CHAPTER SIXTY-EIGHT
“BREAKFAST is ready, by the way.”
“I’m glad to hear that.” Rustom smiled at her as he tapped Ross’s shoulder. “Come on, kids.”
But Ross and Cyrel waited for Rustom to disappear into the dining room. Then, Ross pulled her arms and wrapped them around his waist.
“What did you talk about?” Cyrel asked, intrigued.
“Hmm?” Ross tried to look innocent. “Nothing.”
Cyrel pouted.
“You’re keeping secrets from me now.”
He shook his head.
She squinted her eyes.
“I’m going back to the company,” he said afterward.
“Really?” Cyrel’s eyes widened.
“Yes. Because I can’t wait till dad leaves everything in my name. And I want to give you everything you need. I must work hard for it. You know, like a real provider.”
She could not help giggling.
“You sound like you have aged ten years more. But, will you be okay?”
“I will be. I have to.”
“I’ll be cheering for you.” Cyrel pressed her cheek into his chest.
“We should take your music lessons seriously from now on. You can have them online if that’s more convenient. How many songs have you written already?”
“Still a few, but I’m planning to work on more since I’ll have more free time.”
“That’s great. Let’s go.”
That was not the plan. Ross had a clear vision of what he was going to do after the arranged marriage. He’ll just have to pretend he was a good husband. Not this. He did not want to pretend anymore. He wanted to do everything for real.
THE NEXT day was Ross’s first day of return to the company.
“You’re nervous,” she said while fixing his tie.
“You know I’m not cut for this. I don’t know if I’m ever good with anything.”
“You’re actually good with kids. You should have been a kindergarten teacher.”
Ross chuckled.
“Or a father?”
Cyrel stared at him for a moment. Why not? She could already imagine Ross running after their own little Cyrel and Ross. It warmed her heart. Yes, why not?
“You’ll do well today. Trust me,” she said afterward and tapped his tie. “There you go.”
“I won’t let you down.”
Cyrel laughed before Ross leaned and claimed her lips.
“Ross, you should be getting the car ready,” Rustom interrupted behind them. “You’re going to drive for me, too. That’s part of your job.”
“Yeah,” Ross said unenthusiastically. He turned to Cyrel. “I have to go. I’ll call you later.”
“Yeah. Take care. I believe in you.”
Ross smiled before he turned his back.
“Thank you, Cyrel,” Rustom said afterward.
Cyrel stared.
“What do you mean, Dad?”
“You brought my son back to me.” Rustom drew a breath. “Thank you.”
“I don’t think I get what you mean, Dad, but I’m happy to see you making it up to each other.”
“You’re an angel. See you later.”
Cyrel nodded.
“See you later, Dad. Take care.”
ROSS thought he would get reinstated to his former position, but to his dismay and surprise, Rustom made him assistant to Donald, who was already his executive assistant. How crazy was that?
“Here,” Donald put a file on his table. “I want you to review everything and fix the errors. When you’re done, make copies of it.”
Ross picked up the file. It was more than ten pages, and the font was small for him to read.
“What do you mean? I have to retype it?”
“Well, the document is not going to write itself, is it?”
He could not help a frown. He had a feeling he was Donald’s least favorite person in the world.
“Is this all?”
“Of course not. Finish that one first.” Then, he turned his back.
Ross drew a frustrated sigh. He grabbed his phone as he hid under the table. He started a video chat with Cyrel.
“Ross, it’s been two hours since you left home. Why are you calling already?” Cyrel said.
“I have this feeling that Donald is going to make my life a living hell.”
Cyrel laughed. “Or maybe you are just exaggerating. Donald is always nice to me.”
“That’s because you’re not me.” Ross rolled his eyeballs upward.
“Where are you right now?” she asked, her forehead creased.
“I’m hiding under the table. You can’t use your phone during work hours,” he replied matter-of-factly.
Cyrel arched an eyebrow. “Ah, so, you like to do things that Donald hates.”
“Yeah, existing, for example.”
Cyrel laughed.
“Well, the day is still long. Malu and Ruby are going to the grocery today. What do you want for dinner?”
“I’ll eat anything they make. What are you up to now?”
“I’m checking masterclasses online. Let’s talk about it when you get home. Okay?”
“Okay,” Ross said like an obedient kid.
“Cheer up, Ross. Get an iced coffee, maybe. You’re not only doing that for yourself, remember?”
He nodded.
“Yeah. Thanks for the reminder. I better get to work.” He was already smiling. “See you later. Mwah-mwah.”
Cyrel laughed. “Mwah-mwah.”