- Missy, could you take a look at my brother's computer again, please?
Laughing at her brother-in-law's rueful tone, Missy balanced her cell phone between her shoulder and ear as she quickly finished programming yet another detail into her project. “Of course, Devon, don't worry, that's what I'm here for.
- But I hate asking you every single day. – she could almost see him pinching the bridge of his nose on the other side of the line, as he sighed – You're already doing us a huge favor by taking care of the technology part of this agency and my imbecile brother is wasting your time with these antics.
- I didn't even create any of the programs, I just installed them. – Missy smiled shyly – And it's not your brother's fault for not knowing how to deal with technology. That's no reason to judge him so badly.
- Don't talk like the marketing department hasn't been kissing your feet every day since you introduced that new graphic designer program. – Devon laughed, but then his tone became sarcastic – And I know Logan better than you, Missy and, believe me, he deserves to be judged very, very badly. – after another sigh, now irritable, he continued – But, unfortunately, he really needs you to go to his office.
- You know I don't care. It's my job. - Taking the cell phone with one hand and closing her notebook with the other, Missy got up from her office chair - It's not like it's a very long trip. She laughed, which Devon joined in after a moment.
- Yes of course. Logan was really lucky that the only room in the entire building free for his office was on the exact same floor as his. Confused, she heard him grunt.
Devon tended to throw those thinly-veiled criticisms at his brother whenever he got the chance, though she didn't understand why. They seemed tight-knit most of the time, but regularly, especially when her brother-in-law was talking to her, it seemed like Devon made a point of pointing out something about Logan's stubbornness or making some seemingly ironic comment that Missy never understood. And she had the odd impression that his criticisms were getting more and more frequent lately.
- I'm free, so I can go there right now. Missy informed her softly, hoping that would lighten her brother-in-law's mood a bit.
Devon took a long, exhausted sigh before answering her again, “Thanks, Missy. You are infinitely kinder than he deserves. - The intense way his deep voice sounded made it seem like he was referring to something far beyond fixing Logan's computer. But, as usual, she couldn't even imagine what it would be like.
- Don't be so hard on him. – disconcerted, she tried to change the subject – So, we'll see each other tonight, right?
- Of course. – Devon readily agreed, with a more relaxed tone of voice – After the number of times Mrs. Newton insisted we go, I don't think we had a choice. He chuckled, although there was also a bit of irony in his tone.
- She's just really excited. – Missy tried to justify Lauren's behavior, knowing how important that party was to her mother-in-law, after all, she had been planning it for months – Do you know if Megan managed to convince our mother to go? she asked Devon in a low voice, nervously chewing on her lower lip. Victoria was, technically, at least for Lauren, an important part of that party. And Mrs. Newton would certainly be disappointed if she didn't attend.
- You know your mother. – she could almost see Devon's frown on the other end of the line – She always has something more important to do than answer a call from someone in the family. But she doesn't give up hope: Megan is still insisting.
- Thank her again for me, okay? – Missy smiled fondly at the thought of her sister – If I were trying to invite her, Mom would probably have just scolded me and blocked my calls to prevent me from bothering her.
- A daughter's call shouldn't be a nuisance for a mother… – Devon growled, so low that she barely heard him, before continuing – But don't worry. I'm sure that, at some point, you will overcome it with fatigue.
- Thanks, Devon. I really hope so. – With a sad sigh, Missy smiled a little, trying to keep her thoughts optimistic – But now I really need to go help your brother. He must be in a very bad mood with these recurring defects.
- Yes, poor Logan... - again, Devon's voice took on that ironic timbre that was incomprehensible to her - Anyway, thanks again, Missy. Until later.
Saying goodbye to her brother-in-law, Missy hurried out of her office, opening the door to the elegant hallway of the Knight Modeling and Modeling Agency. After she opted to attend Software Engeneer in college, going against all her mother's expectations and demands, a modeling agency was the last place in the world where she imagined she would work someday. But after nearly a full year there, she couldn't be happier. Of course, when Devon had proposed that she rent one of the few offices that were still available in that amazing building – since the vast majority of them were occupied by the Knight brothers' many agency facilities – and become responsible for the agency's IT matters as she continued her freelance and freelance projects, despite liking the idea, Missy had been a little apprehensive.
