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Chapter 19: Preparing
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2024-10-29 19:42:56Related chapters
The CEO's Secrets Chapter 20: Ripping at the Seams
Sabrina's POVThe gala starts in three hours and I'm not dressed yet. I've been sitting on my bed in just a towel and my hair in curlers after having a shower and I can't seem to want to get up and get ready. Since getting the dress on Sunday, I haven't stopped thinking about being able to wear it. But now my anxiety seems to be taking control.The dress is hanging on the back of my door and I can't seem to take my eyes off it. I want it on my body, but I'm scared. I'm worried it won't look nice on me after having dreamt of it for years. I've never felt pretty in my life, so this is new for me. I'm nervous that if Atlas sees me in his dress and doesn't like what he sees, then he'll uninvite me. That terrifies me.Dylan keeps knocking on my door reminding me to get ready , otherwise I'll be late meeting Atlas at work. He asked me to meet up with him earlier than planned so we can go over some last-minute things to do with the prototype before the launch. All week Atlas has been a
The CEO's Secrets Chapter 21: You Look Beautiful
*Flashback*Sabrina's POVTonight, is our junior prom – the theme is under the sea, but isn't it always? I don't have a date and that's okay; I always have more fun on my own, anyway. It wasn't surprising to see all the jocks asking the cheerleaders to go with, even if they hated each other because that's the stereotype these days. The hot people always go together.I asked Ashton if he wanted to go with me – not as a date – but he said that going to prom is a waste of time and money. He isn't one for dressing up, so I understand where he is coming from. I would've really liked him to be there with me because we do everything together.My mom dropped me off at six p.m. sharp and the night is already in full swing. The music is pumping, and everyone is dancing in the middle of the room. I was nervous to get out of the car in the red dress my parents found in a thrift store for me but after seeing this , I'm not anymore.I don't have many friends, but I spot a group of girls I know
The CEO's Secrets Chapter 22: The Big Night
Sabrina's POVAtlas looks so handsome tonight. Aside from a few different occasions, I only ever see him in fancy suits and nice shoes. But, tonight, he looks better than usual. He must've gotten a haircut today because the usual long waves on his head have been trimmed and gelled back, showing off more of his chiseled jaw line and neatly trimmed facial hair.He's wearing a three-piece black suit with a red tie. I smile at his efforts to match my dress; it's what couples do when they go to prom or special events. I think Atlas is the most attractive man I have ever laid eyes on, but I doubt he feels the same way about me. He's very kind and cares a lot about his employees, so I don't want to get that confused with having feelings for me.I wonder what people will think when they see Atlas and me together tonight. Will they think we look cute together or will they think I'm only here for the money or to try and get something out of him? The thought makes my stomach twist in knots.
The CEO's Secrets Chapter 23: Dance with Me
Sabrina's POVAtlas takes my hand and guides me out of the limo. There are photographers lining the pathway to the entrance of the hotel and I do my best to not look bothered by them. I'm sure the photos will come out terrible and I'll look like I'm trying too hard.Atlas's hand engulfs mine and I pray my hand isn't sweating in his. The flash from the cameras and the clicking of the shutters is the only thing that can be heard aside from the occasional journalist throwing questions at Atlas as we walk past.I breathe a sigh of relief when we enter the lobby, and everything falls silent. I don't know how celebrities deal with that every single time they leave their house. I'm not even sure how Atlas deals with it; I'm sure journalist are up in his business all the time. "Let's go get a drink," Atlas says, tugging my hand in the direction of what I assume is the function room.This hotel is so grand – all the walls are white and grey marble with gold decorations. It's so fancy th
The CEO's Secrets Chapter 24: The Big Disaster
Sabrina's POV"What do you mean something is wrong with the prototype?" Atlas demands, his eyes focused on the large man in front of us."You need to see for yourself, Sir," The burly man says, turning around and gesturing for us to follow him.Atlas and I follow the man into a small room off to the side. The party is still in full swing as we walk away, no one suspecting anything wrong.The man pushes the door open, and one of the executives who helped build the prototype, Amber, is fiddling with the small device. Her eyes are filled with worry when we walk in."Atlas!" Amber exclaims, "I went to test the prototype before the big launch, but it wouldn't turn on. I thought maybe the battery was low but no matter how long I left it on charge, nothing changed. I think someone has tampered with it because there is a small piece missing from the underside."My mouth instantly falls open at her confession. Someone is trying to sabotage Atlas and his invention. How could this have hap
The CEO's Secrets Chapter 25: Let's Go Hunting
Sabrina's POVI haven't spoken to Atlas since Friday night when he dropped me home after the gala. After the prototype was tampered with, we spent the night quietly sitting together and drinking. We decided to head home around midnight but by that time I was very drunk and hardly remember getting into my bed.Dylan kept asking if anything happened between Atlas and me because I couldn't stop smiling at the thought of his lips on mine. I denied everything, of course, because I don't want to jinx anything by blabbing to Dylan. I want to take it slow and see how things progress with us.I decided not to text Atlas over the weekend. He has a lot on his plate with the prototype and having to try and figure out who could've done this. My mind runs blank when I try to think of someone that would want to sabotage Atlas. But, then again, I've only been in the company for a few months, so I don't know if Atlas has any secret enemies.It's Monday morning, and I decided to get to work early s
