“When will she be coming back?” Lisa asked in a panicked tone, her eyes darting around at the other employees, who all wore the same worried expression.
“I hope it’s soon. Miss Morticia might be strict, but she’s the reason we’re the best team here,” another coworker chimed in, prompting several others to sigh.
“She’ll be back soon,” Nolan said, drawing their attention.
“How do you know that? She left in such a strange way that day-upset at President Sinclair, I think,” Lisa remarked.
“Why was she upset with President Sinclair? Do they know each other from somewhere?” someone else asked.
“It looked like they might,” Lisa mumbled. “I’ve never seen Miss Morticia that upset before.”
Just then, the door creaked open, and Morticia stepped in, her expression as blank as ever as she made her way to her seat.
“Good morning, ma’am,” they all greeted, bowing their heads slightly.
Morticia didn’t respond. She sat down, her fingers tapping rhythmically on her desk as she rested her chin on her other hand.
The others exchanged glances, wondering what was on her mind. Despite having worked with her for over a year, none of them could ever predict her thoughts.
“Lisa, Nolan, Carlos, Mark, Baron, Hannah,” Morticia called out several names, her sharp gaze lifting to meet theirs. “Get ready,” she said, standing and grabbing her jacket. “We’re heading to Scarlet Holdings to finish our discussion and start the project.” She walked out without another word.
Lisa blinked, casting a glance at Nolan. “She’s not in a good mood, is she?”
–
“Finally,” Rhea muttered as Morticia stepped into the elevator with her, both heading toward Miller’s office.
“Hey,” Morticia greeted dryly.
“Don’t you have some explaining to do?” Rhea raised a brow.
“I went home because I missed my family. How hard is that to believe?” Morticia replied, her tone flat.
“I’m not talking about you going back to Washington to see your family. I’m talking about how you left all of a sudden,” Rhea pressed, her voice firm. “There are rumors about you leaving right after seeing the Scarlet Holdings CEO.”
“What about it?” Morticia asked indifferently.
“Seriously? Are you going to start keeping things from me now?”
Morticia sighed as the elevator doors opened. “Can we talk later?” she said before stepping out and heading to Miller’s office.
As predicted, Miller didn’t take her sudden disappearance lightly. Leaving without notice in the middle of a major project was unprofessional. She hadn’t answered his calls or returned his messages either.
“I’m sorry,” Morticia said, surprising Miller. It was the first time she’d ever apologized.
Miller blinked, stunned. Sure, he’d been furious, but Morticia apologizing? That was new. What in the world had happened?
“I’ll head to Scarlet Holdings today, complete our discussion, and start the project,” she assured him, leaving Miller with his mouth slightly ajar. His anger faded instantly.
“Oh… alright,” Miller nodded as Morticia gave him a slight bow and left.
“Why does her nice side feel so scary?” Miller muttered to himself with a sigh. “What an employee.”
–
Nica was busy in her kitchen when the doorbell rang. She set down what she was doing and went to open the door, surprised to see Vincent standing there.
“Hi,” Vincent greeted, clearing his throat.
“Hi, Vince,” she replied.
“Uh… I need to talk to you,” Vincent said, looking slightly nervous.
Nica hesitated for a moment before stepping aside. “Come in.”
Vincent hesitated too, surprised by the invitation, but eventually stepped into her cozy apartment. It was neatly furnished, with a warm and welcoming vibe.
“Would you like some coffee?” Nica asked from the kitchen.
“Uh… no, thanks,” he stammered.
“Come on, it’s Americano-your favorite,” Nica said with a smile. Vincent gave in, nodding.
“Where’s Evan?” he asked.
“He’s still asleep in his room,” Nica replied, returning a few minutes later with two cups of coffee.
“Thank you,” Vincent muttered, meeting her sweet gaze. She seemed to be in a good mood.
“Old Evan woke up earlier. The doctor called this morning, and I went to check on him,” Nica said.
Vincent frowned. “What, how come they didn’t call me,” he pulled out his phone.
