The Only One He Wants

She silently stood up and started toward the door, feeling totally, oddly ashamed of the events that had taken place. As she went down the corridor for the second time that day she knew that all eyes were on her as if she was standing in the middle of a spotlight in a Broadway show. The murmurs increased as she passed.

And then it occurred to her. Why all this embarrassment and discomfort? She had done nothing wrong. So she raised her head and left the pharmaceutical firm for the last time in her life. Finally, she left behind the crappy job and she felt relieved.

Relieved and unsurprisingly angry. Again. At Michael. How could he have left such a dirty message on the company number? It was outrageous and it contradicted everything he had said in the message.

What if he’d done it on purpose? She began torturing herself as she sat in her car. What if this was some kind of revenge?

“You’ll see, you son of a bi*ch! You’ll see… And you won’t know what’s happened to you when I take everything in my hands, you spoilt mister sh*t,” she said out loud, shaking her head in a fury. Her heart sped up in her chest.

Grabbing her bag, she fished her cell out of it and dialed Michael’s secretary. She picked up after the first ring.

“Hello, this is Michael Good’s office, CEO,” a pleasant female voice said from the other side.

“Hi, I need to know if Michael is in his office right now,” Gabrielle replied, all arrogant and utterly pissed off.

“I am sorry, ma’am, but we can’t disclose that information with—”

“I don’t care! I was… someone close to him and he… um… he did something bad. I know it’s vague but I need to know if he’s there. He might be leaving for Mauritius. He told me that,” Gabrielle spoke more calmly now and tried to be more persuasive this time.

“What’s your name, ma’am?” the secretary asked with an unchanged robotic tone.

“Gabrielle Basset.”

“Oh, you should have told me that earlier. He’s at home and is leaving for Mauritius today, ma’am,” the secretary said.

“Thanks,” Gabrielle said and hung up.

She put the car in gear and drove in the direction of his house.

She was surprised to find that his mansion was closer to her now ex-job than she had originally thought. The house was a masterpiece in architecture and contemporary design that took her breath away. It was the most beautiful house she had ever laid eyes on. Hell, this beat the homes of Hollywood’s most popular celebrities.

After the guard let her enter through the gates, she left the car at the entrance and with quickly went inside the gigantic house. It was bustling with people; maids, servants, and butlers who kept everything under control.

“Sorry, where is Michael’s room or study?” she asked one of them.

“He’s upstairs in his room, packing for a trip. It’s on the second floor,” the woman replied.

“Thanks,” Gabrielle shouted back as she was already climbing up the stairs.

Without even knocking she barged into his room. She was certain it was his because it had the shiniest door and it was the only one with the door closed.

“Michael! Seriously, what’s wrong with you?” she said as she entered. The room was exceptionally neat, clean, and tidy. The only thing standing out was Michael’s figure putting a bundle of clothes into an open suitcase.

He was startled and looked up. Once his eyes fell on her his whole face lit up. “Gabrielle, love!” He said and started toward her.

“No,” she shouted and put her hands before her to shield herself from him.

“I don’t understand, Gabby. What have I done? Did you get the message?” he was smiling from ear to ear, obviously glad that he was seeing her.

“Yes. I got the message and that’s why I’m here. You left it on my work phone, Michael! And that dumbass fired me!” Her eyes were teary. It was all too much for her, she couldn’t handle it.

“Oh no! Oh, God,” he whispered and hugged her tight. “I thought that you were calling me from home so I left the message on the same number that dialed me. I had no idea that it was the office number. I am so sorry, babe. God, I ruined everything. I hate myself. Please hate me and don’t hate yourself. Leave me, dump me, fight me. Just please make yourself feel better. I apologize, okay? Please forgive me.”

That made her heart sink. The poor man was in love with her and he had done it out of ignorance. Gabrielle looked up at his eyes. And then she kissed him with such passion and vigor that it took him off his feet.

“I love you,” she whispered, placing her hands on his nape.

“I love you, too” he replied, his hands on her waist.

“What am I going to do now?” she said and a tear slid down her cheek.

Michael took a deep breath. “I’ll offer it again. Come with me to Mauritius, love.”

“Babe, we talked about it. I…” She shook her head.

“We can build a new life there. We’ll travel the world, see new places, experience different cultures and become richer people. We won’t live off my money and you won’t be a trophy wife. You can work if you want. There or in my company and get a regular salary. Whatever you say I’ll agree to it. Just come with me,” he said it all in a single breath.

“I’m not really sure. I have to leave everything behind. It’s a huge leap.”

“But we’ll be together. We can bring Alesha and Francis sometimes. This is your dream, love, and mine as well. There are literally no downsides. We’ll be the happiest people on earth,” he said grinning. “What do you say?”

“Okay,” she finally said and he engulfed her in a warm bear hug.

“Yes, babe! Yeah!” he shouted, and they both laughed wholeheartedly, pleased that everything was resolved.

“I’m so excited, I’m buzzing,” she said, displaying her hands which were trembling.

“Me too! Now go home and pack quickly. We don’t want to miss the plane. I’ll arrange the flight and the tickets,” he said.

“I love you, baby. I’m so happy,” she said and kissed him.

“Go, we don’t have time,” he chuckled and kissed her back.

Later she wouldn’t remember how she had gotten to her apartment. It would seem to her as if she had been transported with some kind of a portal to her home. One second she was in his spacious room and the other she was taking the clothes out of her wardrobe and putting them chaotically into a suitcase.

Her cell was between her ear and shoulder, giving her daughter the details.