There was only one thing that repeated itself in my mind, and that was; the right outfit for the event. I didn't want to go there looking like a loser and I was sure that anything I had in the closet wouldn't help me blend in with others either. The mere thought that I had no proper clothing for the occasion, layered with the task of mingling with the high society people, made me horrified.“What did I get myself into? Places like that are not for people like me.” I thought “Where are we going? This is not the way to the office.” I asked glancing nervously at AlexHe didn’t reply. All his attention was directed to the road. Several minutes later we stopped in front of a beautiful-looking boutique with the shop window full of extravagant exquisite evening gowns and accessories.“Get down.” He commanded“What are we doing here?” I asked still confused and looking around “What do they do in places like this?” He replied I stared at him my mouth slightly agape. “You…you are taking me s
“I’ll need your home address so I can have the car pick you up this weekend.” Alex suddenly spoke up as we got inside I hesitated for a moment, not entirely comfortable with the idea of giving him my home address because of Dawson. “Actually it would be easier for me if I just met you at the office instead. That way you don’t have to worry about coordinating the pickup.” I suggested Alex paused, his brows wrinkling as he stared at me in silence. “Very well,” he finally said. “Be here by 6 p.m. Don’t make me wait.”“Okay, I’ll be here,” I assured relieved that he didn’t insist on coming to my house. As we parted ways, Alex turned to me one more time “You can take the rest of the day off. No need to report to come today.”My eyes went wide. “Really?” I asked practically giddy. “You mean I can just…go home?”“Don’t make me change my mind, Sophie.”“Thank you, thank you!” I exclaimed dancing outWhen I got home, I met Dawson in the living room watching his favorite show and immediately
The remaining days of the week seemed to pass me by so quickly. Before I realized it, Saturday night had come, and I had to prepare for the gala. My heart was beating fast as I carefully laid out the beautiful dress Alex had gotten for me. I exhaled deeply and then gently slid the dress on, appreciating how it stretched over my body like a glove.I changed my look drastically from my usual high ponytail and sweats outfit to something more suited for the night. I touched up my makeup and styled my hair into soft waves. After that, I slip my feet into my favorite pair of black high heels that I have had for ages. They weren’t grand or glamorous, but I could manage with them because I was on a very tight budget and couldn’t afford anything flashier. The person I saw in the mirror seemed completely different as I took a final look.I grabbed my small clutch, making sure I had everything and as I was about to leave the room, I heard my mom’s voice call out from across the room “Sophie, Ar
I made my way to the office feeling, my stomach flip-flopping with nerves. When I arrived, Alex was already waiting in the lobby looking devastatingly handsome in his immaculately-tailored tuxedo. He turned as I approached and his jaw went slightly slack as he took my appearance. For a long moment, he simply stared at me. “Hi,” I said trying to break the awkward silence He snapped back to his usual serious self clearing his throat to regain composure. “You are late," he said sharply, looking at his expensive watch. "I was starting to think you wouldn't show up. This isn't some fairytale ball, you know."I'm sorry," I apologized quickly. "Traffic was worse than I expected. It won’t happen again."“Let’s get out of here. I don’t want to be late for the actual event.” He said turning on his heels We made our way to his sleek sports car in silence. I took sidelong glances at him wishing he would say something about how I looked. But he remained stoic and all business as usual.When we
I clutched my little purse tightly as I half-stormed, and half-stumbled out of that fancy ballroom. The tears were already spilling down my cheeks, staining my carefully applied makeup into a raccoon-eyed mess.Screw Alex and his bigshot world. Screw Polo Enterprise. Screw all of it.“Ms McDermott?” A voice made me jump as I pushed through the hotel's revolving doors to the valet area. It was one of the doormen, an older black guy in a fancy uniform.He gave me a concerned look. "Mr. Hernandez requested a car for you whenever you were ready to depart."I couldn't help but let out a hollow laugh at that. What is Alex all about? Has his sad little help delivered home safe and sound after demolishing her self-esteem?No thanks," I told the doorman, mustering as much poise as I could manage. "I'll make my own way."He looked skeptical but simply shrugged. "As you wish, miss."The cool night air hit my face as I staggered away from the hotel’s bright light on my favorite peer of heels tha
My head felt like a construction crew was jackhammering inside my skull as I finally forced my eyes open. I was greeted by bright sunlight filtering through windows I didn’t recognize at all"What the..." I shot upright, clutching the plush comforter around me. This sure as hell wasn't my bedroom. The crazy night before came flooding back in flashes - the gala disaster, getting wasted at that bar, some skeezy guy getting handsy before..."Oh god no," I groaned aloud, dropping my face into my hands. I was at Alex's place. Why the hell was he the one who stepped in to save me from that creep? Could this get any more embarrassing The bedroom door flew open and I startled, clutching the sheets protectively around me. But it was just a young female housekeeper carrying a tray."Miss, Mr. Hernandez requested I bring you this hangover remedy," she said politely, gesturing to a glass of foul-smelling green sludge.My stomach felt uneasy. "Um, thanks but no thanks. I don't need anything - I s
