Chapter 11
A month has passed, and how quickly it flew by! My new job, plus the nightclub and Elena's treatment—it's simply been an endless rush. My life has become a whirlwind. I'm lucky to have such special people who help me face the daily challenges.
I spoke with Dr. Jullian about organ donation—I’m considering donating to my sister. Next week, I’ll begin a battery of tests, mainly to check that I’m healthy, and most importantly, to see if I’m compatible.
Even though we only share our mother, he gave me reason to hope. I’m trying to do everything right—eating healthy, keeping up a regular exercise routine—because it’s crucial for recovery.
Work at the finance company has been great. I’m learning a lot from Mr. Alex—he’s an excellent teacher, not to mention handsome. His presence gives me this warm feeling, a pleasant flutter in my chest, and a sense of comfort that draws me to him.
This surprises me, because I’ve always avoided getting involved with men. My childhood wasn’t great, and my experiences with men were even worse. After seeing everything my mother went through, I always preferred to keep my distance. But with him, it’s different—I feel safe and protected.
We’re closer than before, even though we’ve kept things strictly professional—that was established from the start. We often go out to dinner with clients, and sometimes we spend hours in the office reviewing contracts and developing new analytics for the company.
Ever since I started studying finance in college, my mind has been buzzing with ideas, and I always share them with Mr. Alex. I want to grow within the company, or even explore new opportunities for my career.
My dream is to give my sister everything my mother couldn’t. I want her to be happy and have a better life than mine, which was full of hardship after my mother got married. Until I was five, I was happy, but after that, everything turned into hell!
I was lost in thought until Mr. Alex stopped in front of me, waved his hand, and called out. A light flick on my forehead brought me back to reality.
“Earth to Chloe!” he says, mimicking a walkie-talkie. “Could you respond, miss?”
“I got lost in space for a few minutes, but I’m back now. How can I help you, captain?” I play along.
“I need you to come to a cocktail party with me today. I know it’s last minute, and if you have other plans, that’s fine, but I’d really like your company. Especially since I don’t have anyone else to go with.”
“That’s a first! The playboy boss without a date?” I say teasingly. He knows I’m aware of his reputation, but he’s been keeping a low profile lately.
“I ‘was’ a playboy,” he says, making air quotes, “but now I’m interested in just one person, so until I win her over, I’ll be on my best behavior.”
“Oh, sure! I’ll believe that,” I say, laughing. “What time is the event?”
“Nine o’clock. I’ve already got your dress and shoes ready.”
“And how did you know I’d accept?”
“Intuition!” He winks and heads back to his office.
Idiot! That’s what he is. I’m only going for the experience. The whole time I’ve been here, he’s always gone to events alone or with a friend. I don’t understand why he asked me today, but I liked it. I’ll meet as many people as possible and do plenty of networking.
Minutes later, reception called to let a delivery person up—probably with Mr. Alex’s purchases.
When I gave the okay, a young man stepped out of the elevator carrying a gigantic box with a red bow.
He checked my name on the box, I signed the receipt, and he left, leaving me wondering how I’d get that huge box home.
When the workday ends, Alex opens the door with his jacket draped over his arm, as always, and walks over to my desk, where I’m gathering my things to leave.
“I see you got my gift.”
“Oh yes, the delivery came a few hours ago. Thank you! I just don’t know how I’ll carry it.”
“I’ll drop you off at home, don’t worry! I figured it would be hard to carry, so I already arranged to leave early with you.”
“I would’ve managed—you didn’t need to worry. You’re always so busy; I don’t want to be a bother!”
“You’re not bothering me at all! I can leave early one day a week. Got everything? Ready to go?”
“Yes, of course.” When I go to grab the huge box, he steps in front of me and lifts it as if it weighs nothing and isn’t that big.
This small gesture messes with my head, because his muscular arms are suddenly on full display and—my God!
What a temptation... I shake my head to chase away these impure thoughts that keep creeping in.
Finally, we leave and head to my apartment. We arrive a few minutes later, and he gets out and hands me my gift.
“I hope you’ll be ready by eight-thirty—the drive is a bit long.”
“Of course. I’ll be ready and waiting.”
“See you later, then, miss!”
I nod and he leaves. As the car drives away, I catch myself daydreaming about being his girlfriend.
Even though he’s never gotten involved with anyone seriously, he’s such a polite man and knows how to win a woman over.
I quickly shake off the idea—he doesn’t seem like the type to commit, and he told me today that he’s interested in someone.
He’s always gotten any woman he wanted, so why would he bother with something serious and lasting? !
“Get that out of your head, young lady! You deserve someone who shares your dreams of graduating, taking care of your sister, and building a family—with a good man who treats you with love and respect. My fairy tale won’t be with Alexander Petrov, not even in my dreams...
but who knows?! Life loves to surprise us, and dreams can become reality in unexpected ways... ”