Mr. CEO Sassy Bride

Herbert gently tapped on the door before entering his boss’s office, finding him standing in front of the French windows. His tall, well-proportioned form showcased a narrow waist and broad shoulders, his sleeves rolled up to reveal his muscular arms.

“The test has been performed, Mr. Carter,” Herbert reported, observing as Nelson turned to meet his gaze. “As you requested, the doctor assured me that the results would be available in four to five days.”

Nelson let out a soft sigh as he returned to his seat, gesturing for Herbert to join him. “You must be curious about the young boy and the woman,” he stated, more of an insight than a question.

Herbert nodded honestly, “Yes, Mr. Carter.”

Another sigh escaped Nelson as he began, “You are not only my assistant, Herbert. You are also like a brother and a dear friend to me.”

A shy smile graced Herbert’s face as he lowered his head.

“That woman from yesterday is the one who turned me into an ice-cold man,” Nelson admitted, making Herbert lift his head in surprise.

“Yes, Herbert. I was not always this way. I was raised with love and tenderness, and I believed that all humans were the same,” he continued, allowing himself to remember Ariel.

“I saw her, a beautiful young lady, surrounded by thugs posing as loan shark members that night. From my car, I overheard their conversation and realized that she had been indebted to them for a long time,” Nelson spoke while Herbert’s keen interest mirrored on his face.

“I had no intention of getting involved or interfering, but I couldn’t stand by when she was brutally slapped by one of them,” he recounted, “I intervened and paid off her debt immediately.”

I made the conscious decision to converse with her, only to discover that she had been devoid of any companionship since her very birth,”

Hearing this, Herbert displayed a visage of pity while Nelson let out a laugh.

“Long story short, bro. I brought this mysterious stranger to meet my mother, who, being a kind-hearted woman, welcomed her with open arms. But here’s the kicker – the girl I thought I knew was not who she claimed to be. Much to my surprise, I learned that she was a stripper at a popular club. When I confronted her about it, she vehemently denied it. And like a naive fool, I believed her,” Nelson recounted.

“You know what, Herbert? I couldn’t care less about her past. All that mattered was that she didn’t go back to it. But little did I know, all the love and care I poured into her was all for naught. She broke me, shattered me, and left me devastated,” Nelson’s words were met with a sharp gasp from Herbert, who quickly covered his mouth.

“Now, after my mother put in a great deal of effort to rescue me from that crisis, Ariel has returned after seven long years, with our child in tow. And the question is, do you know why she has come back?” Nelson asked, turning to Herbert for an answer.

Herbert removed his hand from his mouth and replied, “To make amends for her mistakes and become a family with you, now that you have a child together,”

Nelson nodded, satisfied with his assistant’s response.

“You are absolutely right, Herbert. And as my assistant and friend, I seek your counsel. What should I do?” Nelson queried.

“Mr. Carter, you cannot allow such a malicious woman back into your life. You should see to it that she pays for her crimes,” Herbert’s expression was one of pure anger, as if he was furious on behalf of his boss.

“She had nearly destroyed you once before. Who knows what she has in store now? And there’s no way you should allow such a woman to raise your son, Mr. Carter,” Herbert expressed his opinion, which brought a warm smile to Nelson’s face.

As expected, Herbert’s reaction was exactly what Nelson had anticipated.

The depth of Herbert’s care for Nelson was not lost on him, which is precisely why he like him even though he’d never admitted it before.

“I appreciate your advice, Herbert, but I have a plan,” Nelson smiled confidently.

“A plan?” Herbert’s eyebrows shot up in surprise, to which Nelson simply nodded once.

“This woman in question still believes that I cannot live without her, even after she turned me into a fool. I’ve told her that I’ve moved on and expressed my love for my wife, but Ariel is not one to give up easily. She will continue to use her child as a means to threaten me,” Nelson explained.

Herbert listened intently to everything his boss said but couldn’t fully grasp his plan. “So what is the plan, sir?” he asked, seeking clarification.

“To love again, Herbert,” Nelson announced with a half smile.

Herbert’s eyes widened in shock.

“I’ve come to realize that the only way to heal from that wound is to learn how to love again,” Nelson elaborated, touching Herbert’s heart.

Overwhelmed by his boss’s words and transformation, Herbert stood up and clapped for Nelson. “I am always proud of you, Mr. Carter,” he declared with a sense of admiration.

Nelson’s smile grew wider, and he offered his fist for Herbert to bump in celebration, which he gladly reciprocated.

—–

After removing her apron, Hannah closed her eyes and took a deep breath to calm herself down.

She then put on a bright smile and walked out of the cafe to where David was waiting for her across the street.

“What’s wrong, Hannah? Why did you ask me to meet you at your workplace urgently?” David asked with genuine concern as soon as Hannah arrived.

“I’m sorry, babe, but my boss made an unprecedented request of me today, and I have no choice but to oblige,” Hannah explained cutely, blinking her eyes.

“What is it?” David inquired.

“She’s traveling to NY tonight and won’t be back for two days. As a single mother, she wants me to take care of her ten-year-old son until she returns,” Hannah revealed.

A sense of relief washed over David, and he smiled brightly. “That’s not a problem, honey,” he reassured her.

“Are you sure? Can you bear my absence for a mere two days?” Hannah’s lips formed a pout.

David’s response was a gentle smile, followed by the touch of his hand on her cheek. “Of course, I cannot thrive without you, but I will manage. It is only for a two days, right?”

Hannah nodded in agreement, and David continued, “I will be fine, my dear. Do not worry about me,” he reassured, a wide grin adorning his face like that of a Cheshire cat.

“What else do you need? Should I bring a few pieces of clothing for you?” he inquired, his grin still present.

Hannah’s brow furrowed deeply as she questioned him, “Why are you smiling so incessantly, David? Are you truly pleased with my absence for two days? Are you plotting something behind my back?”

David chuckled and pulled her closer by her waist. “No, dear. What could I possibly do behind your back? I am simply glad for you. Your boss has entrusted you with her child, meaning you are highly esteemed among your colleagues. She evidently favors you,” he reasoned.

Hannah struggled to contain her anger, masking it behind a calm facade, as she attempted to wrap her mind around David’s ridiculous excuse.

“I should get back to work now,” she said hastily, moving out of his hold.

“Very well, my dear. Do you still require me to bring your clothing?” David asked with concern.

“No, it is unnecessary. I will be fine. Two days is nothing,” Hannah replied with a forced smile, before waving at him and hurrying back to her workstation.

“Yes!” David exclaimed with joy, unaware that Hannah’s gaze followed him.Published by Nôv'elD/rama.Org.

Hannah also smiled to herself, muttering through gritted teeth, “You are so dead tonight, David Ramsey.”