FALLING FOR MY EX BILLIONAIRE DAD

Chapter11

The note was from Reggie. As I read it, a jolt of confusion surged through me: "Call me," it simply stated, signed with his name. My mind raced with questions. Was he trying to pull me back into his world? Had he discovered my past with Draco, his son? What could possibly be so urgent that it warranted this cryptic note? My thoughts spiraled, each possibility leading me deeper into a maze of worry and speculation. But I couldn't afford to overthink this now; I was still standing in front of my staff, and thankfully, they were oblivious to the identity of the mysterious sender.

Taking a steadying breath, I forced a casual sigh and addressed the room. "You all can go back to work."

The atmosphere was thick with curiosity, and Jackson was the first to break the silence. "Who's the note from? Is everything alright?" His tone was gentle yet firm as if he sensed the tension radiating from me. I raised my gaze to meet his, unsure of what he was looking for; concern, a confession, or maybe a way to pry deeper into my personal affairs. He meant well, but it was frustrating.

"It’s from someone I know, an old friend," I replied, striving for calmness.

"Are you sure about that? You looked tense when you read it," Jackson pressed again. His persistence was beginning to grate on my nerves, but overreacting wasn't an option; I was the boss here. Instead, I let out a small chuckle and turned to leave for my office, hoping to deflect the conversation.

"You didn't answer me," he said again, and I felt a wave of irritation wash over me.

I turned back to him, my patience thin. "Why so many questions, Jac? Did whoever bring the note say something else?"

He lowered his head, mumbling, "Nope." The silence hung heavy in the air as I turned away, eager to escape the scrutiny.

"Em..." Lisa called out hesitantly, drawing my attention back.

I sighed inwardly, turning around with raised eyebrows, my unspoken gesture that asked, "What now?" It was enough for Lisa to read my impatience.

"We really need a replacement for Piper," she said, urgency creeping into her voice. "It hasn’t been great for customers to come in and find the front desk unattended."

Her words struck a chord with me. She was right; the front desk needed someone there, a welcoming presence to greet clients and address their needs. It had been unsettling to walk in and find it empty, an echo of the chaos that had seeped into our firm since Piper's departure.

However, the real challenge wasn't just about filling the position; it was about finding someone who could truly fit the mold of what Piper had brought to the team. Her outgoing nature, her warm smile, and her knack for making everyone feel welcome. Those qualities were not easy to come by. Despite our falling out, I recognized Piper’s talents; she had been exceptional at her job, and her absence was a glaring void.

“Let’s brainstorm some potential candidates,” I suggested, trying to steer the conversation into productive territory. "We need someone who can not only fill the role but also embody the spirit that Piper brought to the firm."

The team nodded, their expressions shifting from concern to determination. As we began to discuss the qualities we needed in a new hire, the weight of the note from Reggie faded, at least for the moment. I knew I would have to confront it soon, but right now, my focus had to be on keeping the firm running smoothly.

The flicker of hope that we could find someone remarkable to fill Piper’s shoes ignited a spark within me. I might be navigating uncertain waters personally, but professionally, I was ready to steer us toward calmer seas.

"Well, I think I’ll have to start leaving posters at the post office for a job vacancy. Hopefully, we’ll find someone who can fill Piper’s spot." With that conclusion, I turned and exited the production room, closing the door behind me with a sense of finality.

As I stepped out, the weight of Reggie’s note lingered in my mind like an unwelcome guest. I had tried to dismiss it, to bury it deep within the recesses of my thoughts, but the nagging curiosity wouldn’t let go. Part of me desperately wanted to sever all ties with him; after all, that was the rational side of me speaking. Yet, another, darker part still craved revenge, a flicker of vengeance that threatened to ignite into a full-blown fire. But I quickly reminded myself that vengeance would cost me dearly, perhaps more than I was willing to pay. So, with a resigned sigh, I crumpled Reggie’s note and tossed it into the waste bin, watching as it spiraled down to join the remnants of my cluttered thoughts.

The hours slipped away swiftly as I returned to my work. My desk, usually a chaotic landscape of documents and deadlines, felt oddly comforting today. As the day drew to a close, I realized I still had some energy left, a desire for adventure bubbling beneath the surface. An idea sparked in my mind, perhaps I could invite my staff out for a quick drink at a bar nearby to further ease the tension of earlier. But then doubt crept in. Would that cross the boundaries of professionalism? We had never shared such a casual moment before. The thought both excited and terrified me. What if they began to see me as just another friend rather than their boss? Shaking my head, I waved off the thought. A night out could blur the lines that I needed to keep sharp, and I wasn’t ready to risk my authority for a night of fun.

After locking my office, I stepped into the evening air, ready to head home. However, it seemed as though every cab in the city had decided to take a holiday. Frustration welled up inside me as I waved futilely at passing cabs, only to be ignored time and again. Exasperated and with a hint of adventurous spirit, I decided to walk a bit; perhaps I would find a cab along the way. After all, the remaining energy coursing through my veins needed an outlet.

The evening breeze was refreshing, a stark contrast to the day's pent-up emotions. It caressed my skin, making me feel alive and oddly introspective. As I strolled down the street, I couldn’t help but observe the couples around me, their fingers intertwined and laughter bubbling between them, some even sharing quick pecks. They looked so radiant, so full of life and love. A pang of longing struck me. Love, was it a distant dream now? After Draco had shattered my heart, I couldn’t shake the feeling that I was somehow unworthy of such a connection. I loved love, but the prospect of opening my heart again felt like a risk I wasn’t willing to take.

Draco's betrayal had left deep scars, ones that still throbbed with each memory. I had loved him wholeheartedly, only to discover that I was merely a pawn in a game he played so skillfully. Did he ever truly care for me? Had I been blind to the signs, or was he just that good at concealing his true feelings? The realization that our love might have been a mere illusion crushed me. I felt as if I were the only one who had ever truly loved while he wore a mask of indifference. With each step I took, the rage simmered within me, begging for release, but I fought it back, knowing it wouldn’t do me any good.

As I walked, I lost track of time and distance, but my legs felt surprisingly strong. This impromptu exercise felt good, almost liberating. I stopped at a small shop, treating myself to a snack and a bottle of soda. It felt good to indulge, if only for a moment. Refreshed, I continued my journey, allowing the cool evening air to soothe my thoughts.

Finally, a cab appeared, and I jumped in without hesitation. A few minutes later, I found myself outside my home, staring at it for a moment as a bright smile crept onto my face. It felt like a haven, a place where I could unwind and escape the tumult of the day. "Haha," I laughed softly to myself, feeling the warmth of gratitude wash over me as I stepped inside.

Once undressed and refreshed, I headed to the kitchen, eager to prepare my meal. As I cooked, a sense of joy enveloped me, a realization of how far I had come despite the chaos in my life. I was still here, resilient, and running my own firm. I had many blessings to count, and that thought alone filled me with warmth. After dinner, I sank back into the soft embrace of my sofa, closing my heavy eyes and letting the weariness of the day fade away. Maybe tonight would be different. Maybe I would dream, even if just for a little while. I welcomed the thought, allowing myself to drift into the realm of possibilities as I surrendered to the gentle pull of sleep