UNKNOWN
I sat back in my chair, smoking quietly while waiting for my boys to give me feedback.
I swore to myself that once I got my hands on her, I wouldn't let her go again. A slow smile crept onto my face as dark thoughts crossed my mind—just then, my phone rang.
It was my spy. I picked up immediately.
"Boss, we found her," he said.
I exhaled, an evil grin spreading across my face.
"Where is she?" I asked.
"She's currently in Gorgie City, on an unknown street," he replied, then paused. "We'll get her as soon as we see her."
"No," I said calmly. "Don't touch her. I'll take her myself."
I smiled and hung up.
I'm coming for you, babe. And this time, I'm not letting you go, I thought, smiling sarcastically.
GORGIE CITY — HERE I COME.
BRYAN
"Mom, good evening," I greeted as usual.
"Hi, son. How are you?" she replied happily.
"I'm fine, Mom," I said, pausing.
"What's making you so happy?" I asked.
"Guess," she replied mischievously.
"I can't," I said, rubbing my forehead.
"I'm coming over next week, and I need to meet your girlfriend," she squealed like a child.
I stayed silent.
"And if you don't have one," she continued, "I'll personally arrange one for you. The only thing I ask, son, is grandchildren."
She sounded sad now. I sighed, rubbing my temple.
"But Mom—"
"No buts," she cut in sharply.
"Bye, my child. See you next week."
The call ended.
"Gosh… what kind of pressure is this?" I muttered.
Later, I explained everything to my best friend, Henry. Instead of helping, he laughed and told me to find a fake girlfriend—someone who would act lovey-dovey while my mother stayed at my mansion.
I didn't even know who to choose. I knew almost any woman would agree—
but not my new secretary, my subconscious reminded me.
CALI
I woke up on the couch with tears in my eyes. I stood up quickly and looked around. Through the window, everything outside was dark—that's when I realized it was already night.
I needed rest. I'd think about everything later.
For now, I reassured myself that I would get the money for the surgery—no matter what it took.
I went to my room, lay on the bed, and drifted into a deep sleep.
NEXT DAY
I woke up feeling tense and checked the time—7:00 a.m.
I jumped out of bed, freshened up, and got dressed. After making coffee, I drank it with four slices of bread. The house felt lonely without Edward, but I pushed the feeling aside and forced myself to stay positive.
I rinsed my cup, locked the door properly, and rushed out.
By the time the cab dropped me off, I was ten minutes late. With help from the receptionist, I located my office. When I entered, I saw a young lady about my age standing with her arms crossed, clearly waiting for me.
I dropped my bag.
"Hey! Don't you realize I'm standing here?" she yelled.
I flinched.
"What do you want?" I asked tiredly, still dizzy.
"The boss wants to see you in his office," she snapped, then stormed off.
Just hearing the word boss made all the dizziness fade.
What did I do to this girl? We've barely known each other for five minutes, I wondered.
I knocked on the boss's door, and his husky voice told me to come in.
"Good morning, sir," I greeted, bowing slightly.
"Good morning," he replied coldly.
"What's wrong with this man?" I thought.
"You're twenty minutes late. Why?" he asked, lifting his head.
"I—I'm sorry, sir. I had an emergency," I replied nervously.
"That shouldn't affect your work," he said, clearly unconvinced.
"I'm sorry, sir," I apologized again.
"Next time you come late, Miss Rillion, I'll deduct it from your salary," he said firmly.
"You understand?"
"Yes, sir," I replied.
"Now leave."
His voice was cold and bossy as I scrambled out of the office.