Having been, all her life, the cliché of the nerdy girl with the giant glasses, baggy clothes printed with cartoon characters and perfect grades, she had not been unscathed by the teasing and bad jokes of the popular boys and girls in her high school, the ones who always had perfect skin and huge egos. Fortunately, especially thanks to the vigilance of her father and older sister, that bullying had never gone too far. Of course, she'd had her share of tears and insecurities after hearing so many nasty things about her appearance, but thankfully, Jonathan and Megan had helped her to love who she was. Not that the criticisms had stopped – her mother was, perhaps, the greatest representative of them nowadays, but she had always tried to understand Victoria. She was, by training, a fashion designer, and had very concrete and unchanging ideas about what was appropriate clothing and what was “aesthetics,” as she had sometimes referred to Missy's wardrobe.
Not that Missy had ever tried to explain to her how all those references to her favorite stories and characters made her feel good, how they reminded her of the lessons she had learned from those fictions and how they made her feel a little more confident and light in life. various situations... But her mother was a busy person and she never had much time to listen to her. Not that she wasn't used to it. There wasn't a single moment in her childhood when Victoria was really available for them to talk to... Megan was the only one Missy could truly talk to about anything. Megan... And Jonathan.
Thinking of her father still hurt, even after five long years had passed. Maybe because it was so easy to forget that he was no longer with her and Megan. The cancer had taken him so fast that she'd barely been able to take it in at first. Sometimes Missy still found herself thinking that she could call him and tell him how her day was, ask for advice or just talk about the new series she was hooked on... Until she remembered that they couldn't do those. things never again and her eyes filled with tears.
No matter how much time passed, missing him was always what hurt the most.
Sniffling a little as she tried to dispel those thoughts, Missy waved at a couple of models who were exiting a photo shoot at the end of the long hallway. Smiling, the girls happily greeted her, even with the great distance. Yes, she was very lucky to work in such a good environment as the Knight Agency. Unlike the stereotype that even she had about models, most of the people there weren't rude and superficial, only caring about their appearance. Everyone was friendly and extremely professional, making her feel welcome, something she could hardly say for all the other few places she'd worked quickly over the years.
Of course, there were always a few people overly dazzled by the prospect of success and fame, but Missy could count the times someone had been rude or disrespectful to her on one hand, and luckily those people usually didn't stay long. His brother-in-law, Devon, and his siblings, Diana and Logan, – who was not only the director of the agency, but also its founder – were extremely careful with what types of people they managed, as it could cost them the excellent reputation they had. the agency had. And Missy could understand her care: just 12 years old, the Knight Agency was already the largest and most reputable in the country. A well-earned title, Missy was well aware.
With just over 10 months in there, she was surprised and delighted with the Knight brothers' concern to exalt all types of beauty and have the greatest possible diversity of people working not only as models, but also as extras, actors and digital influencers. , as was the case with her sister. She had never heard of a company of that size and with so much prestige that it was concerned not only with following market trends, but also making an effort to rethink and change them. As she grew up, the way Victoria acted it had always made her think that the beauty market was nothing if not merciless to those who didn't fit in. And maybe it was like that, in most places. But the Knight Agency had deconstructed many preconceptions within it. Maybe that's why everything there was so incredible: contrary to what her mother thought, within those walls there wasn't just a single aesthetic standard to be followed strictly. On the contrary, each of the many agencies, regardless of how different they were from each other, was treated as what it really was: unique and unmatched. Not just in the eyes of customers, but also in the eyes of the public.
For that reason, she was grateful every day for having accepted her brother-in-law's suggestion and set up her office right there, in the same building as the agency, which, as she well knew, would soon become an exclusive building for the agency, since the Knights intended to buy it soon. Much more than a simple job, she felt exultant in being able to help them grow using her knowledge about computing. Even though she knew it wasn't much, everyone seemed genuinely happy with the software changes she'd made in the marketing and HR departments, and especially with her job as the "IT girl," as her friends at the agency liked to call her. -there. But she knew that some technologies could sometimes be difficult to deal with, and especially to fix, and she was happy to be able to help improve a work as amazing as what they did there.
Knowing that she was being helpful kept her motivated, which was essential for her to stay focused on the software she had been developing autonomously for over two years. The first prototypes had been terrible, until she realized that she couldn't be truly productive working from home and her sister had suggested finding a place that could become her office: a place where she could just focus on work. Fortunately, it happened around the same time that Devon had offered her a job, and the two things had clicked perfectly. Of course, with the inheritance her father had left her and Megan, neither of them would really have to worry about money for the rest of their lives. But the need to work hard was in the Sutton blood and, as much as that was also the target of Victoria's criticism, she and her older sister simply could not bear to live only on shopping and parties.
