HAYDEN McCarthy :

I was furious on Elena for not showing up on time. I snapped at Delilah to call her and ask about her whereabouts..

Pacing back and forth in my office noting she was half an hour late, I grumbled under my breath "What does she think of herself?"

I angrily stormed out of my office to see Elena already there, Delilah was saying to her "your hand is bleeding" I stopped then and there, clenched my hands stopping myself to not go there and check why is she in this state and apply some ointment, but Controlled somehow.

My anger got subsided seeing the bruises on her hand and left arm but I tried to maintain my facade with cold look forcing myself to not grab her and check myself.

"Get bandaid quick, then we will discuss about the meeting in my office" saying I marched inside my office clenching my jaw, furious on the fact that I cannot attend to her injuries and on myself for feeling strange things towards her.

When i saw her with blood on her hand, I wanted to go and check badly but made myself understand its better for both of us..

My chain of thoughts was interrupted by the knock on door. I replied "come in" putting on my blank expression. Elena enters with a broad smile on her face . I eyed her injured hand subtly, sighing softly that the bleeding is stopped.

Seeing my blank face, her smile dropped, she cleared her throat and smile slightly saying "lets start with our meeting, shall we, i have brought few samples for the decor with me and picked up some elites banquets to choose from"

I was eyeing her hand again and again so to keep my emotions in check I said "Ms. Kingsley , you are late, i have another personal commitment, my assistant will inform you about the next meeting"

"Back to Ms Kingsley" she murmured to herself shaking her head and then nodded that she will confirm Delilah about details of the next meeting. When she stepped out of my office, I smiled remembering her comment " back to Ms Kingsley"

I exited the McCarthy building in furious state , pulled car keys from Michael's hand and got seated in my black SUV , drove faster, In less than fifteen minutes, I was outside my apartment building. I parked the car and made my way up .

Upon reaching, i punched in the password , slammed my front door and made my way to the open bar. Gulping 3-4 drinks, I felt light and relaxed and warmed the food in the kitchen, placed by Martha.

While having dinner, Elena was still stuck somewhere back in my mind.

"Fuck" i cursed.

And retired to bed after some time thinking ways to maintain distance between us...

*****

The shrill sound of alarm awoke me from my deep slumber. I sat up on my bed with various things on my mind. Negligent parents, contract marriage, Elena and uneasy feelings...

I sighed audibly and stood up to take bath, got ready in blue suit and left my room. Smelling bacon and pancakes from kitchen, I reached there to see Martha setting breakfast for me.

"Good morning Martha" i greeted setting down on the dining table.

"Morning honey" she greeted back working on the food.

I started having Pancakes when I saw Martha peeking at me curiously.

I sighed.

"What Martha?" i questioned lazily..

"Umm... Nothing .... Yes nothing" she replied stammering.

I didn't pester also otherwise I have to answer her damn questions. I willingly left the topic..

After doing breakfast , I left my condo, took lift and exited the building. Michael and Leo were ready standing by the car.

"Morning Hayden" Michael said taking the driver seat.

"Morning" i replied from the back seat.

Leo too greeted me. I settled in my seat when Michael cleared his throat.

I turned to him raising my eyebrow.

"My daughter's birthday is coming next week. We decided to celebrate it by inviting some close family and friends. It is a theme based party for children. But adults will be there too. So I am inviting you over there. I hope you will come"

"Uh.. ofcourse.... sure, I will visit, bt I won't be staying too long" I replied awkwardly.

I knew he thinks of me as his close one, and I didn't wanted to disappoint him, so accepted it.

"Dont worry, it won't take long" he chuckled

And gave me a warm smile to which I just nodded my head slightly.

In the mean time, we reached office , Leo opened the door for me, I stepped outside and head towards the private elavator. On reaching my floor, I asked Delilah about all the meetings and got ready for work when I heard voice which could surely make vein of my temple ...