"Hey Mel, Henry called me. Do you know what for?" I asked my friend when I entered her office at the end of the day."I don't know, Cat. I didn't even know he called you. I'll let him know you're here." Melissa got up and went into the boss's office, then came back and gestured for me to go in."Catherine!" Henry greeted me with a huge smile. "First, let me say how happy I am that you and my friend have finally reconciled.""Thanks, Henry. I hope your friend doesn't mess things up with me again." I said with a smile."If he does, you know I'm here to help you kick his butt." Henry said firmly."Oh, right! Just like you did this time, spying on us and telling him everything." Melissa mocked him."Oh, Mel, I can't be too hard on him, he's my friend," Henry said like a teenager, making us burst into laughter. "But you can always count on me, Catherine.""Thanks, Henry, it's good to know that." I was sincere because Henry had really helped me a lot by giving me a job and supporting me when
I got home after a long day, and my parents were waiting for me in the living room."Catherine, sit down. We need to talk," my father said, looking quite agitated."What's going on, Dad?" I asked tiredly. I had worked all day, gone to college at night, and upon getting home, all I wanted was to take a shower and crash into bed. But that wasn't possible."Catherine, your cousin's wedding invitation has arrived," my mother said."That little tramp is not my cousin!" I snapped, already getting angry."Catherine, she is your cousin," my mother insisted. "You need to stop this childish behavior. Melissa already hit her and caused a scene here at home. Enough! She's my sister's daughter, which makes her your cousin.""I'm sorry, Mom, but she means nothing to me," I tried to stay calm. "She slept with my boyfriend in my bed. That's not something she should do."I had been dating Claude for four years; he was my first boyfriend, and I found him in my bed, in my room, having sex with Kelly, my
There was no way out - my friend dragged me to the ball. As soon as we got in, Mel pulled us to the bar and whispered in my ear:"It's an open bar tonight, so you're going to drink until all that sadness washes away!" Mel handed me two tequila shots while holding two more in her hands. "Let's down these!" We knocked back the tequila, and Fred was already handing each of us a cosmopolitan.Melissa dragged me to the dance floor, and I was actually having fun. When a slow song started playing, Fred and Mel began slow dancing together. I took that as my cue to head to the buffet, but I didn't make it there. I felt someone grab my hand, and when I turned around, there was a man in a black mask smiling at me - and what a smile! He kissed my hand and pulled me close, whispering in my ear with a husky voice:"Surely the most beautiful woman in the room won't deny me a dance, will she?""And why not? Let's dance," I smiled back at him.It was impossible to resist that seductive husky voice and
On Monday during lunch, I met Mel. She handed me a small bag from a fancy store, and I looked at her, confused."My mom asked me to give this to you. She said it's perfect for you and doesn't suit her," Mel said with a big smile.I opened the bag, and inside was the perfume I had worn to the ball. A huge smile spread across my face. I loved that perfume, and it was part of the best night of my life. I just hoped that my best night hadn't left me with an STD as a souvenir. With that thought, I thanked Mel and told her I'd call her mom later, then mentioned I wanted to call the lab to schedule some tests.I called the laboratory and was informed that I needed a doctor's prescription to get the tests covered by health insurance. Thank God the company provided health insurance for employees because otherwise, I wouldn't know what to do. My salary wasn't high, and what little was left after covering college expenses went to helping at home, since my mom didn't work outside the house and my
When I graduated, Peter was already two years old. By then, he was walking everywhere, always clinging to grandma - which was his first word. He was a beautiful boy with straight black hair, fair skin, a cute little upturned nose, and those huge violet eyes that made me sigh. He was my sunshine! And now I would have more time for him.After graduation, my boss called me in for a chat. He was an excellent boss and said he was very happy with my work at the company, but he knew I deserved to go far, so I should look for a job in my field, and he would understand. He assured me that my job at the construction company would be mine for as long as I wanted, and if I left and things didn't work out, I would always have a place to come back to. However, he advised that I should seek something in my field of study to provide a better future for my son. I was very touched by this and accepted his good advice.I told Melissa, and she immediately said she would talk to her father about reaching o