I stared at Alex in shock for a moment, my fork frozen halfway to my mouth“Your…your secretary? I managed to ask“Yes, and it’s effective immediately. I have been looking for a secretary since I got here and the whole process has been draining.”“I’m so sorry about that but I can’t be your secretary.”“Excuse you??”I had to come up with something to avoid working closely with Alex round the clock. “What I’m trying to say is that I’d be underutilized if I take that role. I believe I have so much to offer to the company.” “Now tell me what’s greater than serving this office. If you want to be of great value to the company then this is it. This office holds greater importance to Polo Enterprise and the Hernandez group as a whole “You can have anybody in the company as your secretary. Why me?”“I don’t think I owe you an explanation. You’re my employee and I want you as my secretary. That’s final. If you don’t want it then I’d be happy to accept your resignation or by this time tomo
The rest of the morning seemed to fly by as I raced to compile everything Alex needed for his 9 am quarterly meeting. By the time I had all the reports printed and organized it was 8:15 am.I grabbed the stack of documents, double-checking everything one last time before asking Alex’s housekeeper for his whereabouts so I could inform him."He's in his study," she replied, pointing in the direction of the study."Thank you," I said, walking quickly over there."Mr. Hernandez, everything is ready for the meeting," I announced as I entered."Good. Let me have it," he stretched out his hand, but his eyes were still on his phone."Let's head to the office. I'll review it on the way and I hope you did a clean job.""I did. You won't be disappoint..." Before I could finish, he raised his eyes from his phone."I'm not supposed to be disappointed for the amount I'm paying you. You are meant to work your tail off and prove your worth."I nodded, saying "I'll work hard and give nothing less.”"R
My gut twisted as Alex and I entered the hospital. I couldn’t believe I was here to visit Herbert. The antiseptic smell hit me as we stepped inside making me wrinkle my nose."You okay?" Alex asked softly, squeezing my hand.I simply nodded my head. It was at this time that I saw my mother in the lobby looking so worried yet relieved to see me.“Sophie, honey,” she called out and ran to us. "I am happy you are here."Alex greeted her with a kiss on the cheek. "Hi, Mrs McDermott. How are you holding up?""As well as can be expected, Alex. Thank you for bringing Sophie."I frowned, crossing my arms. "Mom, why are you even here? I still don't understand."My mother sighed, her eyes pleading. "Sophie, I'm human before anything else. He has nobody to look after him. I'm just doing what's right.""He has money, Mom," I argued, feeling my frustration rise. "That can get him all the care he needs. What makes a man who didn't support you so important to you?""Sophie, I didn't raise you to hav
We just settled into a more comfortable conversation and the atmosphere gradually became more relaxed. They kept asking several questions about Dawson and couldn’t help smiling at his antics "He sounds like quite the character," Mrs. Hernandez said, her eyes twinkling. "Just like his father at that age."Alex chuckled. "I wasn't so mischievous, was I?"Mr. Hernandez lifted an eyebrow. "Son, you once convinced the gardener's boy to help you 'redecorate' my study with finger paint. It took weeks to get the walls clean.""Oh, I remember that!" Mrs. Hernandez laughed. "You were so proud of your 'artwork'. We couldn't stay mad at you for long."As laughter filled the room, I felt myself relax. Alex's parents were so different from the harsh, condemning individuals I remembered from years before.There was a faint knock on the door. Duncan entered, his face serious."Mr. and Mrs. Hernandez, I apologize for disturbing but there is urgent news," he said.Mr. Hernandez's smile vanished. "What
The day had finally arrived. Alex had informed his parents we were coming, and my nerves were in shambles. I put on a brave face for Alex, assuring him everything was fine, but inside I was a mess. When he went to get Dawson ready, I seized the moment to steady myself.My fingers shook as I dialed my mother's number."Mom, it's happening," I muttered. Today."On the other end, there was an unexpected rapid intake of air. "Oh, sweetheart. Are you ready for this?"I closed my eyes. "I have to be. For Dawson. For Alex.""And for yourself," Mom added gently. "You've carried this weight for so long. It's time to put an end to it all.""But what if history repeats itself? What if they-""Stop right there," Mom interrupted. "You're not that young girl anymore. You're a strong woman and an incredible mother. Stand tall, Sophie. Her words gave me strength, but I still doubted myself and I knew I needed one more boost. I quickly called Celine."Sophie! What's up? Everything okay?" Celine's voi
