Chapter 11 chapter 11
Chapter 11 chapter 11
In Love with the CEO
Chapter 11
Author:
ALEX
Today, I was united with the man I love, for better or for worse. He’s no longer my boss but my darling, my love, the man I’ll spend the rest of my days with. It’s no longer a dream like it used to be. This dream, this secret desire I nurtured, has turned into reality. What can I say except that I’m happy? I’m the happiest woman in the world. I hope this new chapter of my life brings me the peace and tranquility I never had with my mother, the peace of mind that’s been missing for almost my entire life. Words aren’t strong enough to express what I’m feeling right now. Even if it wasn’t a ceremony like the ones I see in Disney movies, the important thing is that we’re finally united.
Despite my darling refusing to postpone the wedding date, his mother and sister insisted on organizing a small party with a few people. Deep down, I’m eager for tonight, to experience what I’ve thought about every day and every night since the day we kissed.
Flashback
When I woke up this morning, I got ready, made myself beautiful, and slipped into the dress my future husband gave me especially for this special day. I find it so beautiful—simple but very elegant. I was admiring myself in the mirror when my mother walked into my room.
Mom: “You’re already ready, I see.”
Me, all excited: “Yes, Mom, I don’t want to be late for my wedding day.”
Mom: “Sit down. I’d like to talk to you before we hit the road.”
I was a bit surprised, but I took a seat on a chair next to the bed anyway.
Mom: “My daughter, you know, today you’re getting married. You’ll belong to a new family; you’ll become one of them. This morning, I want to tell you how proud I am of you, how happy I am to see the woman you’ve become, how I can hold my head high in front of everyone and say, despite all the mockery I’ve endured all this time, despite becoming a single mother overnight, I raised a good daughter, a daughter with values, a daughter ready to work hard to make it, a daughter who’s always done everything to honor her mother who could never get married.
This morning, I really want you to forgive me for everything I’ve done to you over the years. Even if I don’t say it often enough, you’re my daughter, and I love you more than anything in the world. I’ve been very hard on you. I took out all my frustration on you when all you wanted was your mother’s love. I’d like you to find a place in your heart this morning to forgive me.”
Me, with a trembling voice: “Why did you treat me like an outcast all these years? What did I do wrong, Mom?”
Mom: “You didn’t do anything wrong, my daughter. I tried to put this barrier between us because every time I looked at you, it brought back memories of your father who abandoned us. You didn’t deserve it, but it was stronger than me. This morning, you’re leaving this house. I’d like you to leave on good terms and feel you can come to me if you need advice.”
Me, trying to hold back my tears: “I have nothing to forgive you for, Mom. Despite everything that’s happened, I hold no grudge against you. You’re my mother, you gave me life, you did what you could, and I’m truly grateful for that.”
Mom, taking me in her arms: “Thank you, my daughter. May God bless you and bless this union.”
Me: “Amen, Mom.”
Mom, catching her breath: “My daughter, even though I’ve never been married, I’d like to give you a little advice. Where you’re going today is now your home. Whatever problems you face with your husband, I don’t want you involving outsiders or telling your friends about your issues. Marriage is about patience. No matter what happens, no matter how angry you get, never raise your voice at your husband, never challenge him. A woman’s strength in front of her man is her gentleness. Whatever you see, act blind; whatever you hear, act deaf. If you have a problem with your husband, never try to resolve it in anger. You’re leaving, but know that this is no longer your home. You’re not just becoming his wife; this union also makes you a mother, the mother of his daughter. Love her as if you carried her yourself, treat her like you’d treat your own daughter or how you’d have wanted me to treat you, give her a mother’s love. His mother, respect her as if she were your own mother. When she speaks to you, don’t scold her like you scold me here, or people will say I raised you poorly. His sister, treat her like the sister you never had, treat her as you’d want a sister to treat you. Don’t go acting poorly mannered in their home, do you understand?”
Me: “Yes, Mom.”
I listened to all her advice carefully, but I know there are things I won’t tolerate. If he wants to be a bone in my throat, I’ll be the chili in his eyes, that’s for sure. For now, though, I’m going there in peace.
Mom: “Hurry up, then, we need to go.”
Me, with my brightest smile: “Alright, give me five minutes.”
I glance around my room. It’s going to miss me so much. This room has held my joys, my sorrows, my moments of doubt, my moments of anger and helplessness. I’ve dreamed so much of leaving this place, and now that the moment has come, I feel a little pang in my heart. Life is funny, isn’t it? I say goodbye to my room before joining my mother in the living room to go meet my future.
End of Flashback
It’s 11 p.m., and the party still isn’t over. I’m a bit tired—I couldn’t sleep a wink last night, and I admit I really need some rest. If I could skip the rest of this evening, it would do me a lot of good.
Plus, I feel like my husband is being quite distant with me tonight. I thought now, at least, we’d be closer, but it’s the opposite. The only kiss we shared was after the ceremony, and it was a pretty chaste one. I act like I haven’t noticed; we’ll talk about it later.
Alexander: “You seem bored. This party was organized just to make you happy. If it were up to me, it never would’ve happened, so if all this bores you, we can leave.”
I admit I much prefer the idea of us leaving and finally being alone together.
Me: “No, it’s not that I’m bored. I’m just tired; it’s been a very long day for me.”
Alexander: “Alright, it’d be best if we excused ourselves to the guests and left.”
Me, delighted: “That doesn’t bother you?”
Alexander, returning my smile: “Not in the least.”
We excuse ourselves as he said and slip away. I’m eager to spend my first night with my darling. I’m not going to play the hypocrite and pretend I’m not excited to discover what will happen for the rest of the night. When we arrive in what I assume is our bedroom, I find my suitcases there. I pull them toward the closet and notice it’s full of women’s clothes—I suppose they belonged to his late wife. I make some space and unpack a few things. I think tomorrow we’ll discuss how I can store my belongings.
I take off my dress and hurry to freshen up in his bathroom, which I admit is very spacious. When I’m done, I go to the closet and put on my sexiest tracksuit. It’s my first night with my husband; I have to bring my A-game.
When I return to the bedroom, he’s lying on his back, hands behind his head, eyes closed. I join him on the bed, lie next to him, and place my hands on his chest. But his reaction shocks me to the core—he pushes my hand away as if it had dirt on it.
Alexander, sitting up: “What are you playing at?”