don't tell me–But how, why now?"

"I have to go after him, Beth."

"What? No, snap out of it Em, at least not now, he's not worth losing your job over. The boss will go ballistic if you're not here. Now compose yourself and get your ass here!'' and the line went dead.

I slowly dropped the phone from my ear and crouched down. I struggled to keep the sob that threatened to break out of my throat. How dare fate bring Felix Jones back into my life again and demand me to endure it.

♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡

I hurried into the building, where Robert Crest, the founder of Sunshine Publishing's retirement party was being held. I pulled my shoulders back and entered the beautifully decorated hall, the scent of delicious food and cuisines wafted through my nostrils as I delved deeper into the magnificent bright room, the room was flooded with high-class, pretentious sophisticated guests, clad in formal attire, mostly colored black or gray.

The men mingled with the willing but snobbish ladies who blushed and suggestively and playfully slapped the shoulders of the men.

I rolled my eyes and navigated further to my colleagues standing beside one of the long tables, they were all looking grim for a reason I already guessed.

I approached them and Beth's expression relaxed when she saw me.

"How could you run out like that?" Beth whispered, almost too loudly to be identified as a whisper.

"What did I miss?" I tried to sound nonchalant when I already felt like throwing up in fear. I dreaded what would become of me when Sebastian arrived and surveyed the event.

"How could you be so irresponsible, we were in the middle of greeting the guests!" Danny– my colleague, gritted out with malice.

"I'm sure you handled them well Danny," I said swiftly, ignoring his jab. I had gotten accustomed to his maliciousness towards me, after all, I was here for a reason, which was to save up to buy a house, pay my sister's tuition for this year, and resign.

Therefore any nasty comment directed at me I smiled through it with gritted teeth.

"Danny..."

Beth started to speak but I stopped her with a gentle hand on her shoulder.

Beth has always been one to never let things go.

"You should have let me pull his tongue out."

"Not worth it,"

She rolled her eyes and sighed nervously.

"Well, I hope the Stallion approves of the work we've done. We've been planning this event for days, sleepless nights included," Beth murmured as she chewed her nails, a habit she displayed at every anxious thought.

I held her hand and gave it a squeeze with an encouraging smile.

"He will. Just wait and see."

"How are you so calm?" Beth asked and observed me with a suspicious frown.

I shrugged at the question.

Beth scoffed, "He has never given as much of an approval nod to anything we've worked on so far. Let's see..." She held up her hand and counted her fingers.

"He flipped once in the presence of investors and called you mean, nasty names which caused you to bawl uncontrollably in their presence, and once he asked you to make coffee for the whole board room. Then he asked us to throw out the event's cake because the nutmeg made him nauseous. We had to get another cake which took an entire night, need I go on?" Beth asked with a raised brow.

I sighed nervously, her words starting to get to me. I truly hoped this time would be different.

Over the years I have come to seek his approval.

"Did you check to see if Sophia's dress was delivered okay?" I asked Beth.

"Delivered two hours ago,"

"What about Mr. Rob? The maroon tie?"

"Done!"

"Mrs. Crest..."

"Also taken care of, my goodness! You might as well be working for the whole Crest enterprise," Beth teased and I rolled my eyes.

"You know it's my job."

"That's true."

Abruptly, I had a shiver down my spine and a burning sensation in the pit of my stomach. He took great pride in the fact that his commanding presence called attention to him.

"Asher, where were you?" with his thunderous voice my heart missed a beat.

CHAPTER 2

Sebastian Crest, the 32-year-old CEO of the great and vast Crest Publishing empire, owns small businesses, and buys and sells stocks large enough to build an entire company, however, the one company he couldn't acquire one hundred percent was the one he worked up with his sweat and blood alongside his Father. Sunshine Publishing.

He makes the New York Times weekly as the richest and youngest CEO four times in a row, he owns resorts, and hotels in five different countries, and of course, he wouldn't be a completely arrogant heir if he didn't own at least one private jet.

He had an intimidating aura and a mix of unruliness, with a cool, dark, lean, sophisticated sexy look that makes every female he crosses paths with worship the ground he walks on, his plump lips were constantly set in a grim line, his forehead always furrowed in concentration.

He had everything a man could ever ask for but I can't help but think he has the saddest gray eyes I've ever seen.

The first time our gaze met, a chill ran down my spine, he terrified me, and at the same time, his eyes held an eternity of mysterious depths that made me curious.

Our mutual hatred for each other started when I encountered his Father, Robert Crest, he frequented the Cafe where I work and we soon became close friends.

One day the man simply asked if I could use a photocopy machine and I said yes, before I knew it I was called for the job offer of an assistant to Sebastian Crest, and Robert left no room for assertion.

