LOGINShare
Chapter 002: Charlotte's Confession
Last Updated:
2024-10-29 19:42:56Charlotte could tell something was wrong when Riele came out of her office.
"Don't tell me you're retiring too," she asked as Riele gave her a confused look.
Riele didn't reply as she slammed the file she received from Mr. Owen on her desk scaring the shit out of Charlotte. "Are you going to talk or should I go and report Mr. Owen for sexual harassment?"
Riele burst into laughter. "You are out of your mind, Charlotte." Riele sighed before she passed the file to her friend.
Charlotte took the file from her and flipped through the pages. "I don't understand. All can see is this handsome guy who looks hot and sexy. Is Mr. Owen trying to set you up on a date with his son?"
"What son?" Riele asked. "Mr. Owen doesn't have any son."
"Who knows, he might have a secret son."
Riele quickly collected the file from her friend before she starts to make weird assumptions.
"He is the new CEO. The one that will replace Mr. Owen," Riele explained
Charlotte's eyes widened in shock and excitement. "Are you saying that this handsome guy is..."
"Yes. The handsome guy you just saw there in that file is going to be the new CEO and I will be his assistant. Can you believe that? Why does bad luck hover around me, uh?" Riele cuts in.
Charlotte stared at her in silence before bursting into laughter.
Riele couldn't understand why Charlotte was laughing. "Why are you laughing?" She folded her arms and looked at her friend, waiting for her to explain the reason for her laughing.
"I'm so sorry," Charlotte said in between laughs. "Are you sure you are okay?" she paused. "What's wrong with being his assistant? It's not like you are in any kind of relationship. What exactly are you worried about? Do you have any idea how many ladies would kill for what you have right now?" Charlotte asked.
Riele folded her arms as her stomach started to rumble. "I do want to argue, but I can't do that on an empty stomach. Let's go grab a bite!"
Riele got up and pulled her friend up as they went to the cafeteria.
"What would you like to eat?" She asked her, but Charlotte was silent as soon as they came to the cafeteria.
Riele ordered french fries because she knew Charlotte loves French fries. She got Spaghetti for herself. They took a seat that was vacant close to the window.
Riele started digging into her spaghetti. She was halfway through with the food when she noticed Charlotte hadn't touched her food.
"Are you going to keep playing with your food?" She asked. Charlotte pushed her food aside and stared at Riele almost making her choke. "I know what that look means. What is it you want to tell me?" She asked.
"Riele, I know what I am going to say is going to sound like a shock to you and I don't want you to scream or shout just. I just want you to listen to me."
Riele almost choked as she listened to Charlotte speak. "You know I'm going to think you want to tell me you're pregnant," she said as she laughed expecting Charlotte to laugh at the joke too, but she didn't. She looked up at her expecting some kind of answer, but nothing came. "Wait! Does that mean that you're..."
Charlotte sighed.
Riele dropped her fork, folded her arms across her chest, and looked at Charlotte. As if knowing what the look meant, Charlotte started talking.
"It was a mistake, Riele. I was drunk and I didn't know what I was doing..."
"Who's the father?" Riele cuts in.
"Riele,"
"Who is the father, Charlotte?"
"You don't like him."
There's one person Riele didn't and he used to be a model for the company. "Kim Utter?" Riele asked in disbelief. Charlotte nodded. "How the hell did that happen? You never told me you were interested in him."
"That's because I am not interested in Him, Riele," she paused with a sigh. "I was drunk and he offered to take me home and one thing led to another..."
"Is he aware you're carrying his child?"
Charlotte shook her head.
"I couldn't reach him after the incident." Charlotte knew Riele would be furious so she quickly held her hand and covered them with hers. "Riele, I'm sorry. The truth is that I don't regret it."
"For God's sake, Charlotte! You're just twenty-three! What do you know about parenting a child?".
"I know, Riele. Parenting is hard, but you know... I've never had any of my parents to care for me. My dad died on his way to see me. Mom ran away the moment she gave birth to me. I was sent to the orphanage without having a taste of my mother's breast milk.
"Twenty years of my life were spent in the orphanage, until I ran away to make a living. I want to keep this baby, Riele. I want to prove I'm different from my mom. I want to show this baby what my mom couldn't show me; the love, the care, the protection...all of it. I don't care if Kim accepts the child or not. I know I messed up, but believe me, I don't regret it. Please..." Charlotte held Riele's hand tighter. "...be happy for me."
