The CEO Dilemma

Chapter three (A heart’s desire)

While Freya was standing at the stovetop stirring the sizzling pasta and the sauce boiling she was humming softly to herself – “Hum hum hum hum” her voice was almost inaudible over the sizzling sauce.

She’s pale and deep in her thoughts but her mind was thousands of miles away, thinking about what happened the previous night.

Thinking of him, she began to relive the simple moments they spent together the man who had put a smile on her face and life on her heart.

On second thought, she and this man had met at the party she had been forced into attending by her possessive boyfriend, Matthew.

Where would she have ever thought that while enduring the sounds and the fact her boyfriend left her,she would find her soulmate?

She could hardly believe her luck when she happened to meet a guy like him. He is way different from Mathew, but I seem to like him than Mathew. So kind and genuine. I think that’s why I can be comfortable with him."

Her simply quickly turned into a frown when the name Matthew came to her find, did she just cheat on him? “Apparently not, I already told him I am no longer interested, this relationship with Matthew is just under duress, she said to herself.

Consequently, in an event she stirs her pasta, her thoughts drifted back to Desmond and their conversations, his smile and laughter. Thus it would appears that she had no choice but to wonder what kind of existence awaited them.

Would they meet again? And what would happen when they did? Those questions was boiling in her head, as the boiling process of food cooks in the stovetop – full of expectancy.

Her mind seemed to be divided as she thought of Matthew, Freya felt suffocated in the relationship with Matthew and resolve to free herself, so paying the rent he had paid on her behalf was the first change she made.

She better not let him rule her any longer, she was thinking furiously how to escape. “I have to get air, to live life without him controlling me, and using me for his own needs while he showed me nothing but toxic love and disrespect.”

However, her thoughts were not free from fear of his revenge as much as she wanted to fight him. “What if he will not let me go without arguing for it?” she wondered, she was filled with anger yet she was powerless

For Freya it was such a tiresome and draining fight to want to keep her worth as a woman in front of Matthew’s scornful and demeaning looks. That is how she muttered to herself ‘I can’t take it anymore’ in soft voice filled with emotions. “I have act fast and defend myself and free myself from that crap.”

Staring at her small kitchen, she realized that their oppressive relationship would surely break her, and she barely knew if she could rise above his tyranny and start a brand new life. "Can I really do this?" she realized a dozen or so thoughts – profound doubts and great fears that, for the moment, had seized her entirely. Lastly, one will ask: “Can I really be independent and start the new life without him?”

But then, she was somehow full of determination for change within her. “Yes I can,” she determinedly managed to getting louder despite of the pain that she was feeling. No longer will I allow him to do that to me. On his toxicity, I will follow and create a new path on how I want to embrace my life full and completely.

Gazing blankly at the screen, Freya idly considered the man she had briefly met at the company party, Desmond – a considerate, handsome man.

But the more she attempted to think about him, the more she saw the absurdity of it all.

He was born to a good family in the city , somebody who was well known in the society as part of the upper class and was the current Chief Executive Officer of the powerful Subart Group.

At the same time, she was an ordinary kitchen maid who had a very ordinary life with two rebellious and self-willed brothers. The distance that separated them socially may as well have been a canyon.

How could they possibly make it work? His parents, siblings or relatives would never accept her and being a gentleman in society made it even worse to date her.

The odds appeared insurmountable and Freya just started to question if their meeting was just a simple moment of happiness that they would never be able to grab a hold of in the real world.

However her passion kept her clinging on to thestring which bound her and him and she felt that despite all that still they could prove their love and get together.

Freya expertly lifting the steaming hot pasta giving the final touch and placing the meals in individual dishes for her brothers Matt and Mike, she also ladled for her mother who was all set for the yummy pasta.

Only a few moments later she started serving, Matt, the elder brother interrupts, “We have agreed to follow your advice, Freya.” To get as much experience as possible in the field, we will be working in the company, where you work as a kitchen assistant, as store assistants.

Really? That's amazing news!" She said excitedly, “Wow that’s really great”

At same moment her smile turned a face full of doubts. “Are you guys kidding me?,you guys are so stubborn why the change what happened?

“Actually it has been on our minds, but we have been procrastinating,mum talked to us and we have decided to give it a try” Matt said with a shrug.

She looked at her mother and wondered what she must have told her headstrong brothers that changed their mind, it was for the better tho at least they would help with the bills instead of wasting the little she was having before.

“I hope you guys won’t get into trouble?” Freya said as she heard a jolting we won’t coming from her brothers in unison

Their mother, Maria, chipped in, “I’m so proud of all of you. This is a big step, and I know that is not going to be very easy but I trust you.

Matt responded, “We will strive to ensure that you are proud of us Ma’am.”

Mike added his opinion to this, “And who knows, perhaps one day we will open our own business.”

Freya laughed but she just had to show her support as she said "That's the spirit, Mike! You guys can do anything just because you want it done.”

While eating, the family seemed to have a good time as they began exchanged some words, laughing and having fun, Freya could finally find happiness in her family and therefore, she is happy about that.

Maria asked her, “You know Freya I’m also proud that you chased your dreams in the kitchen as well.” Great cook like you, I believe you’ll become a renowned chef soon.”

Freya blushed and said mum I am just a kitchen maid and at-times I work at the counter, a renowned chef is on another level I can’t even afford a culinary school yet.

Her mum answered “Aren’t you saving up for it,you would get here soon.

Matt suddenly asked, “Hey Freya do you mind if we ask you something”?

"Sure, what is it?" Freya replied, curious.

Mike came in and questioned, “Could we be able to get some discount at the company cafeteria for our meals?”we are going to be working there, after all!

Freya laughed. I’ll see something about that guys. But no promises!"

The brothers smiled saying nothing and Maria laughed and shook her head “hose two and their weakness to food…”

"Goodbye, Mom!" Freya shouted when she joined Matt and Mike on the exit, leaving for a new workplace at Dishie Restaurant which was quite popular.

"Good luck, kids be careful out there !" their mother replied, waving goodbye.

As they climbed aboard the bus, Freya took a seat near the window, while Matt and Mike sat across from her, their eyes fixed on the passing cars.

"Wow, look at that Porsche! One day, we'll own one of those!" Matt exclaimed, his eyes shining with determination.

"Totally! We'll be living the high life!" Mike agreed, his mind already racing with dreams of speed and status.

Freya chuckled to herself, remembering when she too had harbored similar aspirations. "You guys are something else," she said with a grin.

"Hey, someone's got to dream big!" Matt replied, winking at Mike.

As the bus rumbled on, Freya's thoughts turned to Desmond. She smiled, picturing his warm smile and kind eyes.

"Hey, Freya, what's got you smiling?" Matt asked, noticing her far-off gaze.

"Just thinking about my job" she replied, her cheeks flushing slightly.

"Ooh, spill the beans! Did you meet a guy at the party?" Mike asked, his curiosity piqued.

Freya playfully rolled her eyes. "Maybe, maybe not. You guys focus on your new jobs, and let me handle my life."

The brothers chuckled, but Freya could tell they were intrigued.

As the bus rumbled along, Desmond cruised by in his sleek Rolls Royce, his eyes scanning the passing scenery.

Suddenly, he noticed a familiar figure gazing out the window of the bus - Freya! Her eyes were lost in thought, her gaze directed elsewhere, but Desmond's heart skipped a beat as he recognized the girl who had captivated him at the party and ran off after a night with him.

He couldn't believe the coincidence - what were the chances of running into her again, and in such a fleeting moment? He felt an overwhelming urge to stop the car and talk to her, but the bus was already pulling away from the stop.