CHAPTER 27
With a serious yet light expression on my face, I sat in front of my laptop, crafting a pitch for a potential client regarding our company managing their advertising campaign when I noticed Noah peeping at me from the doorway.
He thought I hadn’t noticed him but I did.
“I see you, boss,” I said with a sly curl of my lips while still looking at my laptop screen and typing fervently. “I know it’s you. If you continue peeping at me like that, then I might not get this job done and I might also start charging you for spying,” I finished with a flash of playful grin to him.
“I’m sorry,” he raised his hand in a playful surrender as he came out of his hiding place. “I can assure you it won’t happen again.”
“That’s like the hundredth time you’ve said that,” I shot him a teasing glance, taking a sip of the coffee beside me before turning my full attention to him. “But apology accepted. Now, what can I do for you, boss?”
“Is it just me or do you keep getting more beautiful every day?” He said with a flirtatious smile playing around the corners of his lips as he swung the chair on the other side of my table around so the back was facing me and straddled it. He crossed his hands on the top as he leaned in, staring at me intensely. “Tell me, what’s your secret?”
“You’re laying it on thick with your flattery this early morning,” I said, pretending to play hard to catch as I lowered my gaze to the keyboard to resume typing. “But sadly, I have work to do. Maybe next time.”
“I’m dead serious,” he stressed, saying it like he meant it.
I gave him a brief look, the side of my lips lifting to a smile as I did after which I continued with my work.
After meeting Noah about nine years ago at that bar, he still hadn’t changed one bit except only this time he became hotter. He always looked handsome and ready to take on the world in his CEO attire with his black hair neatly slicked back, exuding a gentlemanly confidence. He smiled a lot even in tough times, revealing his perfect set of white teeth and a small barely noticeable mark on the side of his lips. I don’t think I have seen him frown or angry. And he had this charming look in his eyes that seemed to draw one in. At times, I almost get lost in them.
When I first started working in this company, I thought his employees wouldn’t take him seriously as a boss because of his overly jovial and outgoing nature. But I was wrong. They all respected and valued him as their boss and that kept the company thriving. I respected and valued him too as he was always concerned about my well-being and that of my kids since he learned of them. There is no day he won’t compliment my looks. Even though I try to act unfazed, I won’t deny I liked it. It’s not like I’m seeking validation or something but no man has noticed and complimented me that way for a long time. Not even Robert. He never for once did even after my numerous attempts to look flawlessly beautiful for him. I can’t still believe I did all that. I was a stupid fool for trying so hard for a man who didn’t give a damn about me.
“What about that movie date I mentioned the other day?” He asked while still giving me that charmingly irresistible look.
I sighed and folded my lips as I looked at him. “I’m so sorry, Noah. I’m always so busy with work my kids and other important stuff that I rarely have time for myself. But anytime I’m free I’ll let you.”
He heaved a quiet sigh and shrugged, getting up from the chair.
Shortly after I started working here, Noah developed a romantic interest in me. He has been trying to ask me out but I kept turning him down, bringing up one excuse or the other. I felt bad for doing that because he was a great guy but it was for the best. He could easily get any woman he wanted so why me? An ex-convict with an ugly romantic past that almost threatened to take my life.
Everyone tells me to consider him, even Mae, the nanny and my kids like him a lot because he brings them lots of gifts and goodies. Once, Lila had asked him if he could be their daddy, shocking me to the point of choking on the food I was eating at that time.
Despite all that, I was still hesitant and rather too busy and worse, afraid to fall in love again. After Robert rejected and betrayed me, it left a deep wound in my heart. I was still in the process of healing and at times feared I might never heal completely. If I let Noah into my heart and life, I feared he might reject me after finding out about my ugly past. Sometimes, he does ask questions about the father of my kids and why I left New York for LA but I lie, hiding the truth from him.
Furthermore, having weathered a major heartbreak when his wife who he had loved dearly for a long time divorced him, I knew I wasn’t the right woman for him. I was afraid I wouldn’t love him as he deserved and would only cause him another intense heartbreak if he found out the truth about me.
I felt really sad for him as I watched him make his way to the door, doing his best to act like he wasn’t affected I turned him down again. It’s been very long since I went for a nice cosy date. Maybe one day I’ll give him a chance and agree to go on the date but not today or tomorrow or the next or even a week or month later. I’m just not sure when.
“I almost forgot,” he said, turning to face me again on his way out and I quickly shifted my gaze from him, awkwardly pretending to be typing. “Your idea for the interactive social media campaign for that fitness app was approved. They loved it and can’t wait to get started.”
“Really?” My eyes grew big with excitement as I looked at him.
“Mmmmhh,” he nodded confidentially, looking at me with a proud gaze.
I was short of words. I couldn’t believe it. Last week, after I delivered that pitch to the creators of the fitness app, I was unsure if they’d buy my idea or if it would stand out from the other companies competing for the spot. Little did I know they’d accept it. No doubt, this is the best news today. If all goes well, I might even become their brand ambassador. That would be a huge step forward in my career journey.
“I’m really happy for you, Lily. Your hard work and dedication are taking you and the company to greater heights. Don’t relent, keep up the good work. We’re hosting a small party in the boardroom shortly. Do well to join us. I can’t wait to see you there.”
“Alright, I’ll just finish up and be there in no time,” I replied, still bubbling with excitement as Noah left and I proceeded to finish the last part of the pitch I was crafting.
*
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Arriving at the boardroom, I could see it was moderately decorated with elegant floral arrangements and sleek lighting. Everyone had gathered, mingling and sipping cocktails, and soft jazz music was playing in the background.
If Noah hadn’t told me about this ten minutes ago, I wouldn’t have known about it. With the way everyone was gathered, drinking and chatting heartily, it seemed like they were all aware of the party before today and had been looking forward to it. I felt left out. I wished Noah had informed me earlier so I could prepare better, choosing the right outfit for it.
When my gaze met Noah’s, he flashed me a warm smile and gestured for me to come forward to where he was in front which I did. He handed me a glass filled with a golden fizzing liquid.
“I don’t understand, what’s the party about? What are we celebrating?” I asked curiously, glancing around after taking a sip of the wine.
“You’ll see,” he smiled like he had a clever plan, reminding me of Liam before taking a spoon and gently tapping it against the wine glass he was holding. He wanted to get everyone’s attention and make an announcement.
“Today, I’m pleased to announce that Lily is being promoted to the position of co-partner and CEO of the agency. After thinking deeply about it, I have made this decision because her hard work, dedication, and commitment to the company over these past few years have been nothing short of excellent. I ask that you all welcome her with open arms and show her your full support in her new role,” he said as he looked at me with a proudly approving smile.
My mouth rounded in shock and I looked at him with widened eyes. I never expected that to be the reason for the gathering.
To my surprise, the crowd cheered. They wanted to applaud when suddenly, Cassandra, a colleague, slammed her hand on the table. “This is unacceptable!” she said angrily with her face flushed. “I’ve been in this company since its reception and put in just as much effort! She has been here for barely two years and didn’t even get employed through the normal procedure yet you offer her such a high promotion?”