THE CEO AND ME!

We had a great talk over the cup of tea and hand-baked cookies.

Pauline and Daniel, Mr Anderson insisted, I call him that. They both narrated their love story to us.

It was a joy to listen to such a love story of life. I could not draw the smile off my face listening to it.

Someday, I hoped and wished, me and Kian could also do the same. Tell about how we met and fell in love with our kids and grandkids in the future.

The thought of children drifted my mind back to when he stated sternly that he did not want any babies.

And just like that, my complexion faltered. I knew it was a silly thought but I could not help but feel sad.

"What is it??"

I rose my gazes up from the cup of tea to look at Nathan, who was seated beside me, with a concerned look on his face.

Pauline and Daniel were too busy with us so close. She was complaining about how Daniel forgot to take his medicines once again and the nurse came in.

"Does he not treat you well??"

His next question made me stare at him, surprised. Why was his sudden interest in my life??

"Why do you care??"

I questioned back, laughing it away softly. He did not answer right away and scanned my face as if trying to decode my inner thoughts.

"I always did."

It was his reply, too faint to hear but I did as his face was closer to mine.

I did not know how to contemplate that. I did not understand what did he mean by that.

"He does...he lov..."

And then and there, I stopped myself abruptly. I was almost off saying that my husband loves me...but he never did say it out loud to my face.

He did care about me...deeply at that, treated me well than anyone ever did. I just did not know why he could not confess to me.

"Out of all the men in the states...you had to be his."

He snorted, there was a bitterness evident in his voice. I fluttered my gazes down, back to the empty cup I was holding.

Nathan and I...we were like those opposite viewed kids. We would always fight over things.

There were moments when I hated him so much. He gave me a headache, flaunting his knowledge about stuff and I would just try to plain ignore him but then he was one of those who did not understand the meaning of stepping down.

Looking at him now, he had grown, just like I did. He seemed more matured, finer tastes in clothing and words of choice.

His golden locks were something very popular then amongst the rich girls of my age. I did not care because my eyes and heart was set on someone with raven black hair...even though I was promised to a brown head.

"It's almost time for lunch...Tinsley, why don't you have lunch with us??"

Pauline's voice broke the trains of my thought. And made me look in her way. I had missed keeping the track of time and it was late...too late.

I needed to head home because Kian might bring in lunch for me just like he did for breakfast and I had not seen him since the night and my eyes wanted nothing more than to have a look at my husband.

"I don't think it will be..."

"It's still raining heavily, you can't go on your own...and we can't let you sit here while we have lunch..."

Pauline was quick to cut me off. I looked at the window and it indeed was raining heavily.

"Common dear...what will be the loss??"

Daniel implored and as the time ticked, declining this lovely couple was becoming impossible.

"I will drive you back home after lunch, I promise."

Nathan joined them too and it sealed the deal. Pauline ordered the maids to get the table ready and after a while, we all headed towards the dining hall.

Over lunch, Nathan shared some interesting news about their family company. It had now become the top ten global dealers in the states.

The way he explained and told the details, with so much enthusiasm, I could then tell why it hurt Kian so much upon losing everything.

If the same thing happened to Nathan, he would be hurt too. These men's life revolved around their work, challenging themselves for more every day.

After lunch, as promised, Nathan got ready to drive me back home. It was almost four in the noon. Time flew so quick.

Over the glass of red wine, I forgot that I had to go. I just had not much luck in conversing and listening to people talk for so long...it was what used to be my life.

Getting dressed pretty in the morning, shopping around and then going to clubs or lady houses to drink wine and talk our hearts out.

So much had changed after the death of my parents. I was now a man's wife whom they had not chosen for me and the son of their maid.

"I had asked my garnered to pluck some fresh vegetables and fruits for you as you did not get the time to shop...here take them."

Pauline said, handing me a few bags of vegetables and fruits. I accepted them but only after I had pestered them enough to take the money from me.

After a lot of convincing, Pauline had to give up and accept my money. It was a joyous moment to watch such a strong headed woman to back down.

"See you soon..."

I bid them farewell as Nathan drove us out of the farm. We all had a sweet smile on our faces making it evident we had a great time.

"Tinsley Rutherford living in a town would have been a myth ten years earlier."

I giggled at that remark. It was true. Nathan joined me in with his laughter as we drove home.

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