The CEO's Secrets Chapter 26: Play it Cool
Atlas's POVBrett picks Sabrina and me up at six to head to the party. The company is in Manhattan, so it's not a long drive but it does give Sabrina and me a chance to come up with a game plan before we get there. We don't want to appear suspicious to anyone.Sabrina looks stunning in the dress she picked out. The way the fabric clings to her body is intoxicating. I want to sit and stare at her all night, but I know I can't. I haven't had a chance to talk to her about our kiss last week. I want to know what she's thinking and what it meant to her. But I feel like the moment has passed."So, what's the plan?" I ask, sipping on the wine Brett keeps back here."I haven't thought that far ahead," Sabrina admits, looking out the window, "We need some type of distraction so you can slip away and look for some evidence.""Why me? I'm sure you could do a better job snooping around," I mutter.Sabrina raises a brow, "Look, Atlas, you're handsome and all but let's be real, having a woman
The CEO's Secrets Chapter 27: The Distraction
Sabrina's POVThe crowd forming around me is concerned for the man who introduced himself to me as Connor. He's swearing under his breath and trying desperately to clean the dark liquid out of his expensive suit. I have no idea who he is but when Atlas said the code word, I knew he was the perfect person to use as a distraction.The plan is working perfectly."Why'd you do that?" Connor demands, his eyes angry as he stares back at me.I clutch at my chest, pretending to be dramatic and apologetic about the situation, "It was an accident, I swear! I'm so clumsy, especially around coffee. Is there anything I can do to help?"Connor angrily shakes his head, "You've done enough. This isn't what I was expecting when I came over to talk to you."I frown at his comment, "What were you expecting?"It's obvious Connor is getting frustrated by my questions because his brows are set into a deep frown and he is breathing heavily. I feel bad that he had to be my target but if we didn't do i
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The CEO's Secrets Chapter 50: My One and Only
Sabrina's POVIt's been several days since Jane's arrest and the last time I saw Atlas. I've decided to keep his number blocked until I'm ready to speak to him again. Dylan thinks I should just rip the band-aid off and call him, but I don't know if I'm ready for that.I'm still on the hunt for a new job, but every time I see a potential job listing I'm suitable for, a voice in the back of my mind tells me nothing is better than EarthX. With this type of mentality, I'm never going to find a job.I'm in my final week of college, which means my major writing piece is almost due. Having all this time to myself has allowed me to finish writing it but I'm stuck on the last few sentences because I don't know how to end it. I've somewhat based the two characters off Atlas and me, essentially writing a story about my life.Aside from changing the names, I've written about a billionaire CEO who falls in love with a small-town girl. It has everything from company espionage to road trips an
The CEO's Secrets Chapter 49: Can We Make This Work?
Sabrina's POVIt doesn't take long for the police to arrive at Jane's house. She's sitting on the front steps with her head in her hands, not saying a single word. She seems pretty relaxed considering she is about to get arrested, but I think she's accepted the fact that there is no getting out of this one when our evidence is so strong.When the police arrive, it isn't like the movies where multiple cars speed down the street with their sirens on. Instead, one car pulls up and the two officers speak to Atlas first because he was the one who reported the crime. He spends the next ten minutes recounting everything Jane has done since the prototype was sabotaged. I watch the interaction from my spot on the steps next to Jane."What do you think will happen to me?" Jane asks, her voice quiet. Her attitude has taken a complete three-sixty since our first interaction in the breakroom many months ago. I will never understand why she did what she did, but in this moment, watching her
The CEO's Secrets Chapter 48: Can't Let You Fail
Sabrina's POVI'm nervous walking into the EarthX building. I haven't been here for a week, and yet, it already feels foreign to me. My heart is pounding in my chest at the thought of seeing Atlas again. The pain from the last time I saw him is still raw and I'm worried I've made the wrong decision by coming here.I walk out of the elevator and take a deep breath when I see the door to Atlas's office is wide open. With my eyes on the floor, I lean against the door and wrap my knuckles against it, announcing my arrival."Come in," Atlas's voice is raspy and quiet.When I look up, I'm shocked at the sight of him. His eyes are dull and sunken in with dark circles present. He's dressed in sweatpants; a plain black t-shirt and his hair looks like a bird's nest. He looks pale and sad, and my heart breaks a little bit for him.I know he's the one who brought this on himself, but I still love him, and I hate seeing him this way. "Hi," I mutter, fiddling with the strap on my purse, "Tha
The CEO's Secrets Chapter 47: Seven Days
