17-Love After Heartbreak

Anna couldn't sleep at all.

No matter how many times she turned from one side of the bed to the other, her mind kept returning to the conversation she had with her boss.

His words had unsettled her more than she cared to admit, and she couldn't seem to shake them off.

How did he even know about her ex-husband?

She stared at the ceiling, her brows drawing together as she tried to make sense of it. She had barely started working for him, yet he already seemed to know things about her that she hadn't shared with anyone at the office.

She didn't want anyone getting involved in her personal affairs. Her marriage was over, and whatever problems she had with her ex-husband were hers to deal with. She didn't need her boss interfering in her personal matters.

Besides, what if his involvement complicated things at work? What if she ended up losing her job because of something that had nothing to do with her performance?

A frustrated groan escaped her lips. She squeezed her eyes shut and tossed the duvet aside, no longer caring that it had slipped down to her waist.

She just wanted a peaceful night without having to worry about everything.

****

Elliot Hayes wasn't the kind of man who went around involving himself in other people's affairs. He had enough responsibilities of his own, and he preferred keeping his distance from matters that didn't concern him.

Yet Anna's situation had somehow become an exception.

He wanted to know more about her. Who was she? Where had she come from? And what exactly gave her the confidence to speak to him the way she had on her very first day at work?

Not once in his career had an employee dared to address him with such boldness. Most people were careful around him, choosing their words and watching their expressions whenever he was nearby. Some were intimidated by his position, while others simply wanted to remain on his good side.

But Anna? She had looked him straight in the eyes and spoken her mind without appearing the least bit concerned about the consequences.

It was unusual. Infuriating, perhaps, but undeniably fascinating.

What surprised him even more was how effortlessly she had managed to make him smile. He couldn't remember the last time someone had caught him off guard like that, especially someone he'd only just met.

Who the hell was she?

The question had been bothering him for hours, and he had finally decided to do something about it.

That was why he'd contacted a private investigator.

He sat comfortably in the leather chair behind his desk, a file resting in front of him. His gaze lingered on the photograph attached to the document, and the faintest smirk appeared on his lips.

Anna.

There was something about her that he couldn't quite put his finger on. She was beautiful, of course, but that wasn't what interested him most.

She was intelligent, outspoken, and carried herself with a confidence that didn't seem dependent on anyone's approval.

He leaned back slightly, tapping his fingers against the armrest as he studied her photograph.

He wanted to know her story.

Eventually, he closed the file and left his study. He made his way down the hallway and headed towards one of the largest bedrooms in the mansion.

The moment he opened the door, a small smile spread across his face.

Sophia was supposed to be asleep.

Instead, the little girl was lying in the middle of her enormous bed.

Elliot glanced at the ceiling lights, then at the bedside lamp. He was certain he'd switched everything off before leaving her earlier.

How had she managed to turn them back on?

He walked over to the bed and shook his head in amusement before pulling the duvet over her little body.

The movement caught Sophia's attention. She turned towards him, her eyes fluttering open before a mischievous grin spread across her face.

"I thought someone was supposed to be sleeping," Elliot remarked, raising an eyebrow at her.

"I know, Daddy," Sophia replied innocently. "But I was watching a movie."

Elliot folded his arms across his chest and gave her a questioning look.

"And how old are you again, Sophia?"

"Seven," she answered promptly, holding up seven fingers. Then her expression changed, and she pushed her lower lip forward. "Well, I'm seven years old without a mommy."

Elliot let out a quiet sigh.

"But you have a daddy, don't you?"

"Yes, I do." She nodded, then looked at him with those innocent eyes that always made it difficult for him to refuse her anything. "But I want a mommy too."

He sat on the edge of the bed, wondering where the conversation was heading.

"What exactly do you need a mommy for when you already have me?"

Sophia shifted closer to him, her little hands resting on her knees.

"I want someone to play with me when you're busy. Someone who will tell me stories before I go to bed and listen when I have something to say. Someone who will cook my favourite meals and prepare my milk without me having to call you every time."

She paused, letting out a dramatic little sigh.

"And I want someone to braid my hair and buy me pretty dresses. All my friends have mommies, Daddy."

Elliot's expression softened. He reached out and brushed a few strands of hair away from her forehead.

"You can always talk to me, sweetheart. You know that, right? No matter how busy I am, I'll always make time for you."

"I know, Daddy." Sophia nodded, but her expression remained serious. "But you can't be with me all the time. You have work, meetings and other things to do."

He couldn't argue with that.

Sophia suddenly sat up straighter, looking at him with renewed determination.

"Daddy, when are you going to get married?"

Elliot chuckled softly, although he wasn't entirely sure how to answer that question.

"You're asking me to get married now?"

"Yes." She nodded enthusiastically. "I want a mommy, and I want a baby brother too."

"A baby brother?" He repeated, pretending to consider the request. "You've already started planning everything, haven't you?"

Sophia giggled before wrapping her little arms around his. "So, when?"

Elliot looked at her for a moment. He knew how much she wanted a mother figure in her life, and although he'd tried to make up for that absence in every possible way, there were certain things he simply couldn't provide.

He loved his daughter more than anything, and the last thing he wanted was for her to feel that she was missing out on something.

"Soon, sweetheart," he finally answered, taking her hand in his.

Sophia's eyes widened. "Promise?"

He smiled and squeezed her fingers gently. "Yes, I promise."

Her face immediately brightened, and she threw her arms around his neck.

"Yay! I'm going to have a mommy!"

Elliot laughed quietly, returning her embrace.

"Now, enough excitement. You have school tomorrow, remember?" He gently eased her back onto the mattress, adjusted her pillow and pulled the duvet up to her shoulders.

"Close your eyes and get some sleep. I don't want your teacher calling me tomorrow to complain that you've been sleeping in class."

Sophia giggled, then settled comfortably beneath the covers.

"I love you so much, Daddy." She whispered.

"I love you more, princess." He whispered back sweetly.

He leaned down and kissed her forehead before reaching for the bedside switch. The room fell into darkness, except for the faint glow coming from the hallway.

"Goodnight, Daddy," Sophia blew him a kiss.

"Goodnight, sweetheart."

Elliot watched her for a few seconds to make sure she was settled before leaving the room and quietly closing the door behind him.

His smile gradually faded as he returned to his bedroom.

He had just made a promise he had no idea how to fulfil.

Marriage was the last thing on his mind. He had no intention of settling down, not after everything he'd been through. He had built a comfortable life for himself and Sophia, and he saw no reason to complicate it by bringing someone else into their world.

He was perfectly content with being a single father.

He didn't need love, romance or another failed relationship. All he wanted was to provide Sophia with everything she needed and enjoy the beautiful moments they shared.

That was enough for him.

At least, that was what he had always believed.

He sat on the edge of his bed and dragged a hand down his face before rubbing his tired eyes. When he finally opened them, a familiar face appeared in his mind.

Anna.

Her expression, the way she'd spoken to him, and that stubborn confidence in her eyes came rushing back.

He frowned, wondering why he was thinking about her again.

But then he remembered the way she'd looked at him, and the corner of his mouth lifted involuntarily.

His heartbeat quickened.

What the hell was happening to him?