I walked into Alex’s house feeling weary but relieved after talking to my mom. The living room was lit with the faint sound of a cartoon playing in the background. Rounding the corner, I was immediately struck by the cutest sight.Alex was lying flat on the couch with Dawson dozing on his chest. I had to bite back a smile at how cute they looked in their matching superhero pajamas. Alex noticed me, his eyes brightening and a lovely smile spreading across his face."Well, well, look who decided to join us," he teased softly, careful not to wake Dawson.I rolled my eyes playfully. "Miss me that much, huh?""Always," Alex replied, his voice husky. He carefully shifted Dawson and stood up, crossing the room in a few long strides. Before I could react, he had me in his arms, spinning me around."Alex!" I laughed, wrapping my arms around his neck. "Put me down, you goof!"He set me down but kept his arms around my waist. "You’re not getting away that easily," he whispered, his lips inches f
The ride up to our suite seemed to take a lifetime. My heart was like a drum as I tried to come up with something to say to her but as soon as the lift doors opened, everything I had planned to say vanished. I lightly knocked on the door, a slight trembling in my palm. I felt a rush of emotions when the door opened with my mom at the other end "Mommy.” I choked out, giving her a tight hug. “I’m sorry.”“Sophie, my baby,” she whispered and embraced me closely. We both dissolved into tears.After a moment, Mom gently pulled back. "Let's go inside, sweetie," she murmured, her voice filled with emotions. When I entered the room, I turned to face her and really took her in. She appeared exhausted, her eyes red and swollen. "How are you?" I asked softly She gave a watery smile. "I am happy you are here. I have missed you so much.""You didn't call," I said, unable to keep the hurt from my voice.Mom reached out, taking my hand in hers. "I know you needed time and space to process ever
“Hey, toss it here!" Alex called out, waving his arms.Dawson laughed and aimed the ball toward Alex. With a slightly unsteady flight, he caught it by a dramatic leap."Nice throw, buddy!" he cheered, making Dawson beam with pride.I couldn't help but smile from my spot. Watching them play, hearing their laughter...it was a dream come true."You got this, Dawson," Alex encouraged as he rolled the ball back. "Just take your time."Dawson stuck his tongue out slightly, focusing hard on the ball. This time, his kick sent it flying straight and true."Goal!" Alex shouted, throwing his hands up in celebration. "We've got a little Messi on our hands!"Their game went on, there was clapping, laughing, and a little bit of ‘oh no’ when the ball went astray. Finally, it rolled to a halt right in front of me.“Okay, you two,” I said, as I grabbed it. “I believe that is enough for today”‘Mommy,’ Dawson complained, then his face twisted into a smile. "Did you see? I won!"Alex came over, ruffling
I woke up with a start, having Alex’s arm around my waist. I was confused for a second about what had woken me up. Then I heard it… raised voices from downstairs."Mrs. Hernandez, please," a stressed female voice pleaded. "I'm only following Mr. Alex's instructions. You can't just barge in like this!""I am his mother," came a sharp reply. "I have every right to see my son!"My heart raced. Alex's mom was here? I turned to face Alex, who was still sound asleep beside me. "Alex," I muttered, softly shaking his shoulder. "Alex, wake up. Your mom's here."Alex groaned, his arm tightening around my waist. "Mmm, five more minutes," he mumbled, nuzzling into my neck."Alex, I'm serious," I insisted, though I couldn't help but smile at his sleepy affection. "Your mother is downstairs, and it sounds like she's about to break down the door."Alex cracked open one eye, a mischievous glint visible. "I don't hear anything," he said, his lips curving into a grin as he started planting soft kisses
I tried to reply, but the words would not come out. Rather, I pressed my face against his shoulder and sucked in a quivering breath."It's fine. I'm here now," Alex murmured soothingly, his arms strong and secure around me.After a moment, he gently pulled away and scooped up Dawson, securing him in the back seat, and guided me into the seat next to the driver. "I do not want to go home," I murmured Alex's eyes met mine, filled with understanding. "I didn't have any intention of leaving either of you. “We're going to my house."As we drove, Alex glanced at me like he just remembered something. “What about your mom?”"She's okay, but I'd prefer not to discuss her at this time." Alex took out his phone and made a call to one of his housekeepers. "Sarah I need you to get some new clothes and toiletries for a child. Yes, as quickly as feasible.”The rest of the drive passed in silence. When we arrived at Alex's house, he turned to me. "Why don't you go freshen up? I'll take care of Daw
My mother's eyes softened as she looked at me. "James was a good man, Sophie. He raised you as his own because he adored both of us.” "That is the father I have known my whole life and will know for the rest of my days. This man here can never be my father," I sobbed, my voice trembling with wrath. "Sophie, I know you are upset but please try to understand,” my mother begged. "We made this decision out of love.""Love?" I scoffed. "You call lying to me for decades love?""I wanted to give you a stable family, a father who would be there for you-"I cut her off. "By erasing my real father from my life? By pretending Dad was my biological father?""It wasn't that simple, sweetheart. I was young, afraid, and alone when I found out I was pregnant-""So you just decided to trap Dad into raising another man's child?"I spat, regretting my words instantly but being too hurt to take them back. "Sophie!" My mom let out a gasp, her eyes filling with tears. "That wasn't the case. Your father..