chapter 8

Arianne’s pov

I woke up to the sound of my alarm clock. I feel excited and nervous at the same time.

Today, our company's new CEO and owner, Mr. Jace Keller will gonna come to our office to check for everything. He's a hands on boss remember?

My mind can't figure out how will I act in front of him? Does he still hate me? Worst, does he still remember me?

Feeling upset and frustrated, I go to the bathroom and take a shower to let myself calm down. Then after I put on my robe and wrap my hair with a towel, I make my way to the kitchen to prepare breakfast.

My kids wants a heavy breakfast so I made fried rice with some sausage. I prepared them hot chocolate, and coffee for me and my dad.

When I’m done, I wake them up and wash them. Then after dressing both of them, I lead them to the breakfast table.

Gladly, I don’t hear anything from them both. Strange!

Everyday, when we prepare to go to school, it’s either one of them or sometimes both of them whining and throwing tantrums, though I don't really tolerate their act. I am more of the disciplinarian parent and my dad is really the typical grandpa, he loves to spoil them a lot!

After a few minutes my dad came and join us.

When breakfast was done, I hurriedly dress up and drove my kids to school then went to my work as usual.

I took a deep sigh realizing how boring my everyday routine.

Well, maybe when the kids grow up, I could take time for myself. I cringed at the idea. 

I mean how could I think such a weird idea while there are so many things in my life that needs to be resolve first and foremost.

“Good morning Ms. Porter! How’s everything going? I mean are they already here?” I ask our receptionist as I walk in to the building.

“not yet Ms. Miller! I heard they’ll be here not until ten today!” she said excitedly.

Well, I bet most of the women working here are excited to see even a glimpse of the over popular Jace Keller!

And yes, I think I can include myself to those "most women" but sure I can't show it. I can never allow myself especially now.

Though he is well-known for being tough and strict whenever his businesses are concern, still, he cant deny the fact that he slept around with different women all the time. That’s the image he’s projecting all over the society. And it's all over the news too! 

Way too much enjoyment there huh?

But if he's happy with his way of life, then no one should criticize or even tamper his happiness right? 

After saying goodbye to Ms. Porter I went to my office to try to clear my mind and relax for a while. Thinking about the possible ways to avoid him and his memories that's been buried in the deepest corner of my heart.

After a little while I started my work.

Later on, I receive a call from a certain Joey Austin informing me to come to the meeting room. I'm quite sure, almost everyone will be there. Who wouldn't want to meet the great CEO?

As my heart beats increasingly high, I make myself ready then walk my way to meet the person that I loved and missed so much but need to leave and forget so he can be happy, without me!

Brace yourself Arianne! You don't live for yourself anymore. For your dad and your children, be strong! Don't let anybody see you being weak! I kept on telling myself as I make that walk to meet him.

 

I quietly enter the room bowing my head.

“Ohh there she is, Ms. Miller!”

“Good morning Sir!” I said looking straight to my now former boss, Mr. Farris.

“Mr. Keller I want you to meet our new HR Manager Miss Arianne Miller!” he said proudly.

I looked up to see a pair of those gorgeous green eyes that look surprised upon seeing me. He then quickly cover his shock with a smirk.

“Pleasure to meet you Ms. Miller?!!” Jace said with now an emotionless face while offering me a hand.

Whew! Is this a game? Really? He don't  seem to know me!?!!

I gave him a small smile and meet his hand. He squeezed my hand and when I look up I saw something in his eyes that send shiver to my spine but I cant figure out exactly.

“okay guys settle down!" He said as he turn to everyone around. "First I want to personally thanks Mr. Farris for entrusting me this company. Then as all of you know, I have other business too and I tend to turn my time to all of it. But as of now I will dedicate more of my time in this one and I will make sure that this advertising company will going to the top of the list.” he then added and everyone give him an applause of appreciation.

Jace utter his plan in this company and how it is going to help his other businesses as well. He also said that in the meantime, he’s going to do his work here so that he can also check it closely.

I just face palm in my mind. How can I be so lucky to get to work with him everyday? I guess seeing him made my sarcastic side reappears too!

And what about the possibility that he’ll run to our children? Am I ready to tell him that I got pregnant and gave birth to his children without telling him? What if he’s gonna take them? Well, my bitchy self said, over my dead body will he take them away from me!

For now, I know I have to stay calm. I know he doesn’t want to take me back so my secret is still safe. I think so! Maybe? 

Well, he didn't bother to look for me or ask anything then. His silence means that he's not interested in anything regarding me.

“Miss Miller, did you hear me?” Jace, I mean Mr. Keller said to me.

With a redder face I turn to him. “I’m sorry Sir?”

“I said I need a secretary! Can you send someone to my office?” he then said without any trace of recognition in his face.

“sure Mr. Keller! I’ll go check right now!”

He just nodded then I hurriedly went back to my office and check my files for the names in the secretarial department. Presto!

I called their department head then instructed him to send the woman I choose to be Mr. Keller’s temporary secretary.

My day went by smoothly. After our quick meet, I've never seen him. If he needs anything from my department, his assistant, Mr. Austin is the one calling me. Maybe he never really wanna see me anymore.

My heart drop at the thought. I should be happy that he's not after me anymore. But it's still sting inside.

At exactly five o'clock, I pack my stuff then grab my bag and headed to the carpark.

I’m going to pick up my children now. My dad called up saying he don’t feel well so he ask me to pick up my kids.

I was about to enter the elevator but stop when I see Jace and I think the secretary that I choose for him, making out inside the lift. When I think they never notice my presence, I turn to my left and headed to the stairs instead.

My heart beats rapidly as I'm walking or should I call it running down the stairs.

“Mommy you’re late! And where’s grandpa?” Tara said as her one hand is in her hip.

“Mommy!!!! I’ve missed you so much!” Jacob said happily when he see me while pulling me into an embrace.

“I miss you too my baby! Both of you! Tara, grandpa is not feeling well so I want you both, you and your brother, to be in your best behavior when we get home. Is that okay with you guys?” I said more of threatening them both while giving them both a kiss.

“Yes, mommy!” they said in unison.

I smile remembering my friends with what my twins said. Kristinn and Alexis always try to mimic each other. Then I remind myself to call my two bestfriends later.

Before we head home I decided to give my children a treat so that they wont bother their grandpa when we get home.

I brought them to a McDonalds’ drive thru and bought them chicken nuggets, fries and their favorite, chocolate sundae. I bought myself and my dad apple pie and caramel sundae.

When we arrive at our house the two ate silently in the dining table. While I go upstairs to check my dad and give him his food, I also eat my food in his room.

After eating and giving my dad some medicines, I went down to see my children still eating and talking to each other about something from their school. They were so engrossed with their topic that they didn't notice me which I dont really mind at all.

How I just loved seeing them like that.

Jacob loves his sister so much and always considerate to her needs especially when she’s being full of herself sometimes.