Charlotte and Riele were discussing when Riele heard her name. "Riele Grants!" Mr. Owen called.
Charlotte looked at her. "What did you do this time?" She asked, but Riele shrugged.
"Don't look at me like that, I did absolutely nothing."
"Did you pick him up at the supposed time?" Charlotte folded her arms while waiting for Riele to lie.
"Um, I woke up late," Riele answered softly.
"I just hope you are not in big trouble."
"I guess we are about to find out," Riele said as she walked to the office.
Riele exhaled and inhaled for thirty seconds. Affter she had gotten her boldness, she knocked.
"Come in," she heard Mr. Owen say as she unlocked the door and entered inside.
The first eyes that met hers were those of Kim. She tried to keep her beating heart in check. "Um...you called me?" She asked Mr. Owen.
"Yes. Please have a seat," he gestured for her to sit next to Kim.
Riele couldn't count how many times she almost tripped. This is what you get when you have a stunning and handsome new boss. Even though he isn't doing anything, you can't help but just fall for him.
His dark hair, flawless skin, doe eyes, prominent shoulders, and that cute smile of his made her heart flutter, and her stomach churned in joy.
It was her first time to see someone so handsome.
She sat down and listened to the meeting.
"Kim, this is Riele Grants and she's going to be your PA as agreed."
"I still don't know why you chose her," he said coldly. He looked up at Riele trying to find out if there was something special in her.
"I didn't choose her, we all did," Mr. Owen explained. "She was voted in. That's why I decided that she's the one for you..." Riele gave Mr. Owen a confused look. "... I mean the job," Mr. Owen quickly rephrased.
Kim turned to look at Riele who was trying her best to avoid to meet his eyes.
"Fine then." He turned to face Riele with folded arms. "So Riele Grants, what do you have to say for yourself?" He asked
She turned to face him. "Um...I don't understand the question," she told Kim.
"Do you think you're worth it?" He asked as Riele raised an eyebrow in confusion.
"I don't know what sort of question this is, but if you're trying to put my worth on a weighing scale. I can assure you that it's more than you can ever imagine."
Kim smiled. He must admit, she does have something special in her.
"Do you want to work for me?" He asked, his eye not leaving hers.
It's not like I have any other choice. Riele murmured inside her head. "Of course. I mean who wouldn't?" She faked a smile.
"Then first, I need a place to stay," he told her bluntly.
Riele was shocked at his demand. She looked at Mr. Owen who was trying his best to avoid any conversation from her.
"I thought they made provision for that, didn't you?" She directed the question to Mr. Owen.
"They did, but it's not ready yet. I saw the place and I didn't like it so I told them to change some things. That's why I need a place to stay before then," Kim answered.
"Mr. Owen, I think he's directing this to you".
"Come on, Riele just let him spend a few days or weeks or months with you, besides you stay alone," Mr. Owen said.
"I am sorry. There's no way I'm going to allow him anywhere near my house. If he wants a place to stay, someone like him should be able to book a hotel or something, not share a house with his P.A. Who does that?" Riele asked in rage and disbelief.
"I accept her as my PA," Kim said as he got up and left.
Riele didn't understand what had happened. Did he just accept her?
"See why I told you that you're the right girl for the job." Mr. Owen patted her back.
Riele was still having a hard time trying to process what had just happened. Her started started to ache. It was like her body was telling her she was going through a lot at the moment. She pressed the two sides of her forehead gently, trying to suppress the pain a little.
She walked out of the office and what she saw shocked her. "Can someone explain to me what's going on here?" She asked. Charlotte pulled her close as she whispered in her ear. "Moving my things? To where?" Riele asked.
"As my P.A, you are going to work in the same space with me. Do you have any problem with that?" Kim's eyes pierced the deepest part of her soul.
Riele was about to complain when Charlotte pinched her. "Ouch!" she whimpered, glaring at Charlotte.
