Caught in a dilemma, Alessia sighed. ‘Alright, let’s go.’As they settled into the car, Logan’s phone chimed.He checked the caller ID and answered, ‘Hey, what’s going on?’Arlie’s voice crackled through the phone, ‘Dad, can I hang out at my friend’s place today?’‘Where’s that?’‘At a classmate’s house. Uncle Penshaw knows the address.’Logan paused, considering the request. ‘Is it safe?’‘Dad, seriously, it’s all good,’ Arlie reassured him.Logan, basking in the glow of his reconciliation with Alessia, relented, ‘Alright, go for it. Have fun.’As he ended the call, Alessia couldn’t contain her curiosity. ‘That sounded like a kid on the phone. Who was it?’Logan hesitated, wrestling with how to break the news.Finally, he admitted, ‘It’s a boy—a good one.’Alessia’s expression shifted, and she cut to the chase. ‘Logan, is he your son?’He gripped the steering wheel. ‘What if I said yes?’‘Then I’d have to bow out. I don’t do married men.’‘I’m not married.’Alessia pointed out the ob
Alessia spoke gently, ‘Arlie, did you know this is the first time Milo’s brought a friend over? I’m thrilled that you two are such good pals.’‘Oh, really?’ Arlie seemed a bit shy.Then he admitted, ‘This is actually my first time visiting a friend’s house, too. Kindergarten was pretty lonely before this.’‘Really?’ Alessia was taken aback.Milo glanced at his mother and shrugged. ‘Mom, I’d be lonely too without Arlie. I’m really glad he’s my friend.’Alessia’s heart warmed at his words. ‘I’m happy for both of you, becoming such great buddies.’Arlie nodded and added, ‘Yeah, it feels like we’ve known each other forever.’‘Absolutely,’ Milo chimed in.Alessia watched them with a mixture of joy and sadness.They resembled each other so much.She silently wished their happiness would last forever.‘Alright, boys. Carry on playing with your toys. I’ll go get dinner ready,’ Alessia said.‘Thank you,’ Arlie replied politely.Alessia shook her head with a smile. ‘No need to thank me. Arlie,
Alessia and Veronica exchanged smiles.‘Why do you say that, Milo?’ Alessia asked.‘Both of us wouldn’t be lonely anymore if we had each other,’ Milo explained, then pushed the plate of beef toward Arlie, saying, ‘Arlie, please have more. Look around the table; there are no vegetables. We’re meat lovers.’Veronica burst into laughter, adding, ‘That’s true. Sis, did you notice? It’s all meat.’The table was indeed filled with ribs, shredded pork, sirloin steak, and diced chicken – not a plate of vegetables in sight.Alessia joined in the laughter. ‘You’re right. It’s a good thing Arlie shares our taste in food; otherwise, he’d go home hungry.’They all laughed together.Veronica raised her yoghurt-filled cup and proposed, ‘Let’s toast to Arlie, welcoming him into our home.’‘Cheers!’ Milo raised his cup of orange juice.Arlie raised his glass of milk, stood up, and politely said, ‘Thank you for having me today. I’m really happy. It’s an honour to be your guest, and I appreciate your ho
Heath, with a mischievous grin, gestured to the waiter to take their order.Then, he leaned in and raised an eyebrow at Logan. ‘Don’t you see it?’Logan narrowed his eyes and took a drag of his cigarette. ‘See what?’‘Alessia’s got a tight bond with her younger sister, Veronica, but not so much with her elder sister, Connie,’ Heath pointed out.‘Yeah, I’m not blind. It’s pretty obvious,’ Logan responded, a bit irked.Heath nodded knowingly. ‘Both of them got the boot from Redwood Group, which is Connie’s domain. So, Alessia and Veronica had to rely on each other.’‘And?’ Logan questioned.‘They’ve been through thick and thin together, that’s why their relationship is rock solid.’Logan waved his hand dismissively. ‘I get it. No need for the lecture.’Heath continued, ‘Don’t let jealousy get the best of you just because she cares more about her sister. Her sister means the world to her.’Logan’s brows furrowed, irritation creeping in.He tried to stay calm.Heath advised, ‘If you want
