Together Forever

I was looking through the papers that a new girl who joined recently has worked on when the door opens and Cathie walks in. Only she has the right to enter my office without any permission since we're friends and friends don't wait for permission. She's in all black today with the tight black skirt that reaches her knees and hair open with two pearl studs just polishing her appearance. As always, my eyes fall on hers and she greets me with her sweet smile.

I smile back and gesture to her to sit on the opposite chair of me.

"Hi!" She bids me, grinning.

Over the past months, I have managed to put her guards down a bit. Now I think she has believed that I am not just a moody cold-hearted boss who always goes ordering around. I can be a friend too if you can be one to me.

And I also got to know a lot about her. Her parents and her younger brother live in Alaska. Because of the retirement of her father, now all the responsibilities of her family are upon her shoulder from grocery shopping to her brother's education, everything has to be managed by her. Being the dutiful girl she is, she doesn't spare one single second for herself to provide money for her family. And how am I supposed to not respect this replica of dignity?

"Hey! So… how are you doing? I haven't gotten much time to talk to you in the last few days." I tell her.

"I'm doing good. And yeah, I noticed you were busy. The night you left with Mr. Liam, Ethan sir came looking for you I got to hear later."

I nod, "Yeah, he came."

She fidgets with her fingers looking down before saying, "Evie? If you don't mind, can I ask you something?" It seems like it took all her strength to utter those words.

"Yeah, sure. Just shoot." I reply, smiling.

She starts to speak hesitantly, "Uhm...are you and Ethan sir only business partners? Actually, you seem close I mean more than just official associates. I'm sorry for prying like this. I just couldn't help myself." She chuckles nervously.

Her words catch me off guard. We never act in public the way we're at home still how could she guess that?

I let out a giggle as I reply, "You know what Cathie? Now I got that why dad likes you this much and even my cold-hearted self fell for your charm. You're quite intelligent."

She keeps staring at me confusedly waiting for me to continue.

"And yes, you guessed right. We are more than just business partners." I give her a secretive smile and her face lightens up.

"Oh see then? I knew it." She chuckles with me. "By the way, you both look so cute together."

I lower my head to the papers at her compliment as I mutter thanks.

"Oh shit! I almost forgot about it." She blurts out suddenly, "You have a meeting today in Jones industries and Mr. Liam will join you."

My smile vanishes at the news. Liam and Ethan together? Well, another trouble.

I'm

She nods, "Okay."

******

park my car in front of the Jones industries and hop off. It's 11 a.m right now and the weather is very appealing today. The mild sunshine is impaling New York City flaring a comfy warmth in the air that's blending with the soothing cool breeze and since it's spring, flowers of diverse colors and natures eliminating the beauty of this ultra-modern city with its

the elevator without giving any attention to the piercing eyes around me. Pressing the button of the certain floor, I check myself on the lift mirror. I straighten the black blazer I'm wearing over the grey short-sleeved top and the skinny blue jeans

open and I step out, walking in

the midway I meet Liam who is coming from

look away, increasing my pace.

am about to pass him when

"Evie, wait."

curse under my breath and slowly turn around when he approaches me. After that night,

something?" I ask in a stern

"Yeah."

"I'm listening."

face is a bit shrunken like he is embarrassed

and then opens his mouth, "Evie, I'm really so sorry for that night. I shouldn't have talked to you like that. I...I just lost control. I'm sorry. Can we just forget it and become friends again like we were?" He speaks and he seems

mistake and apologizes, I don't have any problem forgiving him. After all,

"It's okay, Liam. I'm happy that you realized what was wrong and yes, we can

the meeting. You coming right?" He asks and I almost say yes

he doesn't notice him. I immediately remove my hand

go

After he's in a distance, I turn

disappointment, making myself ready for another one

first thing he says is, "What were you doing with him?

he stares at me

you came running

the case." He shrugs

about a matter. Nothing else." I reply to

don't like him." He shouts and I can clearly imagine him stomping his feet

a room on our right which door is open. I hurriedly take a peek inside just to make sure that no one's inside

to meet often. Nothing to do." I

just can't." He whines, his hair

booted Ethan Jones whining like a

fix his hair, "Well, I heard you. Now stop whining and join the