LAURA'S POV
The next day, my whole day felt like a painful blur, with the painful lump in my throat being the only reminder of what was to come later. I was going through the last files when Elijah stormed out of his office.
"We are going to pick up Miss Stone," he ordered nonchalantly as usual.
I felt bile rise in my throat and my stomach twisted. I tried my best not to seem affected by this woman. "But we have to attend the last meeting in five minutes," I remarked as I went through his schedule on the tablet.
"Cancel it," he answered nonchalantly. I simply nodded, not wanting to upset him.
Moments later, we reached the airport. I scanned my surroundings, and everyone was busy rushing, with others probably waiting for their loved ones. While I was here to pick up my husband's childhood best friend, or was there more than just friendship?. I wondered.
"Do I really have to be there when welcoming Astrid, the love of his life." I muttered silently between my teeth as I typed the models for the company on the tablet.
He looked at his wrist watch, sighed, and stuck his hands in his pockets.
"How important is this, Astrid?" I dug deeper in thought.
A few moments later, I saw her walking out the airport doors as we stood outside waiting for her. There she was, in all her glory, She was as beautiful as everyone described. She rushed over to Elijah and jumped into his arms for a hug. He hugged her back.
She had short brown hair, a curvy, tiny waist, soft facial features, and hazel eyes. She was beautiful, but my blood boiled at the sight of her hugging my husband.
"Hi Eli, my pookie, I missed you," she squealed; she did not even acknowledge my existence next to Elijah.
"Pookie? What a lame name," I rolled my eyes as I observed the scene before me.
"Astrid, come on, I thought you'd stop calling me pookie?" He slightly blushed before his gaze hardened.
She giggled and hugged him again, this time raising her heel to reach him more. For a moment, it looked like two lost lovers reuniting. I stood there, trying my best to mind my own business.
The hug broke off, and she looked at me with sharp eyes; if looks could kill, I'd probably be dead by then. Her facial expression quickly changed from mad to cheerful.
"Eli, is she your servant or something?" she asked mockingly while she pulled out what seemed like an inhaler and took a sharp breath.
Anger boiled inside me, but I kept my cool; I wasn't going to let her ruin my mood. He laughed a little and held her hand.
"No, she's just Secretary Laura Jones," he said.
I don't know why I expected a better answer from him, why I wanted him to say I am his wife. But I remembered we were supposed to be a secret. I smiled slightly and reached out my hand to shake hers; instead, I got ignored. She took her purse and shoved it into my hand.
"Oh, you're so kind! Please help me carry this purse; I had a really long flight," she cheered with her high-pitched, annoying voice.
Unbelievable! This woman has some nerve. Elijah looked at me with amusement and chuckled; he clearly enjoyed the humiliation.
I asked Richard, my husband's bodyguard, to put the bags away safely, and shortly we all left for the Reed mansion. The whole ride was so awkward for me. It was a huge limo, but I wished I weren't there. They sat across from me; she had her hand on his and could not stop talking about her trip and Paris.
"Rich people stuff," I huffed, my thoughts drifting away from them.
How I wished my mother were alive; I would have been with her right now, probably making pancakes and orange juice while Dad walked my late dog, Shelly. I missed my dad before Mom died; her death changed a lot for me. I planned on opening my own jewelry shop with her. But my dreams were cut short after her death.
The car stopped, and Elijah got out first, opening the door for Astrid. I sighed; I got up, and the door closed on me. Typical Elijah. Luckily, Richard was a gentleman. He opened the door for me and gave me a small smile.
I carried Astrid's bags into the mansion while Richard parked the car. I kept stomping in the hallway as I struggled to carry the bags.
"What's in here?" I whined.
"Laura, hurry up with those bags to the guest room next to mine." His voice was distant yet audible.
I dropped the bags by the door and stretched my back for relief. Astrid had already gone into the room and jumped on the bed instead of carrying her bags inside. I wasn't in the mood to cause a scene; I wasn't going to put up with this either.
"I have to finish up my work," my voice was firm; I did not want to show how affected I was by this. Elijah turned his back and smirked.
"Did you forget what I ordered you to do?" He gritted his teeth.
"What?" I asked all confused.
"Prepare my guest for dinner; she should be comfortable and well rested," he said.
My eyes turned into saucers; he actually meant it. I have to babysit this grown lady.
"Okay," I answered bitterly, forcing a smile.
He gave her a kiss on the forehead while holding her tiny shoulders. I almost puked. I wished he was loving to me as he was to Astrid.
"I'm so tired, pookie. Let me freshen up; I'll join you for dinner," she sheepishly whispered to him.
Something about her screamed fake, and it wasn't just the weird French accent. Elijah nodded and left the room; his scent lingered in the air. As soon as the door closed, she cleared her throat.
"Oh my, where did my Eli get you? Peasant," she huffed. I rolled my eyes and ignored her remark about me.
"Everything you need to get prepared is in the bathroom cabinet: the towels, soap, etc." I firmly listed everything she needed before turning on my heel and leaving the room. I was not going to serve her. I'm okay with Elijah bossing me around because he's my boss and husband, but not this bitch here.
That evening, I was typing some projects for the company. I realized Elijah never gave me the last remaining reports so I walked towards his room. As I walked the empty hallway, I heard a giggling sound.
"Elijah stop, you're so funny, I don't want anyone to hear us." Astrid's voice echoed.
"You know, this is not going to be a short visit." He said, in a low husky voice. "I want you to stay with me."
She giggled more and I felt bile rise up my throat.
"What about that secretary of yours, I don't like the way she is so close to you Eli," she whined with her chirpy voice.
I drew closer to his door and just as I opened the door, I felt my heart beat faster and my chest tightened.