Page 89 of The CEO Enemy

To be honest, once the papers were gone over, and my lawyer watched me sign everything with trembling hands, I felt marginally better. However, there was another big step that had to be made.

“Leaving?” he asks. “No. What the hell are you talking about? You can’t leave the hotel.”

I’ve never been more conflicted in my entire life. How could I be so sure of something one minute and then completely unsure the next? It’s frustrating and heartbreaking at the same time. I still can’t get over what I overheard, the way Sean sounded, assuring his father he had it handled, coupled with that fax they sent, accusing me of mismanagement and practically forcing me out of the hotel I helped build.

Ironically, it was me who insisted on a contract. Story of my life. I trapped myself like a rat.

Now I’m paying for it.

In more ways than one.

Ugh.

Once more, ensnared by the charm of a CEO.

I know he says it’s not what it seems, but it’s so hard to believe him. So hard to get rid of that sinking feeling.

But not as hard as it is to cut him from my life.

I thought it would be easy. After all, I’ve been on my own for so long it should be easy to go back to that. But Sean has woven himself into my life and into my heart, and how can you extract someone who’s become a part of you?

But as many times as I told myself it was physical, as many times as I tried to avoid falling in deep, despite my best efforts, I’m in love with him. Yes, I realized this early on, but I don’t think I truly did comprehend the depth of my feelings until this moment, until now that I’m looking into his eyes.

It’s so hard to walk away and leave him behind.

I don’t even have the capacity to tell him that Jane Deets informed me that the adjacent building owner is open to hearing my offer, or that old Mr. Schuster at Schuster and Flint called to inform me that our bookings were about to skyrocket due to their newly acquired sister companies. These monthly conferences will even adhere to the new rates and cancellation policy. Mr. Schuster emphasized how our fair rates and policies over the years contributed significantly to their expansion—and this is his and Mr. Flint’s way of expressing gratitude.

A huge victory (that almost made me cry), not just for me but for all the hard work my employees have put in over the years. A real “I freakin’ told you so” moment that I don’t even get to have.

Because I can’t work at the hotel anymore.

It’s undeniable that Blackwood Inc., with all its means and resources, would—sooner or later—undoubtedly find a way to push me out. While I pride myself on being a fighter, I don’t want to live a life that’s a constant downhill battle, filled with sleepless nights and daily arguments trying to prove myself, only to end up on the defeated front. I don’t want to spend my days agonizing over the Westerlyn’s future, or feeling the way I have in the past hours—miserable, unappreciated, and betrayed.

I want to smile again, to laugh, and to embrace each new day that life brings.

Most of all, I don’t want regrets.

Never again.

Not with Sean.

Richard devastated me, but if Sean were to break my heart, I would never recover.

That’s why I also can’t live next door to him anymore. Hearing him come home, wishing for him to show up at my door, is too much. I need to find somewhere else to live. It’ll be better in the long run if I do.

That’s why I can’t see him anymore.

That’s why all this has to end.

Now.

With the financial means the sale will provide, I’ll purchase a new place and a new hotel. One that won’t be a shared venture, one that will be entirely mine. Big enough to bring in Pauline, Emma, and the rest of my staff.

“You’re not leaving the hotel!” he exclaims, snapping me out of my thoughts.

I was not expecting his explosive response.

“I’m leaving the hotel, and I’m finding another apartment,” I clarify. “I told you before that mixing relationships with work never ends well for me, and I was right. It’s over.”

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