Page 121 of Frozen Flames

I keep questioning myself, wondering if I’m overreacting to this whole situation or not, which is why I must act now.

I didn’t even message him last week nor this week to tell him I’d be missing work. I was so out of it, and if our romantic relationship didn’t fully confirm how much we’ve crossed the professional line, my taking a week off without notifying him most certainly did.

I left all of Harvey’s texts unanswered as well.

Save for when my parents divorced, I don’t think I’ve ever felt melancholy this deeply in my entire life.

A blessing, truly, as it doesn’t feel good at all.

I’m about to knock on the door when Henrik swings it open. I usually use the key I was given during the week, but given the circumstances, I’d rather not.

He steps outside and closes the door behind him, and I know he’s about to give me another lecture.

“How can I help?” he asks casually.

I don’t have the energy for this—not today.

“I’m coming in to work…”

“Oh, how nice of you—after a week and a half ofno-show.” His eyebrows pinch together as if there’s a mystery to this whole thing.

“I had my reasons. I need to speak to Harvey.”

“Give me one reason why.” Each syllable of his is laced with a veiled threat.

I sigh and reach down to fetch the letter out of my purse. “My one-month notice.”

He snorts. “You can’t quit.”

I’m taken aback by his response. I thought he’d be thrilled. “Henrik, you’ve wanted me to quit since day one.”

“So I was being Judgy McNelly. What can I say?”

“I can’t keep working for Harvey,” I tell him. “Things are too complicated now.”

He takes a step closer. “Let me get this straight.” He rips my letter in two, and I watch, shocked, as he shoves the pieces into his pocket. “You ruined their relationship, and now you’re willing to ruin his progress too?”

I swallow. “That’s not fair, and you know it.”

“He. Needs. You.”

“He keeps breaking my heart—Ican’t.”

He sighs and folds his arms. “Listen, it’s not that complicated. You two love each other. He just needs time.”

I don’t know what to say. I wonder if Harvey told his brother that he loved me, or if Henrik deduced that one by himself. Either way, it pleases me.

Hope awakens in my body for the first time in a while.

“It’s Wednesday, Claire. Take the rest of the week off. Come back on Monday. Give Harvey some space until then. I won’t tell him you stopped by.”

I back away, trying to think it through.

Who would’ve thought making a single decision would be so hard?

“I’ll see.” And with that, I turn on my heel to leave.

“Claire.” I freeze, recognizing Harvey’s voice. When I turn around, Harv is in his wheelchair behind Henrik, who’s sporting a clenched jaw.

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