Let's Go Home Together

There were a few documents left to finish before the end of the workday. I hurriedly worked on them without stopping to avoid meeting Mr. August when it was time to leave. I didn't want to be the center of attention like I was at lunch today. It was enough to attract attention just by walking beside him; I didn't want anyone to know I was in the same car as him later.

"Hah … my work is almost done. I have to leave quickly before Mr. August comes out of his office." I thought about leaving on time, knowing Mr. August was probably very busy and wouldn't be able to leave before me.

Fifteen more minutes and my work would be finished. The last document made my plan to leave easier. I just needed to send an email to the secretary so it could be forwarded to Mr. August. This way, I wouldn't need to meet him in person and could get ready to leave.

After finishing, I stretched before finally standing up and smiling with satisfaction at today's work. "So, now I can go home. I'll just tell Mr. August I forgot about what he said at lunch. Besides, he won't come out of there for now."

I tidied up my desk, put a few things into my bag, straightened my chair, and walked toward the door. Smiling happily, I stepped out. But then my steps halted and my face turned sour when I saw Mr. August standing right by the door to the secretary's division.

"Mr. August?" I called his name softly, making him smile. Then his lips moved, and he looked at me gently.

"Ellena. Are you ready to go home with me?" His words almost stopped my heart from beating. Mr. August was dead serious about his words. How could he say that in front of employees who had just finished working?

I felt confused because many eyes were on us. I could even feel Mina's presence nearby. I just needed a good excuse to refuse Mr. August's request to go home together.

"Ah, I'm sorry, Mr. August. Today I have to go to the hospital to see my uncle." I was sure with this excuse Mr. August would cancel his offer to go home together.

However, I felt Mr. August's smile was somewhat intimidating. It was a thin smile, and the corners of his lips lifted only on one side. "It's a coincidence that I want to see him too. So, we can go together, right?" He wasn't giving up on going home with me, and I couldn't do much about it.

Before I could answer, Mr. August leaned close to my ear and whispered softly, "I know you're trying to avoid me. So, I just want to make sure you're not lying to me, Ellena."

Our position became the center of attention, and I noticed many people whispering among themselves. They were starting to talk about us, not moving from there and getting even closer.

"Alright, Mr. August. You can see my uncle at the hospital. Of course, I wouldn't lie about wanting to visit him. Besides, you helped pay the hospital bills; how could I stop you from seeing him?" My voice sounded nervous as I answered. I was sure Mr. August felt triumphant this time.

But I shouldn't feel this way. Of course, he could visit the hospital since he was the one paying all the bills. It was frustrating not being able to refuse what Mr. August wanted. He held all the control, and I had to comply to avoid further complications in my life.

"Glad to hear your response, Ellena. Then, let's go together now." Mr. August motioned for me to walk first. Then he followed, stepping right beside me. I felt so anxious, from the moment we entered the elevator until we reached the ground floor and ended up in the car. There was probably a lot of gossip about us, a hot topic for ordinary employees who had never seen Mr. August with a woman.

During the ride, I decided to look out the window. I didn't dare to look at Mr. August or even glance at him. That man always made me anxious and uneasy, but more often than not, it was fear that prevailed. His sharp eyes, dominating expressions, everything about Mr. August felt oppressive to me.

"Did they ask about us?" My eyes widened at Mr. August's voice breaking the silence. I turned and saw him still engrossed in his phone, seemingly reading a text message.

"Not all of them, just one who is quite close to me. Of course, this makes me a bit uneasy. It seems like what you want will come true." I replied with a hint of annoyance, hoping he would understand how I felt.

"My desire? What do I want? Did I tell you?" What kind of question was that? It was as if Mr. August was prompting me to say it. This time, he glanced at me from the corner of his eye.

"It's not like that, Mr. August, you want everyone to know about our relationship. I just don't know what kind of relationship you want to announce to everyone. I'm just guessing, sorry if I misunderstood." I had to speak calmly to avoid any issues. Mr. August was very good at reading my thoughts and movements.

Just as the conversation was about to continue, the driver slowed the car and stopped in front of the hospital lobby. It was a stroke of luck for me that we arrived at the perfect time. I immediately opened the car door and turned around, "Sir, are you sure you want to come in and see my uncle?"

As I got out of the car, Mr. August followed me. He walked beside me towards Uncle Martin's room. While walking together, I felt uncertain about introducing them—my uncle and Mr. August. The last news I got from the nurse was that my uncle was resting due to the medication for his recovery.

When we reached the room door, I stopped and confirmed again if Mr. August would come in with me. Just by looking at him, I could feel he wasn't going to back down. I opened the door and saw my uncle was awake. He smiled at me and greeted me with a raised hand.

I immediately went to his side, kissing his warm hand. There were no words besides happiness seeing my uncle in good condition like this. "Uncle, finally I see you smiling again. I missed you so much, did you miss me too?"

"Of course, I missed you too, Ellena. How are you? Are you eating well? Don't work too hard; I don't want you to get sick because of me." My uncle always worried about me. He was like a parent to me all these years.

"Uncle, I'm eating well. Resting properly, and working as usual. Why would I work if not for our lives? For your health, don't let this happen again. I'll do my best to take care of you." I was so happy to chat with my uncle again that I forgot someone was here.

Sure enough, my uncle noticed Mr. August in the room this time. He looked at Mr. August with a questioning gaze. "Who is this man, Ellena?"