Page 148 of The Protégé

“Elena, my dear. It’s so good to hear from you. I was just going to call you later.”

“You were? Is everything okay? Is Orion okay? He’s been stressed lately.”

Ralph sighed. “That’s why I’m calling you. Can you tell me what happened between you two? He’s closed himself off. I know he’s dealing with some family and business drama, but I wonder if something else is concerning him.”

Guilt tore at me, and my heart ached. So I poured out my concern to Ralph. “I told him I needed time. But I don’t think he really understood where I was coming from.”

“Ah . . . I understand now.”

“Do you?”

“Of course. I’ve learned that relationships are like puzzles. It took me a long time to understand what the woman I love wanted from me. She gave me time, and I took too long. Years have gone by, and I could’ve been with her.”

“I don’t know if I did the right thing. Is he hurting? Is he even more confused? I should be with him right now, right?”

“You’re good where you are. If you were near him right now, his attention would be divided. He needs to focus on his family drama playing out.”

“Is Jasper creating trouble for Orion?” I asked.

“Jasper is a spoiled asshole. He’ll get what he deserves. But there’s so much more you haven’t heard. I’ll let Orion tell you when he’s ready.”

“I saw on the news about the lawsuits. Are people suing the Reimann Corporation? But they weren’t responsible, right?” I didn’t want my investigation to be the reason for his family’s financial downfall.

“The Reimann Corporation will be okay. The company will probably eliminate the corrupt banks. Getting rid of negative energy is a good thing. But you know Orion; he’s cunning and meticulous, so he can endure this financial hit.”

“I’m so happy to hear that.” Relief settled, and I blew out a loud breath. “Is there something I can do to help him?”

“Just know that he loves you. If he had to choose between you and Kate, it would be you a hundred percent. Without a doubt.”

Joy leaped into my heart, and the insecurities that had settled in my stomach disappeared. Ralph knew Orion better than anyone.

“How can you be sure?”

“Because I’ve never seen him as happy as he is when he’s with you. There’s a joy in him that’s unspeakable. Even I can feel it when I’m around him.” He sighed. “He tried to help Kate, but couldn’t. She didn’t understand Orion the way you do, and she couldn’t love him the way he needed it. But you can, and you have.”

“Do you think he knows this?”

“He will.”

After a few more minutes, Ralph had to go. I’d learned he was retiring in two months and would stay in Sweden with his wife Evelyn. Apparently, he’d gotten married during his vacation using the two bouquets he’d shown me. He said he’d continue to assist Orion with whatever he needed on a part time basis. I knew Orion would leave Ralph to retire in peace.

Feeling better, I was going to shower when my phone buzzed with a message from an unfamiliar number.

I clicked on it, and my heart shattered.It was a video of Orion with Chantel at the fashion show auction. They were in an empty room, making out. Then the scene changed to another banquet. I saw a Swedish flag on the hotel wall. They were snuggling and kissing too. When the video showed him fucking her, I lost it.

I whipped the phone across my desk, and it clattered to the floor. I gasped as my chest caved in. My worldcollapsed as hot tears burned my eyes. Anger, shock, sadness, and betrayal broke me into a million pieces.

After I stopped heaving, I walked over to pick up my phone. The screen had cracked, but the video was still playing. I turned it off. I’d seen enough.

A second text came in.

Told you he can’t be with one woman.

This had to be Chantel. I desperately wanted to reply. But what could I say? She knew she had the upper hand now. I wouldn’t give her the satisfaction.

Instead, I buried myself in work so I didn’t have to think about them. I texted Reid to let him know I’d be over at Wild Roots tomorrow to pluck more dandelions before the season ended. I didn’t want the flowers to wait for my mom to return from Cancun. Plus, I needed to do something different to keep my mind busy.

Working on Musepaper made me think about Orion, and right now I needed all thoughts of him out of my mind.

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