At first, Sebastian appeared to have accepted me but acted as if I wasn't in the room. Before I knew it, the workload increased with each day that proceeded, the late nights and early mornings became a constant routine. There were days I would stumble into meetings, arrange wrong schedules, and burst into tears every time he scolded me. I had no professional etiquette, but unlike his numerous personal secretaries who couldn't put up with his tyranny and resigned I was determined to last longer.

Gossip ran around that I was a nepotist employee who slept with the boss's Father to get a spot but I didn't care.

One day I overheard Sebastian raving about how unfit I was for the position, and how much of a mess I was. And that was the last straw. Before I could think twice about it I barged into the room, looked at him dead in his cold eyes, and said I wasn't afraid of him, I vowed to be the best assistant he's ever encountered and I said I would resign when I chose to.

Since then I waited with shaky legs for a deathly white envelope but it never came. "Look at him," Beth whispered, disrupting me out of my reverie.

Sebastian stood afar greeting guests' charisma, confidence oozed off of him.

He wore a conventional dinner suit that molded to all the right contours on his body, his thick dark hair slicked stylishly, and his oval-shaped face could cut through glass.

"I feel like fainting in appreciation of his beauty."

I scoffed at my friend's statement.

"Come on Em, don't tell me you don't fall for him every time you two work together.

I mean, he just came back from a two-week trip but the man still looks gorgeous!"

"You mean when I finally look at him without thinking of putting a bullet in his heart? He's the only one keeping me up at night."

Beth gasped "He keeps you up at night?" I rolled my eyes. "It's like he's sent from hell to torment me," I sigh in frustration.

She chuckled. "You know It's believed that men only pick on women they like..."

I snickered, "Like? Sebastian?"

"Could be possible," she shrugged. "You two act like an old couple, you know everything about each other."

"Merely Professionally."

"But you-"

"Shh...here he comes."

"Where were you and why are my parents absent?" He asked in a controlled tone.

I could sense the anger in his tone and as usual, it caused the hairs on my back to stand on end.

"Sophia hated the dress we sent her earlier..."

Sebastian's jaw tightened.

"So, we purchased a new one and sent it an hour earlier. Mrs. Crest is currently in a conference meeting and doesn't want to be disturbed, said they'll be here in ten minutes," I finished swiftly.

He shut his eyes and cursed under his breath.

"And my Father?"

"He's uh..." I hesitated. I haven't stuttered in two years. I had a feeling he had caught on to my foreign attitude as well.

"Don't you dare with-hold anything from me, Emilia," He warned.

I cleared my throat. "Mr. Crest said not to–"

"Not when your job is on the line. You have a second to spill,"

"You won't fire me. You need me." I replied confidently.

My colleagues ignored the scene as it was no longer a thing of astonishment for them.

"Oh really? What makes you so sure?" he gritted out.

"Because that card doesn't work on me anymore." I meet his heated gaze.

"Fine," he relented, "I'll let this go since you're only doing your job. Get on the phone with Sam and find out if they've left home." He commanded.

Theodore Roderick hurried over and tapped Sebastian's shoulder.

Theodore is Sebastian's oldest friend and a brother, they were like each other's shadow.

Theo was in his twenties, tall, lean with defined muscles, always dressed in bright colors, soft features, and blonde hair that hung on his forehead highlighting his green eyes, he had the boy-next-door look going on.

"Mr. Murray wants to have a word. Immediately," Theo said in an anxious tone.

"Okay," he turned to leave but turned to her again.

"Tell Sophia to get here fast before I go get her myself. This isn't a dress party."

They stalked off.

I sighed as I watched them join the guests. He looked exhausted from his trip, I wonder how he's still so active after a two-week trip.

I quickly got on the phone with Sophia.

"Sophia, your brother is coming to get you in five minutes!"

Then I cut the call. Sophia fears her brother more than death.

I stood at the entrance waiting for Sebastian's parents.

After two minutes, a black sleek limousine arrived, and instantly their car was crowded by reporters, flashing cameras and asking a million questions like; "Mr. Crest, how do you feel about retirement..."

"Please, say a word for the camera..."

The Crest couple emerged dressed as impeccable as ever, it was like they came right out of a magazine page.

Robert Crest in a black tuxedo and a bow tie, his silver hair slicked back and his tall physique towered over his petite wife, who wore an equally black beautiful velvet gown with diamond-shaped silver sequins splattered all over the dress, dangling silver earrings highlighted her high cheekbones, she glowed whenever she smiled.

The bodyguards led them inside the hall.

They were greeted by guests as soon as they were spotted. Some shook hands with Robert, while some kissed Celine on the cheeks and commented on how stunning she looked.

They held each other by the arm, their love sparkled even in old age, and they laughed and conversed with each other with elegance. I felt a pang of jealousy at their connection, and for a moment I yearned for a love so evident.

