23. Chapter Twenty-Three
Chapter Twenty-Three
The days I spent holed up with Matthew and Leo, wrapped in the warmth of their support, feel like a lifetime ago.
My heart still aches anytime I remember Leo’s frail body on that ICU bed, but there’s a flicker of something more―hope, love.
I can’t hide forever, though. It’s time to face the world again.
I try to push away the doubts that creep in as I stand in front of the mirror, adjusting my blouse for the hundredth time.
There’s a knot in my stomach that I can’t seem to shake.
It’s strange to think that just a week ago, I was barely able to breathe without feeling the weight of everything pressing down on me.
But here I am, trying to pull myself together, trying to show up, not just for myself, but for Leo, for Matthew, for the life I’m trying to rebuild and the people who matter to me.
Even when the doubts creep in, Matthew’s voice echo in my mind. “You’re not alone.” His voice has become my favorite thing to hear. And with every second I spend with him, I’m hit with just how hard I’m falling in love with him.
He’s always there, steady and unwavering, and that thought calms me just enough to make the final adjustment to my shirt.
“Okay,” I breathe out, staring at my reflection in the mirror one last time. “You can do this. You’re ready.”
And I’m not lying. The woman in the mirror is composed and ready to face whatever it is head-on. She’s not weak. She’s stronger than she’s ever been.
“It’s nice to see that I still have good taste,” Jasmine notes as soon as I enter the living room.
She’s babysitting Leo while Matthew and I go to work.
They’re sprawled on the floor like cat and mouse, playing with action figures.
And King is here too, lying peacefully next to Leo as he watches the flashing images on the TV with keen interest.
I glance at the purple blouse and smile. She had gifted it to me last night, claiming it was perfect for my first day back at work.
With an action figure in hand, Leo runs toward me, his small feet thudding softly on the floor. I immediately squat down to his level, my hand instinctively running through his soft hair. The familiar smell of coconut shampoo I use for him still lingers, comforting me in this fleeting moment.
“Mommy has to go to work now,” I smile, brushing my thumbs over his soft cheeks. “I’ll be back soon, okay? Have fun with Aunt Jasmine and be good. Don’t give her trouble.”
Leo looks up at me, his big eyes shining with a mixture of innocence and mischief. “I won’t, Mommy. I promise.” He hugs my legs tightly, squeezing me with all his little strength.
I chuckle softly, bending to return the hug. “I know you won’t, buddy.”
Reluctantly, I pull away and stand, just as Matthew appears at the door, looking criminally good in a black suit. He looks me up and down, his gaze lingering on my outfit, and his lips curl into a knowing smirk that has butterflies causing a storm in my belly.
“You’re looking way too good for a Monday morning,” he says, striding toward me and tugging me to him with his arm secured around my waist. “If I didn’t know better, I’d say you were trying to tempt me, Hailey. As much as I love that blouse on you, I need it off you.”
“Ew,” Jasmine scowls, placing her hands over Leo’s ears. “What happened to decorum? You two get out right now. I don’t need you corrupting us.”
I grin, rolling my eyes in mock exasperation to hide my blush. Matthew gives me a teasing grin as he grabs my hand and interlaces his fingers with mine.
“You ready?”
I exhale deeply and nod firmly. “Ready as I can ever be.”
I say that because I mean that. At the office, however, everything feels a little overwhelming. My co-workers glance at me with a mix of sympathy and curiosity, but no one asks too many questions.
Everyone seems to know I’ve had a lot to deal with, and they’ve been respectful of my time away. I can’t help but feel the weight of their unspoken support.
The company meeting comes around, and I feel the familiar buzz of excitement as everyone gathers in the conference room.
I sit quietly, trying to keep a low profile while others discuss their latest projects and updates.
I’m still processing everything, but I’m beginning to feel more like myself again.
“How are you feeling?” I whisper softly as Matthew settles into the seat beside me.
“Good,” he replies, turning to meet my gaze. His eyes briefly scan my face before a smile tugs at his lips. “You’re nervous.”
“Of course, I am,” I admit, my gaze darting around the room. “I made a scene at the Summit. Why wouldn’t I be nervous?”
He chuckles softly, leaning in slightly. “You’re only human, Hailey. Sometimes, shit happens beyond our control.” He reaches over, lifting my knuckles to his lips before pressing a kiss to them. “Relax, okay? Trust me, you’ll do great today.”
