me:
Chapter 32
-NAOMI
“Charles Dickson!” My voice in loud, holding every form and shape of astonishment.
“Oh my God, Charles!” I sit up properly and start to pull the blanket up to cover my cold feet.
I haven’t been able to get a hold of him since the fire, and now having him on the phone here is just.
Beyond
On the other end of the line, his light chuckles come.
“How are you?” He asks
a hold of me!
“I have been trying to reach you.” I unconsciously ignored his question. “How did you manage to get a My words are rushed, and 1 sound breathless
“We are to be collaborators, so just have it in the back of your mind that I am to obtain your contact one way or another.” His voice is very calm,
I sigh
“Thank you
He laughs lightly. “Why are you thanking me?”
I have every right to express my gratitude to you. Not just for this, for all And I don’t think a slight thank you can mount up to what you did for m I owe you big time.” I sigh.
Honestly, I do.
He is silent for a moment and then speaks
“Believe me, anyone would do the same.
I shake my head, knowing he can’t see me
“Not everyone.”I correct
Not Circenn
He would be too busy caring about his reputation
words are breathless.
“So please, if there’s anything you’d like me to do, just please tell me. I haven’t been able to breathe properly because I couldn’t reach you.” My
“It’s okay. You don’t have to do anything”
He’s joking.
“I can’t possibly take that,” I scoff. “If you were in my shoes, you’d understand how it is to owe someone.
“Well,” he beg. “You can pay me back this weekend”
I sit up
Yeah, you c
can have dinner with me this weekend. That’s all
I can’t see him, but I can tell he just shrugged.
“Dinner? That fin’t-
“That would be enough for me, Mrs. McCain,” he adds.
friends, Nam, remember!” He cuts me
Cuts the
Chapter 32
I smack my lips together.
How can he ask for dinner for such a big debri
I can’t force him.
If that is what he want,
I nod
“Dinner is perfect”
“Great,” he adds. “It was nice talking to you,
Naomi
“It was nice talking to you too. Charles,” I add.
“You should save my mumber-
“Of course I cut him off
The call ends, and I sigh
1s be heaven–sent or what!
I dedicate
my entire day to solo productivity, immersing myself in a thorough review of various files and documents I have received from the
With no distractions or interruptions, I am able to focus intensely on sorting, analyzing, and processing the information, making significant progress in organizing my work and tackling tasks
The quiet, uninterrupted time allows me to delve deep into the details, gain valuable insights, and make meaningful connections between different pieces of information.
If I am not ready to be at the office,.
I can at least work from home.
My quiet work time is ruined when Circenn barges in
“Get dressed,” he says as he shifts to the walk–in closet to grab a jacket for the white collared shin he’s putting on.
“Excuse me?” I pull down my reading glasses to see him properly.
He looks hot
He was actually hot–ke he just came back from a jog,
Despite looking tired, his eyes sparkle with a brightness that suggests a sharp mind and a quick wir
Ha lashes appear wet, as if he’s just emerged from a refreshing swim or a sauna session. Itis forehead glistens with beady sweats, hinting at a recent bout of physical activity or a moment of intense focus
His dark hair is disheveled, with strands clinging to his face, adding to his rugged charm. I don’t know why I am noticing that.
His gaze is fixed, as if his mind is fully engaged, his thoughts consumed by a pressing matter.
“Get dressed for what?” I carefully drop my laptop on the bed before getting on my feet.
I carefully tug on the shorts I’m wearing.
He turns as he fixes the blazer on him
“We’re going to meet my old man
Every second of the day. I am reminded that I am married to thi
to this man. But I am grateful that he is not truly my husband
How can be say those awful things to me last night and walk up to my face like that conversation that made me cry never happened
“I’m working” I say, making him notice the anger in my tone
Are you serous right now?” He scoffs, “Naomi, this is important to me
Chapter 22
“And I don’t care i
if it is. You’re not important to me.” I say. “We can’t just pretend last night didn’t happen.”
Let’s fucking leave but night alone–okay, look, just listen to me, so whatever happened last night, I’m sorry about it. But just do this for me”
He seems desperte
“A crappy apology isn’t going to cut out for it.” I say, shaking my head and taking a step back.
