Chapter one

I twirled myself on the leather office chair, thinking of a strategy to cash in an important business deal.

Unsuccessful, I stood up and moved to the glass window that overlooked the skyline of New York City. I felt powerful being up here, where I saw everyone like tiny ants. Where I felt invincible in the horrors of this world. A loud bang on my door snapped me from my thoughts before someone barged into my office.

“DON’T YOU HAVE— “I started shouting, only to turn to see my father. Embarrassed, I began, “F-father I-I thought you were…”

“Don’t father me, Bella,” he immediately snapped at me before continuing, “You know why I’m here.”

“Of course,” I said, motioning him to sit on one of the white leather armchairs at the corner of my office. “I have drafted a few business plans for your projects in Miami, Delhi, Nairobi and Manchester.”

He flipped through the pages at the speed of light, scanning the four files with a noticeable frown on his face.

“These are all fine,” he let out an unsatisfied grumble. I wanted to scream at him. He couldn't just say that the files were fine, because I spent sleepless nights on them for weeks. I let out a toothy grin. “What about the Spain deal?” he asked, his frown deepening.

“Um…” I struggled to find my voice. “I need more time with that one father, give me an extra two days.”

“You’re out of time, Bella,” he simply said. “And I think I’ve found the solution to that one already.”

The unexpected grin that masked his face crept me out. He never smiles out of the blue. This man has been plotting. I looked at him once more, letting out a sigh.

“What is it, father?” I asked, pretending to be excited, and let out a wide smile.

“Don’t get over yourself Bella, I’ll explain at dinner tonight, wear something nice. A dinner dress perhaps, those delicate dresses you have.”

“We’re meeting the clients tonight? But you know I have plans for tonight.” I argued, trying my best not to glare at the man.

“Never speak back to me or question me, are we clear!” he shouted, causing me to wince, “as for your plans, cancel them.”

I silently nodded and waited for further instructions.

He stood up and looked at me. “Dinner at the mansion, 7:00pm, don’t be late.”

“I won’t,” I whispered as he let himself out of my office. I ran my fingers through my hair before finally deciding on what to do.

Settling on my chair, I took out my phone and dialed Mrs Williams’ number. It rang almost three times before she picked it up.

“Took you long enough!” I snapped.

“S-s-sorry madam.” She stammered.

“Is Dylan home?” I asked, dismissing her tone.

“He’s at school.” She barely whispered into the phone.

“Okay,” I said, cutting the call.

I swiftly parked my Mercedes convertible at Dylan’s school, quickly stalking out of the car, scared that I may as well change my mind.

“Excuse me?” I said, tapping the counter at the sight of the distracted receptionist.

“Good afternoon, welcome to — “she began before I cut her off.

“No need for all that,” I quickly dismissed her. “I want to see my son, Dylan Parker. It’s important.”

“Dylan Parker, second grade?” she asked, and I just glared at her for asking such an obvious question. “Right, I’ll get him right away. For the moment, please take a seat.”

With that, she disappeared around a corner, and I crossed my legs on a metal bench. She looks professional; I thought back to the receptionist. What if I hire her? She has the looks to go with it as well. After deliberating for a while, I decided to just give her the offer.

“Dylan,” I hear her voice from around the corner, “Come this way, your mommy is here.”

“Are you sure it’s her, Miss Rita?” he asked uncertainly.

“Hundred and ten percent.” She claimed before turning to me, “See… she’s right there.”

“Mom?” he asked, unsure.

“Hey sweetheart, I know it’s your birthday. That’s why I’m here!” I said, handing him a small gift bag.

“Thanks mommy!” he gave me a heart-melting smile and then his eyes widened, “I'm having a party with all my friends?”

“Honey, I don’t — “I reasoned.

“But Matt had a birthday party,” he whined, pouting. I could see the unshed tears glazing his eyes.

“Fine,” I caved in. “I’ll invite all of your friends, happy?”

“Yes!” He smiled, revealing a cute dimple.

“I love you!” I said, hugging him.

“Love you, mommy,” he whispered back, and the receptionist let out an ‘aw’.

“Now please go back to class.” I said, and he pouted,

“Dylan…” I warned.

“Okay fine, bye!” he said, running off.

I took out my phone and dialed my secretary. “Glenn?” I said into the speaker.

“Yes, ma’am,”

“Organize a birthday party for my son, Dylan,” I commanded. “Book a venue. Get someone to plan it for tomorrow at one in the afternoon. He is turning eight, oh, and he loves superman so plan something around that.”

“Okay,” she answered silently.

“Oh, and send the invitations to Dylan’s school. I want the invitations delivered to the school in an hour. If this is not done, you’re fired.” With that, I hung up the phone.

“Wow,” the receptionist gaped behind me, and I spun to look at her. “You’re a boss lady.”

“Thank you, Rita,” I said, remembering her name. “Oh, and before I forget, I would like to offer you a job as a receptionist at… a company.”

“Doesn’t it have a name?” she asked.

Completely ignoring her question I handed her my business card, “Bella Parker Perez, call me if you will consider my offer, and a person will come to deliver the cards for my son’s birthday, help them with the name of the kids in the third grade.”

With that, I turned on my heel and proceeded to my car without looking back at the speechless lady I left behind. I was glad I was able to give Dylan what he wanted for his birthday, that would definitely make up for my absence at night.