Chapter 26

Ivory groaned at the notification sound on her phone, it could be nothing else but an email. She logged in, the email from Raiden's office. Her heart did a miniature somersault, the disappoint setting in as she realized that it was sent by Felix. She inhaled to quiet the whining sounds of her heart and read the email. Ivory couldn't believe her eyes; she had read the email a total of three times to ensure she wasn't seeing wrongly. She knew it had to be *his* doing. As much as she wanted to run out of her office and into his to express her gratitude, she hadn't the nerve. It was clear that he didn't want to see her. Yet, the fact that he was giving her the opportunity to further work on her novel and have it published was her entire dream and he made it happen.
She didn't know if she should laugh or cry. She was incandescently happy, but she was undoubtedly reminded of their nights together. The fact that he was now a mere ghost in her past disturbed her. He had even allowed her a list of senior editors from which she could choose. She didn't know how to respond or react. Ivory drafted an informal email in response to Felix, knowing that it would never pass Raiden's eyes but she needed to say what she felt.

***
Raiden stormed out into the corridor. He'd been calling Felix's desk to no avail and now that he was made to leave his desk in search of his employee his annoyance increased at finding Felix's desk empty. Raiden shook his head in irritation, he made his way to Felix's desk and logged into the computer. Raiden's intention did not include browsing through Felix's work email, however, as he manipulated the mouse to reduce the window a new email came in. From Ivory.
Raiden reacted before his brain gave authorization, clicking on the email.

*He's always trying to help me; I can't help but think I am undeserving of his efforts. I want to thank him so badly that my feet are quaking in anticipation of one opportunity to see him. I fear, I am unable to even do that at this point. I am certain he doesn't want to be reminded of me anymore so I have to trouble you to ensure he isn't burning himself out. He often forgets to eat lunch, rest or understand the importance of human interaction. I know you have been by his side for all these years and know these better than me. I guess I am selfishly asking that you continue to check up on him and ensure he is doing well.*

Raiden hadn't the luxury of forming any thoughts on the email she had sent to Felix. Within seconds Felix was making his way back to his desk, Raiden swiftly marked the email as unread and minimized the screen.

"Did you wanted me to do something for you?" Felix questioned at the sight of Raiden behind his desk.

"That's the general idea of why I keep you employed. " He was snarky.

***

Ivory pulled her door open to the sight of Zoey and Felix. "Sleepover!" they both screamed enthusiastically.

"Is he rubbing off on you?" Ivory questioned as they entered her apartment.
Zoey shot a quick gaze at Felix and then returned her attention to Ivory.

"A little bit." she nodded in unison with her admission.

"I'd be hurt if I wasn't," Felix responded dramatically. In truth, since he and Zoey had confirmed Ivory's separation with Raiden they wanted to help her deal with the loneliness. Although she would never admit she was.

"We wanted to congratulate you on your upcoming novel." Zoey squealed, pouring wine for the lot of them.

"There is so much work to do before that can happen." Ivory was being realistic.
Zoey and Felix rolled their eyes at her in unison. " Buzzkill," Felix muttered, playfully.

"Have you decided which of the four editors you're going to choose?" Felix questioned.

"Not yet. I was hoping to speak with them first and then make my decision," she revealed.

"That's fair. You can probably use the office party to work the room." Felix offered.

"I wasn't planning on going." Ivory revealed. Felix gasped, immediately taking offense with her decision.

"You have to! Zoey and I will be there." he looked to Zoey for confirmation and she nodded.

"There is no way I am going to be your third wheel." Ivory expressed firmly.

"What date is it again?" Zoey questioned.

"The 26th." Ivory and Felix replied simultaneously.

"Uh..." Zoey glanced back and forth between them.

"Oh, no. I know this expression." Ivory couldn't contain herself, her laughter echoing throughout the room. Felix's expression turned blank, completely unaware of what was going on.

"Well don't leave me in the dark!" He requested impatiently.

"She can't make it." Ivory responded. Felix turned his attention to Zoey. "You promised!"

"I know, I know, but I have a meeting on the 26th. The potential clients are from Japan and are flying in just for this meeting. I can't cancel. I'm sorry." she looked to Ivory for help, but found none.