"I'll take that as a no." He threw a file to Riele which she had a hard time catching. "Get me in touch with that person."
Riele opened the file only to find a picture of Kim Utter. She stared at Charlotte whose eyes were glued to the file in Riele's hands. "Can I know why you're choosing this guy?" She asked.
"Don't you think you ask me questions a lot?" He asked and Riele knew he was right. Ever since he came in, she has been questioning mostly everything he does.
"I'll get in touch with him right away," Riele avoided his gaze.
Kim shook his head and sighed before going into his office.
Charlotte couldn't believe her eyes, she wasn't ready to face him and here he is. What's she going to do now? "Riele, I'm not ready to face him yet," she whined.
Riele understood her plight and pulled her into a hug.
"Then you don't need to. I'll try to see if I can talk him out of this."
"That will get you into a lot of trouble," Charlotte warned her. Riele pulled her away a little so she can see her face.
"And you are worth it."
"Thanks a lot."
"Like I said, can I punch Kim Utter when I see him?"
"If the need arises, go ahead," Charlotte answered.
"Let me try my luck with, Mr. Handsome."
Riele took a deep breath before going into his office.
Riele tried her best to convince Kim Huxley that Kim Utter was a bad figure for the company, but he didn't pay attention to her. "Do as you are told, young lady!" He glanced through the files in his hand. Riele had been battling with Mr. Handsome, trying to get him to change his mind, but every word she said went into one ear and came out of the other. "There are other models out there, why not choose among them? why does it have to be Utter?" "The same reason why it has to be you." Kim walked up to her. Riele stared into his eyes. There was no way she was going to back down so easily. "Was he voted in or is this just an irrational decision made by you?" "Do you think I make decisions without thinking it through?" "Obviously," Riele muttered. Kim sighed as he went back to his desk. "Get me the model I want Riele and we are not debating on this issue." "But..." He lifted his hand to shun her. "Also, I need a beautiful female model. You should find the right one," he told her wi
The phone ringing loudly woke Riele. She checked the caller and it was Charlotte. She glance at the clock, it was 9 am. She didn't need to be told what to do. She took her bath and came out in less than ten minutes. She searched for a gown to wear and she picked a flowery sleeveless gown. She wore her heels to go with it. She had to board a taxi to get to work because she knew the bus had left and she had to find her way to work. "I guess I was exhausted after last night," she told herself when Charlotte called again. She picked up the call and the voice that welcomed her was Charlotte screaming her name and asking her where she is. "I will be right there, it will just take a second," Riele explained. "A second uh? Well, just for your information, Mr. Handsome is angry. So I will advise you to start preparing the speech you are going to give to him," Charlotte warned. "Thanks, girlfriend." She hung up as she thought of the speech to give Kim. ****++**** "So you are saying it's
Jay entered the office with Charlotte in front of her. "Jay!" Kim greeted him with a hug. "Bro!" Jay hugged him back. "Madison, you can leave with Charlotte." Kim ordered as the girls left the office. "I'm so glad you're here," he said. Jay sat on the seat in front of him while Kim stood beside him. "Did anything happen?" Jay asked. "Nothing really. I just need you to do something for me." Jay knew him too well to know he was about to ask him to do something crazy. "Which is?" "I need you to be my male model." He looked at Kim before bursting into laughter. Jay was twenty-three years old. He was born and brought up in Texas and before he came to New York to join the boyband, he was a model and that was why Kim chose him. "Are you crazy?" Jay asked. "Please, Jay." Kim pleaded, but Jay didn't listen to him. "Please?" He pouted. "I don't want to." Jay folded his arms and glared at Kim. "Really?" He asked staring at Jay in disbelief. "Yes," Jay answered bluntly. "I promise
