Waiting for Everything, Except You Novel – “Ms. Summerton, Mr. Jacobson has approved your resignation, but he didn’t realize it was you. Do you want me to remind him?” Emilia Summerton’s bitter laugh echoed through the phone. No one knew the truth. By day, she was his secretary. By night, she was his lover. She wasn’t just leaving a job. She was walking away from him. Four years of love, memories, and secrets.
Her gaze dropped, a quiet surrender in her eyes. “No. Just let it be.” “But you’ve been Mr. Jacobson’s secretary for four years. He trusts you more than anyone. Are you sure you won‘t reconsider?” “No one is truly irreplaceable. My parents aren’t well. I need to go back home. I’m getting married as well. Since Mr. Jacobson has approved my resignation, I’ll follow the process, hand over my duties, and leave in a month.” The call ended. Emilia turned back to her work, her hands moving mechanically as she packed up her things.
She had lived in this mansion for three years, each year taking another piece of herself with it. Her belongings were minimal. She only took the essentials and discarded most of her other items. As the room emptied, a wave of memories surged through her. For a moment, everything stopped. She froze. Eight years ago, Emilia, a simple girl from a small town, had made her way into Washington State University. There, she met Natalie Jacobson, a girl from one of Washington D.C.’s wealthiest families. They quickly became inseparable.
Though their backgrounds couldn’t have been more different, the bond they shared was undeniable. They spent every day together—classes, meals, shopping. Always together. Soon, Emilia was drawn into Natalie’s world. She met her family. And it was there, surrounded by them, that Emilia first noticed Natalie’s older brother, Mortimer Jacobson. She kept her feelings hidden, locked away deep inside. She never told anyone. After graduation, Natalie left for her studies abroad. Emilia stayed in Washington, applying for jobs until she landed one as Mortimer’s secretary, simply so she could see him more often. Then, one night, everything changed.
Mortimer had been drugged. As Emilia rushed to call for help, he grabbed her, pushing her against the wall. His lips were on hers before she could even protest. The passion of that night left them both breathless. The next morning, Emilia woke up to find him sitting by the window. The smoke from his cigarette swirled in the air, his sharp features illuminated in the dim light. He was calm, yet distant. He turned when he heard her stir and asked only one question. “You like me, don’t you?” Emilia’s heart stopped.
She wanted to deny it, but the words died on her lips. His voice was low and steady, and it cut through her defenses. “Every time you see me, you blush. You remember everything about me—my likes, my dislikes. You became my secretary right after graduation… “Don’t tell me that’s all just a coincidence.” The words landed like a blow. She could feel her face burning, not sure whether it was from shame or the raw truth in his voice. In the heavy silence, he handed her a card. “Last night was an accident,” he said, his voice cold, without emotion. “I already have someone I care about.
I can‘t return your feelings or take responsibility for them. Natalie told me your background is pretty average. There‘s enough money in this card for you to live comfortably. Forget this ever happened.” Emilia stood frozen. The words struck like a blow. Then, she remembered. Last night, through the haze of their tangled sheets, he’d called a name. Veralia. Veralia Morgan. Natalie had once described her—Veralia was Mortimer’s unforgettable first love. A love he couldn’t shake. Even after their breakup, even when she went abroad, dating a string of men, Mortimer had stayed faithful.
He refused to move on, waiting for her return. Emilia recalled Natalie’s frustration. “Our family is cold by nature. But my brother… he’s different. A hopeless romantic. He’s waited for her all these years, convinced everyone else is just second place. He won’t settle for anyone but her.” The words echoed in Emilia’s mind. Their truth hit her like a wave. She understood it now, in a way she never had before. With trembling hands, she found her voice. She stepped forward, her heart racing. “I don’t want the money. I just want you to give me a chance.
Mr. Jacobson, try being with me. If she never comes back, or if she does but you can’t let her go, I’ll leave. I’ll walk away. But just give me a chance.” Mortimer paused. His eyes met hers, soft yet filled with conflict. For a long moment, he said nothing. Finally, his words broke the silence. “Do as you wish,” he muttered, and then he walked away. From that moment on, Emilia lived two lives. By day, she was his secretary. By night, his lover. Their secret unfolded in the office, in the backseat of his Maybach, behind the glass walls of his villa. They left their mark e