ITALY, AT THE HOTEL***
“When are you going to come home?” Leah asked Hailey. They’re on a video call, Sebastian is also present.
“Tomorrow, I think,” Hailey replied.
“How’s it over there? Is the work too much for you?” Leah asked.
Hailey shook her head.
“It’s totally fine here, Mom”
“That’s good. I was thinking of coming to meet your Boss if he dare try to stress you” Leah said.
Charles appeared at that time. He leaned on the wall with his arms across his chest, a smirk on his lips.
“Are you sure he’s not stressing you? I can come over and hit him, you know?” Leah asked with a serious face.
Hailey laughed.
“She’s right. I’ll never tolerate anyone stressing about my only daughter” Sebastian said.
Charles stared at Hailey as she conversed with her parents. He wondered what her reply was gonna be.
“Well, he’s good. But….”
“But what?” Leah asked.
“Is he better than Charles? No, I doubt that” Leah shook her head.
Charles was watching Hailey with an amusing smile on his lips.
“Who’s Charles?” Sebastian asked cluelessly.
“Hailey’s boyfriend,” Leah smiled.
Hailey’s eyes widened.
“Mom!”
“What??” Sebastian and Hailey chorused at the same time.
“What? Did I say something wrong?” Leah asked, looking at Hailey innocently.
“Yes Mom. I never said he was my boyfriend!” Hailey half yells.
“Really? But you told me you’re in lo…”
“Mom!” Hailey screamed this time around.
“I never said that either!” She shouted.
“What’s she talking about?” Sebastian asked.
“It’s nothing, Dad. I need to hang up now, bye!”
“Why? At least, let me speak with my in-laws” Charles said just as she was about to end the call.
Hailey’s eyes went wide when she heard his voice. She raised her head from her phone and was shocked to find him resting on the wall, a smirk on his face.
“You… How long have you been here?” She slightly stuttered.
“Long enough to hear Charles is your boyfriend” he smiled as he started walking closer to her.
“Who’s that Hailey? Is that your Boss?” Leah’s voice was suddenly heard.
That was when Hailey remembered the call was still ongoing, she quickly ended it before Charles could get to her.
Charles frowned.
“Why did you end it?” He asked.
“I didn’t… My hand mistakenly pressed the…”
“It was a mistake” she completed, biting her lips.
Charles smiled and sat beside her on the bed.
“So, your parents don’t know I’m your Boss? Instead they think Charles is your boyfriend?” He asked with a chuckle.
“The day you helped them, my Mom thought you were my boyfriend, that’s why you helped” she said.
“Why don’t we just make this real instead? Both your parents and my Dad think we’re in a relationship, let’s make this real, Hailey” he said, staring at her.
“I…..” Charles’ phone rang before she could reply.
“Excuse me, I’ll be right back” he said and went out of the room.
Hailey left the bed and walked to the veranda. She held the rails as she stared at the hotel compound. Different cars were arriving and she heaved a sigh.
She inhaled the fresh air and she smiled satisfactorily, she let the gentle breeze cool her face. Her hair streaming in the air as a result of the breeze.
*”Why don’t we just make this real instead? Both your parents and my Dad thinks we’re in a relationship, let’s make this real, Hailey”*
She remembered his words.
She was only scared. What if he’s toying with her? Besides, he’s her Boss, how would it feel when her colleagues find out she’s dating the Boss?
She was brought out of her thoughts when she felt arms suddenly wrapped around her from behind.
Charles inhales her sweet scent and kisses her neck.
“Why did you leave the bed? I told you I won’t be late” he muttered, hugging her tighter.
“I only came to relax outside,” she said. She tried to get out of his hold but he made it impossible for her.
“Stay still, don’t take a move” he whispered.
He kissed her hair before placing a lingering kiss on her shoulder.
“I love you. I love you and it’s driving me crazy, Hailey” he whispered.
He slowly removed his arms and made her face him.
“I won’t hurt you, I promise. I’ll never do that” he said.
“Remember the dinner at our house? When my Dad asked if I loved you. My reply was right, I love you more than my life, Hailey. You gave me the reason to love again, you made my heart to beat for love again. You changed me, Hailey” he said.
“Date me for a week, Hailey. I want you to date me for a week and I promise to make you fall in love with me. For that week, I want to know your feelings towards me”
“I don’t want to date you for a week,” Hailey muttered.
“I….” Without allowing her to finish her word, Charles pulled her to a hug.
“Don’t say it, I don’t think my heart can take it” he muttered.
“I love you, Charles”
****
WASHINGTON DC, MONTERIO’S FAMILY HOUSE***
“Sir, here’s what you asked me to investigate” a guy bowed his head to Mr. Monterio.
“Just beat to the bush. What did you find out about her?” Mr. Monterio asked.
“She’s Hailey Brooklyn. She lives with her parents who manage a restaurant in Kelso”
Mr. Monterio’s eyes widened slightly.
“Kelso? That poor neighborhood?” He asked in disbelief.
“Yes”
“That relationship is never happening” his eyes suddenly turned red.
He could never allow his son to date a poor lady again!
Never!
TBC