Let's Love Again

Flashback

FLASHBACK

“Mr. Kevin, here’s the list of shipment materials that need to be reviewed before distribution,” I said, my voice steady despite the tension in the air.

He glanced at the list, a frown creasing his forehead. “This should be given to the director for review, not me,” he replied, dismissively waving the paper as if it were a nuisance.

“Mr. Mario regularly handled the review of shipment materials when he was the CEO,” I pointed out, aware of the comparison I was making.

He stood abruptly from his chair, his frame towering over me as he closed the distance between us. “Are you trying to compare me to my dad?” he spat, his voice low and dangerous.

A chill ran down my spine at his words. Memories of our tumultuous past flooded my mind, reminding me of the darker moments we had shared. I was already trembling, fearing that this could escalate like it had before. I barely contained my anxiety, knowing it wasn't the first time he had resorted to violence during our relationship. He had struck me more than once, and the dread of that possibility hung heavy between us now.

He stood frozen in place, his eyes fixated on me as I trembled uncontrollably. With a swift motion, he swept the list off the table, sending it fluttering to the floor like discarded leaves.

“Ahh!” I let out a startled shriek as scalding coffee cascaded onto my dress, the heat immediately seeping through the fabric and causing me to wince in discomfort.

“Get that list out of my sight now, and ensure it’s reviewed by Sir Vincent before you submit it to me,” he commanded, his voice booming and authoritative. The intensity of his words snapped the attention of those nearby, making the air thick with tension.

A few employees, glancing over curiously, quickly redirected their focus as they hurried down the bustling hallway, their whispers trailing off into the background. The atmosphere was charged; everyone recognized Kevin Walker as the notoriously stoic CEO of the company. He was a man of few words and even fewer smiles, often viewed as a figure shrouded in mystery and intensity.

During the last company hangout, he had made a fleeting appearance, arriving late and barely engaging with anyone. After a brief visit to the snack table, where he picked up a few hors d'oeuvres, he disappeared back into the office, leaving an air of disappointment among those who had hoped for his participation.

Many of the women in the office admired his striking appearance, a combination of broad shoulders, a deep, rich complexion, and penetrating deep blue eyes that seemed to hold secrets. His presence was often accompanied by a sweet, enticing fragrance, which lingered in the air long after he had passed by. Yet, despite the allure he exuded, he maintained an impenetrable barrier around himself—one that discouraged any personal interactions. No one dared approach him unless it was strictly for business, respecting the unspoken rule that surrounded his enigmatic character.

I shivered at the thought of everything that had unfolded earlier that morning. It had truly been the worst week of my life in the office, an unrelenting wave of stress and chaos that left me emotionally drained. I couldn't shake the feeling of loss, wishing fervently that I could bring Mr. Mario back into our lives. He had been a guiding light, but now that hope was lost to me, a mere echo of what once was. I reminded myself that this was the life I had chosen—a life filled with responsibility and challenges—and I had to confront it head-on, despite how little choice I felt I had.

As I sat in my car, I longed for the simplicity and normalcy that many of my peers seemed to enjoy. Living a regular life, free from the burdens and expectations that weighed on me, felt like an unattainable dream. Bills were piling up, and I desperately needed this job for financial stability. In a moment of impulse, I had invited my little sister to move in with me, hoping that her presence might ease my loneliness and take some of the responsibilities off our dad's shoulders.

Finally, I pulled into my driveway, the familiar sight of home doing little to lift my spirits. I felt utterly spent, too weak to muster the energy to get out of the car. Instead, I rested my forehead against the cool steering wheel, willing the world to fade away for just a moment.

“Heyyyyy sissy!” came a cheerful voice from the passenger side.

“Oh no…no… Can’t I get just one day to cry in peace?” I groaned, turning my head slightly to avoid the onslaught of her relentless cheerfulness.

“Let me think about it... Umm… No ma’am,” she replied with a playful smirk, her youthful exuberance unwavering.

“What do you even know? You’re just 18,” I shot back, half-amused and half-annoyed.

“I may be younger than you,” she said, determination clear in her tone, “but I know enough to say that I’m old enough to date.”

“Look, okay,” I sighed, attempting to inject some seriousness into the conversation. “I’ve been there. I’m speaking from experience when I say it wasn’t favorable.” I took a deep breath, feeling my handbag slip from my grasp as I opened the car door. It was time to confront this challenging day, one step at a time.

“Oh, you mean your former relationship with that really irritating human?”

“Yes, exactly. As a matter of fact, that irritating human is now my boss at work. I’ve been seriously considering quitting soon.”

“No way!” Jessie exclaimed, her eyes widening in disbelief. She paused for a moment, processing what I had just said. It felt as if I had done something truly unforgivable. “You can’t leave your job now! We have so many important things ahead of us. Like my education—I thought you promised that I would be going to a great university. I want to live a life just like my friends do, you know? Plus, Dad… you promised that you would replace his old, unreliable car and find Kyle a position in your company, too. We’re counting on you!”

She definitely relied on me, but the real question I faced was: "Do I believe in myself?"