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CHAPTER XV
Last Updated:
2025-01-03 19:10:46
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I missed the way their staff recognized me, smiling warmly and treating me like I was part of their team, even if only tangentially.But what I missed most—oddly enough—was the fleeting, almost intangible connection to the CEO of the company.I’d never spoken to him directly, never exchanged more than polite nods or the occasional acknowledgment and I never see him around the company. And yet, there was something about his presence that lingered in my mind. The way he carried himself—confident, poised, exuding a quiet authority that seemed effortless.Every time I entered that building, I couldn’t help but feel a spark of admiration. To reach the heights he had achieved, to command such respect and success—it was inspiring. It made me wonder about the journey he had taken to get there. What struggles had he faced? What sacrifices had he made?The mystery of who he really was intrigued me. Was he as composed behind closed doors as he appeared in public? Did he carry the weight of his p
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For the rest of the day, I couldn’t stop thinking about what Mr. Reyes had said. The front desk staff had noticed my absence? It didn’t seem real. I miss her too! I always enjoy talking to her even though she was seem strict. What was it about me, a simple restaurant worker, that had caught her attention?That evening, as I walked home under the soft glow of streetlights, I felt a flicker of something I hadn’t felt in a long time: hope. Maybe my connection to Rockwell wasn’t over after all. Maybe this was just the start of something bigger—something I couldn’t yet comprehend.And for the first time in weeks, I allowed myself to believe that my path, uncertain as it was, could still lead somewhere extraordinary.The day I had been dreading had finally arrived—the day I had to say goodbye to my education, at least for now. Standing on the steps of my college, a mix of emotions churned inside me. Sadness, regret, and a lingering sense of failure clung to me like a heavy weight. This wasn
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Lilith nodded, her expression thoughtful. “You’re doing what you have to, and that takes strength. But don’t give up on your dreams, okay? This doesn’t have to be the end of your education—it’s just a pause.”Her words were kind, but they couldn’t fully ease the ache in my chest. “I hope so,” I murmured.The rest of the shift passed in a blur of orders and chatter. I threw myself into the work, letting the routine distract me from the lingering sadness.Later, as I was cleaning up for the day, Mr. Reyes approached me, his usual warm but commanding presence filling the room.“Kirsten,” he said, his voice steady, “I heard you talking to Lilith earlier. About school.”I froze, unsure of how much he had overheard. “I… yeah. I had to withdraw,” I admitted.He nodded slowly, crossing his arms. “I know how hard that must have been for you. You’re one of the most hardworking people I’ve ever met, and I have no doubt that you’ll find your way back to school when the time is right.”“Thank you,
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“If I may, Mr. Rockwell,” Mr. Reyes added, “Kirsten is an exceptional worker, and she’s been handling everything with remarkable strength. I’m sure she’d appreciate any support or kindness during this time.”“Noted,” I replied before ending the call.As I set the phone down, I leaned back in my chair, staring out at the city lights. My thoughts swirled, more complicated than before. Kirsten’s absence now carried a weight I hadn’t expected—a mix of concern and something else I couldn’t quite name.For reasons I didn’t fully understand, I knew this wasn’t the end of it.I stayed seated in my office, the phone call with Mr. Reyes replaying in my mind. Kirsten. So, that was her name. It fit her somehow—simple, unpretentious, and strong, much like the impression she’d left on me.I shouldn’t be dwelling on this, I thought, but the more I tried to push it aside, the more insistent the thoughts became. Her mother’s health. That’s why she was reassigned. The knowledge tugged at something deep
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I ate in silence, the food good enough to satisfy but not enough to distract me from my thoughts. The brief glimpse of Kirsten earlier had stirred something I hadn’t anticipated—a lingering curiosity, perhaps even admiration for how she carried herself despite her obvious struggles.When I finished my meal, I waved over another staff member to settle the bill.“Did you enjoy your meal, sir?” the young man asked politely as he approached.“It was excellent,” I replied, handing him the payment. Then, I paused and pulled out a crisp bill from my wallet. “This is for someone named Kirsten. Please make sure she gets it.”The staff member’s eyes widened slightly, but he nodded quickly. “Of course, sir. I’ll make sure she receives it.”“Thank you,” I said, rising from my seat.As I left the restaurant, I cast one last glance toward the kitchen, half-hoping to catch a glimpse of her. But she didn’t come out, and I couldn’t shake the feeling that her absence left behind.Still, I felt a quiet
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The envelope tucked safely in my pocket wasn’t just money; it was acknowledgment. A sign that someone had noticed me—not for my struggles or the weight I carried, but for the effort I put into my work. For the person I was trying so hard to be.As I walked home that night, the noise of the bustling streets faded into the background. My thoughts were consumed by the memory of the man at table seven. He had no reason to go out of his way for me, yet he did. It was such a simple gesture, yet it held so much meaning.For weeks, I’d been surviving, moving through each day like a machine, doing what I had to without question or pause. But tonight, something had shifted. That flicker of hope, fragile as it was, reminded me that my life didn’t have to be defined by hardship aloneI felt a deep sense of relief and gratitude as I handed over the payment for my mother’s upcoming operation. The tip I received from that man—whoever he was—had made all the difference. For the first time in a while,