Riele and Charlotte had finished what they needed to do and were heading to Kim's office when Jay approached Riele. He grabbed her hand and Riele had to stop. She turned to look at who dared to touch her without her permission and to her greatest surprise, she saw it was Jay.Charlotte was shocked. "Um... I'll be in the office while you join me later". Riele nodded. Charlotte went to the office leaving Riele with Jay. Immediately after she left, Jay left Riele's hand."Isn't there anything I can help you with?". Riele asked politely.Jay stared at her for a while before replying. "Yes... actually, I need your help".Riele didn't want to seem rude because he was cute and he's the model her boss volunteered. She folded her arms staring at him to state what he needs her to do for him."I am new to this whole modeling thing so I was wondering if you could tutor me". He lied.Riele couldn't believe her eyes neither could she believe her ears. She knows she is in charge of the models but tu
Jay led Riele into one of the coffee shops. He was so protective of her to the point that Riele started to think maybe they were on a date. "This isn't a date". Jay said before waving his hands to the waitress. Riele scoffed. "I never thought it was". She lied. "Really?" Jay asked staring at her in doubt. "'Cos it's written all over your face if you ask me". "Hello. It's nice to have you both here today. What would you like to have?". The waitress asked with a broad smile on her face. "I need something cold". Jay looked at the book menu. "What do you suggest?" "We'll like two ice americano please". Riele smiled at the waitress who nodded with a smile before leaving. "Why americano?" Jay asked. "You asked for something cold, well that has ice in it, that's why it's called ice americano, just the drink you need." Riele explained. The waitress brought their orders and set them on the table in front of them. "Is that all?" "We'll let you know if we need anything else". Jay answer
Charlotte was restless. She had been worried sick about Riele.A knock was heard on the door and Charlotte rushed to open the door. She pulled Riele in as she shut the door. "Start talking". She commanded with her arms folded across her chest."After the outburst in his office, Jay offered to take me somewhere so we could talk"."So you could talk?? About what?"Riele remembered that they didn't even talk about the modeling stuff anymore. "um... about... um...". Charlotte was glaring at her friend with folded arms waiting for the lies to just leave Riele's mouth. "...He asked me to tutor him about modeling".Charlotte looked at her friend trying to see if she was lying but Riele kept a straight face. So she believed her because she could tell when she was lying."Why didn't you pick up my call then?". She asked."I didn't know my phone rang. It was on silent". Riele explained."Do you know how worried I was? I thought something bad had happened to you or Maybe Jay kidnapped you and di
Jay went home feeling a bit worried about the whole thing. He wasn't sure if he was making the right choice or the wrong one. He was still busy with his thoughts when Kim appeared in front of him."What are you thinking about?." Kim asked."uh?".Kim folded his arms while looking at Jay. Ignoring him, Jay went to his room but Kim followed after him."Where have you been?"."Out". He replied bluntly."To where and with whom?". Jay was confused."Since when do you become so engrossed in my life; what I do and where I go?" Jay asked."You went out with Riele, didn't you?""Are you interrogating me right now?". He looked at Kim while waiting for an answer but he was silent. "Wow!". Jay said in surprise as he tried to walk out on him but Kim grabbed his hand and pulled him back.Jay smiled. "You know, I'm starting to wonder if peradventure you have a thing or two for this girl"."What are you saying?".Jay shrugged."She is my assistant"."Ex". Jay corrected."What?"."She is your Ex-Assis
Kim arrived at the company the following day but was surprised when his assistant, Charlotte didn't attend to him. He went to her desk and he saw Riele busy with her laptop. "Where is Charlotte?" He asked."She isn't feeling too well, so she decided to take the day off.""Why didn't she tell me that?""She did but you refused.""No, she told me she needs a day off and when I asked why she didn't reply.""I don't blame her if she didn't tell you.""Excuse me."Riele gave him a fake smile and said, "If there is anything you'd like me to help you with, don't hesitate to ask me."Kim ignored her and left. Riele didn't understand how she could hate someone in just a couple of weeks. She went back to her laptop when she noticed a figure staring at her. She looked up and saw it was Jay with his bunny smile standing in front of her. Riele couldn't help but smile back."Sorry I left quite early, it was urgent.""I know," Jay replied. He looked and was surprised to see Charlotte's seat was empt
