Chapter 35: Chapter 35

-34-Merger or acquired.

"Sometimes we are so enamored by the feelings of past created by 'what if it was just same as the past' that we convince ourselves it is better than what we have in the present."[Riley Brown]

Riley took in a deep breath, letting fresh air seep through her skin and pass through her nostrils. A sigh escaped her lips as she closed her eyes tightly trying to get rid of the image of him from her mind.

'What the actual hell happened? Why was he sleeping with her? Why did she allow him to kiss? Or why did she enjoyed it?'

The questions rang in her mind, like a broken tape recorder. The heat she felt after the kiss made her insides melt. Butterflies in her stomach appeared as she gazed at him. She was burning with a passion she wasn't aware of ever feeling. She took a deep breath to calm her nerves. And spoke.

"Last night. I. We? What happened?"

While he stood there observing her state. Her flushed cheeks and glossy eyes were inviting him to do something sinful to her.

But they haven't reached that stage yet. She might even hate him if he tried something funny. So, For his own sake, he needs to make sure she feels the same, that it would be something she would want, that she'll take initiative as he does.

"Last night you had a fever and it seemed you were having a nightmare. So As soon as I near you to check you. I was pulled by you with force. I wanted to resist but you didn't let go of me. So I had no choice but to sleep with you."

After speaking he suddenly realized she was stunned

His eyes revealed a gentle smile. He gave Riley a deep look. A look that made her shy and cries at the same time.

She almost wanted to cry at his words. She had always been gentle and knew her boundaries in her opinion. She never knew she could do that. Embarrassed she finally looked up wanting to say sorry to him but he was nowhere to be seen. 'You were enjoying kissing him.'

"Ah." Her mind was reminding her again. Letting out a deep sigh she stood up to freshen up.

[Thirty minutes later]

She came out to explain to him at the breakfast table. But he was nowhere to be found. Instead of him, she found a handwritten note on the table with a few toasts and warm coffee.

"Good Morning Honey. I am sorry I couldn't join you today but I have an interview to attend. So I am leaving early. I will miss you. And don't worry about dinner. I will prepare it. With kisses. Now enjoy your favorite black coffee with a heart."

Her heart melted at the sight. Deciding to thank him she sent him a message.

"Good luck Mindy. I am sure you will do well. By the way for breakfast."

Christian had just reached the office when his phone beeped. Smiling he replied.

"Thank you, Hon."

At eleven o'clock he had a meeting with the executives of his various branches. So he needed to make sure to check out with Cynthia before.

"Sir. Good morning." Said Cynthia, "I have arranged all the papers you need to validate, and also your coffee is here. I shall leave it here for you." With these words, she placed the coffee mug on the table and closed his office door, leaving to her own office.

For a moment he stood quite motionless in natural indignation than sighing started with the coffee.

....

With the enthusiastic behavior of Rudolf as a true publisher, he went over to his most celebrated performances and smiled at Stuart bragging about how he was the best publisher in the entire New York. Although It was a lie Stuart knew better than to mind his last words, he needed to merge some publishing houses with his own to survive in The city. Accordingly, he decided Rudolf to give a chance. And he certainly believed to work his way up.

"So I suppose we had a deal, Sir?" Rudolph was naturally very anxious to sign with him that though did nothing but made him feel he was trying to hide something.

"Yes. I suppose you will be done with the paperwork by tomorrow. I hope you will let me know." Smiling he shook hands with the man who seemed too excited to be acquired by him and left their company.

When Riley reached the office, she saw people rushing towards the conference room.

Stopping Tina she asked.

"Good morning. What's happening tina?"

"Morning Ril. Rudolph sir had asked everyone to assemble in the conference room for an important announcement. But I learned from some people he is merging our company with a billionaire."

"Oh."

"Don't oh me pretty lady. Let's go. We don't have time." Tina whispered and held her hand dragging her to the room.

As everyone settled in their respective chairs, Rudolph arrived while everyone nodded at him in greeting.

"Hello everyone. Although I am certain that you do have an idea of what I am going to announce. I would still say it in words since it's my responsibility as your boss. I have two news, a good one and a bad one. Which one would you like to hear first?"

Hearing his words every employee chorused.

"Good one."

"No, I would like to start with the bad one. Did you forget my lesson? Recite it again. I want to hear it."

"Verily with every hardship comes ease." Few employees snickered in the background while some continued.

"Okay, that's great to know you remember it. Since you know our publishing house has been going through some difficulties from last year. And we were looking for mergers. So Today the search is stopped; a world-famous publishing group has decided to acquire our company. This was bad news. the good news is No one had to worry about their jobs, they are secured. The group isn't from Newyork so he needs diligent workers to thrive first. Everyone will be assigned the same work they are doing right now. Also, there is a party specially organized by him for tomorrow to get to know you well. Since he believes in the best-working environment Have a good day."

Accordingly, the arrangements were made in the office the whole day for his special appearance. Riley was quite surprised at that. Though she knew her company was going in the loss from last year. But she didn't know it was that bad. Yet she hoped for a better future.