Like Jonathan in his youth, they wanted to fulfill themselves professionally. Their father had created a renowned engineering company and made it prosper for years, giving the three of them an extremely comfortable life, and only sold it after discovering that he was sick, in order to have more time to spend with his daughters and take care of his own health. And finally, when the doctors told him there was nothing more to be done, Jonathan had also made sure to provide them with the largest inheritance possible. It seemed almost disrespectful to use the money his father had accumulated after so many years of tireless work just to spend his life enjoying himself. So she and her sister turned to professions that involved what they loved, where they would be not only useful but also happy, as they always knew Jonathan's greatest desire was: Megan, who was born with the gift of communication, she had initially graduated in Publicity and Propaganda, but after creating several social media
- Hello Mr. Knight. – she said softly, entering the room carefully, before closing the door behind her – Devon told me you were in trouble... To her surprise, instead of sitting behind his massive desk or in some far corner of the large, upscale office, obviously trying to put as much space between himself and her as possible, Logan was standing at the side of the desk, His back to her, the absurdly tall, broad and imposing figure taking over the room as he looked out at the landscape outside the large glass wall that allowed him to see the entire bustling city outside. As he approached slowly, she expected him to move away, to avoid getting so close to her, but instead he remained as still as a rock, not looking at her or answering her, his shoulders visibly tense under his suit. , but still extremely close to where she would have to stand to fix whatever was wrong with the computer. - My computer. – he suddenly growled harshly, almost making her jump in fright, still with her eyes
- Why? she asked in surprise. - Nothing. – Logan growled, shaking his head gently, as if he wanted to get some idea out of his head, before turning his attention to her again and shrugging, his voice acquiring a casual tone again – I forgot your sister mentioned today's date when you talked about it. I just thought this party had already happened a long time ago. Megan had spoken to Logan about the party? Weird... - So... – her confused thoughts were interrupted when he continued to speak, almost fearfully – It's at seven, isn't it? I was thinking of catching a ride with Devon and Megan since I don't know exactly where Mrs. Newton... - You go? The question, spoken with nothing but sheer bewilderment, escaped her lips before she could stop herself. Logan was going to Lauren's party? But why? It wasn't an event that directly involved the Knights. Of course, she had invited the whole Devon family, because she loved them too and, considering them part of her own family, would love for
To her immense relief, as soon as she opened the door, Missy saw that Lucy Sinclair, Emily Gray and Angela Harris were standing in front of Simon's desk, talking animatedly with him. The four waved as soon as they saw her for her to come over, which Missy did immediately. Her friends were always the best company and if she wanted to dispel those disturbing thoughts, they would certainly help her a lot. - And then? Knight asked you to turn his entire office into a computer so he could work an extra 28 hours a day? Lucy asked with a mocking laugh as she approached. - I hope not. – Simon sighed, running his hands through his dark hair – Or that means I'm going to have to work too, if I want to keep his schedule organized. - I don't know why they criticize so much the fact that Mr. Knight being a workaholic. – Angela laughed – It could be worse: he could force us to be too. - Oh, come on... Was he more Miranda Priestly or the demon from the Conjuring today? - Lucy encouraged Missy to s
It was odd because she didn't feel like she should apologize, but if he was that pissed off, maybe, who knows, she shouldn't? Her relationship with Liam had always been pretty smooth and, after that first fight, Missy was a little unsure of how she should proceed. Normally, she would ask Megan, but the thought of telling her sister that her first attempt at sex had turned into such a disaster made Missy feel her face burn with embarrassment. And then there was the fact that Megan would certainly be pissed to learn how badly Liam had reacted and especially about the horrible things he'd said to her. Not that Missy hadn't been pretty hurt too, and even a little angry, after the shock of seeing him scream like that had worn off, but it was normal for couples to fight, right? It would be silly of her to want everything to always be a bed of roses and for them to never have conflicts. After all, her entire relationship with Liam had been pretty smooth up until that point. Of course, it was
In a hurry, Missy ran to get her purse from her office and hail a car to take her to her apartment, which, thankfully, didn't take as long as she feared. On the way, she checked her messages again and, although she wasn't surprised, it was inevitable not to feel sadly disappointed when she realized that, again, Liam had viewed and not replied to any of her messages, including the ones where she told him that she had met with Suzan and left the car for them. And even though she knew it would be pointless, she sent one more message, asking if they could have a chat after Lauren's party was over. As usual, even when she finally set foot in her condo on the elevator on her way home, there was still no response. In fact, there wasn't even a preview this time. Of course, he must have been working at that time, but still... That situation was becoming untenable. She knew he was upset, but… didn't he like her enough to want to make amends? Fortunately, her turbulent thoughts were interrupt