Alessia stood there, her eyes wide with surprise.She nodded and whispered, ‘But what’s your angle in all of this?’Logan was left dumbfounded.He felt unjustly accused.Did Alessia genuinely think so little of him?He’d only been trying to win her over by treating her loved ones with kindness.This was a misunderstanding, and he couldn’t let it stand.Alessia noticed Logan’s silence and smiled knowingly, convinced of her own correctness.Logan’s frustration grew with each passing moment.‘Alessia,’ he finally spoke, ‘I want you. If you’re game, I won’t hold back.’Alessia blushed and hissed, ‘Logan, we’re in the office. Keep it professional.’Logan chuckled, his frustration evident. ‘Never mind. I’ve clearly made a poor impression on you. Why should I bother?’Alessia looked at him, perplexed. ‘What are you trying to say?’Suddenly, a voice interrupted them from outside.Both Alessia and Logan turned towards the door, where they saw Lee entering.Lee greeted Alessia with a friendly s
‘Distracting?’ Logan arched an eyebrow and mockingly repeated her words.Then, with a sneer, he added, ‘Well, perhaps you need to work on your multitasking skills. Seems like it’s lacking.’Alessia rolled her eyes.This guy was downright intimidating.She locked eyes with him and retorted, ‘It’s clear you can’t control your desires. It’s quite annoying.’Logan shot back, ‘You’re right. I’m your boyfriend. It’s only natural that I’d want to sleep with you. And your constant rejections are getting on my nerves.’Alessia was left dumbfounded by his bluntness.Logan was unapologetic. ‘I want you. I want to spend time with you, go for walks with you, have dinner with you, sleep with you. It’s that simple.’Alessia sighed, clearly uninterested in discussing this topic.She was about to say something when, luckily, a knock interrupted their conversation.‘Come in,’ Logan said in a commanding tone that matched his domineering demeanour.Alessia couldn’t help but roll her eyes.‘He’s such an a
Alessia returned to her seat, wondering what Logan had said to Wilda.Eventually, Wilda and Logan emerged from the conference room half an hour later.Wilda escorted Logan to the entrance, and as he glanced at Alessia and left, she heaved a sigh of relief.After a brief pause, Wilda walked over to Alessia. ‘Alessia, Mr Wilde is waiting for you outside.’Alessia was stunned.‘He requested half a day off for you,’ Wilda added.Alessia felt extremely embarrassed.‘He said it’s up to you if you want to go. He’ll give you five minutes, and if you don’t show up by then, he’ll leave. He won’t be angry if you don’t go.’Alessia hesitated for a moment. ‘Should I go?’Wilda smiled. ‘Mr. Wilde said that he’s at his wits’ end because he just can’t find the right way to court you properly.’Alessia paused.She hadn’t expected Logan to express such feelings.After a moment of thought, she told Wilda, ‘Miss Hicks, I’m not going.’‘Are you worried that I’ll blame you for always leaving the office dur
Alessia remained frozen in place, bewildered by the chaotic scene unfolding around her.She couldn’t comprehend why people lacked a sense of right and wrong.Did Karen not know her husband had been involved with other women?Was she deluding herself?Alessia tried to distance herself from the situation, reminding herself that it had nothing to do with her.She was simply furious because she was being bullied, especially after enduring s*xual harassment from Karen’s husband.‘Why don’t you dodge the eggs, Alessia?’ Wilda shouted, noticing Alessia’s immobility.Alessia snapped back to reality, locking eyes with Wilda.‘Get behind me. I won’t allow my staff to be bullied,’ Wilda declared firmly.Hands on her hips, the chief editor strode toward Karen, meeting her icy gaze with a fiery one. ‘Did you bring these people to bully my employees?’‘Wilda, get out of my way! I’m here to teach a lesson to that b*tch Alessia, and no one will stop me!’ Karen spat out, teeth clenched.‘How dare you?