Page 50 of Unlocking my Boss's Heart

“Since that night, I've been thinking about our situation,” I began. No need to specify which night; it was clear to both of us. “I’ve been thinking about it, and….”

My mind went blank.

I groaned internally.

I needed to be clear and concise if I was ever going to get through this.

Anton’s brow furrowed, his expression mirroring uncertainty. “And…?”

Taking a deep breath, I found the clarity I needed. “I don’t think we should continue seeing each other.”

He sucked in a sharp breath but remained silent. Did he hear me? Not sure, I emphasized, “There’re just too many complications. I don't know how to be with someone who—”

“By too many complications, you mean what, exactly?” he asked gently.

The silence that descended between us was suffocating.

“Aside from the situation with Reeva, you’re my employer.” He was expecting me back at work. “I never know if I’ll encounter Anton, my boyfriend, or Mr. Waltons, my boss.”

He opened his mouth to reply, but a buzzing sound interrupted him.

“Excuse me,” he muttered, pulling his vibrating phone from his pocket and glancing at it. “It’s Johan. I have to take this.”

I moved away, not wanting to eavesdrop on another conversation with his brother after what I’d overheard the last time. But the apartment was small, and it was impossible not to hear what he was saying.

“Yeah,” Anton answered, then stiffened abruptly. “I’m on my way,” he said before hanging up. Then, he stood.

“What happened?” I asked.

I could see the worry in his eyes.

“My brother doesn’t know for sure, but it sounds like my father started having chest pain a short while ago.”

I hesitated for just a second before deciding to go with him. There was no time to think; even if we were breaking up, he needed a friend at this moment. This conversation would have to resume later. So, I grabbed my purse and followed him to his car, heading for the hospital. As we drove in silence, I realized that despite my intentions, some bonds were too deep to sever so easily. We were friends and friends are needed in tough times.

Chapter eighteen

Anton

Once again, I was hurrying through pale, white-washed hospital corridors, hoping I wouldn’t receive the worst news when I reached the waiting room. This time, at least, Celia was by my side, half running to keep up with my long strides. Her presence significantly improved my demeanor compared to a couple of weeks ago in a similar situation. I was still worried, but I didn’t feel quite so alone.

I found my mother outside the waiting room. When I reached her, she crumpled into my arms. Celia went inside to give us privacy.

“How is he? Do you know anything yet?” I asked.

Sobs wracked her body then, she clung to me. I wrapped my arms around her to console her. When calmed down, she said, “They won’t let me see him or tell me anything. I don’t know what’s going on.” Her voice broke at the end, and fresh sobs erupted.

My mother had always been a pillar of strength and seeing her in this state tore at my heart. I stroked her back until she calmed down enough to speak again.

“I asked several times if I could see him, but they won’t let me.”

“They can’t have you near if he’s still in the treatment room, Mother.”

“I know. I just want some information, something.”

I tightened my arms around her. “He’s going to be okay,” I soothed, even though I had no proof to back up my words other than the hope that he would pull through.

She finally calmed down and cleaned her face with her wet wipes.

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