Matthew’s kiss lingers on my knuckles for a heartbeat too long, and before I can say anything―remind him that we’re not supposed to be doing this here―Evelyn walks in, instantly commanding everyone’s attention.
My heart skips a beat, and I quickly pull my hand away from Matthew’s, a fierce blush spreading across my cheeks as I turn to face her.
The meeting begins and I do my best to stay focused. The topics of the meeting blur together, a background hum I can barely pay attention to. But when Evelyn stands to make her announcement, my breath catches in my throat.
“I’d like to take a moment to acknowledge someone who’s been an incredible part of our team,” Evelyn says, her voice steady and commanding as she scans the room. “Hailey has shown tremendous strength and dedication, not just professionally but personally.”
Her words hit me like a wave, and before I can steady myself, her eyes lock onto mine. My heart stutters in my chest, and I grip the edge of the table for support, unsure if I’m imagining the faint smile on her lips. My palms begin to sweat as a murmur ripples through the room.
“She’s faced challenges head-on, proving time and again her ability to rise above and deliver excellence.
It’s not just her work ethic that stands out but her creativity, resilience, and ability to inspire those around her.
Today, I’m happy to announce that Hailey Donovan will be stepping into the Brand Director position. ”
The room erupts into applause, but I barely hear it over the rush of blood in my ears. Evelyn’s words sink in slowly, piece by piece, and my breath catches. I stand too quickly, my head spinning, unsure if I heard her correctly.
My eyes lock with Matthew’s, and for a moment, everything else fades away. His smile is a quiet, confident reassurance, and I don’t know what I did to deserve that kind of loyalty from him, but I’m grateful for it.
Everyone’s cheering, and I have to blink away the tears that threaten to spill over. I wasn’t even sure I was ready, but here I am, standing in front of all these people, my heart racing and my hands trembling.
This is a win. A real one.
After the meeting, I’m swarmed with congratulations. My colleagues are all smiles and handshakes, but I’m not really processing anything. Not until I see Matthew again. He’s holding something in his hands, a beautiful bouquet of roses, the bright red colors taking my breath away.
Unable to control himself, he steps closer, brushing his hand on the side of my arm as if he’s trying to steady himself. His eyes darken, and before I can blink, he cups my face gently, pulling me toward him.
The softness of his touch contrasts with the urgency in his kiss, a mix of relief, pride, and something deeper that has been building between us. Love. As bright and beautiful as the roses in his hands.
For a moment, my breath catches in my throat, my mind racing, but I don’t pull away.
Instead, I melt into him, my hands gripping the bouquet tightly as if it anchors me to the moment, and I lean into the kiss, allowing myself to feel the warmth of everything, not minding the fact that we’re surrounded by a crowd.
It’s a kiss full of unspoken words, the kind that says more than any speech ever could. As our lips finally part, I open my eyes slowly, searching his face, realizing just how much I needed this―this closeness, this reminder that I’m not alone anymore.
“I’m so proud of you,” Matthew whispers against my lips, his voice husky with emotion.
I don’t answer at first. Instead, I wrap my arms around him, burying my face in his chest, inhaling deeply. Just like last night, I allow myself to feel safe, completely surrounded by his warmth and presence.
***
The bar is alive with laughter and music, the faint hum of conversation blending with the low beats of a classic tune playing in the background. My friends raise their glasses in a cheer, their faces bright with celebration.
It feels like the night before the merger all over again. Everyone’s here―Allison, Heather, Lennox, Matteo―all the familiar faces that have been by my side through the chaos of work, late-night meetings, and impossible deadlines.
But tonight, there’s a little addition to the group. A 6’4” hunk of pure muscle and a ridiculously pretty face I call mine, sitting beside me with a possessive grip on my thigh that makes my heart flutter in a way it absolutely shouldn’t in public.
Matthew leans in close, his warmth brushing my side as he murmurs something to me―a casual comment about the playlist or how good I look tonight (I’ve lost count of how many times he’s told me this).
I don’t catch the words fully because I’m too focused on the way his hand tightens ever so slightly when someone across the table cracks a joke and I laugh, my head tilting back.
It's a subtle reminder: I’m his. And honestly? I don’t mind one bit.
“To our new Brand Director!” Matteo exclaims, and everyone joins in with a resounding cheer. I laugh, raising my glass, the warmth of their congratulations wrapping around me like a blanket.