“I just got off the phone with our potential client," Alex said, his voice laced with anger as Mia and I entered his office. "Care to explain why neither of you showed up for the 2 pm pitch meeting today?"I felt my face drain of color as Mia shot me a panicked look. The big pre-launch meeting with our highest-priority client...how could we have spaced on something so crucial?"M-My apologies, sir," I stammered, my voice trembling with embarrassment. "We must have had our calendar dates mixed up. That's an inexcusable oversight on our part.""You both had one job!" Alex slammed his hand on the desk, making us both flinch. His face was contorted with rage. "To confirm the meeting time and be there representing our team. Do you two have any idea how unprofessional this makes us look to a partner we're trying to woo?"I opened my mouth to continue apologizing, but Mia beat me to it."Mr. Hernandez, I'm really sorry and you're absolutely right, this was an outstandingly bad and unacceptab
I was enraged, stepping back to my desk with my fists tightly closed so hard that my knuckles were flashed white. However, I had to pull myself together and just work my ass off to make sure this project was a success. I needed Mia out of my space as I could no longer cope with her toxicity. Determined, I decided to do whatever was necessary, so I called the client's office, and his assistant answered"Hello, this is Sophie from Polo Enterprise," I said, striving to keep my voice steady."You kept the entire team waiting. Mr. Kelvin is quite displeased," the assistant responded sternly."I know, I'm truly sorry. Is there any way I can rectify the situation?" I asked, hoping for a chance to make things right."I don't know about that." He paused. "He felt his ego was utterly bruised from being stood up today. He's absolutely furious."Anxiety was setting in. "Can I at least schedule a meeting with him?" I implored."I'm afraid I can't assist you with that," he stated.”Please, my enti
The next morning, Alex summoned Mia and me into his office, a stern look etched on his face."You two better thank whatever you worship," he said without preamble. "Because Mr. Kelvin just called, and he has agreed to reschedule the pitch meeting."I felt a surge of relief but kept my expression neutral, not wanting to reveal what I'd gone through to make this happen.Mia, however, looked skeptical. "And he's just willing to give us another chance? Just like that!""Not exactly," Alex replied, eyeing me knowingly. "He didn't disclose the details, but it's clear that some...persuasion was involved from our side."I shifted uncomfortably, hoping Alex wouldn't press further on how I had convinced Mr. Kelvin."Regardless," Alex continued gruffly, "Mr. Kelvin has made it crystal clear that he expects our absolute best this time. No more screw-ups. He specifically requested that Sophie lead the pitch."You could hear a pin drop with how quiet it got. Mia's whole body went stiff as she turne
From the moment I stepped into the office, I made it my sole mission to steer clear of Alex at all costs. I was not about to give him another opportunity to criticize me so harshly about my perceived lack of backbone So I devised a little routine – as soon as I saw Alex's silhouette approaching down the hallway, I’d abruptly spin on my heel and briskly walk in the opposite direction pretending I had an urgent restroom emergency. I’m sure Alex had spotted me a few times scurrying away but I avoided making eye contact Once I heard his door click shut, I would slink back out to my desk, safe for the time being. This little dance repeated day after day as I masterfully steered clear of Alex.Then one afternoon, Alex's extension flashed on my line and I quickly called out for Mia.“Hey, Mia? I said in a rush. I’m really swamped on this report right now. Mind checking what Mr. Hernandez needs?”“Uh, sure,” she replied, clearly relishing any face time with AlexI watched through narrowed e
By the time I got home, Mom and Dawson were already asleep. I tip-toed to Dawson's room, planted a soft kiss on his head, and dragged myself to my room, so tired. I fell onto the bed not even bothering to wash off. I was out within seconds.The following morning, my mom had to wake me up. “Sophie, you are about to be late for work,” she said, lazily nudging me.I jolted awake. "It's time?" Searching for my mobile phone, I sprang from the bed and ran to the bathroom as if my life was hanging on it."Be careful, don't slip!" Mom called after me. "I'll get your breakfast ready."I'm sure I shattered some records for the world's fastest shower. Still damp, I hurriedly threw on the first work-appropriate outfit I could find, simultaneously attempting to towel dry my hair. Just as I was wrestling myself into my skirt, my phone started ringing. It was Alex.Hello Mr. Hernandez, is something wrong?" I asked apprehensively."Pack a bag, we're leaving for a three-day business trip this morning
Is this some kind of setup to get me to spend more than I can afford and then get embarrassed? I opened the door for the masseuse and she got set up. "Do I have to pay?" I asked, taking out my phone to record, just in case. "No, there is no need for you to pay." She said affectionately.I was relaxed so much during the massage that I slept off for almost the whole process. Simply waking up only to fall asleep again in peaceful dreams. When she was done, the masseuse gently woke me up."I'm done, ma’am. I hope you enjoyed it?""It's so evident I did. Thank you, I really needed that," I said gratefully.I spent the remaining part of the day lazying around, watching TV, and admiring the wonderful view until evening.The next morning came and a wave of happiness seized my heart because it was my birthday and I was celebrating it in this heavenly place. "It's a beautiful day!" I sang as I danced over to the curtains, greeting the brilliant morning light with an excited scream.I checked
I dragged myself back to the present, the happy memory fading away. I glanced at my phone – it was almost 7 pm, time to meet the client according to Alex’s instructions. With a wistful sigh, I headed back inside from the beach As I made my way down the hallway, I paused outside Alex’s door. Part of me was really aching to knock, to talk to him and ask why he forgot about today but I knew doing that would be a wrong move. After standing there for a long moment, I forced myself to keep walking to my own roomOnce I was inside, I began preparing for the meeting, and in no time I was dressed. As soon as Alex saw me, his eyes swept over my outfit choice and he frowned slightly. “You can’t go like this. For the kind of client we are meeting, impression is everything.”"Oh..." I felt my cheeks get hot with embarrassment. "I didn't really pack decent business clothes for a trip like this.""A client important enough to have this meeting scheduled at a place like this is going to be big on lu
“I guess since the meeting is postponed, I should start packing up?” I asked as we made our way back to our room Alex gave a curt nod. “Yes, you’ve had enough of a break from work. Polo pays you to work, so you need to get back to it .”His blunt words stung a bit, but I tried not to let it show. "Right, of course. I'll get my things together then."Back in my room, I slowly began gathering my belongings, taking one last long look around the luxurious suite. I wished I could stay longer and fully enjoy the experience. With a sigh, I finished packing and climbed into that heavenly plush bed, quickly passing out.The next morning, I freshened up and ate a light breakfast before getting a text from Alex to meet him downstairs. I headed down to find him already waiting by his car, impatient as ever. The drive back to Polo's offices passed in silence, per usual. Once we arrived, the first thing I did was text my mom: “Hey mama, I’m back at work. See you later tonight. I love you.”As I
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..