Sabrina's POVThe first day was the hardest. I couldn't get out of bed for anything besides using the bathroom. I couldn't eat and I didn't feel like showering. All I wanted to do was lie in bed, listen to sad music and cry. Dylan would check in on me several times throughout the day to ask if I wanted anything to eat or to see if I wanted to go for a walk around the neighborhood. Each time I declined his offer, I could see the worry deepening within him. It's not his fault, I know he's trying to help me in my time of need. On the first day, I couldn't even tell him what happened because the wound was still raw, and I was trying to make sense of everything that I had learned . There's a lot to unpack, so I didn't want to unload onto Dylan until I had come to terms with everything first.The second day was a lot like the first. I laid in bed all day with the curtains drawn and my headphones in. My stomach was still in knots, but I managed to eat a slice of toast that Dylan offer
The CEO's Secrets Chapter 46: Tell Me The Truth
Sabrina's POVThe sunlight shining in through the curtains land right in my eyes, forcing me awake. I feel Atlas's arms tight around my waist and I smile when the memories from last night come rushing back to me.I struggle out of Atlas's tight grip and roll over to check the time on my phone. I have multiple missed calls and texts from Dylan, and I instantly feel bad because I didn't let him know I wasn't coming home last night. Everything happened so quickly that it completely slipped my mind.Atlas mumbles in his sleep and I look back to see him rolling onto his stomach, his hair lays limp over his eyes. I can't stop myself from smiling at the sight of him. His toned tattooed arms are on full show and I am yet to inspect every single piece of ink marked into his soft skin.I frown when I see words etched into the smooth skin on his back. I didn't know he has a tattoo there because we usually wake up together or he has clothes on. I never stopped to ask if he any other tattoos
The CEO's Secrets Chapter 45: The Truth Revealed
Sabrina's POV"I love you."I freeze when I hear those three simple words. Individually, the words themselves don't mean much, but when they're put together and coming from the lips of the person you care about most in the world, they mean so much more."You love me?" I stammer, trying to make sense of what is happening right now.Atlas's large hands cup my cheeks, forcing me to look into his eyes, "I've loved you from the moment I first laid eyes on you. I know it seems cheesy to say, but it was love at first sight. I knew from that moment on, I had to have you in my life."I can feel the tears welling in my eyes at his beautiful words, "It's not cheesy, because I feel the same way, too."Atlas's face lights up, a smile spreading across his lips, "Do you love me, too?"I nod my head, "I do. I love you.""Really?" He questions, "You're not just saying it because I did?"I chuckle, shaking my head, "Absolutely not. I love you, Atlas."Atlas wraps his strong arms around my wai
The CEO's Secrets Chapter 44: Indecision
Sabrina's POVToday has been the weirdest day of my life. I went into work thinking Atlas was lying about his identity and was pretending to be Ashton. But, out of the blue, Ashton shows up at work wanting to reconnect. My head is spinning like crazy, and I don't know what to do.I used to think Ashton was the man I wanted to spend the rest of my life with, but when Atlas came into the picture, my priorities shifted. I began focusing on my life without Ashton in it because I'm so happy with Atlas and where I'm at. Ashton left me without any explanation and now he's returned out of the blue, at a pretty convenient time now that I've just started dating Atlas. It could be a coincidence , but surely there has to be more to it, especially if he has known I've been working for Atlas all this time and he could've easily reached out to me months ago.I'm struggling with my feelings about Ashton showing back up in my life and trying to figure out why Atlas has been acting so odd lately.
The CEO's Secrets Chapter 43: Who Are You?
Sabrina's POVIt's been a week since the trip to Canton, and Atlas has gone back to being himself. We've fallen back into our normal routine of keeping our relationship private from my colleagues at work and working on the new home security watch prototype, despite the Red Chain moving forward with their similar product.The past couple of weeks have been a rollercoaster. Starting with the Red Chain stealing our idea and there being a mole in the company, mixed with me questioning Atlas's true identity. My head is all over the place and I don't know what to do.I think Atlas can tell I've been a little distant since the trip, but I told him it was because I am stressed about college and having to finish my final writing project. It's the best lie I could come up with. My train was running late this morning, which means I'm now five minutes late to work. I'm rushing down the street in my high heels, hoping Atlas doesn't notice I'm not there yet. I know he's my boyfriend, but if my
The CEO's Secrets Chapter 42: That Would Be Crazy
Sabrina's POVThe sun wakes Atlas and me bright and early. We decided we wanted to be back in New York around midday because Atlas has some business to take care of and I'm sure Dylan is dying to know the details of the weekend, so I'll likely be playing a game of twenty-one questions with him.We pack the Jeep with our belongings and drive down the road to a quiet café to grab a cup of coffee and some hot pastries for the road. The sun is shining bright, the heat beating down on us which is unusual as we come out of winter. Atlas suggested we drive home with the roof down and I couldn't agree with him more. There is something so nice about driving down an open highway with nothing but music vibrating your bones and the wind blowing through your hair. By the time we hit the road, it's almost nine in the morning. I slump in my seat as we pass the 'Leaving Canton Now' sign because I wish we could've stayed longer to further explore the beauties this town has to offer. I miss seei