I showed up at the company at 8:00 a.m. Mrs. Taylor gave me a warm welcome and introduced me to everyone, and they were all very kind. The boss wasn't there - he was traveling and would return at the end of the week. The office was beautiful, very modern, decorated in white with stainless steel and green accents, managing to be both professional and welcoming. It was elegant, and I really liked it. I was particularly glad I had chosen to wear a black suit with a dark green silk blouse underneath and black heels. I would need to dress elegantly every day now, after all, I would be working directly with the company president.Mid-morning, I received a message from Mel saying she had managed to schedule an appointment with the director of the daycare near our apartment during lunch hour. I explained the situation to Mrs. Taylor and asked if it would be possible to leave during that time, assuring her I would be back on schedule."So you have a child. How old is he?" she asked with a smile
Alexander’s POV In his New York hotel room, a persistent thought occupied Alexander Miller's mind - what would his new assistant be like?That voice seemed to have taken residence in my head. When I called the office today, I just wanted to tell Mariana that I had closed the deal I came to negotiate here in the United States, but when I heard that voice, something inside me completely stirred. It was such a melodious voice, so calm, I don't know why it irritated me so much.Now here I was, sitting in my hotel room with a glass of whiskey in hand, looking out at Central Park through the window and wondering about the owner of that voice. It completely threw me off the details I needed to confirm, and I got pissed off for not knowing what to say and having such scattered thoughts. I ended up yelling like a madman at the woman on the other end of the line. I probably scared her. Maybe she wouldn't even be there anymore when I got back, and Mariana would kill me. She didn't want to delay
As Mrs. Taylor was explaining everything to me, I carefully noted down all the important information. We had established a good work rhythm, and the afternoon was flying by. She told me she needed to make a personal call and left the room, mentioning that someone from the IT Department would bring me a company phone that should be kept on at all times.Soon after, a tall, skinny guy with a nerdy look entered the room and was startled when he saw me:"Wow! Um... sorry, who are you?"I stood up to greet him:"Catherine Vergara, Mr. Miller's new assistant." - He looked me up and down as if sizing me up."Miss Catherine Vergara?"I nodded with a professional smile. He grinned and said:"This is actually for you." - he extended his hand and gave me a brand-new phone and a tablet. "This is your company phone. The boss already had your number, and his number was saved in the contacts. It's also set up with your work email. The tablet was configured with the company system, Mr. Miller's schedu
"Hey Mel, Henry called me. Do you know what for?" I asked my friend when I entered her office at the end of the day."I don't know, Cat. I didn't even know he called you. I'll let him know you're here." Melissa got up and went into the boss's office, then came back and gestured for me to go in."Catherine!" Henry greeted me with a huge smile. "First, let me say how happy I am that you and my friend have finally reconciled.""Thanks, Henry. I hope your friend doesn't mess things up with me again." I said with a smile."If he does, you know I'm here to help you kick his butt." Henry said firmly."Oh, right! Just like you did this time, spying on us and telling him everything." Melissa mocked him."Oh, Mel, I can't be too hard on him, he's my friend," Henry said like a teenager, making us burst into laughter. "But you can always count on me, Catherine.""Thanks, Henry, it's good to know that." I was sincere because Henry had really helped me a lot by giving me a job and supporting me when
Alexander’s POVI dropped Catherine off at Lynx World and headed to my company. We had a wonderful weekend. Her parents were great people and welcomed me so warmly that I felt like part of the family. That meant a lot to me. Sure, we had that unpleasant incident with her ex, and her cousin was just jealous. But overall, our weekend was amazing.She came back to me, and that filled my heart almost to bursting with happiness. And Peter made everything even more perfect. If my parents were alive, they would have been charmed by Catherine and loved Peter as if he were truly their grandson.Thinking about my parents still caused me infinite pain and longing, especially after learning that the accident that killed them might have been intentional - that knowledge was like a knife to my chest. I needed to find out the truth. Alan was taking care of everything, and until he had information, I would have to wait and control my anxiety. This waiting was making me restless.When I arrived at my c
I woke up in the arms of the love of my life. There's no better feeling in the world than being held by the one you love. I was lying with my head resting on Alexander's chest, our legs intertwined and his arms around me. We were naked; Alexander had prevented me from putting on a nightgown, saying he wanted to feel my skin against his, and it truly was the best sensation in the world being pressed against him without any barriers."Good morning, my angel." I felt his kiss on my head and looked up at him smiling."How can you wake up looking so handsome?" I asked, smiling like a fool as he pulled me in for a soft kiss on my lips. "Good morning, my love!""Mmm! I love that sound. Say it again," Alexander said playfully."What? That you wake up handsome? You're the most handsome man I've ever seen." I said with a huge smile."I like hearing that too, but I asked you to repeat the other thing," he insisted."Good morning?" I teased."Are you teasing me, my angel?""Just a little! My love!
