chapter 3

Paige's POV

I tucked Alex into bed, kissing his cheeks and forehead before turning off the lights and leaving the door open, just in case he woke up later on. As I walked out, I sighed tiredly, running my hand through my hair. Today was really hectic, and I am very grateful to have actually made it through if the pounding of my head doesn't count as anything. After a quick shower, I put on a comfortable black shirt and loose shorts, the perfect fit for bed. I reviewed the work I had left unfinished since I had to pick Alex up from school, reminding me that I needed to hire a nanny to help me both physically and emotionally, it would reduce the eyes on me a little, I just hope she doesn't charge much. I don't think I can handle that right now, but at the same time, I can't keep enduring the harsh comments from people who were growing suspicious of my denial about my son.

I woke up really late, realizing I was running behind schedule. I quickly showered and dressed in a professional pink blouse and black pencil skirt, I could try to look presentable at least. I checked on Alex, who, gratefully, was already dressed and waiting for me, his big blue eyes reminded me so much of his father gazing up at me with a mixture of curiosity and concern. We stopped by McDonald's to get him something for breakfast since we were already too late, and I decided to get lunch at once before dropping him off at school and heading to work, feeling guilty for not having enough time to prepare a homemade meal.

As I arrived at the office, Grayson spoke up.

"Miss Moretti, you're lucky you made it just in time." Vanessa stood beside him, smirking, which I found suspicious, the look on her face already gave me the confirmation I needed, she had done something she knows will only add pressure to my workload,

She stared at me like I was some dirt under her show but I couldn't care less, I have worse problems than her pained self,

"Were you able to finish up the work yesterday?" Grayson asked as he gathered a few files on his desk.

"Yes sir" I answered quickly, trying to sound confident despite my exhaustion. I can't even remember the last time I slept properly without the pressure of work pushing down on me

"That's good because I have more for you, Vanessa couldn't finish up her work yesterday so I want you to help her finish up. She has to go to the hospital and check herself, she is having a fever. We can't have a sick employee doing anything around here, it is not good for the employee or the company, I am sure you know that" he said turning to glance at Vanessa who quickly morphed a sick and pitiable face which I can never fall for, how on earth can he even believe such a pathetic lie,

"I am so sorry, Sir, I didn't know it would get this bad, I would have given prior notice but I just have to go and check whatever this is before it becomes worse," she said feigning tiredness as she clutched her stomach like she wanted to puke but I knew better, Vanessa's fake sick leave was a familiar tactic, and I am tired of covering for her or even trying to make Grayson see her for who she is,

"I understand, don't worry you are free to go," he said to Vanessa and she nodded slowly before walking out but not without hitting me on purpose and the stupid blind boss couldn't even see it, I won't blame him though Vanessa has her charms, why on earth will anyone even want to favor me not to even think of looking at me with how messed up I am, I couldn't even keep my high school boyfriend.

~~~~~

Before Vanessa left, she stopped by my office.

"Thank you so much, Paige, it's so nice of you to volunteer to finish up my share of the work" Vanessa started as she walked into my office smirking, the fakeness in her voice irritating to the ears, it took a lot not to throw something at her just to see how she would react to a bruise on her so-called pretty face.

"My pleasure, you are supposed to be resting, why are you here, you will not get better if you don't treat yourself" I replied with an obvious fake smile, two fakes might make it real right?

"Oh please we both know nothing is wrong with me," she said flinging her hands in the air as she expressed what I would like to call stupidity.

"But it would have been nice, don't you think so?"I smiled sweetly at her flooding my arms in front of me.

"Ugh, Bitch" she shot angrily before storming off.

"How ironic" I muttered to myself with a slight chuckle facing the work in front of me.

~~~~

At lunchtime, I prepared myself for a break, relieved to have a call from a potential nanny for Alex, although I prefer not to go out for lunch but why not use the opportunity? I scheduled a meeting at the cafe down the street since it wouldn't be so far away from the company in case of emergencies. I knocked twice in Grayson's down before opening the door after a faint 'come in' from him.

"I will be going for my lunch break now"I informed him from the door, not entering the office totally.

"Be back in 15 minutes there is a lot to be done, I just got a call from R&J Technologies, they finally accepted our proposal to work with them, and fortunately for us the meeting will be held here so we have to out in our best to impress them" he said with a sly smirk on his face probably because he is proud that he is finally going to be working with one of the greatest company in the whole of New York, it is great news actually but I know better than to be happy for a company that is likely to throw me out someday like I didn't matter.

"That's enough time, thanks"I appreciated rushing off without remembering to ask him the date for the meeting, well guess I'll find out later.

I met with the woman at the café and we discussed the details. She was a simple woman in her mid-forties and, luckily, she actually didn't charge much, saying she wasn't doing it for the money, that it was more like a hobby to her than a job, and she wouldn't mind it. I headed back feeling a sense of hope that I might finally find someone to help me balance my work and motherhood.