Riele looked at Charlotte and hugged her. "As long as you won't regret it. I will stick in for you." Charlotte smiled at her response. "How many weeks?"
"Three weeks," Charlotte answered as Riele went back to her seat.
"Can I take permission from the baby to punch the father when I see him?"
Charlotte laughed.
"Don't you think you have other things to worry about than punching my child's father?"
Riele glared at her friend who was teasing her. "Was that necessary? I forgot about that guy or whoever he is. Maybe I dislike him because his name is Kim." Riele continued eating as Charlotte joined shaking her head to stop herself from teasing her friend more.
Riele looked at Charlotte and she could tell she was happy. "I am glad you're not getting rid of the child." Charlotte smiled. "I'm always here for you if you need anything and I'm serious about the whole punch thing."
"I'll let you know when I need it."
They both smiled.
Related chapters
Love and Crosses: What The Heart Wants Chapter 003: Diamond Boy's Identity
After a strenuous day at work, Riele got home feeling so tired. It was surprising she didn't receive any calls from the hospital yet. It's been five years since her mom was hospitalized. She had refused to response to external stimuli. I doubt she's ever going to wake up. Riele thought as went to her room. Riele's mother had a car accident five years ago that led to a brain tumor. She went out to buy things for her children. Unknown to her that a moving vehicle was coming and before she could try to escape, the car hit one side of her body pushing her straight to the pavement where she hit her head. Good thing she was rushed to the hospital. Riele was just sixteen and her brother was five. It was a sad news. She was having her school party when she got a call from the hospital. It was the worst day of her life. Riele lay on her bed trying to get some sleep when her phone rang. She knew there was only one person who dared to call her. She picked up the call without looking at th
Love and Crosses: What The Heart Wants Chapter 004: The New CEO's Arrival
Kim Huxley arrived at John F Kennedy International airport where he awaits his PA to come to pick him up. He wore a white shirt that was nicely tucked inside his black trouser. He wore shiny black shoes and he had his suitcase with him. Everyone that saw him knew him, especially his fans that had been waiting for him since yesterday. "Kim! I love you," some girls screamed. "I love you!" Kim waved at them with a cute smile on his face. He was glad there were officers there to keep them in place. He checked his time it was 8 am and whoever was going to pick him wasn't there yet. He dialed Mr. Owen's number, but unfortunately, it was switched off. He was already losing his patient. If he had known such would happen, he would have come with some of his brothers. **++** Riele woke up late only for her to check her phone and see twenty missed calls. She quickly showered, brushed her teeth, and put on her jumpsuit and canvas. She packed her curly hair in a Ponytail. She took a white
Love and Crosses: What The Heart Wants Chapter 005: Officially The New CEO's Assistant
Charlotte and Riele were discussing when Riele heard her name. "Riele Grants!" Mr. Owen called. Charlotte looked at her. "What did you do this time?" She asked, but Riele shrugged. "Don't look at me like that, I did absolutely nothing." "Did you pick him up at the supposed time?" Charlotte folded her arms while waiting for Riele to lie. "Um, I woke up late," Riele answered softly. "I just hope you are not in big trouble." "I guess we are about to find out," Riele said as she walked to the office. Riele exhaled and inhaled for thirty seconds. Affter she had gotten her boldness, she knocked. "Come in," she heard Mr. Owen say as she unlocked the door and entered inside. The first eyes that met hers were those of Kim. She tried to keep her beating heart in check. "Um...you called me?" She asked Mr. Owen. "Yes. Please have a seat," he gestured for her to sit next to Kim. Riele couldn't count how many times she almost tripped. This is what you get when you have a stunning and hand
Love and Crosses: What The Heart Wants Chapter 006: Operation Get Kim Utter
Riele tried her best to convince Kim Huxley that Kim Utter was a bad figure for the company, but he didn't pay attention to her. "Do as you are told, young lady!" He glanced through the files in his hand. Riele had been battling with Mr. Handsome, trying to get him to change his mind, but every word she said went into one ear and came out of the other. "There are other models out there, why not choose among them? why does it have to be Utter?" "The same reason why it has to be you." Kim walked up to her. Riele stared into his eyes. There was no way she was going to back down so easily. "Was he voted in or is this just an irrational decision made by you?" "Do you think I make decisions without thinking it through?" "Obviously," Riele muttered. Kim sighed as he went back to his desk. "Get me the model I want Riele and we are not debating on this issue." "But..." He lifted his hand to shun her. "Also, I need a beautiful female model. You should find the right one," he told her wi