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I shook my head, though my chest felt lighter from their words. “You’re all too much. I’m just doing my job.”Jason tilted his head, studying me. “Maybe, but not everyone does their job with as much heart as you do. And don’t think we don’t notice. So, whatever’s weighing you down, just remember—you’re not alone.”His words struck a chord, and I felt my throat tighten. “You’re really good at this pep talk thing, huh?” I teased, trying to lighten the moment.“Hey, I have my talents,” he said, grinning. “But seriously, if you ever need anything—or just someone to talk to—you know where to find me. We’re all rooting for you, Kirsten.”I nodded, feeling a warmth I hadn’t felt in a long time. “Thank you, Jason. Really.”As he walked away to tend to another table, I took a deep breath. For a moment, the weight on my shoulders didn’t feel so heavy. Maybe, just maybe, I could get through this—one step at a time.“Kirsten, table four needs their bill!” one of the waiters called out, snapping m
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The sounds of clattering plates, sizzling pans, and the steady hum of voices kept me focused.For a brief moment, I stole a glance at the clock. Hours had passed, and I could feel my energy beginning to wane, but I couldn’t stop. Not now. The team needed me, and more than that, I needed them."Kirsten, we don’t have enough staff to handle the delivery to Rockwell! What should we do?" Jason shouted, his voice laced with panic.I paused for a moment, letting the weight of his words sink in. The tiredness from the day was starting to catch up with me, but I didn’t let it show. I had a job to do, and complaining wasn’t an option. Deep down, I knew I had to push through. I hadn’t even had time to eat lunch, surviving on just a cup of coffee this morning. Maybe that was why I was feeling this drained. But giving up wasn’t in me. Not now, not ever.Sighing, I wiped my hands on my apron, trying to ignore the faint dizziness creeping in. "I’ll do it," I said, more firmly than I felt. "I’ll han
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Anton reached for my hand, his fingers curling around mine in that reassuring way that always made me feel safe. “I’m right here with you.” Together, we made our way to the venue—a small, private room in a government building. It wasn’t extravagant, but it felt right. The judge greeted us warmly, and after a few moments of formalities, we stood facing each other, the weight of the moment settling around us. Anton’s eyes never left mine as the judge began to speak. I could feel the anticipation building in my chest, my emotions swirling. This was it. This was the beginning of everything. When it was time to exchange vows, Anton went first. “I promise to love you, cherish you, and stand by your side in every moment, no matter what comes our way. You are my heart, and I am yours.” Tears welled up in my eyes as he spoke, his words so genuine, so full of meaning. I could feel the sincerity in his voice, and my heart swelled with love for him. When it was my turn, I took a deep breath,
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As we stepped through the door, our hands still intertwined, the world outside seemed distant. The comfort of our home wrapped around us like a warm blanket. Anton pulled me close, his arms slipping around my waist as he held me from behind. I could feel his breath against my neck, soft and warm, as he kissed me slowly, tenderly."Mrs. Rockwell," he whispered, his voice teasing, sending a shiver down my spine. His words were full of promise, of a future that, no matter how uncertain, felt like it was finally within reach.I let out a soft laugh, the sound light and carefree. "Not yet," I replied, glancing back at him, my eyes meeting his with a playful glint.His lips curled into a mischievous grin, the kind that made my heart race. "Oh, you will soon," he said, his voice low and intimate, as he tightened his hold on me just enough to make my heart flutter. "And I want you to practice a new signature with my surname in it soon."His words hung in the air, heavy with significance. It w
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I smiled, a warm glow spreading through me. "I'm glad we took the chance. I can't imagine my life without you now."As we shared a tender kiss, the fire crackled once more, as if celebrating our newfound love. The sofa, witness to our passionate encounter, seemed to sigh contentedly, its cushions inviting them to stay a while longer. And so they did, wrapped in each other's arms, lost in a world where only they existed, a world filled with love, passion, and the promise of a future together."When did you fall in love with me, Anton?" I asked, my voice soft as I looked up at him.He smirked, his fingers lightly tracing patterns on my arm. "I fell for you when you were just a delivery girl," he admitted with a chuckle.I giggled, remembering those days. "I was so naive back then. I only wanted to get your attention so you would hire me. That’s why I started sending those special meals to your office. I thought if I impressed you enough, you’d give me a job."Anton smiled as if recallin
