Chapter 59: Chapter Fifty-nine

They say great power comes with great responsibility. Those who are placed in a high pedestal have it rougher than those below. They should act what people want to see in order for them to stay pleased. I don’t really approve of these ‘rankings’ that society made but this is how it is. Somebody save me from this hellish nightmare that I’ll probably be trapped in for the rest of my life.

“What do you think you’re doing?”

I glanced up from the papers that were slowly becoming a mountain on top of Dad’s—now my desk. The man yapping in front of me like a little Chihuahua has been annoying me ever since this morning. Where is Patty? Isn’t she supposed to keep this man out before I go insane? Pinching the bridge of my nose, I signaled for him to slow down. “Yes, yes… I hear you Mr. Richmond. No need to repeat what you just said.”

As if he won the lottery, Mr. Richmond was smiling brightly once I took notice of him. According to Mom, Dad used to praise him and often asked him for advice. However, when father died, I heard from Patty that he complained about ‘not being useful’ anymore. Said that he wanted to help but had difficulty dealing with Mr. Maxwell’s daughter and heiress. In the comforts and secrecy of my room, I would laugh at him.

I didn’t have to know that he was only trying to sing sweet nothings into my ear to promote him. There was nothing wrong with his work, I often found him working harder than the rest. It’s just the way he acts so close to me that’s bothering. I mean, he would often stroll in just to rant about other employees and how they are lazy. Honestly, with paperwork and lots of meetings to attend to, it’s tiring for me.

Can’t he see that I am so busy dealing with his bullshit now?

“So, as I was saying—”

“Miss Maxwell,” I almost cried tears of joy when Patty came in. “Mr. Montgomery is waiting outside. Should I let him in?”

“Yes!”

“No!”

I sharply turned my head to stare at Mr. Richmond who had the right to feel embarrassed at what he just said. No? Well sorry, Mr. Richmond but I’d rather speak to Chad than you. Standing up, I walked past the man who was now rambling a train of apologies. Seriously… “Mr. Richmond, I’ll get back to you later.”

Not bothering to listen to the rest of his words, I hurriedly walked out of my office only to find Chad waiting. Scared that Mr. Richmond would catch up, I grabbed his hand and pulled the confused blond with me. Dashing out of the office and into one of the empty meeting rooms, I locked the door behind me and sighed in relief.

Finally! Away from that annoying man…

Looking up at Chad, I chuckled and shook my head. “Well, that was quite fun… I hope he gives up and leaves.” My words continued to baffle the man until I explained it to him. “Mr. Richmond is annoying me again. Can you believe what he’s doing?”

Chad sighed, knowing this dance all too well. “What does he want this time? If it makes your life easier, why not just fire him?”

“As much as I want to… I can’t.” Firing the man would only mean one thing. That I can never be like my father—that is what scares the people in this building, especially those who worked close to him. They want me to be him but I can’t. I never will be like my father. “He’s important to this company and I don’t know what’s Dad’s reason to keep him here but I shouldn’t fire him just because he annoys me.”

Then, smiling up at him, I tilted my head to the side. “By the way, you didn’t text or call me that you’ll be here. Is there something wrong?”

Grinning back, Chad wrapped his arms around me and pulled me close to his chest where I could hear, feel his heart beating. “Nothing. Do I need a reason to see my girlfriend?” His lips planted a kiss on my forehead. “I miss you.”

“But it’s been only a day!” I chuckled lightly and returned the embrace. “I miss you too, Chad.”

Pulling away to examine me from head to toe with his clear blue eyes, Chad patted my head. “I can’t believe you’ve been working hard to the bones all week. Are you not tired? Have you been eating well?” He then smirks, “Were you having dirty thoughts or desires last night, plum?”

Rolling my eyes at the annoying but cute pet name, I reached up to caress his cheek with a cheeky smirk on. “To be honest, I had none. Could it be because my man couldn’t—”

I wasn’t able to finish my sentence for the hungry beast before me devoured my lips into his and we started the whole sing and dance we both know. Needy hands wanting to touch each other’s skin that would set fire in just one touch. I hummed in contentment, fisting his hair as I relish the taste of him in his mouth.

My god, it’s been awhile since we both did this…

“You naughty girl.” Chad chuckled lowly against my lips. “Do you want to do it here? Right now? Are you that hungry for it? Are you hungry for my co—”

“Miss Maxwell?”

Who knew Patty’s soft voice and the doorknob twisting open could make us scramble away from each other, composing ourselves. To be caught fooling around won’t make the employees feel better towards me, especially when they’re all expecting me to do a great job like my father did. This sucks. Tucking back a strand of stray hair, I cleared my throat. “Yes? What is it, Patty?”

Emerging from the door, my assistant stared at me before shifting to Chad and back to me again. Was she expecting us to do something… romantic? Shaking the thoughts away, I gestures for her to come closer. Back to her professional mode, Patty handed a folder which I took. Opening it, I internally groaned at what it contained. Seriously? Out of all times? I need to finish this one quickly.

