Chapter 58
CHAPTER FIFTY-EIGHT
ELENA
For the next week, Orion only texted me three times. Each time, the conversation was brief. He hadn’t stopped by to see me, and I hadn’t been into the office to see him. I’d been working from home.
Sadness overwhelmed me, and I made more paper stars for him. I’d started this project a while ago. I wrote little sayings on small strips of paper to make me feel better. Then I rolled the paper strip into a three-dimensional star. I had filled up half of a glass jar already.The making of the tiny paper stars soothed me more than I realized. It was like being in the garden, plucking dandelions to dry. The process made me feel free and happy.
Every time I looked at the stars, I thought of him.
Why did it seem like our relationship was ending? Why did it seem like there was a huge wedgebetween us now? Was it my doing? Was I wrong to request time and space?
The girls had called me asking about Jasper’s assault on the island. Orion had mentioned it to his boys, and they had told their women. I told them I was fine, and I was more worried about my relationship with Orion. After my conversation with the girls, I felt better.
My article regarding the bank scams had released two days ago, making Musepaper the most talked-about online newspaper. I hadn’t expected so much exposure, but Orion did. All the other news outlets had reached out to me, which I deferred to the PR team Orion had hired. So many sponsor negotiations were underway. I was thrilled Musepaper was getting the exposure it deserved.
I still had a lot to do, and the marketing campaign for Musepaper was only beginning. From that bank scam article, a series of events occurred, which Orion had to deal with. I saw him addressing the press regarding the Reimann Corporation, which owned the Reimann Sienna Bank and several other institutions. He’d looked handsome and powerful, but also tired. I wanted to hug him.
His father’s condition had improved, and he’d fired many people within the corporation. Some were even arrested because of newly released harassment recordings that led to people’s suicides. I knew Orion had found those recordings.
Now the lawsuits would come. I was worried about him. Was this ordeal affecting his family’s company?
I called Ralph.
“Elena, my dear. It’s so good to hear from you. I was just going to call you later.”
“You were? Is everything okay? Is Orion okay? He’s been stressed lately.”
Ralph sighed. “That’s why I’m calling you. Can you tell me what happened between you two? He’s closed himself off. I know he’s dealing with some family and business drama, but I wonder if something else is concerning him.”
Guilt tore at me, and my heart ached. So I poured out my concern to Ralph. “I told him I needed time. But I don’t think he really understood where I was coming from.”
“Ah . . . I understand now.”
“Do you?”
“Of course. I’ve learned that relationships are like puzzles. It took me a long time to understand what the woman I love wanted from me. She gave me time, and I took too long. Years have gone by, and I could’ve been with her.”
“I don’t know if I did the right thing. Is he hurting? Is he even more confused? I should be with him right now, right?”
“You’re good where you are. If you were near him right now, his attention would be divided. He needs to focus on his family drama playing out.”
“Is Jasper creating trouble for Orion?” I asked.
“Jasper is a spoiled asshole. He’ll get what he deserves. But there’s so much more you haven’t heard. I’ll let Orion tell you when he’s ready.”
“I saw on the news about the lawsuits. Are people suing the Reimann Corporation? But they weren’t responsible, right?” I didn’t want my investigation to be the reason for his family’s financial downfall.
“The Reimann Corporation will be okay. The company will probably eliminate the corrupt banks. Getting rid of negative energy is a good thing. But you know Orion; he’s cunning and meticulous, so he can endure this financial hit.”
“I’m so happy to hear that.” Relief settled, and I blew out a loud breath. “Is there something I can do to help him?”
“Just know that he loves you. If he had to choose between you and Kate, it would be you a hundred percent. Without a doubt.”
Joy leaped into my heart, and the insecurities that had settled in my stomach disappeared. Ralph knew Orion better than anyone.
“How can you be sure?”
“Because I’ve never seen him as happy as he is when he’s with you. There’s a joy in him that’s unspeakable. Even I can feel it when I’m around him.” He sighed. “He tried to help Kate, but couldn’t. She didn’t understand Orion the way you do, and she couldn’t love him the way he needed it. But you can, and you have.”
“Do you think he knows this?”
“He will.”
After a few more minutes, Ralph had to go. I’d learned he was retiring in two months and would stay in Sweden with his wife Evelyn. Apparently, he’d gotten married during his vacation using the two bouquets he’d shown me. He said he’d continue to assist Orion with whatever he needed on a part time basis. I knew Orion would leave Ralph to retire in peace.
Feeling better, I was going to shower when my phone buzzed with a message from an unfamiliar number.
I clicked on it, and my heart shattered.It was a video of Orion with Chantel at the fashion show auction. They were in an empty room, making out. Then the scene changed to another banquet. I saw a Swedish flag on the hotel wall. They were snuggling and kissing too. When the video showed him fucking her, I lost it.
I whipped the phone across my desk, and it clattered to the floor. I gasped as my chest caved in. My worldcollapsed as hot tears burned my eyes. Anger, shock, sadness, and betrayal broke me into a million pieces.
After I stopped heaving, I walked over to pick up my phone. The screen had cracked, but the video was still playing. I turned it off. I’d seen enough.
A second text came in.
Told you he can’t be with one woman.
This had to be Chantel. I desperately wanted to reply. But what could I say? She knew she had the upper hand now. I wouldn’t give her the satisfaction.
Instead, I buried myself in work so I didn’t have to think about them. I texted Reid to let him know I’d be over at Wild Roots tomorrow to pluck more dandelions before the season ended. I didn’t want the flowers to wait for my mom to return from Cancun. Plus, I needed to do something different to keep my mind busy.
Working on Musepaper made me think about Orion, and right now I needed all thoughts of him out of my mind.
That night I lay in bed debating whether I should confront Orion about the videos, but I simply didn’t have the energy. I didn’t want to hear excuses. I saw his face clearly. Unless he had a twin, that was HIM.
Move on.
You’re worthy of an honest man who loves you.
With that thought flashing in my mind, I blocked his phone number.
I had to think of a way to sever ties with Orion regarding Musepaper. He was an investor, so I needed legal advice. I wanted to buy the Land Rover from him too. It was the right thing to do. Even though he was unfaithful to me, I couldn’t screw people over the way he did.
As my head hit the pillow, the pressure of the day snapped, flowing out of me in hot tears. I fell asleep on a wet pillow and dreamed I was lost in hell.