Found Hearts

Chapter Three

Now I know I have no choice but to look for a job in order to get money to take care of my child and myself. Depending on anyone else isn’t an option anymore

I have heard about a place, a new company that is currently recruiting workers. With my CV in hand, I make my way there,

“Good Morning, I am Marie. I want to apply for a job here. my…..”

“You are welcome," Marie, the receptionist, says with a smile. “You can wait, let me call the CEO personal assistant”

I nod, “No problem, I'll wait” 

“You can have your seat, I'll let you know what next”

I sit down, hoping that everything will turn out well.

Just then, I see a young pretty lady coming towards me.

“Hello, you are Marie, right?

I nod, “Yes, I am Marie”

“You can follow me” she says.

I stands up and follow her through the corridor  

The walls are all very well designed, with modern features and borders that seem to highlight all of what I think to be the company’s achievements. The high glass walls make me feel rather nervous but I think it is time to exhale and try to focus.

The woman pauses before the glass door, “This is the CEO’s office. I wish you good luck”

I watch her leave then I breathe in and out deeply, hoping that the interview turns out well.

I knock and hear an inside deep voice that says“Come In”

I push the door open, and my breath catches in my throat. Sitting behind the desk is him. Nolan.

For a moment, everything goes off, my heart pounding in my chest as I stand frozen on the door side. How can

 it be him? The same man who vanished from my life without a word, the man who left me shattered when I needed him the most.

His eyes lift from the papers in front of him, and they lock with mine. For a moment, time stands still. His expression shifts from confusion to recognition, and then something I can’t quite place—surprise? Regret?

“Marie?” That same voice, that familiar and deep voice I have heard for about six years says, shaking my memory and bringing back the memory I am trying to erase.

“N… Nolan, what are you doing here? Why are you here? When did you get back?” Stammering at first, but I couldn't hold back the curiosity.

He stands up from where he's sitting, “Marie, I have looked for you. I searched for you everywhere when I came back. How have you been? Your number isn't reachable anymore?”

“I… I…. no, Nolan” I stammer “You didn't look for me. You didn't, you know where to find me if you are sincerely looking for me. You know who to ask me from if you are searching for me. Stop!” I screamed.

“I lost contact, but it's only your number I can say out without needing to check if it's correct. Why are you here, Marie? What are you doing?”

“Nolan, what does it seem like I am doing? I am here to look for work but I never expect this. Yes, I know you traveled to work, but you didn't tell me you are coming back to be a CEO”

“Marie, I missed you. I missed you so much” he says as he comes closer, touching my cheek.

I pull away gently. “I missed you too. It really a long time, I thought you wouldn't come anymore” tears begin to stream down my face.

He wipe away the tears gently, “It's fine. I am sorry for leaving you for too long. I am ready now. I am here to correct the wrongs, I missed you”

“Correct? Nolan, it's late already I am married” I say, showing off my ring.

Nolan freezes when he sees the ring on my finger, his hand still hovering near my cheek. His face shows with shock. His mouth is open  like he wants to utter words, but he remain silent.

I lean back, my heart racing and torn between the memories we shared and the reality I am living in.

“Married? That can't be! What are you doing here? I established a company for you before traveling out, what are you doing?”

“It's a long story, Nolan”

“Make it short!” He slammed.

   I nod slowly. “Nolan, there’s no way I could have waited this long. My family couldn’t wait any longer, and I was asked to marry.”

“And you did that? Marie, you did that?” I feel the disappointment in his voice.

“I got married, and my husband wants me to be a stay at home wife. We sold off the company you built for me and we invest more on our own. So later, I gave birth to a boy, Simeon….”

“You have given birth….”?” Nolan's voice trails off, his face a mix of disbelief and hurt. He takes a shaky breath and steps back, his hand falling to his side.

“Not that I have a choice, Nolan” I say, “Now, my husband doesn't want me that's why I am out here looking for work”

 “It’s not going to be possible,” Nolan says, slamming his hand on the table, his voice filled with frustration “You can’t just sit here and let someone walk all over you in the name of marriage. Not after everything I worked so hard for—so you could have a company of your own.”

   I sit there, stunned by the sudden intensity in his tone.

   “If he won't build you a company or atleast give you the money enough to build a company from scratch, then we will take revenge” Nolan declares, “I won't let him destroy everything you have built. We will take back what's yours, Marie. Together”.