“Thank you, Patty. I’ll make sure to finish this ahead of time.” And make sure I won’t be leaving my social life underneath and let dust cover it. “Is there anything on my agenda this afternoon?”

“Other than that folder, there’s nothing else.” She answered, “You’re free to do anything this afternoon. Would you want me to arrange a meeting?”

Oh god, no! “Um, no… Please just take a rest and do anything you want this afternoon. I’m going out to visit my Dad.” Patty didn’t say anything else and walked out. Probably happy to know she can take it easy this afternoon. I absolutely share the same sentiments with her right now. Ever since I became the new CEO, I haven’t slept well and the same goes for Patty. It was hard work, filling the place of Dad and the paperwork he left untouched during his stay at the hospital until his death. To know that all that’s left to do is this paperwork in this folder, I was extremely happy.

Christmas is coming and I want these things to be over before I take a break this holiday. I don’t want to miss Christmas just for work. It’ll be such a wrong thing to do. “Chad, where are you going to spend your Christmas?”

At my sudden inquiry, the blond man thought for a second until he answered. “Just at home but one of my friends might call me up for drinks. My parents will just be at home though.” he then cocked his head to the side, “Why?”

“Oh… it’s nothing.” I replied softly, “Usually my family and I go to someplace else. But this year has been a bit rough and Dad…” Taking a deep breath, I continued. “Yeah, we will just be at home this Christmas.”

Are we going to continue our plan? Skating and stuff? He did mention about it before.

A smile graced Chad’s lips as he patted my hair. “All right… I’ll visit you on Christmas. Do you have anything you want?”

“W-what? You’ll get me something this Christmas?” The thought of spending the holiday with him was very nice but after what just happened, I don’t think I want to. I can’t bring myself to celebrate and have fun after Dad’s death. I kept secrets from him and I’ll never be able to tell him the truth anymore. He probably knows now and is pissed at me. I’m so sorry father.

Chad shrugged. “Yeah, why not?” Then he grinned, “Ah… you think I’ll not be able to buy something you don’t have, right? Is it because you can do anything you want without hesitation and problem?”

Wait, what? What is he talking about?

I laughed. “Chad, it’s okay if you don’t give me anything. And about that, just because we have the money doesn’t mean we buy things that are even useless. You don’t have to get me anything just for the sake of—”

“Don’t worry, baby.” he smirked, “I won’t back down on that challenge. I’ll give you something that money can’t buy!”

Challenge? What the fuck is he talking—I didn’t offer a challenge to you!

Before I could even utter a single word, Chad pulled me close and smacked a kiss on my lips. Surprising me into a speechless state. He then pulled away and smiled brightly, fire in his eyes. “Be sure to get ready this Christmas, Rachel. I’ll give you the best present anyone could ever have!” With those words said, he left the room and me completely astounded.

But I wasn’t even challenging him…

Heaving a sigh, I scratched my head and shook it. Chad, why do I have a feeling you’ll be the death of me? His words played back in my head that I could only facepalm myself at how confident he sounded. I wasn’t even asking for a gift or said that I have everything—there are things in life that I don’t need and I’ll live without them. For Chad to say he could get me something this Christmas was a bit heartwarming until he came up with that challenge on his own.

Well, I guess all I have to do is wait and see what he comes up with.

Leaving the room, I headed back to my office after making sure Mr. Richmond wasn’t around anymore. Relieved that the man disappeared, I took a seat and decided to finish everything else that I needed to do. Damn it, I was planning to spend the rest of the afternoon with Chad—yet there he goes! Running off to do whatever he wanted to do. Ruining whatever plans I had in stored for us. Pinching the bridge of my nose, I leaned back on my chair and stared at the ceiling.

I wonder what we will be doing this Christmas. Will Mom host a party? Or are we just going to lay low for a while?

***

“I invited them!”

I blinked twice at her bright smile and quirked an eyebrow with a questioning stare. “Invited who, Mom? Are you going to hold another party this Christmas?” I wasn’t expecting her to do it but if it makes her happy during these dark times, I wouldn’t intrude.

Mom stayed silent for a minute, in deep thought until she shrugged. “Well, it’s not exactly the kind of party we always throw, but I’ll be inviting our close friends and maybe your grandmother.” At the mention of the old woman, I went back to that day where Dad was buried. Grandmother was present that day but I almost didn’t feel her presence— too absorbed in my own mourning.

“That’s great, Mom. I’m sure they’ll come and celebrate here, even just for a bit.”

Silence enveloped us and the entire study room which belonged to Dad. We didn’t dare to move his things and just kept them the way they were back when he was still here, to remind us that he’ll always be in our hearts. That he used to be here, beside us. Constantly watching and making sure we were all right. Being in this room, the sense of security still lingers around. Dad’s image behind that desk burnt into my mind every time. It’s like he never went away until I turned to see if he really was there—only to see he wasn’t.