Love and Crosses: What The Heart Wants Chapter 007: The Stripper Becomes A Model
The phone ringing loudly woke Riele. She checked the caller and it was Charlotte. She glance at the clock, it was 9 am. She didn't need to be told what to do. She took her bath and came out in less than ten minutes. She searched for a gown to wear and she picked a flowery sleeveless gown. She wore her heels to go with it. She had to board a taxi to get to work because she knew the bus had left and she had to find her way to work. "I guess I was exhausted after last night," she told herself when Charlotte called again. She picked up the call and the voice that welcomed her was Charlotte screaming her name and asking her where she is. "I will be right there, it will just take a second," Riele explained. "A second uh? Well, just for your information, Mr. Handsome is angry. So I will advise you to start preparing the speech you are going to give to him," Charlotte warned. "Thanks, girlfriend." She hung up as she thought of the speech to give Kim. ****++**** "So you are saying it's
Love and Crosses: What The Heart Wants Chapter 008: Have We Met?
Jay entered the office with Charlotte in front of her. "Jay!" Kim greeted him with a hug. "Bro!" Jay hugged him back. "Madison, you can leave with Charlotte." Kim ordered as the girls left the office. "I'm so glad you're here," he said. Jay sat on the seat in front of him while Kim stood beside him. "Did anything happen?" Jay asked. "Nothing really. I just need you to do something for me." Jay knew him too well to know he was about to ask him to do something crazy. "Which is?" "I need you to be my male model." He looked at Kim before bursting into laughter. Jay was twenty-three years old. He was born and brought up in Texas and before he came to New York to join the boyband, he was a model and that was why Kim chose him. "Are you crazy?" Jay asked. "Please, Jay." Kim pleaded, but Jay didn't listen to him. "Please?" He pouted. "I don't want to." Jay folded his arms and glared at Kim. "Really?" He asked staring at Jay in disbelief. "Yes," Jay answered bluntly. "I promise
Love and Crosses: What The Heart Wants Chapter 009: The Meeting With The New Guy
Riele and Charlotte had finished what they needed to do and were heading to Kim's office when Jay approached Riele. He grabbed her hand and Riele had to stop. She turned to look at who dared to touch her without her permission and to her greatest surprise, she saw it was Jay.Charlotte was shocked. "Um... I'll be in the office while you join me later". Riele nodded. Charlotte went to the office leaving Riele with Jay. Immediately after she left, Jay left Riele's hand."Isn't there anything I can help you with?". Riele asked politely.Jay stared at her for a while before replying. "Yes... actually, I need your help".Riele didn't want to seem rude because he was cute and he's the model her boss volunteered. She folded her arms staring at him to state what he needs her to do for him."I am new to this whole modeling thing so I was wondering if you could tutor me". He lied.Riele couldn't believe her eyes neither could she believe her ears. She knows she is in charge of the models but tu
Love and Crosses: What The Heart Wants Chapter 010: This Isn't A Date
Jay led Riele into one of the coffee shops. He was so protective of her to the point that Riele started to think maybe they were on a date. "This isn't a date". Jay said before waving his hands to the waitress. Riele scoffed. "I never thought it was". She lied. "Really?" Jay asked staring at her in doubt. "'Cos it's written all over your face if you ask me". "Hello. It's nice to have you both here today. What would you like to have?". The waitress asked with a broad smile on her face. "I need something cold". Jay looked at the book menu. "What do you suggest?" "We'll like two ice americano please". Riele smiled at the waitress who nodded with a smile before leaving. "Why americano?" Jay asked. "You asked for something cold, well that has ice in it, that's why it's called ice americano, just the drink you need." Riele explained. The waitress brought their orders and set them on the table in front of them. "Is that all?" "We'll let you know if we need anything else". Jay answer
Latest chapter
Love and Crosses: What The Heart Wants Chapter 36: Utter's Talks About His Secret Weapon
