Chapter 4
1247 Words
Avannah's POV
“Hey, Avannah, look at you! You’ve really made it!” Sheena exclaimed the moment I walked into the office.
I furrowed my brows. “Huh? What do you mean I’ve really made it?”
Sheena leaned in with a conspiratorial grin. “We’re all so jealous of you. Your godfather is the CEO of this company—Mr. Raider Monteverde! Our hot, handsome, irresistible CEO! And get this… he’s forty and still single. Totally picky with women. That’s why so many ladies are trying to catch his attention, especially here. From what I hear, even famous socialites and daughters of the wealthy are vying for him. Some are barely in their twenties, and they’re all over him!”
I blinked at her. “I don’t really get him either. Sometimes I hear him talking to my dad about it. He says he’s tired of women who just want his money. Even when they flirt, they’re already asking for things. What he wants is… real love. Someone who’ll love him for who he is, not for what he has.”
Sheena pouted. “Well… yeah, lots of women nowadays are after a man’s wealth. But sometimes you do need a well-off man—love doesn’t pay the bills. You can’t survive on love alone.”
“Of course,” I said, shrugging. “But a woman should still love the man she’s with, even if she’s practical about life.”
Sheena’s eyes sparkled mischievously. “But tell me… don’t you have a little crush on your godfather?”
My eyes widened. “What? No way! Are you crazy? He’s the same age as my dad. He’s like a second father to me.”
Sheena tilted her head. “Really? Because nowadays, it’s not uncommon for godchildren to develop feelings for their godparents. Or even for uncles. Love really is something else… but there’s a thrill in the forbidden, isn’t there?” she giggled.
I laughed awkwardly. “Well… I can’t deny he’s handsome. I do admire him whenever I see him. But having a crush on him? Too weird. He’s my godfather, for crying out loud.”
Sheena raised an eyebrow. “What’s the big deal? You’re not blood-related. You’re just godfather and goddaughter. And if you’re worried about the age gap… please. Plenty of people marry with big age differences these days—and they’re happy!”
I chuckled. The idea of Raider and me having feelings for each other seemed impossible. Even as a teenager, I had admired him. I always thought the woman he married would be lucky. Who wouldn’t admire him? He was handsome, well-built, kind… and always willing to help.
Back when I was living at Aunt Elen’s house, I had made an effort to improve my appearance. Looking at my old photos, I realized I’d been scrawny, with uneven skin, scars, and an overall shabby look. I wanted to look better—not for anyone else, but so that Raider might notice me when we met again.
Apparently, I had succeeded. The moment he saw me after I returned home, I caught the surprise on his face. He looked frozen for a moment. I couldn’t tell him how long I had admired him, though. It would have been awkward—after all, he was like a second father to me. And I knew my dad wouldn’t have been thrilled, either.
“Cut it out, Sheena. Let’s focus. Our boss might scold us if we gossip too much,” I said, turning my attention back to the monitor.
The office buzzed with activity as we tried to boost lagging sales. Hours passed, and my eyes strained from staring at the screen.
“Avannah! Mr. Monteverde is calling for you. He said to go to his office,” Sheena said, appearing beside me.
I frowned. “Huh? He told you?”
She nodded. “Yes, I saw him in the hallway. Anyway, I’m going to eat now—working makes me hungry,” she added, opening her food.
I shrugged and dug into my small makeup bag for a quick touch-up. I didn’t want to look haggard when Raider saw me.
As I approached his office, my heart raced. Why had he called me? Did he just want to see me? I mentally slapped myself. Relax. You’re just his godchild.
I knocked three times before turning the doorknob. Our eyes met the moment I stepped inside. Swallowing nervously, I closed the door behind me and walked toward him, offering a tentative smile.
“H-Hello, M-Mr. Monteverde… you… you called for me?” I asked, my voice stammering.
He chuckled softly. “You’re being too polite, Avannah. It’s as if I’m not even your godfather,” he said with a warm smile.
I blinked. He seemed even more handsome than I remembered. Why did seeing him now make my heart race? I had always admired him, but I had held back when I was younger… and, of course, because he was my godfather.
I scratched my head awkwardly. “Sorry, Godfather… it’s just that… you’re the CEO of the company I work for, so I thought I should be respectful,” I mumbled, biting my lip.
He cleared his throat. “You don’t need to be formal with me, Avannah. Treat me like you do at home. Of course, with other people around, you can be formal if you want—but right now, it’s just us.” He gestured toward the chair. “Sit down.”
I quickly took my seat. “So… why did you call me?”
“I thought we could have lunch together. I bought too much food, and my secretary isn’t here—she’s sick. So I thought of calling you since it’s lunchtime anyway. Have you eaten?”
I tightened my grip on my skirt, feeling a flutter of excitement. Why did I suddenly feel giddy at the thought of having a meal with my godfather?
“Not yet. I was just about to eat. I’ve been busy promoting our products since sales weren’t great last month,” I said, smiling.
He sighed softly. “Don’t tire yourself too much. I’ll figure out a way to boost our sales—I’m known for modeling clothes, after all. Honestly, I didn’t plan on buying this company; it was practically bankrupt. I just felt sorry for my friend who used to own it…and for the employees who would have lost their jobs. But I’m thankful you’re doing your job so well. You’re quite impressive,” he added, flashing his even, white teeth.
I bit my lip and smiled. “Thank you, Godfather.”
“I was thinking…would you like to be my secretary? My current one seems to be resigning. At least I know I can trust you,” he said.
My eyes widened. “Really, Godfather?”
He nodded. “Of course. I’ll let you know when my secretary resigns, and you can take over immediately.”
Joy bubbled up inside me. I hadn’t expected my position to rise so quickly—and the thought of being around Raider more often made my heart race.
“Okay, Godfather…” I said, smiling.
“Let’s eat now before I end up devouring you,” he said softly.
I frowned. “What did you say, Godfather?”
“Nothing, dear. I said…you’re beautiful,” he replied with a wink, and a warm, giddy flutter spread through me again.
- Writer
