AllFreeNovel
Share Us
He has discarded his suit jacket and has the sleeves of his shirt rolled up, showing his toned arms, and I struggle to maintain my composure. Suddenly, I’m no longer shivering, and I feel heat creeping up my body.
He takes a seat on the edge of his desk beside me, his gaze fixed on me. “Jessy, are you all right?” he asks, his voice laced with concern and worry.
I swallow hard, forcing myself to meet his eyes. “I—I’m okay,” I try to say confidently, though the tremor in my voice betrays me.
He studies me for a moment, not saying a word, his expression softening.
“I’m sorry you had to go through that again. I should have ensured the elevator was properly maintained myself. I took Lysa’s word for it when she told me that the maintenance had been carried out. I had no idea she lied about it.”
I shake my head. “Don’t blame yourself. It’s not your fault. But thank you for your concern.”
He nods, a faint smile playing on his lips. “I’m just glad you’re safe.”
I can see the look of worry in his eyes, and I almost tear up at the thought of him being worried about my safety.
“Are you sure you are all right? Maybe we should take you to a hospital,” he suggests.
“I think I’m fine, Ethan,” I reply, attempting to reassure him. “I don’t need to go to the hospital. I just need a moment to catch my breath.”
He nods, but I can tell he’s not entirely convinced. “I still think we should take you to the hospital, just to be safe. I know you have claustrophobia, and yet another elevator incident must have been terrifying for you.”
I shake my head, grateful for his concern, but not wanting to cause any more trouble. “I really think I’m okay, Ethan. I just need some fresh air.”
He sighs, running a hand through his hair in frustration. “All right, but please, take the rest of the day off. It’s the least I can do since it was my fault this happened.”
I hesitate, feeling guilty about leaving my work unfinished. “I appreciate it, Ethan, but I don’t want to leave everything for the others to handle.”
He gives me a stern look, his eyes softening. “Jessy, your health is more important than work. And besides, this wouldn’t have happened if Lysa had done her job. But I’m sure now she will be wishing she had taken it seriously.”
I furrow my brow. “Please, don’t be angry at Lysa because of me,” I say softly, reaching out to touch his arm.
Ethan shakes his head, his expression serious. “I’m not just angry, Jessy. I’ve already fired her.”
“You fired her? Ethan…” I trail off at a loss for words because I don’t know what to say as I didn’t see that coming.
Ethan brings his hand to my face, brushing a tendril of hair away, and the feel of his fingers against my skin sends a sweet sensation through my body.
“Look, Jessy, I know you might feel bad about Lysa getting fired, but the truth is, she hasn’t been taking her job seriously for quite some time. She lied about carrying out maintenance tasks that are crucial for the safety of our guests and the smooth operation of the hotel.”
“But firing her seems a bit harsh, doesn’t it?” I know Lysa can be really mean, but did he do it because of me?
Ethan shakes his head, his expression serious. “It’s not. She had it coming and this isn’t the first time this happened due to her negligence. It’s not just about her neglecting her duties. Her actions could cost us our customers, and we could even face lawsuits if something goes wrong.
“We can’t afford to overlook that kind of negligence. This isn’t the first time this is happening due to her negligence.”
I chew on my bottom lip, digesting his words. “I understand, Ethan. It’s just…”
He reaches out and places a reassuring hand on my shoulder. “I know what you are thinking, Jessy. I didn’t do this because it was you trapped in the elevator.
“I should have fired her a long time ago. I was just giving her time to change because I know she needed this job. But this is the last straw that broke the camel’s back, and I had to make a tough decision for the greater good of the hotel.”
I nod slowly, realizing the gravity of the situation. “Well, I guess you’re right, Ethan. Thanks for explaining it to me.”
He gives me a small smile, his eyes reflecting understanding. “Now, go home and take care of yourself.”
“Thanks.”
“My driver will take you home.”