Utter sat in his dimly lit apartment, a devious smile spreading across his face as he dialed Kim's office number. After a few rings, the line was picked up."Kim's office. Who's this?" came the curt voice of Kim's assistant, Amanda.”"It's Utter," he drawled, his voice dripping with confidence. "Tell Kim I need to speak with him. It's urgent."The assistant hesitated for a moment, but then complied with Utter's request. "Please hold," she said, placing him on hold. “Um, Miss Jane, can you please get Mr. Kim?” Amanda politely asked Jane who was standing in a corner.“What's wrong?”“It's one of our ex-models…”“Put him on loudspeaker,” Jane cut in before Amanda could finish her sentence.Amanda did as she was told.After what felt like an eternity, Utter was furious. Suddenly, he heard a voice from the other side of the call, but it wasn't Kim who picked up the phone."Utter, how may we help you?" Jane's voice was sharp, cold as ice.Utter's smirk only widened. "And you are?" “My name
Love and Crosses: What The Heart Wants Chapter 35: Tension Brewing
The next day, Jay came into the office with Jane next to him. When Jane walked into the office, everyone noticed her right away.You could really feel how cool and confident she was as she smoothly walked across the room. She stood out and caught everyone's eye, looking around as she walked over to Kim.Kim looked surprised for a second, then quickly changed to a small smile. "Jane, it's nice to see you," he said, his voice suggesting there was more to his words."You too, Kim," Jane said with a smile, sounding calm and relaxed. "I'm here to participate in the contest."The room felt heavy with things left unsaid as the four of them started working. Jay felt the strong discomfort in the atmosphere and tried to ease the tension by speaking up."Jane has a lot of experience and keeps her amazing body," he said in a calm but strong voice. "She's just right for this competition. "Riele stayed calm and watched the conversations with a lack of strong feelings. Kim looked calm, but you could
Love and Crosses: What The Heart Wants Chapter 34: Unexpected Encounter
Jay sat alone in his apartment, deep in thought. He hadn't been able to stop thinking about Riele and the bet he'd made. His heart still ached at the thought of losing her, but he was determined to do the right thing for his friend.With a sigh, he pushed these thoughts aside and focused on the more pressing matter at hand: finding a female model for the competition. He knew that Kim's success in the competition depended on this.Jay decided to hit the bars in search of potential models.As he sipped his drink, his eyes scanned the bar for anyone who might fit the bill. Suddenly, he spotted a woman sitting alone at the bar. She had a striking look with her dark hair and piercing eyes.He decided to approach her. "Hey, I couldn't help but notice you over here. I'm actually looking for someone for a modeling gig, and I think you'd be perfect."The woman raised an eyebrow and studied him for a moment. "A modeling gig, huh? What kind of gig are we talking about?""A fashion competition.As
Love and Crosses: What The Heart Wants Chapter 033: The Broken Promise
Charlotte had to walk Harry home before going back to her own house. On the way, she met Madison and Utter talking and laughing. She greeted Madison but ignored Utter. “Hi, Maddy,” she greeted with a smile. “Shouldn’t you be at work?” “I was fired.” “What?” She nodded and went on to tell what happened, but she hid the part where she slapped Riele. “I pleaded with him to forgive me, but he was adamant,” she shrugged. “I don’t think that makes any sense.” Charlotte thought about the whole scenario, but they didn’t make any sense to her. “Why would Kim behave so irrationally?” Madison shrugged. “I see you are doing pretty well.” She smiled and nodded. “Yes, I am.” “Who’s the father?” Madison asked, without a second thought. “Um…” she bit her lips and glanced at Utter, who was waiting for her response. “Is your child a bastard?” Madison whispered. “No, he is not. I just can’t tell you who the father is.” She patted Madison’s shoulder and left. Madison couldn’t believe what had
Love and Crosses: What The Heart Wants Chapter 032: Madison's Plan
Riele had no idea what to reply to him. She couldn’t tell if he was serious or if he was pulling her legs.“I promise that I won’t hurt your feelings, Riele.”“Um…Kim, I don’t think we should…” She tried to leave, but he held her hand and pulled her closer to him. He lifted her chin so she could look at him.“I love you, Riele. I know we started on the wrong foot, but believe me, it made me realize that I love you.”“Kim…I can’t…” he placed his index finger on her lips, shushing her.Riele had no choice, but to remain silent and listen to his confession.“Give me a chance, that’s all I am asking for.”“Kim…”“Don’t turn me down without knowing my true intentions, Riele.”“I…”“Do you love me?”“I…” She bowed her head. She didn’t want him to see her tearing up, but he did before she could hide it.He lifted her chin and saw her teardrops. He pulled her face closer and kissed her eyes. “I don’t want to make you cry, and I never want to see you cry.”“Kim…”“Do you love me?”She nodded s
Love and Crosses: What The Heart Wants Chapter 031: Will You Be My Girlfriend?