“They couldn’t reach you”
Vincent sighed, realizing his phone was dead. “Right,” he mumbled.
“How did you get to know where I am,” Nica asked curiously.
“I have my ways. Sorry for showing up so suddenly-I just needed to talk to you,” he admitted.
Nica nodded, indicating she was ready to listen.
“I’m sorry,” Vincent said after a moment’s hesitation. “I’m deeply sorry for being a jerk. I understand why you left without telling me. I said too much that night… I was angry. I wish I had listened, Nica. I wish I’d been there for you during your struggle.”
Tears welled up in Nica’s eyes as she sniffled. “Wow… I’ve always wanted to hear that.”
Vincent stood and gently took her hand, making her stand too.
“That night wasn’t a mistake,” he said in a low voice as his gaze settled on their hands. “Most people are in the true self when they get drunk. That night something woke in me. I tried to ignore it during my stay oversea and thought it was just the heartbreak but it was real… I wanted you Nica,” he locked gaze with hers.
“What?” Her voice dripping with disbelief.
“I know it sounded crazy but when you left, I felt something was missing. I wanted to reach out to you. I… I missed you. It’s strange but, it was real” he nodded. “I understand if you don’t want…”
Nica stopped him from talking by crashing her lips against his, tears rolling down her face as she pulled away.
‘This is your chance Nica. That punk didn’t stop asking of you any time I see him. He must have suspect I do communicate with you secretly… Vincent has something for you’
Nica recalled Old Evan’s words.
With swift movement, Vincent cupped her face and reconnected the kiss. Sparks ignited between them as their lips moved passionately against each other.
_
Scarlett Holdings
Morticia pressed her temple, feeling herself slowly wearing out. Her team had met Klaus in the morning, receiving instructions on how the work was to be done.
Klaus had kept things professional-not chasing after her or staring too much. He strictly maintained a businesslike demeanor.
She should be glad, right? Yes, she was… Maybe…
The design plan had started, and Morticia had barely made progress. The project was going to take quite some time before it could be completed.
The team had been given a large, comfortable office to work on the plan.
Hours passed, but Morticia wasn’t satisfied with the ideas her team was coming up with. Sketch after sketch… and nothing was working.
“Aww, I’m so tired,” Lisa slumped onto one of the chairs.
“This is the hardest project we’ve ever come across,” another teammate remarked.
“It’s getting late already. Everyone should leave,” Morticia said.
“What about you?” Nolan asked, catching the attention of the rest of the team. Lisa pouted.
“I’ll stay a while longer,” Morticia replied, her voice firm. “You all should leave; that’s an order.”
Slowly, the others began leaving-except Nolan, who remained by her side.
“I clearly said everyone, Nolan,” Morticia said, looking up at him.
“I’m staying,” Nolan said stubbornly. “I’ve got something that could help,” he added, revealing the results of his research.
Morticia nodded with a small smile. “This is good.”
The door creaked open, and the air felt heavy as a familiar deep voice resonated.
“You’re still working?” Klaus stepped forward, and they both turned to look at him.
Morticia didn’t reply, but Nolan did instead.
“We’re trying to find a suitable draft. We’ll be done soon, Mr. President…”
“Actually, we’re leaving. The draft can be finalized tomorrow since we have a direction now,” Morticia said, flashing a smile at Nolan.
Nolan then, surprisingly, asked, “Shall we have dinner then?”
Morticia blinked, clearly not expecting Nolan’s bold move.
“I owe you a meal, remember?” he said, and Morticia nodded.
“Right,” she whispered, staring at him.
“After you,” he said politely, while Klaus’s brow furrowed.
The hell?!
Morticia’s eyes briefly met Klaus’s. She gave him a light bow and walked away.
“Goodnight, Mr. President,” Nolan bowed to Klaus and walked out after her.
Klaus scoffed, running his fingers through his hair as he replayed what just happened.
“There goes another fucking Mr. Wimp…” he mumbled.