The breeze was gentle that afternoon, rustling the bare branches as though whispering secrets only the trees could understand. Riele stepped carefully between the headstones, her fingers interlocked with Harry's as they made their way toward the familiar spot. It had been three months—three quiet, aching months since they last stood here together. Time had softened the sharpness of their grief, but the ache still lived somewhere inside them, persistent and tender.Their mother’s grave was just as they remembered. A simple marble headstone with her name etched in gold: Esmeralda Grants, Beloved Mother, Eternal Light. Harry bent to brush away the leaves that had gathered at its base while Riele knelt, her hand smoothing over the cold stone."Hey, Mom," Riele whispered. Her voice was steady, but her chest quivered with the familiar ache. "We came to visit you. It's been a while, I know."Harry crouched beside her, setting down the small bouquet of wildflowers he’d picked up on the way. H
Charlotte was pacing the length of her living room, her newborn daughter nestled against her chest in a soft carrier. Utter was lounging on the sofa, half-watching her, half-focused on the bottle he was warming for Hope. Harry sat on the floor, his back against the couch, absentmindedly shaking a rattle and making faces at his niece who, despite her tiny size, already had a gaze sharp enough to quiet a room.The door creaked open and Riele stepped inside, cheeks pink from the cold outside and something else—something warmer.“I have news,” she said, pulling off her scarf and hanging it carefully by the door. “Big news.”Charlotte turned immediately. “What kind of news? Don’t tell me you’re leaving town again.”“Not that kind of news,” Riele said with a soft laugh, her voice unsteady with anticipation. She moved toward them slowly, like someone holding a secret she’d been dying to share but afraid to say out loud.Harry raised an eyebrow. “You’re not pregnant, are you?”“No,” she said
The sun had barely risen when Charlotte felt the first real pang. It wasn't like the false alarms she'd had over the last few days. This was different—heavier, deeper, a pressure that curled from her back to the pit of her stomach with the force of something ancient and inevitable. She’d always imagined that when this moment came, she’d be frantic or afraid. But she wasn’t. She was just... ready.Utter drove them to the hospital, one hand on the wheel, the other gripping Charlotte’s with all the quiet reassurance of a man who had grown into his role more than he ever expected. Riele sat beside Charlotte, holding her other hand, whispering encouragement and trying not to cry.“You’ve got this,” Riele kept saying, her voice soft, steady. “You’re stronger than you think.”Hours passed. The waiting room filled and emptied, nurses moved like angels in scrubs, and finally, when Charlotte thought she couldn’t take one more breath, one more push.A cry filled the room.And just like that, she
The hospital was bathed in soft white light, the air tinged with antiseptic and quiet murmurs. Riele shifted on the waiting bench just outside the maternity ward, her hands gripping the edge of her coat tightly. Harry sat beside her, fidgeting with his phone but not really looking at it. It was past noon, and Charlotte had been inside for over an hour now."She’s strong," Harry murmured, breaking the silence. "She’ll be okay."Riele nodded slowly. "I know. She’s been preparing for this day for months. I’m just... nervous."Harry reached over and gave her hand a gentle squeeze. "She’s lucky to have you here."Before Riele could respond, the elevator doors chimed, and a familiar figure stepped out, arms filled with baby bags, blankets, and a soft-looking teddy bear. Utter.His eyes found Riele first, then Harry. He gave a small nod and approached, his steps hesitant but determined."I heard... she went into labor," he said, his voice slightly breathless. "I wanted to bring a few things.