Sebastian and Theodore approached his parents. He hugged his Father, they muttered inaudible words– I prayed silently they wouldn't argue, I breathed a sigh of relief when he released his Father and kissed his Mother's cheek lovingly.

Soon, they were laughing and making jokes. But it didn't reach his eyes.

The only time I catch a glimpse of Sebastian letting down his guard is when he's with Theo.

Standing side to side with his Father one could see that he was a replica of him.

The broad shoulders, wrinkles that form at the corner of their eyes when they smiled, the signature beauty mark beside their right nose, and their habit of rubbing behind their necks when they are in an awkward situation.

"He looks so stiff when he's with his parents," Beth comments thoughtfully.

"It's no secret how they don't get along with his Father," I replied.

"True," she mumbled.

My gaze met with Robert Crest, he gestured for me to come over.

I approached him and noticed Sebastian had left the spot. He gestured for me to lean closer.

"I need you to do damage control for me, can you do that?"

"Anything," I replied.

"Make sure you keep Seb away from the entrance, I have 'that' guest coming in now. Wait and receive him for me."

"Got it." I turned to leave but he called me back.

"Emily, why aren't you asking any questions? " he said with a suspicious stare. "This is so unlike you."

"Am I supposed to?"

He smiled and squeezed my hand.

"Good answer."

"I'm smart," I smirked.

"You look beautiful tonight," he commented and pecked my cheek. I made a mock now and he rolled his eyes and shooed me away.

I headed for the entrance, and as soon as I did, a white limousine stopped and a handsome, tall man dressed in a blue suit and a white shirt–unbuttoned by the collar emerged. He shoved a hand in his long dark hair, I thought he was a model.

When he turned I swear his gray eyes glistened in the night, he had a scar running down his right eyebrow, he was as tall as Sebastian, but he had an intense aura–also older. He seemed like the type of man girls knew was dangerous but still fell for.

He approached and stopped in front of me, I held my breath.

"Emily Asher?" he inquired. Oh God, his voice was as smooth as honey.

"Ah...Yes, sorry." I swallowed hard.

"I reckon my uncle Rob sent you?"

"Yes please, this way."

I led the way through the crowd, careful not to fall on my face.

He was attracting curious stares, especially from the ladies.

"Michael!" Robert exclaimed as we approached him.

"Uncle Rob!" Michael smiled–which was beautiful by the way. They shared a man hug.

"So good to see you again kid. Wait here, it's time for my speech. Emily, where is Seb? He has to be here," Robert asked.

"Right here Father,"

Sebastian approached with a blank expression. It was like a dark cloud hanging above his head.

"Hello brother, long time no see," Michael reached for a handshake but Sebastian ignored him.

"Not long enough," he quipped, his eyes fixed on his Father who was on the stage.

I left and stood beside Beth at our table.

"Who was that Greek god you came in with?"

"Don't ask me, am trying to recover from such a sight,"

She chuckled. But my attention was drawn to Sopia's arrival. I couldn't believe my eyes, surely my eyes must be playing tricks on me. But it became a reality when they drew closer, then I realized that Felix Jones was standing right in front of me as Sophia Crest's date. In the end, he came to me.

CHAPTER 3

I tried hard not to pass out at the shocking sight in front of me, I staggered back a bit as I tried to breathe steadily in an attempt to calm my nerves. Felix had a sinister smirk on his lips, clearly enjoying how flustered I was.

"Where's Seb?" Sophia asked, oblivious of how flustered I was.

Sophia is in her early twenties with striking features. She has a straight nose, an oval-shaped face, fair skin, and a beauty mark on the right side of her nose, thick dark glossy hair pin straight cascading down her waist like a waterfall, she dyed the tip blonde to indicate a bet she lost to Theo. Her almond-shaped eyes and very dark brown eyes held confidence and shone with mischief, she always stood tall at 5'6.

"With your parents." I managed to respond.

"Alright," she nodded and turned to leave.

I let out a sigh of relief but she turned around again and I held my breath.

"Oh! Silly me, I forgot to introduce my new acquaintance. Emily, meet Felix Jones. He's an engineer," Sophia added with a proud smile.

I couldn't help but pity the young girl, Felix Jones was a 30-year-old man with experience that could destroy Sophia.

Felix has a red handkerchief on his left pocket breast–matching Sophia's ox blood dinner gown She wore sparkling diamond earrings and an equally thin diamond necklace situated between her breasts.

her delicate face and petite body made every man want to protect her.

Sophia was never with one man long enough.

"He is very important to me."

"Pleasure to meet you, Mr. Jones."

I bravely reached out for a handshake. He smiled and shook it, he raised it to his lips and kissed my hand. I suddenly had the urge to throw up.

