Chapter 28: Chapter 28

(Vivienne)

"I'm so sorry Beverly I had no idea" it was hard to believe Beverly got fired by Victor all because she didn't give him the phone when doctor Maverick called in the past when I got sick. Why would victor do that to her

"It's okay Vivienne I made a mistake...you were pregnant for his child and I should have broken his rules, "Beverly said lowering her gaze to her plate of French fries. After I met her we decided to have some lunch and catch up a bit. Beverly was a good woman, she was the reason I became Victor's Surrogate. Finding out she was now working for a shameless man who treated her badly hurt me badly

"I feel ashamed Bev, it's all my fault" In the past, I was so caught up in life matters that I forgot about Beverly's existence. For three years she had been struggling to find a decent job after Victor fired her. I failed to understand why a well-educated woman like Beverly would find it hard to get employed so easily. If she got a chance to be employed by Victor and became his assistant then why would it be difficult for her to find a good job in all of London

"Victor was a nice boss….he treated me like family...I loved working for him because I've never seen a man like him"Beverly said as she ate her food. Yes I knew Victor was a good man, he had a heart of gold which I agreed with her

"I'm sure he can hire you back...but why would he fire you just because of a call...it doesn't add up," I said, shaking the cup of my milkshake. I wasn't trying to say anything bad but it was unprofessional of Victor for him to just fire Beverly over a missed phone call. It didn't make sense but seeing Beverly's sad expression I felt even more guilty knowing I had no right to doubt her

"Mr. Ellison is very particular about things Vivie...he's very serious when it comes to important matters especially work-related, "Beverly remarked, smiling warmly. I nodded because I came to know about Victor more than anyone

"Sir is amazing...he's a great man and admirable...I never regretted working for him, "Beverly added, sounding proud. As much as I liked hearing Victor being praised endlessly. I just didn't like the idea of hearing it from a woman either be it someone older or anything. Victor was mine and only mine. Even when I was smiling and chatting with Beverly, deep down I didn't want her to have such admiration for my man

"I'm sure he'll forgive you and give you back the job," I said, smiling faintly at her. The sun was going down which meant the night was falling..glancing around I saw that the fast-food restaurant we were in was fully packed

"And you...what have you been up to huh?" She asked me while taking a bite of a burger. I nodded, not sure how to explain things but I didn't have to say anything at all. Although I knew Beverly, we weren't that close nor sat like this to chat

"Nothing much just surviving," I said looking at my food lazily, I still had to call Victor somehow, the man didn't reply to my message earlier. Picking up my phone from beside my plate I glanced at the glowing screen hoping to find his reply but nothing of that sort. Was he that busy today

"What's wrong...you look disturbed... everything okay?"Beverly asked looking at me with narrowed eyes and I nodded getting me back to my senses and I nodded and took a sip of the milkshake..why was he doing this, was it because of my behavior the previous night

"E...excuse me...I'll be right back" I excused myself and took my phone and Beverly nodded as I left the table and proceeded to the lady's restroom.

As soon as I reached the restroom, I was surprised to find no one inside but that was lucky for me hence I walked in and slightly pushed the door closed although it remained open. Keeping my phone on the sink counter I looked up seeing myself in the mirror and sighed

"That man is something else" if he was mad at me he wouldn't have texted to see how I was doing but then again the man was prideful. I was so lost that even splashing water in my face to cool off wasn't working very much

"I should go back," I said and reached for the hand drier. I didn't even mind as I put my hands closer and felt the warm air drying my hands. I finished up and for my face, I took some wipers and reached to dry my face when the door closed with a loud bang such that I turned around feeling scared. The impact was so sudden and unexpected that my heart raced even more. I didn't feel any wind for the door to close hence I rushed to see if it was open but when I turned the knob. It was locked

"Huh?"

How on Earth was it locked? These things are only locked from inside for privacy so how come "hello...who is there!"I shouted while banging on the door repeatedly. I leaned my head to the door hoping to hear anything but no one seemed to be there

"Help me...who locked the door!"I shouted as loud as I could, unfortunately, I was rendered helpless. I was about to turn away when I felt a sharp pain in my right foot

"Ah" I lowered down only to see a deep cut. Three of my toes are bleeding here as if someone sliced me with a knife. "Ouch ouch"I took off the slippers I happened to have worn which exposed my feet and scanned my three toes. I lowered a little to see if there was any glass there because I didn't see any or knife when I came in and there was nothing. The floor was covered in blood coming from my toes and that scared me greatly, just walking made it painful

"Vic," I said and limped towards the sink to get my phone, and luckily immediately I picked up the phone from there Vic was surprisingly calling. Without wasting time I answered the call accidentally pressing on the speaker

"Vic...where are you?"I called out agitated as I fixed my eyes on my bleeding toes. The door was locked I didn't know who did that

"Where are you?"He asked, sounding serious, "restaurant in...in the restroom...the door...Vic I'm so scared please come". It was pointless asking him to come to me knowing he was out of town. This wasn't a coincidence. It had happened before and I didn't want to stay here a minute longer. Although nothing was happening, just being confined in such a space had me sweating all over. Fear washed over me as my heart thumped violently. There was no reply from Victor. I glanced at the phone and I saw that the call was still through. I couldn't wait hence I rushed back to the door and tried to open it. Using all my strength while banging loudly on it. The more time that passed by the more I got agitated my body was trembling without my consent

"Open up!"I shouted and tried pulling the door open only for it to open surprising me

"You are okay" a soft deep male voice spoke and in minutes I was engulfed in warm arms. That familiar scent of pure male skin and mixed fragrances hit my nose making me feel teary. I quickly wrapped my arms around his back and snuggled on his chest to calm myself. I   could feel his grip tightening around me and I wanted that. For him to hold me as tight as he could

"Shh I'm here" I heard Victor murmur as he played with my hair and when I was fully calm. I moved away from his chest and he ended up holding the sides of my face

"Someone locked me in there...I'm not making things up please believe me...I…"I tried to say my voice was all hoarse and unsure. He was just staring at me without blinking but he had to believe me someone was here and

"Vivienne...what took…"in the process of trying to convince Victor I heard Beverly's agitated voice. My head tilted a little and I saw her running to us but stopped when she saw Victor

"Hello, sir I didn't know you came... Vivie, you took so long so I decided...to check up on you" she said lowering her head but Victor didn't say anything as he turned his attention to me. There was that something in his eyes. Was it a concern, the soft way he was looking at me had me feeling weak in the knees? I've never seen him look at me with so much affection and before I knew it the man pulled me in his arms once again gripping my neck firmly as if I would escape. His heart was pounding loudly. I could feel it thumping against my chest which made me worry

"You are fine...no one will hurt you" he kept muttering repeatedly as if convincing himself. I failed to understand him and when he moved away from me. His eyes shifted to my leg and I saw a change of expression on his face. He seemed angry and uncomfortable

"How did you hurt yourself...why so careless," he said and lifted me in his arms. I didn't refuse but let him do as he wanted. I couldn't walk because my foot was throbbing. Victor didn't even waste time as he led me out of there. I glanced over his shoulder throwing an apologetic look at Beverly standing there with her head bowed and she just nodded at me.

"Vic she…"

"Don't talk" he cut me off and I shut up immediately. By now I was wondering if Beverly not answering the call was the only issue. Victor just ignored her like air. Shoving such thoughts off we soon left the restaurant.