Jay hadn't traveled this far in months. The jet hummed beneath him, a steady sound that failed to drown out the noise in his thoughts. He sat by the window, staring out at the endless sky, a tablet balanced on his lap. Every few seconds, he'd glance at the screen showing his destination time—still hours ahead. His mother had summoned him. No one summoned Jay unless it was urgent.He had a rough idea why. The last time they spoke, she hinted at her desire for grandchildren, her voice laced with nostalgia and a touch of disappointment. “You're not getting younger,” she had said. “And neither am I.”Jay had brushed it off then, more concerned about Riele, about the tension growing between her and Kim. But now, with Riele emotionally distant and Kim hovering uncertainly between guilt and silence, Jay had found no excuse to delay this meeting.When the jet touched down, the staff ushered him into a sleek car that took him straight to the estate. His mother’s home was a sprawling villa tuck
Kim stepped into his apartment and leaned against the door as it clicked shut behind him. The silence was a relief. No condolences, no murmured apologies, no lingering eyes studying his every reaction at the burial. Just silence. But it didn't soothe him. If anything, the emptiness felt heavier.He dropped his coat on the couch and sat down, resting his head in his hands. Esmeralda’s burial had drained something in him. Riele’s tear-streaked face haunted his thoughts. There were still unspoken words between them, too many, and the distance that had crept in after the incident with Jane was still there, even though they’d tried to move past it.A soft knock interrupted the stillness. Kim stood slowly, frowning, not expecting anyone.When he opened the door, Jane stood there with a sad smile and a bottle of wine in hand."Hey," she said gently. "I just wanted to check on you. Is this a bad time?"Kim hesitated. "You shouldn't be here, Jane." Everything about her felt wrong. But exhaust
The sun filtered softly through the half-closed curtains, casting muted light across the quiet living room. The house was still, save for the occasional sound of footsteps or the clinking of tea cups. The burial was over, but the silence it left behind felt heavier than before.Riele sat on the couch beside Harry, their bodies leaning slightly toward each other, connected by grief and the exhaustion that always came after loss. A few relatives and friends still moved about quietly, offering small comforts, squeezes on the hand, hushed condolences. But most people had already left.Among the few who remained were Kim and Jay.Jay was speaking with Harry near the hallway, his arm lightly around his friend’s shoulders. They were murmuring something that only the two of them could hear. Whatever it was, it made Harry chuckle faintly, a rare sound in the past few days.Riele glanced at them and then turned her eyes to Kim. He was standing quietly near the window, hands in his pockets, gaze
The afternoon sun filtered weakly through the trees, casting long shadows over the small cemetery nestled behind the old church. The scent of fresh soil lingered in the air, mingling with the faint fragrance of flowers laid gently over Esmeralda’s resting place. The ceremony had been quiet, intimate—just a handful of close friends and family gathered around in solemn reflection.Riele stood beside Harry, both dressed in black. The wind tugged gently at the hem of her long coat, but she barely noticed. Her fingers gripped a white rose, now resting on the mound of earth that covered her mother. Esmeralda's photo sat framed on a stand nearby, her eyes forever watching with a kind, steady gaze that made Riele's heart ache all over again.People lingered a while after the burial—friends, neighbors, and even some of Esmeralda’s old colleagues—offering warm embraces and quiet condolences. Riele appreciated the gestures, but none of them could dull the hollow ache inside her chest.Harry excu
The wheels of the plane screeched against the runway as it landed, jostling the passengers slightly in their seats. Riele sat silently by the window, her hands folded in her lap, her gaze fixed on the landscape blurring past. The city felt colder now, duller, as if it knew that she was returning not to celebration, but to grief.Beside her, Jay reached over and gently rested his hand over hers. She didn't look at him, but she didn’t pull away either. Kim, sitting on the other side of the aisle, glanced at them briefly, his jaw clenched. He hadn’t spoken much during the entire flight. There were too many things left unsaid—too much heaviness in the air to be broken by small talk.Jane sat a few rows ahead, her head resting against the seatback, sunglasses covering her eyes. As the plane rolled to a stop, the crew stood and began preparing for disembarkation. Kim reached up to grab their luggage from the overhead bin, passing Riele’s to Jay, who held it for her without a word.The four