~1 MONTH LATER~
Shay's POV
You know that feeling you get after accomplishing something good, like a significant change has happened in your life?
That's exactly how I'm feeling right now. A lot has happened over the past month, and thinking back to the difficult tasks and life challenges I've handled all by myself made me realize somethingâI've changed. My life is slowly starting to feel normal again, and I feel happy these days.
On top of that, I am now the new Executive Director at work!
It didn't take much convincing to get Dad to give me Shelby's position since he was already considering the option before I could even bring it up. He had been monitoring my work and was very pleased with the success of my ongoing project.
That's why he promoted me to be the new Executive Director. In the end, it was a win-win situation for both Shelby and meâshe didn't lose anything, I didn't get fired, and Dad announced at a company press conference last week that Shelby is now the new CEO of Falcon Group.
If she was happy about it, she did a great job hiding it. But everyone knows that she finally got what she wanted from the beginning. We haven't spoken in daysâever since our last conversation a month ago at the hospital when Dad was admitted. Honestly, that's a good thing. I don't feel like speaking to her either.
The next day, as I got ready for work to start my first day as Executive Director, I felt something had changedâboth at home and at work. The atmosphere in our house has become more peaceful and livelier, and it's still strange to get used to it. Shelby moved into Shawn's office space on the 17th floor while I took over her old office. However, I decided to renovate it a little because my mood would turn gloomy every time I walked in.
Along with the office renovation, I upgraded my wardrobe too. Today, I chose to wear a champagne satin button-front suit tucked into a black silky skirt that ended at mid-thigh. Arriving at my usual time, I walked down the hallway toward the elevators, feeling delighted to start the day in a great mood. I took the elevator to the 15th floor and headed straight to my office.
As soon as I stepped inside, the freshly painted dark pink walls greeted me. I closed the door behind me and took in the new setting. Everything looked amazing, and I was already in love with the fresh look.
I sat down in my black, comfortable revolving chair and twirled it around to admire the skyline through the floor-to-ceiling glass window behind my desk. My phone started ringing, snapping me out of my daze. I turned back, reached into my clutch bag, and saw Chase's name flashing on the screen. A smile automatically appeared on my face before I answered.
"Hey, Chase."
"Hey yourself, congrats on the big promotion. Well done."
Typical Chaseâalways learning new things before we even tell him.
"Thanks, but I still can't thank you enough for helping me out these past few days. I really appreciate it."
He chuckled, and I could hear the mischief in his tone.
"Am I hearing this right? Shay Falcon is actually thanking me for my kind generosity?"
I rolled my eyes while smiling.
"Oh, please! I'm only thanking you for telling me about Jason and how he could help with my project. That's it."
"Ouch! Don't I get enough credit?"
"Not as much as Jason. I'm planning a surprise for him to really thank him this time, so don't you dare tell him anything!"
He scoffed loudly.
"And why would I do that when he's not even with me? I'm at home right now. I tried calling him a few minutes ago, but it went straight to voicemail. He should be at work by now, probably in a meeting or something."
Great. At least he'll be busy today, giving me plenty of time to plan my surprise.
A short knock sounded on the door, and I looked up to see my new assistant, Andy. I nodded for him to enter. He shot me a smile before gently closing the door behind him.
"Okay, I gotta go. I'll call you later, okay? Bye, Chase."
"Bye."
I switched off my phone and turned back to Andy.
"Hi," I greeted with a beaming smile.
"Good morning, ma'am. Here is the list of our close business clients that you requested. I've also updated your schedule for the day. Is there anything else you'd like me to add?"
I shook my head while accepting the red folder from his outstretched hand.
"No, but I'll let you know if anything new comes up," I replied softly. He nodded once.
"Thank you, Andy. You may leave."
"Yes, ma'am."
He swiftly turned around and walked out of the room. As soon as he closed the door, my phone started ringing again. I flipped it over on the table and smiled when I saw Jason's name flashing on the screen.
After going out for dinner a few weeks ago, we've been talking ever since. We didn't immediately decide to get back together after our heated make-out session in the elevator that night. Instead, we've gone out for lunch and coffee a few times, and somewhere along the way, I realized somethingâI was the only one holding back.
Jason has been patient, simply waiting for me to say yes. But I've been taking more time than necessary, and in some ways, it's not fair to him. My heart has healed, our bond has become stronger, and I feel happier these days. I still miss my older brother, but there's nothing I can't handle. If I can give myself a second chance at life, why not do the same for love?
So I said yes. Jason and I are officially back together, and things between us have changedâfor the better.
"Hey."
"Hey, baby. What are you up to?"
I blushed at the sound of his deep, husky voice.
"I'm already at work. What about you?"
A small pause.
"I'm arranging a small surprise for you."
"A surprise? For what?"
He chuckled playfully.
"You'll see. Are you free around noon?"
I quickly turned to my computer, opened my schedule, and scanned my list of appointments. I felt relieved when I saw that I had nothing scheduled between 12 and 2 p.m.
"Yep, I'm free. Why? What are you up to?"
"It won't be a surprise if I tell you. I'll come pick you up during lunch break. See you."
"Okay."
The line went dead before I could add another word. I wondered what kind of surprise he could possibly be planning for me today. I chuckled and shook my head before opening the file in front of me, pushing the thought of Jason's surprise to the back of my mind.
How is he planning a surprise for me when I was about to do the same for him? It's funny. Nevertheless, I just can't wait to see him.