Page 57 of Working For A Billionaire

"I am sorry. I hope you two can work things out. You were so good for each other. Anyone can see that."

I take a deep breath and let it out slowly. "Thanks, Gloria."

She pours herself a cup of coffee. "Want some more?" She asks.

I shake my head no.

"Look, if you ever want to talk about anything, just let me know."

"Thank you."

"Okay, well, have a good day."

I manage to make a few calls, but I can tell they aren't quite the same as usual. I am distracted by thoughts of what might happen later. I am not sure how to prepare myself.

Mrs. Thatcher asks me over lunch when I will be back in the office. I smile and shrug my shoulders, not wanting to deal with the subject.

After I make my last call, I am ready to crawl back into bed. Before I even get up from my desk, the door to my office swings open. The sight of my mother puts me on edge, but I try to hold my tongue. She doesn't say anything at first, but the silence doesn't last long. She lets out an exaggerated sigh and walks over to my desk.

"I heard about what happened and wanted to check on you. You shouldn't be surprised she would do such a thing. I knew from the moment I met her she was the type who runs rather than fight. You're better off without her. Once we get your son, you will never have to think of her again."

"Don't worry about it."

She gives me a knowing look. "You know that's not true. It makes you look weak if you wait too long. You have to make the first strike."

"This isn't a war mother. This is my family. I don't want to strike at all."

My mom reaches down and takes my hand in hers. Her grip tightens as she pulls me up so we can sit across from each other. She places both hands on mine and looks directly into my eyes with an intense stare.

"At some point, everything turns into war. You must always know how to win." She releases my hand and stands back up. "Now come with me to see the lawyer. We can start the process to get your son."

"You and that damn lawyer are the reason she left. Who knows what she heard or what she must think? She won't even answer my calls."

"Harrison, it's for the best."

I take a step back and glare at her. "Somehow, I doubt that. The best thing would be for my son to grow up in a loving family, with both a mother and a father."

She shakes her head and backs away. " In time, you will see that it is better this way."

I turn and walk towards the door. My mom follows closely behind me. I reach the door handle before she does. I open the door and she steps aside. I haven’t even thought about this, and yet, it feels like exactly the right thing to do.

"You should go, mother. The company is yours. I don't want it. Do what you want with it, but my life is mine. You do not get a say in what I do or who I love. I will send you my resignation. Goodbye."

She stares blankly for a second. I know she wasn’t expecting it. I didn’t either, but it feels liberating, like a huge burden has just been lifted off my back. I turn my back to her, signaling that I’m done talking. This is enough for her to leave my office. I shut the door behind her.

I lean against the wall and close my eyes. I try to keep calm, but I'm shaking from the anxiety coursing through my veins.

I hear the sound of the phone ringing. It's my cell. I pick it up and throw it across the room. It hits the floor and keeps going. There is no point in looking to see who it is. I know it won't be her. I drag myself upstairs and fall into bed, never wanting to leave it again.

Hours melt into one another until night turns into day. At some point, I must have fallen asleep, but I don't remember when. I just closed my eyes and the things I know, I feel someone's hand on my chest.

I grab hold of it, pulling her close to me. "I have missed you so much."

"Well, Mr. Rutherford, I am not sure my husband would like that."

The sound of Mrs. Thatcher's voice pierces my brain and jump out of bed. "Mrs. Thatcher, why are you in my bedroom? How did you get in here?" I ask, backing away from the bed.

"Gloria called me," she explained.

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