It’s scary but at the same time, comforting…

“Your father wouldn’t want us to mope around all day.” I looked up from the floor to see a small smile on her face. “He’d be sad to see us in sorrow, even if it’s his death that caused us to be like this. I guess… he’d want us to get over it and move on—even if it’s hard to do so. But it’s Christmas after all, he wouldn’t want us to celebrate it with such sadness.”

I spoke, “Of course, he wants us to celebrate it with smiles on our faces. He kept saying that to me and Harvey before. Dad also said to give and expect nothing in return during the holidays. Said that it’s more important to give than receive, more blessings to come that way.”

Mother laughed lightly. “Yes, your Dad did say that. I’m glad you remember his words.”

“Dad’s important advice or just simple sayings have always been in my head. I’m not sure I’ll forget them overnight if I want to— I’ll never forget his words. They helped me a lot.”

Mom nodded in approval, sharing the same sentiments as well. “That’s one of the reasons why I love your father. When it comes to life, he just knows all the answers to every problem that I encountered.” A solemn face then was painted over her cheerful expression. “But he too was human. There were times he’d lock himself in a room, blaming himself over a thing he had no control over. I’d have a hard time convincing him that it wasn’t his fault.”

“Sometimes… I forget that Dad isn't perfect.” He was a role model of mine ever since I was young and even when I came to hate the fact I’d be taking over his company. “He was too perfect in my eyes when I was a kid.”

“I admit he did look perfect back in our younger days.” she sighed, “Men and their looks.”

Laughter filled his office due to Mom’s honesty, my stomach aching from excessive laughing that tears started to form in my eyes. “Totally relatable, Mom. Totally.”

She grinned. “I’m taking that Chad is the perfect man for you? You never acted this way with Nathan.” My cheeks flushed red at her comment. If I were to choose between Nathan and Chad, only an idiot would choose Nathan. They’d be setting themselves up for heartbreak.

“Mom, stop… it’s embarrassing!”

The woman only laughed, shaking her head as I stared at her hopelessly. Really, Mom? I continued to just stare as she began talking about her plans for the Christmas party. By the time it was December twenty-four, Grandmother came along with her line of maids. Mother was quite happy to see her.

“Helen, how are you? I was quite surprised to hear you’ll be hosting a party… I hope this isn’t one of those ‘usual’ ones?”

Mom shook her head. “No, it’ll be just us. Family and friends.”

Walking towards the old woman, I smiled and embraced her. “Hello Granny, how are you?”

The wrinkles on her face were shown as she smiled back at me, pulling away. Her silver hair shining under the light. Gray eyes staring back at me with mirth. She suddenly gave me a box and winked. “Inside it is cheesecake, go crazy.”

I gasped in delight and started saying ‘thank you’ a dozen times that it caught Mom’s attention. Sheepishly, I headed for the dining room with a red face. At least I got cheesecake, seems like I’ll gain weight after the holidays. Wondering what to pair it with, I placed the box down gently until I heard the familiar voices of the couple I was dying to see get married. No one would mistake Francine’s cheer as she hugged the living daylights out of my brother. All Patton did was give him a nod while Harvey was fixing his hair.

I wonder if Chad’s coming… He said he’ll visit us during Christmas yet I haven’t received a single text from him after that day…

“Hey, Rachel!” The redhead grinned then stared down at the box I was trying to protect. “Eh? Is that what I think it is?” She then gave me a deadpan expression. “Seriously Rachel, no one would steal that cheesecake from you so don’t worry!”

Better safe than sorry.

Francine and Patton only spent a few hours here since they had to go back home and celebrate with their family. It was nearing six in the evening when they left. Thinking that was it, I sat down in a relaxed position beside my grandmother. I’m glad I was able to buy them all gifts and such without trouble. Being caught in the Christmas rush is annoying!

“Dear, how are you doing?”

Turning to my grandmother, I gave her a thumbs up. “I’m all right. Doing better than I expect—”

“No, dear… how are you doing at your father’s company?” I went silent at her correction. She continued to stare at me with worry. “I’ll understand if you want to quit. It’s not easy taking over the company and I’m sure you don’t want to take his place.”

My eyes went wide at her words, feeling them pierce my heart. H-how does she know?

“Rachel, dear… if you have any problems, don’t keep it all inside and tell us. Okay?”

I didn’t know what else to say as I blindly nodded. Not wanting to give her my honest opinion of getting the job. “Yes…” I hate it. I hate being in Dad’s position and I want to get away from it all.

Our conversation was suddenly interrupted by another woman’s cheering that didn’t belong to Francine or my mother at all. Slightly horrified, I should’ve known my mother invited her. She was present at the funeral but we hardly exchanged words that day. It was only Chad who comforted me, not her.

Rebecca posed and gave us the biggest smile she ever gave. Behind her was her husband and Chad, who was waving at me. However, I could sense the irritation behind that smile that was caused by his mother.

“Merry Christmas, Maxwell family!” she beamed, a glint in those blue eyes. “Let me help you make this the most exciting holiday ever.”