"Pleasure to meet you beautiful."

He drew. I quickly retrieved my hand and went back to my table. Beth was shaking in anger.

"Em, what is he doing here?" she whispered harshly.

"I'd like to know the same thing. I think I'll go to the ladies room,"

Before she could respond I dashed for the lady's room. I leaned against the sink.

I looked up at the mirror and my reflection stared back at me.

"You can do this Emily," I murmured.

"He's got nothing on you, he's the guilty one, not you."

I stood and raised my shoulders back.

"That's right, this is you, the confident, fearless Emily."

Immediately I came out of the restroom I stopped short at the sight of Felix Jones, crossed-legged leaning on the wall outside the restroom with his hand folded on his chest, looking as handsome as she could remember. She rolled her eyes and started walking again.

"Well, if it isn't Emily Asher."

"You do know this is the lady's room right?" He hissed and quickly grabbed my arm and pulled me to himself. Our breaths and my rapidly pounding heartbeat filled the room.

"How did you know I was going to be here huh? How do you know these people?" His eyes looked deadly.

"I should be asking you the same question, don't you think? You're nothing but a good-for-nothing money-grubber, you should be ashamed of yourself for stealing from a woman," I spit out venomously.

He laughed humorlessly and tightened his grip on my arm. I attempted to shake him off but instead, I kept grinding on him. I was disgusted to my stomach.

"You're still as arrogant as ever Em, you keep fighting when you know you should stop..." he whispered harshly. My nose flared at the name. How dare he.

"Let go of me you piece of garbage or I tell her who you truly are!"

"Shut your mouth!" He pinned me to the wall.

my eyes watered, but I was determined not to give him the satisfaction of seeing me in pain again.

"You can't do anything about it Em. You won't dare say anything," he hissed harshly. "Because you are weak..."

"That's what you think..." I replied.

"You know what, If you weren't such a pain in the neck we would have had a perfect relationship, who knows - I would have married you but unfortunately–"

"Marriage?" I started to laugh humorlessly. "Did you just say marriage?"

"What's so funny about it?" he seethed.

"Because I would've never said yes to you Felix, sooner or later your true colors would have surfaced–"

"Shut your mouth!" he whispered harshly, his elbow pinning me to the wall.

"Why should I? It's the truth, isn't it?!

I'm sure no woman would want you anymore, so if you know what's good for you, let me go before someone sees you in the ladies' restroom manhandling a woman."

As if on cue, footsteps approached and he quickly released me. I gasped in relief. "We're not done Em..."

Don't ever come near me again Felix, or I swear I'll call the police!"

I yelled after him and leaned on the wall. I couldn't stop tears from running down my cheek, how dare he!

"How dare you..." I murmured and shut my eyes.

I heard Robert's voice speak into the microphone and my eyes snapped open. The speech. Gosh, I had completely forgotten.

I straightened and hurried back to my table.

"Now for the reason we're all here tonight, I have a very important announcement to make before I rest these old bones, Michael, Sebastian, come up here!"

Heads stirred towards the two gods as they walked up the stage. They stood beside Robert, he held them by the shoulders and smiled.

"This is my nephew, and as you all know my son who terrorizes you all at work..."

The crowd chuckled.

"Seb and I worked for this company from the ground up," he turned to his son. "I know I don't say this much but I am proud of you son," Sebastian simply stood stoic on stage.

"Now, my very own Nephew is back here and is going to be working alongside Seb, and as time proceeds he might take over the company when am gone,"

That stirred the crowd up. I could see Sebastian's body stiffened at his Father's pronouncement, while Michael simply stood with his arms folded behind his back.

My heart dropped to my feet. This can't be good.

"Em, what on earth is he talking about?"

Beth frowned.

"I..."

"Nothing is settled yet but we'll see,"

Robert added with a smile.

"If I may..." Sebastian started. "I don't think leading the company is that special, in fact..." he let out a heavy breath and adjusted his suit. "I never once considered running a family business, it's–how do I put it now... old fashioned, but I am willing to teach my dear cousin here," he wrapped an arm around Michael's shoulders and managed a smile that didn't reach his eyes.

"I sense a war brewing on the horizon."

Danny muttered.

"Seb, what are you talking about?" his Father asked with a frown.

"If you all could please enjoy the rest of your evening,"

He completely ignored his Father and stepped down the stage. The crowd parted to let him pass through, his body was rigid as he approached.

"Sebastian!" his father called after him but he wouldn't budge.

"Emilia, office, now!"

Before we could register the next minute the crowd went haywire, I turned and I saw Robert on the ground, being carried by his bodyguards.

"He's not breathing!"

"Carry him!"

Sebastian's face turned ashen white when he assessed the scene and everything went blank.