At midnight, Kim took his phone and sent a text message to Riele. “Where are you now?”“I thought you worked after seeing your mom.”“Is everything okay with your mom?”“I’d appreciate it if you would reply to my text messages.”He dropped his phone close to his bed hoping to hear a beep or something, but there was no notification at all. “Are you home now?” he heard Jay asked on the phone. “Is everything okay with you? Do you feel fine?”Jay entered the room where Kim was and sat on the bed. “Does that mean I will see you tomorrow?”After a few seconds, he looked at Kim who was looking at him back before looking away. “I am sure he wouldn’t mind.”No one needed to tell Kim who Jay was on the phone with. He folded his arms and listened to their conversations. “Okay, I will see you tomorrow then.”“How is Charlotte?”“Okay. I have to go now. Bye.”He hung up and dropped his phone on the shelf beside the bed. He was about to lie down his head when Kim stopped him. “How is she?”“W
Love and Crosses: What The Heart Wants Chapter 030: Charlotte Tells Riele About Utter's Threat
Upon arriving at Charlotte's place, Harry was greeted by the happy sight of the pregnant lady. "It's great to see you, Harry," she smiled at him. "I'm glad to be here after you bribed me with such a delicious meal," he replied. "Oh, so she told you?" Charlotte asked. Harry shook his head. "I found out." Charlotte smiled and gestured for him to sit down while she prepared something for him to eat. "I made pasta, but I don't know if you'll like it." "As long as it's edible, I'm good with anything you cook," he replied. Charlotte served him his food and asked, "Lemon juice or orange juice?" "Lemon juice is fine, thank you." She poured him a glass from the fridge. "When is the baby due?" "Three months from now, and you'll have a younger brother," she replied. "Cool!" Harry exclaimed. "The food is ready, let's eat," Charlotte said, and they sat down to enjoy their meal. "What do you think of Kim?" Harry asked. "Kim? My boss?" Charlotte wondered. "Yes, I want him for my sister,
Love and Crosses: What The Heart Wants Chapter 29: Riele Talks To Her Mom
When Kim arrived at work, his colleagues were surprised by the sadness on his face. "I'm sorry, everyone. The meeting is postponed. I'll inform you of the new date," he said before retreating to his office without waiting for any comments.Madison approached Jay to ask what was wrong, but he didn't know. "This morning, I saw him driving to catch up with Riele," she whispered."Did Riele come to work?" Jay inquired.Madison shook her head. "She left in a hurry. I think something must have happened for her to leave like that."Jay was concerned and planned to speak with Riele after work. With the new information from Madison, he decided to call her. "Thank you," he told Madison before making the call.He called Riele several times, but she didn't answer. He was about to enter the office when he received a call from her. Her voice was soft and sad, and he could tell something was wrong. "Hey, Sugar, what's wrong? Why do you sound so sad?" he asked."I'm going through a lot right now. I'm
Love and Crosses: What The Heart Wants Chapter 028: Doctor's report
Riele was running so she could get to the hospital in time. She had no idea why she didn't board a taxi instead of running. She was happy and a great joy filled her heart as she thought about the text she received from the doctor. Her thought was disturbed by the continuous beeping of a car. She was getting irritated because she felt the beeping was directed toward but she was on the sidewalk and not the road, so why the beeping? She asked herself and then she turned only to find a Rolls-Royce Phantom driving in her direction and the moment she stopped, the car stopped and the driver rolled down the window and she saw it was her boss. She was shocked that all she could do was stare at him in bewilderment. Why was he here? Questions that couldn't be answered just by asking herself were raging in her mind. She was appalled when she saw him get out of his vehicle and approached her. She was immobile till he stood in front of her. Riele was dumbstruck. "Mr. Kim, what are you doin