- I can't believe you came dressed like that! Taken aback, Missy jumped a little in fright at her mother-in-law's furious exclamation, who lunged at her as soon as Missy walked through the door, appraising her clothes with obvious annoyance. Surprised, Missy noticed that Lauren Newton was wearing a long gown, similar to an evening dress, although it was easily identifiable that it was a rental dress, as some parts were quite worn, especially the hem and sleeves. The relief Missy had felt upon seeing her car parked in the driveway, and realizing that Liam had already arrived at his mother's house, dissipated somewhat when she wondered why her mother-in-law was dressed so formally, especially with the addition of that heavy makeup. , as if she was about to go to a wedding. - But didn't I say a thousand times that this party would be classy? How could you come dressed like you were going to the park for ice cream? her mother-in-law snapped, stomping her feet hard on the ground as soon a
As she turned, she saw the Knight twins standing a few feet away, both with haggard, almost tortured expressions, as Mrs. Newton was gesturing excitedly about something. In fact, they looked like they were literally cornered by her, as they were standing together and huddled in one corner of the room, with Lauren standing so close to the two of them that she was blocking any exit they might have. - Oh, no... - Missy lamented, knowing that surely her mother-in-law was taking advantage of that moment to talk about luxury, fortune and all those other subjects that she loved so much, especially when it came to talking to two consecrated names in the modeling industry . "I think I'll go there..." - Save them. - Lucy amended. - Hmmm... I'll just ask where are the dumplings I made. – She tried to explain herself, even though she knew Lucy was right. Lauren could be quite exasperating at times, that was a fact, and if the Knights were here, obviously forcing themselves to endure a monologue
Smiling a small contented smile, Hope visibly relaxed for a moment, but then the nervousness seemed to take over her small body again, as Missy led them to the large counter, where the old man greeted them warmly.-We… Hmmm… – Hope stammered nervously, hugging Missy with more and more desperation – We wanted an ice cream… Huh… – Her little daughter was getting more and more insecure, looking at her as if she was begging for help.- I would like a strawberry ice cream, please. – Missy asked softly, as she remembered saying when she was a little girl so terribly shy that she could barely ask anything from people she didn't know – And you, my love? she asked Hope, with a smile full of encouragement, for her to keep talking.- I want chocolate... Please. – Hope whispered, completely blushing, before burying her face in her mother's shoulder quickly.- Well, what a polite little girl... – the gentleman smiled, while picking up some glass bowls – You must be very proud to have such a kind d
Once in her arms, Hope lifted her tear-stained little face to look at her, initially looking surprised to see her mother there, but then her expression distorted into a sad sob and she buried her head against Missy's chest, panting.-Mommy... – her little baby wailed, making Missy's heart sink even more – Mommy... Mommy...- It's okay, my sweetheart. – Missy tried to console her, running her hands through her soft hair, while she continued to say, in a low and gentle voice, almost as if she were singing a lullaby to her, as she did every night – Mommy is here, don't worry. It's going to be okay... - she waited until Hope's cries went from copious to just a few sad sobs, before finally asking - Hope, what happened? – she caressed her cheek until she convinced her to look up – Why are you crying, little angel?Hope's little mouth quivered a few times before she finally sniffled, her little blue eyes filled with such sadness that Missy found herself kissing her little cheek over and over
Stealthily, Missy looked through the window.Inside, in the huge classroom, several children seemed to be copying something into their notebooks while chatting animatedly. And, of course, it wasn't hard for her to find her children, as usual, sitting in the chairs at the corner of the wall, not too close and also not far from the teacher, where she remembered also liking to be, when she was in the 4th grade. year, like them. Jonathan had his back turned in his chair, looking at his brother in the back seat, while Tristan was showing him something that looked very interesting on the portable video game he was holding. With an amused sigh, Missy tried to convince herself that at least they were doing that after they had finished their homework, as the open pages of their notebooks were visibly written all over the desks.In fact, she truly took pride in the fact that they were only ten years old and yet they were centered and obedient enough to keep up well in school, despite all the lo
