Chapter 5:  Twist of fate  

Michelle’s POV

Three Years Later

It was around 4:30 p.m. I was rounding up for the day at my new company when my phone beeped. 

I’m outside — Leo.

I smiled at the screen, grabbed my bag, and waved everyone goodnight.

There he was, waiting for me, looking effortlessly handsome, his soft brown eyes found me quickly as he leaned casually against his black Benz.

“I’ve missed you,” he said as I got close.

He wrapped his arms gently around my waist and we kissed

I pulled my face away with a light laugh, and we both chuckled.

“Shall we, my lady?” He opened the car door with a little bow, and I smiled as I stepped in.

We drove quietly, music drifting softly from the car speakers.

When we arrived, I gasped.

I thought it was just a simple dinner date. I didn’t know Leo had other plans.

He had booked and decorated a cozy resort—a quiet place wrapped in fairy lights, rose petals scattered across the ground, with soft music. Lanterns flickered in gold, outlining a dinner table set for two under a delicate white canopy.

“Baby” I whispered, still in disbelief, as he took my hand and guided me forward.

“Hey, Michelle,” he said, eyes warm and fixed on mine. “I want to let you know how much I love you… with every passing day, you become the peace I never knew I needed.”

I swallowed slowly as his words sank in.

“I just want you to know this is forever.” He breathed. 

He went down on one knee, his eyes locked on mine as he held my hands.

“Will you marry me, Michelle?” he asked softly.

I froze, my eyes widening in shock.

A tear slid down my cheek, and with a shaky smile I nodded quickly, my lips trembling.

“Yes, Leo… a thousand times, yes.”

Relief and joy lit up his face as he slipped the sparkling ring onto my finger.

He stood up, leaned in and kissed me deeply, and I responded without hesitation.

“I have a surprise for you,” he whispered close to my ear.

“Again?” I asked, still breathless.

He pressed a small remote in his hand, and with a soft mechanical hum, a sleek, brand-new BMW X1 rolled into view across the lawn. Its deep midnight-blue paint shimmered under the fairy lights.

“It’s yours,” he said, his eyes glowing with happiness.

Tears betrayed me first, slipping quietly down my cheeks.

“Are you—” I started, but he hushed me gently, pressing his lips softly on mine.

“I love you so much, Michelle,” he breathed, his fingers laced with mine, then a warm kiss to my forehead. He pulled me into a protective hug, holding me like I meant so much to him.

The next morning, I strolled into our 9am meeting, still floating about all that had happened the previous night.

After we were all seated, our General Manager cleared his throat bringing my attention back to the hall.

“Good afternoon, everyone.

The acting CEO collapsed during one of his meetings. The doctor has advised him to slow down and reduce his workload. For the next few months, our department will be serving him directly. This is a great responsibility, but also a test.” He paused and scanned through the room.

“Whitney Empire does not tolerate mistakes. He is a demanding, no-nonsense leader, and how you perform during this period could shape your reputation in this company.” He continued.

“Oh poor man,” I whispered under my breath.

“Nora, Riley, and Michelle,” the manager called, “you’ll be serving him directly until he fully recovers.”

I blinked. 

Wait, what? Why me?

“In an hour, we’ll go up to introduce you three to him,” the manager added. “Please, I beg you, keep things professional. He’s a no-nonsense man. And remember… he’s the new CEO of the entire Whitney Empire.”

He sounded more afraid than firm. 

“Alright, sir,” we replied in sync.

***

A few minutes later, now seated in my office. 

 I pulled out my phone, curious.

Who exactly is this new CEO? I thought as I typed.

Whitney Empire CEO…

Just as I was about to hit search, my phone rang. It was Leo.

I smiled and picked up quickly.

“Babe,” I blurted before he even said anything. “I’ve been selected to serve the new CEO as his personal nutritionist, along with two others.”

“Oh really?” he chuckled.

“Yeah.”

“That’s great, darling. Congratulations.”

“I’m not excited though. You know how difficult some of these C E O’s can be.” I exhaled.

“Well, just give it your best. Make use of the opportunity.”

“Sure,” I answered casually. 

“Are you all ready?” our manager’s voice interrupted.

I nodded, then turned to see Nora and Riley checking their reflection on the phone screen.

We walked together toward the elevator, everybody looking tense. As the elevator dinged and the doors opened, we stepped onto the 37th floor.

One of the CEO’s secretaries told us to sit and wait at the reception. A few minutes later, another assistant gestured.

“You can come in now.”

She used her fingerprint to unlock a large, glass-panel door, and we followed our manager inside.

He was seated, flipping through documents with sharp focus.

So this is the almighty CEO… He looked nothing like the tired old man I had imagined. Young, with perfectly styled dark hair and a sharp jawline that said he didn’t smile often.

Then he looked up.

Our eyes met and I froze.

My body went cold, and I instinctively stepped back. 

Memories I’d buried for years—beach nights, the awkward moments and the regret—rushed back all at once. My chest tightened and my hands trembled terribly. How could fate be this cruel?”

There he was.

Ray.

The guy I gave my virginity to on a beach, after getting drunk three years ago.

The guy I prayed never to see again. The guy who made me loose, the last gift I have of my late brother.

And now, he was sitting in front of me—as my new boss.