Chapter 5

Maeve’s POV

Despite how long it has been, he is practically the same person, with a buffed appearance, except that he now uses a wheelchair. I didn’t realize my body had leaned backwards aiming for a fall until I felt Wanda’s hand on my small back. I swallowed with difficulty, unable to let out a thank you.

“Carter…” I mumbled again to be certain this isn’t just my imagination.

“Maeve.” He uttered in an emotionless tone with a dead expression on his face.

Wanda chuckled awkwardly, “You two know each other?”

He turned his wheelchair around. “Not exactly.”

I felt a painful hit in my chest at his dismissive response. That son of a gun! He is still the same as ever. Taking a deep breath, I squared my shoulders. “It's just like he said. I would like to have a moment to myself, Wanda. Please excuse me.” I said, making for the door.

“I do not have that time to waste.” Carter stopped me in my tracks. “If you are going to get all sentimental doing your supposed job with that mouthwatering monthly take-home I am paying, you had better get your things right now and don’t look back. Thousands of professionals around the world will steal for this. So get your emotions in check.” He uttered coldly.

“What did you just say?” I shot back.

“I think I will check on the gardener quickly,” Wanda muttered and disappeared.

I was too blinded by my disgust to realize she had left me with this monster. “You are still just as rotten as I remember you to be. It’s no surprise you are here.” I snarled.

Carter scoffed, his face barely giving off any expression. Made me wonder if he is stiff there too. “And you are still just as distasteful. Are you still broke too? Seeing how you came to a remote island for a job that people keep turning down, you must be drowning in debt. Actually, I can smell it off you. Makes me wonder if my whole house wouldn’t absorb such a debasing aura.”

Heavens know I want to strangle this bastard to death.

I waved a finger at him. “You know what? It is useless trying to get low with someone like you. I would rather chew jeans than work with you.”

“Don’t get it wrong. You work for me. Accommodating and feeding you while paying your salary is quite a lot. There is no way someone like you can work with me.” he said the words so calmly, others might mistake it for praise.

Tears rushed to my eyes as I clenched my fist. Not today, devil. You will not be the reason I am going to act out of line. Not today. With that in mind, I stomped towards the door more determined not to see his stupid face.

“If you don’t have your work schedule sent to me by the end of today, you had better be on that ferry back to whatever hellhole you are coming from.” He noted.

I didn’t bother to look back at him before slamming the door shut. A lone tear rolled down my face, prompting me to wipe it off angrily. This is why Selene calls me pathetic. It's been over eight years and my silly self is still getting worked up. It just had to be him of all people. The universe sure knows how to play the mocking game. I will be damned to spend another hour around here.

“Maeve! Maeve!” Wanda ran after me. Panting heavily. “Wait, Maeve. Please!”

I screeched to a halt, flaring my nose before reminding myself that she is not my problem. Took in a sharp breath and maintained a tone I think is steady enough. “Yes, Wanda?”

Her eyes looked burdened. “It seemed you didn’t take me seriously when I said you were our last hope. You aren’t planning to leave, are you?”

“You heard him, didn’t you? There are thousands of professionals waiting in line to work with him. My job wouldn’t be reduced to a begging avenue. If I wasn’t good at this, I wouldn’t have been offered the job.”

“And I know that for sure.” She said. “I looked through your resume, Maeve. Please don’t go.”

I ran a hand through my hair, “There is a rough past between us and you can imagine how crazy it will seem if we work together. If he couldn’t align with those he didn’t know, imagine someone who has a bone to pick with him? Believe me, I might be forced to push him into the sea if he gets on my nerves.” I know I shouldn’t say that, but I can’t help how I feel. “Thanks for the offer and sorry for the trouble, Wanda. It was really nice meeting you.”

“He will be blocked by the Physiotherapists Association from employing any professional if you leave.” She blurted.

I arched my brow. “What?”

“Too many reports were made and petitions have been written against him. This is truly his last shot at getting back on his feet. And he can’t travel for long hours either. We would have considered leaving the country to help him get better. It is a whole complex situation. Please, Maeve.”

I shook my head, refusing to be pulled in by the emotion. “An asshole like him sure deserves that. I need to go, Wanda. Thank you so much.”

“Please call me when you reconsider.” Her voice rang behind me

I quickened my steps away from her before she stopped me again. It’s either Carter doesn’t know he has been put on a red tag or he just doesn’t care. But regardless of whatever the thought might be, I am not willing to sit through this madness not for money even though I need it badly.