Chapter 7: chapter 7
In Love with the CEO
Chapter 7
Author
ALEX
This morning, I unconsciously spend even more time in the shower. When I’m done, I take care choosing my outfit, thinking of Alexander. It’s stronger than me—I can’t help it. When I finish getting ready, I feel the urge to wear red lipstick, even though I usually only wear gloss. Everything I do, I do it thinking of him. I do everything for him. So this is what it’s like to be in love? You live for that person, you breathe for that person, everything you do is for them, and your mind craves only them. It’s so beautiful and uncomfortable at the same time, especially when that love isn’t reciprocated and remains one-sided.
I grab my bag and head out, but as usual, my mother wants me to leave her the car for her errands, so I’ll have to take a taxi and go to work in peace.
When I arrive at the office this morning, I notice he’s not here again today. I feel a real pang in my heart. Is it that unpleasant to kiss me? Is it that unpleasant to share an intimate moment with me?
Why does he act this way toward me? Why did he kiss me like that if I repulse him so much? I don’t really understand. I try to hold back the tears blurring my vision, but two hot drops escape, and I wipe them away as quickly as they came. I’m not going to cry over a man who doesn’t give a damn about me, even if, in reality, it really breaks my heart. I’d rather be strong for myself.
I sit down and try to organize the pile of work he’s accumulated by avoiding me. I haven’t had much to do these past few days, but I come in every day at the same time and leave at the same time as usual.
Today, I’ll probably just stare into space again, waiting for the time to go home.
A voice says, “Hey.”
I snap back to reality. “Hello.”
William’s assistant says, “Sir wants to see you in the large meeting room right away.”
Me, a bit surprised, say, “Do you know why he wants to see me?”
William’s assistant replies, “No, not at all. He just asked me to pass on the message.”
Me: “Alright, thanks.”
I get up reluctantly. I don’t know why, but my heart is pounding violently against my chest. I try not to panic. I really hope he’s not going to talk about the incident from last time or fire me because I can’t afford to lose this job. Everything I have here, I can’t find anywhere else.
I don’t know why I’m lying to myself—it’s more for Alexander that I don’t want to leave this job. Even if he doesn’t love me, just seeing him every day truly calms me. I can’t live without him anymore.
When I realize what I just thought, I pause before continuing. I push away all these thoughts and head to the meeting room where William is waiting for me.
When I arrive, I don’t know if I’m shocked, happy, or relieved. He’s there, right in front of me. Even though he’s wearing a neutral expression, I’m so thrilled to see him after all these days of absence.
William says, “Please, take a seat.”
His words bring me back to reality, and I sit in the chair indicated. There’s a solemn silence that lasts a few minutes before William breaks it.
William: “You’re probably wondering why we called you here, aren’t you?”
Me: “Yes, sir, I’m a bit surprised by the meeting.”
William: “It’s not really a meeting. We called you here because we have a proposal for you. You’re free to accept or refuse, and even if you refuse, you can keep your job without any issues.”
Me, a bit surprised, say, “May I know what it is?”
William, turning to Alexander, who hasn’t said a word since I arrived, says, “Are you going to speak, or should I?”
Alexander says, “No, go ahead.”
William, clearing his throat, says, “In fact, Alexander is proposing that you become his wife.”
Me, nearly falling off my chair, say, “Excuse me?”
ALEXANDER
You’re probably wondering why I changed my mind so quickly and agreed to make this girl my wife.
Flashback
That night, when I left William’s place, I went home and headed straight to my daughter’s room. She was clearly already asleep. I approached, kissed her forehead, and turned to leave.
Julia says, “Daddy?”
I turn back. “You’re not asleep, my darling?”
Julia: “No, Daddy.”
Me, softly, say, “You should go to sleep. You have school tomorrow.”
Julia: “Daddy?”
Me: “Yes, my heart.”
Julia: “Why don’t I have a mommy?”
Me, a bit shocked, say, “Why are you asking me that, my heart?”
Julia: “Today was mother-daughter day at school. Everyone was with their mom except me. Why don’t I have a mommy? Why did Mommy leave me?”
It feels like my heart is breaking inside. Why does a little girl as sweet as mine have to go through this? No child deserves to lose their mother.
Me, at a loss, say, “My heart, you know very well that your mommy loved you more than anything, don’t you?”
Julia, wiping her tears, says, “Then why did she leave me? Why did she go?”
Me, sitting beside her, say, “Your mommy was very sick. She fought with all her strength to stay by your side and watch you grow. She was in a lot of pain, really, really a lot, but she kept fighting for you. Despite all the courage and strength she showed, the illness she suffered from ended up winning. You must never think she wanted to leave you. She fought with all her might for you, princess. Your mommy loved you more than anything.”
Julia, lifting her head, says, “She doesn’t hurt anymore now?”
Me, taking her in my arms, say, “No, my girl, she hurts a little less. And you know what will make her happy from where she is?”
Julia: “No, Daddy.”
Me: “What will make her happy, what will make her feel better, is seeing her daughter happy and thriving. Seeing the joyful Julia who left for school this morning come back. That’s all it will take for your mommy to feel better.”
Julia, tightening her embrace, says, “Okay, Daddy.”
Me: “So wipe away those tears on that beautiful face, princess.”
She wipes her tears and gives me one of those smiles that could make a rainbow appear in the middle of a storm.
Me: “My heart, your mommy will always love you and watch over you from heaven. Next time, I’ll take you to one of your mother-daughter events if you want.”
Julia, laughing, says, “No, Daddy, you’re not a girl!”
Me: “But I can wear a skirt and heels if you want.”
Julia: “No, Daddy, you’re too silly. You don’t know what girls know how to do.”
Me, getting serious again, say, “What about a new mommy? Would you like to have a new mommy?”
Julia: “Yes, Daddy, but only if she’s kind to us and makes you smile like Mommy did when she was here.”
Me, chuckling, say, “Who’s the adult here? We’re talking about what will make you happy, not me.”
Julia: “Daddy?”
Me: “Yes, princess.”
Julia: “What will make me happy is getting my daddy back. And if I have to have a new mommy, she has to be a real mommy.”
Me: “What’s a real mommy, then?”
Julia: “A real mommy is someone who takes good care of Daddy before he goes to work, who takes care of the kids too, and who’s kind to everyone.”
Me, laughing, say, “Alright, princess, I’ll find you a real mommy.”
Julia: “Promise?”
Me: “Yes, promise.”
She joyfully throws herself into my arms before settling back into bed.
Me, turning off the light, say, “I love you, princess.”
Julia: “I love you too, Daddy.”
I leave and close the door behind me.
End of Flashback
That night, when I left my daughter’s room, I promised myself I’d find her a real mommy, as she put it. My daughter’s happiness matters most to me, and if I have to put up with this girl every morning, every day, I’ll do it. In any case, she’s the only one I have on hand who seems to get along well with Julia.