Now, he was able to do so much more besides being afraid. He was capable of being brave. To face what he feared. Of fighting to live the joys that were to come, even in the midst of tragedies. And now, more than ever, he knew he was able to see his family's legacy for what it really was, not a curse. He would be able to spend the rest of his life talking about him in a hopeful and balanced way to his children, as he had that day, and as his parents and grandfather had done to him in his childhood.Even if there was still the fear of what could happen to their babies in the future.- Are you OK love?Surprised by that whisper, Logan turned to see Missy dressed in a long cotton Hello Kitty nightgown, already without makeup and with her long brown hair loose, approaching him and Hope, who began to babble softly and extend her little arms towards the mother. Smiling, Missy took her little girl and offered her the breast, leaving the baby immediately calmer as she watched Logan's face with
- And... - the desperation in Foster's voice was so deep that Logan almost felt sorry for her... Almost - How much exactly is this debt?- Come with me, Ms. Foster. - Mr. Ramzi sighed – Something tells me that your next fainting spell will not be false, when we finish talking.- H-hey, I'm sure we can work it out, right? - Logan thought she was trying to sound sensual, in the midst of dread - I mean, there are so many other better things in life than money... Why don't we go to a more private place and I...?- Oh, don't worry, Ms. Foster. - again, Mr. Ramzi interrupted her, perfectly calm and measured - The only person who will be where we are going is my wife, one of the main people responsible for the hotel's accounting.Still a little dazed by everything he had just heard, Logan remained staring at Missy's equally shocked face, until the voices of Foster and the hotel manager were lost in the night, leaving them alone again, hidden among the shadows .- Heavens, I had no idea that
- What? - Suzan repeated, seeming to be choking - No, that's impossible! His family has a lot of money! That's how we paid for the trip and the hotel!- Funny... - Stra. Kobayashi gave Suzan one more look from under his lashes - I could have sworn he told us he came to the hotel on account of a donation from one of his investors...- Investors? - Suzan gasped, irritated – But we came here so he could get investors and...! - Realizing that everyone was looking at her with interest, Foster suddenly stopped talking, getting up from the table with a sour expression - If you'll excuse me, I think the drink made me sick. I am a little confuse. I'm going to bed for the rest of the night. - and so, without saying goodbye, Foster stomped out of the hall, probably in search of the groom who apparently no one knew exactly who he was or where he came from, including Suzan herself.- What an interesting situation, isn't it? - was all that Mr. Montenegro commented, with a veiled smile, a second bef
- And, allow me to say, what a beautiful dress, Stra. Knight. - Suzan interrupted him with a mean smile - It looks so modern, with that rounded silhouette and that blunt skirt. Anyone with no aesthetic taste could even say that his seamstress deserved a scolding...- Suzan! - her companion gasped, looking suddenly possessed, before quickly recovering, putting that artificially sympathetic expression back on her face – Forgive me, Stra. Knight. My dear fiancée Suzan comes from a humble background and sometimes fumbles with the meaning of some words, causing some indiscretions. - solemnly ignoring the revolted look that Foster threw at him, the man made that criticism facing Missy directly, with a seductive smile that was making Logan increasingly enraged - Why don't we continue our conversation that afternoon about investments, Stra. Knight? It would be a pleasure to hear the advice of such a refined and thoughtful lady again. If I may say so, even a party as exquisite as this isn't en
- I perceived. - Missy laughed - But I'm relieved that you five are fine. I was worried when I got to the room and found no one. - taking Hope in her arms, she looked at him with curiosity - But, what made you so distracted?- A ghost of Christmas past. - several of them actually, but Logan didn't add that comment as he continued to explain, realizing that Missy had become even more confused – Newton and Foster are here at the hotel, too. – he added cautiously, with a sigh.- Liam and Suzan? - Missy choked, stunned.- Yes, unfortunately. He is one of the employees at the hotel and she is apparently here because she has become the mistress of a rich man. - Logan rolled his eyes full of contempt - A man who, by the way, was in the same meeting as you, apparently. - he shrugged, while Missy blinked a few times, still shocked.- Heavens... I confess that of all the things I thought could happen when we were invited to visit the United Arab Emirates, this was the last of them. - to his tot
He was selfish. It was malicious. It was a plan full of ulterior motives. Damn, it was even a new lie, as he wasn't being completely truthful with Missy that her main motivation was just to help her get revenge. Yet he had impulsively proposed it to her, letting himself think only with his heart for the first time in his life.And, as if his heart thought the situation wasn't already complicated enough, he had given in to the impulse to confess his physical desire for her and kiss her for the first time right there, in the middle of her kitchen, even though he knew perfectly well that that it was far from the right time for them to share that kind of intimacy. Still, none of those conflicting emotions had been able to erase the emotion of that moment, when he finally knew the sweet taste of her lips and the softness of the curves of her delicious body, feeling a powerful wave of emotion and contentment run through him as he realized that she wanted him too. Damn it, with his mind as c