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I stopped, turning my head slightly, but I didn’t let go of Anton’s hand. “Yes?”He hesitated, his lips parting and closing as though he couldn’t quite find the words. Finally, he spoke, his voice quieter now. “Do you think I even deserve peace? After everything I’ve done to you… to both of you?”I sighed, glancing at Anton, who gave my hand a small squeeze. He didn’t intervene, allowing me to face Vincent on my own terms. “It’s not about deserving it, Vincent,” I said gently. “It’s about whether or not you want it. Whether or not you’re willing to change and work toward it.”He leaned back in his chair, his cuffed hands resting heavily on the armrests. His gaze fell to the floor as if searching for answers in the patterns of the tiles. “I don’t know if I can live with the guilt. Every time I think about what I’ve done… it’s like it’s eating me alive.”“Then stop running from it,” I said firmly. “Face it. Own your mistakes and make amends where you can. That’s the only way you’ll ever
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He looked down at his cuffed hands, his voice lowering to a whisper. "So, I took advantage of it. Out of jealousy, out of spite. I wanted to take away something he cared about, something he might love, just to prove I could. I wanted to hurt him the way I thought he had hurt me... and you became the collateral damage."His words hit me like a tidal wave, and for a moment, I couldn’t breathe. All this time, I had thought Vincent’s actions were about me, about control, about possession. But now I realized—it was never about me. It was about his insecurities, his bitterness toward Anton, and his need to win a game only he was playing."You used me..." I whispered, the hurt evident in my voice.Vincent’s eyes met mine, and for the first time, they weren’t filled with arrogance or anger. They were filled with regret. "I did," he confessed. "And I’ll regret it for the rest of my life.""I can’t believe you..." I whispered, my voice trembling with disbelief and pain.Vincent nodded slowly, h
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"Anton..." I hesitated, my fingers twisting nervously in my lap as I searched for the courage to voice what had been weighing on my mind. "Can I meet him?"The room fell silent, the air suddenly thick with tension. Anton’s jaw tightened, his usually soft eyes hardening as they locked onto mine. "Why do you want to meet him, Kirsten?" His voice was calm, but there was an unmistakable edge to it.I took a deep breath, steadying myself. "Because I feel like I need to," I said softly. "To free myself from him completely—for real this time. I need closure, Anton. I need to look him in the eyes and tell him that we’re done. And... I want him to ask for forgiveness."Anton’s gaze didn’t waver, but I could see the conflict brewing behind his eyes. For a moment, I thought he’d argue, tell me it was unnecessary, that I didn’t need to reopen that chapter of my life.But then, to my surprise, he nodded. "If that’s what you need," he said quietly, his voice firm but filled with understanding, "I’l
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The days passed like a dream—soft, fleeting, and almost unreal. I hadn’t been counting them because, for the first time in years, I was truly happy. But that happiness was laced with an edge of unease, especially when Anton told me what had happened.Vincent had been captured. By Anton’s men.The news left a strange weight in my chest, and though I tried to push it aside, it lingered."What are you going to do to your brother, Anton?" I asked, my voice quiet but firm as I sat across from him in the spacious living room.Anton leaned back in his chair, his sharp features illuminated by the soft glow of the chandelier. His brow arched slightly, a smirk tugging at his lips. "You sound like you’re worried about him."I hesitated, unsure how to answer that. Was I?Despite the cruel way Vincent had treated me, a part of me couldn’t deny that he had once been a significant part of my life. But worry? Love? Those feelings had long since faded."I’m not worried about him," I said, shaking my h
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I learned from him that Vincent had resorted to sending death threats, demanding Anton leave the country. My stomach turned at the revelation. It was a side of Vincent I hadn’t fully understood until now. Anton, however, seemed unfazed, stating firmly, “He’ll pay for that. I’ll make sure he does. Threatening me gives me the leverage I need to put him behind bars.”The thought of Vincent—once the man I thought I loved—going to prison left me torn. A part of me felt justice was inevitable, but another part still struggled to reconcile this side of him with the man I had once known.And then there was Anton. The man who had been a stranger not so long ago but now felt like a lifeline. It was surreal to think back to the days when I would deliver lunches to his company, never once imagining that the CEO himself was aware of me. And now, here I was, living under the same roof with him."Can you believe this?" I murmured to myself one evening as I stood by the window, looking out at the exp
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His eyes narrowed, and for a moment, I thought he might lash out. But instead, he turned away, laughing bitterly. "We’ll see about that," he muttered, disappearing into his bedroom and slamming the door behind him. I exhaled shakily, my entire body trembling. This wasn’t living. This was survival. I picked up my phone and opened Anton’s message again. Without overthinking, I typed: Me: I need your help. I hit send and waited, my heart pounding in my chest. Within seconds, his reply came. Anton: I’ll be there in the morning. I stared at the message, a mix of relief and fear washing over me. Tomorrow, things would change. Whether for better or worse, I didn’t know. But one thing was certain—I couldn’t keep living like this. The morning light filtered through the curtains, and I sat on the edge of the bed, staring blankly at the floor. My heart felt heavy, weighed down by everything that had happened the night before. Vincent’s words still echoed in my mind—his possessiveness, hi