Felix sighed, clearly disappointed. "It's fine. You can just make it up to me next time." he gave her a small smile.

"How about you two go together?" Zoey offered. Felix turned his attention to Ivory.

"I am not going; I have made up my mind." Ivory was adamant. She didn't want to risk running into Raiden. She wasn't ready to see him just yet.

***
"I can't believe you're dragging me to this." Ivory slouched down in the front seat of Felix's car, arms crossed at her chest.

"It's going to be great! It's the perfect opportunity for you to vet the editors and make an informed decision." Felix responded, his mood positively exuberant.
Ivory didn't respond. Her mind focused on one thing. Avoiding Raiden De Ville.

"Don't slouch! You'll wrinkle your dress." he tapped her arm lightly before returning his eyes to the road. She reluctantly straightened, gazing at herself in the reflection of her phone screen. She had never been this dolled up before, she felt uneasy.

"You look amazing," Felix noted her discomfort. Ivory smiled up at him.

"We are here," he announced, pulling into a parking space. Ivory exhaled, muttering words of encouragement to herself. She had to remember what she was here for.
They entered, Ivory's eyes scanning the room. The large crowd segregated into smaller groups throughout the hall. She breathed, telling herself that even if she felt discomfort in crowds she needed to feign comfort and ease. There was also no sight of him, she relaxed, although slightly disappointed.
It had taken no effort from her at all, the editors offered to her by Raiden had all made it their business to meet her personally. Felix had been right; the company party was the best means through which she could hope to make a decision. She would be able to gain an insight into the actual personalities of the editors seeing as they weren't masked by professionalism.

***
Raiden sensed her presence from the moment she had walked it. Her eyes surveyed the room, luckily he was out of her line of sight. He could sense every male infected body, young, old, married, or available, appreciated the sight she portrayed. Her body sported a black, floor-length dress, with a neckline that revealed enough to give rise to temptation. The dress was cinched in at the waist from which the remainder of the dress flowed loosely. The top of the dress was coated in lace that ran all the way down her arms, whereas, from the waist down the dress was solid black.

He couldn't help moving in circles where he could shadow her, ensuring he was out of sight but that she never left his. He randomly interjected in the conversations he was deemed a part of to feign participation and interest. Every bit of concentration he possessed was focused on Ivory. He felt a sense of pride welling up inside of him as he continued to watch her. She had been meeting with prospective editors, and by her posture and body language, he was certain it was going well. He could no longer suppress a smile.

***
Ivory had spoken to all four of the editors she was offered, not expecting the choice to be so difficult. They all had something unique about them, but for now, at least she was unable to determine which would be the best fit for her.

"I suppose congratulations are in order." Ivory turned on her heels to face Emery.

"Thank you." Ivory responded half-heartedly.

"The news of your very own novel has been circulating throughout the company. Word is you're fishing for an editor." Emery attempted conversation.

"Are you offering your services?" Ivory questioned boldly.

"Heavens no. I don't think Mr. De Ville would approve." Emery responded, a strange glint in her eyes.

"Then?" Ivory questioned, already annoyed by the conversation.

"I am here to mend things between us." Emery avoided her gaze. Ivory had to admit, she hadn't seen that coming.

"Are you really?" Ivory had her doubts.

"I have done some unforgivable things in the past, but I have regretted them. I wanted to make peace." She seemed genuine, but Ivory still couldn't be sure.

"And how do you propose to do that?" Ivory placed her on the spot.

"I know you are fishing for the right editor and wanted to help you, as a sign of good faith," she revealed.

"Okay." Ivory responded cautiously.

"For instance, I noticed you spoke to quite a few. Have you made up your mind?" She queried.

Ivory shook her head. "I haven't. It's more difficult than I thought," she confessed.
Emery nodded. "How about I introduce you to one more?" she offered.

"I was given a closed list, I am pretty sure I was meant to stay within it." Ivory replied.

"He doesn't have to be your choice but he is the most experienced in the company he can probably give you some advice on what qualities you should be looking for in an editor." She pressed. "It's all about gathering information, who better to advise than an editor himself?" She was not letting up.
Ivory finally agreed. "Sure, why not?" she shrugged, willing to test whether Emery's good faith was dependable.

"Great! Let me go see if I can now convince him," she said and scurried off.