Loving My Enemy

Chapter 9 - Guilt

Rebecca hugged Eleanor as soon as she was inside the apartment. She knew about Eleanor being diabetic and that was why she was worried. Breaking apart, she observed Eleanor for any sign of weakness.

“How are you now?” She asked and Eleanor shrugged.

“Better than before,” Eleanor said and threw her bag while collapsing beside it on the couch. She began to caress her forehead trying to relieve the headache.

“Thank God. You should be grateful that he took you to the hospital at the earliest. Otherwise because of your carelessness who knew what could have happened.” Rebecca said and began to place the plates on the dining table, preparing the table for dinner.

“I know. I thanked him before leaving.” Eleanor said and remembered the way he was staring when she glanced back at his car when he had dropped her off outside her apartment. There was something in his eyes. Guilt? Desire? She couldn’t put a finger on it but it was there.

“What is it?” Rebecca asked seeing her face. Eleanor shook her head lightly trying to shake it off then said, “Becca, I think there is something Rickard is hiding.”

Rebecca stifled her laugh and lifted an eyebrow at her with an amusing face. “Rickard? Nicely going there.”

Eleanor rolled her eyes but felt her cheeks heat up and avoided Rebecca’s gaze. “You missed the point. There is something that I am missing about Mr. Hansen. I can feel it, Becca. Something is not right.”

Rebecca’s smile turned into a frown as she listened to Eleanor. “Why do you say that?”

Eleanor felt the hair at the back of her neck stand. The intensity of his eyes, she couldn’t forget. Stormy blue eyes were clouded with passion. She could swear she saw the guilt in his eyes but couldn’t understand the guilt for what? Was it just her imagination? “I just feel it.”

Rebecca lightly squeezed one of her shoulders. “You’re not overthinking, are you?”

Eleanor looked up at her determinedly and shook her head. “This time I am not overthinking.”

“I think you are,” Rebecca said and Eleanor shrugged. There was a reason for her overthinking. It wasn’t for nothing and being in the dark agitated her.

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The next day at the office…

It was the vase of flowers that caught her gaze as she stepped out of the elevator and walked towards her table to start her day at the office. A black colored vase filled with beautiful pink and white English Roses was resting on her table. She looked around for anyone who it belonged to but found no one. Walking towards Rickard’s assistant, she asked, “Did you see who placed the vase on my table?”

Rickard’s assistant glanced at the vase and shrugged, shaking her head. “They were already there when I came.” She mentioned to Eleanor.

Eleanor frowned and then went back to her table. It was a beautiful vase and enlivened her morning but she was curious as to who would do the effort? Coming closer to the table, she smiled as she inhaled the familiar scent of flowers. She realized they were the same flowers she saw in the garden of Mr. Hansen’s mansion. Her eyes widened, realizing who could have placed the flowers at her table.

Eleanor glanced in the direction of Rickard’s office and wondered how he knew she liked these flowers. Did any of his servants saw her in the garden and then inform him but why would he want to place these flowers on her table. Eleanor was sure that she was overthinking. Shaking her head, she decided to enjoy the flowers and start her day.

Eleanor’s was getting hectic day by day. Rickard’s financials usually contained his credit card bills, investments, trips, and every other expense that occurred on his behalf. It wasn’t easy to maintain but she tried to be caught be up with every detail that was shared with her. There was still information that wasn’t shared with her and was managed by someone else. She hoped one day he would trust her enough to let her manage all his financials.

It was lunchtime and Eleanor stretched her hands after typing a report. Suddenly a trolley came beside her and a woman dressed in a waitresses’ uniform came with it. Surprised, Eleanor stared at her and the waitress took out a tray and placed it in front of Eleanor.

“Wait, wait. I didn’t order anything.” Eleanor said to the waitress quickly. She smiled politely.

“Actually, Madam, this came from Mr. Hansen’s office.” She glanced in the direction of Rickard’s assistant, Patricia, who nodded at a waitress in approval.

Confused, Eleanor walked up to Patricia, and asked, “Did you order that for me? Why?”

“It was Mr. Hansen’s orders. He informed me that you’re diabetic and to make sure that you take your meals on time. Please don’t forget to eat.” She said and continued her work.

Eleanor’s eyes widened and her mouth fell open. Did he not trust her to take care of herself? Walking back to her seat, she glared at the tray. Although the food looked delicious and Eleanor was hungry but she could arrange her food herself. Why did he have to micromanage everything? She decided she would ask him herself.

~~~~~~~~~~~

Rickard placed the receiver back after telling his assistant about Eleanor. He would make sure that the recent episode never repeats itself.

The day before, seeing her limp in his arms had made him terrified. He had shouted for help, lost his cool, and possibly uttered a few curses at the staff as well. Not able to understand his reaction to her, he had lost his temper. A strong-minded and composed man had lost his cool. Not only that, he had also felt guilty seeing her helpless. Never in his life, he had felt guilty for taking what he wanted but what changed now? From the starting, Eleanor was a part of his plan. But now these feelings towards her were messing with his mind. This guilt was going to ruin his plan. If he continued with this path, he would lose everything, his sanity and his ambition both. Rickard ran a hand through his hair and promised himself that before it got out of hand he would have it all under control. He was so close to his goal and Eleanor couldn’t ruin it. He wouldn’t let her.

Letting out a breath, he unlocked the first drawer of his table and took out the file. On the front, there was written in block letters the name “Eleanor Harrington”. He opened it and gazed at her picture. His finger traced her face and just then he heard a knock after which the door opened. In the doorway, Eleanor stood staring at him. Rickard looked at her and then at the file. The Eleanor who stood in front of him was more pleasing than the one in the picture attached to the file. Brown hair, gray eyes shining with life, soft pink lips begging to be kissed senseless… Rickard controlled the train of his thoughts. Quickly he slapped the file close and stood straight. At his sudden movement, Eleanor frowned. Rickard wished to himself she wouldn’t come in. He would glance at the file and then at Eleanor, wishing for the file to disappear.