I waited for the guys at the gate and got into the car before Alexander could get out to help me."What's wrong, angel?" Alexander asked after Fred drove off."My mother's sister made an unpleasant appearance. But I'll tell you later, I don't want to stress about it now. Good morning to you both." I forced a smile.Peter chatted the entire way, even telling Alexander how he stuck his tongue out at the "witch," which made everyone laugh.At Melissa's house, we were warmly welcomed. Her parents were crazy about Peter and kept insisting they wanted another grandchild, but Melissa wasn't interested in that yet.After lunch, Mr. Larson called Alexander and Fred to his office to discuss business. Melissa and I did the same thing with her mother that we did with mine, filling her in on all the details of our life in Paradise Port.When we said goodbye, Melissa left home with her suitcase ready since our flight was that evening. We were taking Peter for ice cream before going to my house to ge
After they left, I put my son to bed and went back to the living room to chat with my parents."Why didn't you tell us you had problems there, honey?" my father asked right away."Because I didn't want to worry you, and because I have a friend who's my guardian angel who helped me find another job just as good," I answered honestly."Alexander said you're now working for his friend, but that you'll go back to working with him," my father said."I haven't decided yet. We'll see," I replied."Cat, we just want you to be happy. I like this young man, he has good intentions, he's serious and responsible. He came here and was honest, owned up to his mistakes. He seems like a good man, and the way you look at him, you're in love," my father hadn't missed a thing."Yes, Dad. He is a great man and I am in love," I confirmed."Then don't get hung up on silly things," my mother said. "Forgiveness is good for you, understand that. Pride won't get you anywhere. Don't forget that.""I won't forget,
We finished shopping and returned. Melissa helped me with the bags and we entered the house calling for my parents. We were putting the bags on the counter when Peter came running out and I heard him shout:"Alexander! You came!""Of course I came, little buddy, I was missing you so much!" I heard Alexander's voice and my knees went weak.When I turned around, the two were in a tight hug, my mom with a huge smile, my dad with a surprised look, and Melissa standing open-mouthed watching Fred walk towards her."What does this mean, Fred?" She asked seriously without hugging her boyfriend."We couldn't stand being away from our girls. And especially from Peter." Fred answered naturally."But I didn't tell you where I was going?" Melissa was angry with her boyfriend."You and Catherine going away for the weekend together? There's only one place in the world where you two would go, Mel!" Fred said smugly.I couldn't speak. I was too shocked. My parents invited everyone to sit around the tab
The next morning, we woke up early. The aroma of coffee my mom was brewing in the kitchen filled every room in the house. Peter was euphoric, and my dad took him to the small barn to milk the cow. When they returned, my son had a tiny milk mustache and a blue enamel mug in his hand.We sat down and had breakfast while listening to the birds singing. The house was very spacious and comfortable. It had huge windows, and the fresh morning air flowed through them along with the sunlight.We went out for a walk, and the property was a good size. It was enough for a diverse orchard, a vegetable garden with all kinds of produce and greens, a barn with one cow, a pigpen with two pigs, and a chicken coop with many hens. Peter had fun collecting eggs with my mom.In front of the house, there was a garden full of colorful flowers and a small pond where a family of ducks was playing in the water. The house was flanked by a colonial-style porch, with hammocks hanging in each corner and wooden bench
On Friday, Melissa, Peter, and I caught a flight to Bellwood. When we arrived, Melissa's family driver was already waiting for us and drove me to my parents' farm, where they were expecting us. I said goodbye to my friend, and we agreed that she would come to see us the next day."Sweetie!" My mother came running to hug me, already in tears."Mom, I missed you so much!""And where's grandma's baby? Come here, my little darling!" My mother took Peter from my arms, and I took the opportunity to hug my father."My daughter, it's so wonderful to have you both home!""Thanks, Dad. It's really good to be here.""Let's go inside, it's already dark. Tomorrow you can explore the farm." My father was clearly excited about the farm.We went inside, and my mother already had dinner on the table. We sat down and had the meal together. How I missed being with them. Peter fell asleep in grandma's arms, who put him to bed and then joined my father and me in the living room."So, Catherine, how's life
Another week started and flew by. Alexander really didn't keep his distance - he kept sending messages, flowers, and afternoon snacks. What changed was that he called me every night and we'd chat for a while. He told me that after everything Mrs. Margaret revealed, the audit was moving faster, and they were working for a few hours every night at Patrick's house. But he hadn't told me what Mrs. Margaret said, only that she knew a lot but never thought it was important.Melissa established Tuesday as girls' night, so we went to the Social Club again and had dinner there. We always had plenty to talk about, and fun was guaranteed with that group. Samantha had started working with Alexander and was really enjoying the job, although she couldn't stand Celeste, so she had lots to tell us."Seriously, Cat, it's written 'lying, fake, gossiping troublemaker' on Celeste's forehead - how did you not see it?" Samantha asked."Cat always sees the best in people, Sam. I got tired of warning her abou