76- Manhattan
Aiden Wyatt’s house was not as big as Hunter’s but it sure had extra bedrooms, a private pool, and a beautiful garden.
After so many sleepless nights in San Francisco, Abigail, at last, managed to sleep peacefully. Instead of giving her a guest room, Wyatts had offered her their late daughter’s room.
The next morning when she came down, she saw Aiden Wyatt kissing Carol in the living room. Smiling to herself she cleared her throat while taking a seat around the dining table. Carol jumped up but Aiden just pulled away a little with his arms still around his wife to keep her steady.
“Sorry, dear. We almost forgot that we have a guest.” Carol seemed a little embarrassed.
“Please carry on you two. I am here to ask for breakfast options and coffee.” Abigail yawned and rested her head on the table.
“Still sleepy! Aren’t we?” Caroline chuckled. “Did you sleep well?”
Abigail just nodded without raising her head.
“Granma, I need to prepare my breakfast, if you don’t mind.” She yawned again.
“Non-sense. Our house help would do it for you. Just let him know about your preferences, dear.”
Later she was enjoying her pancakes, ” This is yum. Almost heaven.” She said while slathering her pancakes with caramel sauce.
“Abigail. Should I ask the helper to bring your coffee?”
“Coffee? No. Tea is fine. I will opt for tea.” She pushed a piece in her mouth devouring it.
If Caroline Wyatt found anything unusual, she did not remark, “So what are you planning to do, Abigail? Do you want to visit the city first? Or …” Carol stopped when Abigail started shaking her head.
“No Granma. Ethan would be here to pick me up. I need to go to the office. Can’t stay here for very long. San Francisco office would be needing me back in few days.”
“So no fun? Only work? That’s what your motto is? Just like Hunter.” Aiden seemed disappointed.
“No, darling.” She held Aiden’s hand. ” Who told you I won’t have fun? Wood furniture IS fun.”
Well better than your grandson.
She did not want to remind herself about Hunter. By now, the butler must have informed him about her leave.
She was expecting a message or a call from him, for at least letting out his anger. He must be fuming for not getting included in her plans.
This thought alone was enough to make her laugh.
What was he even thinking? Kyle had taught her well. She had decided a long time ago that her happiness would never depend on a man. She would not let herself break, no matter what happens.
If Hunter did not want to talk to her or even look at her then be it. She would not run after him. He was her friend, a true friend in need. But that did not give him any right to control her or walk over her. She would not be a weakling again.
If he was happy with Celine then good for him. Good for them. He should stay with her. If he wanted to take Celine to a party or even his home then she gave a damn. Let them be together. She would do what she would enjoy. The things which would make her happy.
She was indebted for whatever Hunter did for her and she was ready for any favors he needed. But not at the cost of her self-respect.
When she stepped off the elevator of Sapphire Galaxy’s Manhattan office, it was bustling with people. Ethan showed her the main office which belonged to Hunter. Their Empowerment meeting was scheduled for the next day.
Abigail spent most of the time getting acquainted with all the employees with Ethan by her side.
She was discussing something with Ethan when she heard a baby’s wailing. She stopped there and turned to Ethan a little confused.
“It’s one of our employees Amanda Roberts. Today her mom was not available so she requested to bring her four-month old son.”
Just then a beautiful blonde entered the lobby with the cutest baby in a carrier. She looked tired.
“Ethan, I don’t understand. He was supposed to sleep. He is well fed, his diaper is not wet and now he is doing this while I have to manage that gigantic stack of files.”
She had not noticed Abigail.
“Amanda, have you met Abigail Levisay? Hunter Levisay’s wife?” Ethan smiled kissing the baby’s head.
“Oh. You are Ms. Abigail Levisay. So sorry ma’am. I assure you this doesn’t happen daily… I was just …”
She stammered.
“It’s ok, Amanda. If he is well fed with a dry diaper then maybe you can trust me with him. You can go and get done with your files.” Abigail said softly.
“What?” her mouth was hung open, she eyed Ethan nervously then relaxed a bit when he nodded.
“Are you sure? I mean…” She was still confused.
“I am sure. Women should be there for each other, getting each other’s back. Please go and complete your tasks.” Abigail stretched her hand to take the baby and headed towards her office.
“Is she our boss’ wife?” Amanda was having difficulty accepting the fact. ” She is the complete opposite of him.”
Then turning to Ethan she clarified quickly, “I mean I know Mr. Levisay is very kind but… She is like sunshine as compared to her husband who is reserved, and… cold.”
Ethan was quiet with a raised eyebrow when Amanda smiled, “Sorry, I forgot. You don’t like gossiping. I should go I guess and do my work.” With that, she moved to her office.
Ethan had just been seated in his office when he got the call from Hunter on his phone.
“Hey. Someone is missing me a lot today.” There was mischief in Ethan’s voice.
Hunter’s only response was “Shut up!”
Ethan started laughing, “Are you interested in knowing about today’s reports? Or you want me to interview more candidates for …”
“How is she, Eth?” Hunter’s voice stopped him in his tracks.
“She is good. Everyone here likes her immensely.” Ethan sighed and then said, “She misses you.”
“Did she tell you that?” He asked a little hopefully.
“No.” he refused flatly.
“Then how do you…”
Ethan cut him short, “Hunter, Did you tell me that you are missing her? But I still know that you do.” Ethan said a little forcefully. “And her eyes, Hunter! They say it all. It certainly lacks luster.”
Hunter fell quiet for a few moments. Then taking a deep breath he spoke,” Don’t let her go without anyone accompanying her. Can you make sure of that?”
“Don’t worry mate. I have got your back. As always.”
“Thanks, Eth.” With that Hunter disconnected the call.
Ethan was staring at his phone. Then he got up to take a picture of Abigail on his phone. He needed to send it to his friend. Just to let him know that she was in good hands.
The last time he met Hunter and Abigail, he knew something was going on between them. It was normal, he knew. Couples do face problems and issues.
He left them alone in the conference room and went to Ava for just a few minutes, asking about her education and all when suddenly a disturbed Abigail barged out of the conference room towards him.
Holding him by his elbow she took him aside, “When is your flight, Ethan?”
“I am planning to leave after around one and a half hours. Why?”
“Nothing.” She said a little over brightly.
That evening at the airport, when he got off his car, she was standing right there for God knows how long with a small suitcase.
“Abigail! What the hell!
“Eth. Please.” She pleaded.
“Your Husband is going to kill me.” He rolled his eyes while trying to talk some sense into her.
“Believe me. He won’t.” she held his arm. She was on the verge of crying.
He wanted to tell her that it was ok. Couples do fight, they do go through hardships. But she seemed so firm.
The determination on her face told him that she would not listen. He was supposed to take Levisay International private jet. Leaving her there meant that she would get her way even if she had to come in some other plane in an economy class.
He could not leave her there.
“Ethan. Please don’t tell him.”
Ethan quietly nodded and asked his men to hold her suitcase. She seemed very happy and carefree. But he knew that she was extremely disturbed.
After coming here he asked her to stay In Sapphire Galaxy penthouse where Hunter usually preferred to crash in. But she chose to live with Aiden and Caroline. 2
Never in his life had he seen a woman who was trying to run away from Hunter Levisay. Not only was she running away but was giving him a tough time.
Here she was not whining or crying over her relationship. She was doing everything remarkably well while being strong yet polite.
At the same time, she was meeting all the employees with a constant smile though out, without any complaints.
A smile crept on his lips. First time in his life he had seen Hunter like this. He never gave a damn about girls.
But this time it was different.
Abigail was different and Ethan Quest was thoroughly enjoying the show.