“I’m sorry-
He says it, not sounding sorry at all. “Just get dressed. My father will be here in no time, and I am sure you do not want to present yourself in shorts like that. I don’t have a problem with it, but please do something. His voice is thick, and he glances at my bare thighs before walking out of the
I stand still.
So he can’t apologize properly
y but is always ready to use ine whenever he can!
Whatever do I have to do with his father?
As I prepare to leave the room. I slip on
pon a comfortable pair of sweatpants, the soft fabric gliding up my legs, and pull on the matching hoodie, enveloping myself in its cozy warmth.
With my casual attire in place, I feel relaxed and ready to take on whatever will be happening downstairs.
I come down to the living room to meet Circenn and his father Eddie, both of them sitting patiently in the living room area waiting for me?
Both of them look so much like each other.
“Ah, Naomi.” Eddie is full of smiles as he sees mc.
“Please take a seat.” He urges me, and his eyes squint as he smiles further.
I take a seat near Circean but not close–since it’s the same couch. I catch Eddie’s eyes falling, seeing the slight distance.
“I really don’t know why we need her here to have any conversation
“She’s your wife!” Eddie cuts Circenn off.
Circean scoffs and glances at me.
1 focus my attention on my fingers, which are on my thighs, and wait for whatever they have to tell me.
“Are you two having problems?” Eddie asks, looking utterly scared.
I sigh but don’t give a reply.
“Every couple goes through problems,” Circenn adds, “What is it you have to say!”
Eddie sighs
“Where are my grandsons?” He asks, looking around,
“You’ll see them after you’re done with whatever you came here for. Circenn is rude with his words, and he gets a simultaneous glare from me and
his father.
“How did you ever get to fall for the likes of him!” Eddie shakes his head at me
I force a smile. “I ask myself that question every day. But I guess love is love.”
I glance at Circen, who looks like he doesn’t want to be here.
Eilise laughs.
Athick–chested nne,
“How have you been, Naomi‘ Do you like it here? Or do you want an even bigger house? Tell me whenever is not to your liking. I’ll make u happen immediately. The lords so happy
Taluke my heart
“Tarryalling in jedert
11:35 AM
Chapter 32
“Ever since the fire, I do not want anything to give you any slight discomfort. I am so sorry I haven’t been able to sec accident.” He shakes his head, some of his gray hair reflecting the lights and turning them white.
e to see you after that horrible
I smile genuinely now.
This is all I’ve been wanting to hear; it’s not about living in a huge home but about the people in it and how much they care.
“Thank you, Mr. McCain,” 1 beam.
He shakes his head. “I believe we’re way past that. Call me father,” he laughs.
“I’m.” I pause.
“Take your time.” He laughs at my flushed cheeks.
Circenn looks displeased.
He grunts, and it makes Eddie sigh,
“Anyways, this is the reason I’m here.” Eddie says, pushing a written document in front of the table that islands us. Circenn takes the pane
paper.
Eddie continues, “It is the Black Empire finally getting under your custody as promised.”
If Circenn was getting an inheritance, what does it have to do with me?
I look at Circenn, and his eyes light up with joy.
“You’re serious?” Circenn is trying to conceal a smile.
“Dead serious. You’ve passed all the qualifications I need, to pass the empire down to you. You’re competent. And you’ve settled down with a wife and your own kids. That’s all I ever wanted,” Eddie beams.
So aside from his kids and the media..
This is one of the many reasons he agreed to marry
Now I see.
But whenever can I leave? I have work to do,
“But there are a few changes to the inheritance probates. The black empire now falls under the succession of you and your wife. Naomi McCain”
My head snaps up, and my eyes blink non–stop.
Did I just hear correctly?
“Excuse me?” I say it almost quietly.
Circenn gets on his feet immediately,
“Excuse me?” He says this to Eddie too.
Eddie beams
“You both want the t
both sides”
Whan
me to repeat it? fine. I said the succession of the Black empire has fallen under both of your succession. A fifty–fifty ownership on
