Chapter 2 Mother's Love

By the time that I finally made my way to the office I was panting and breathing heavily. I had rushed to get ready as Ashley had forced me to warm her plate for her again. I didn’t have time to eat or take a shower and I had to hurry to get to the bus station. By the time that I got there, the bus had already left and I had to wait for the next one. I knew that my father would be furious when I finally walked in as he had always prided himself on punctuality.

As I made my way through the front door of the office I could feel several states that were trained on me and I could hear multiple whispers. I wasn’t known as the ceo's daughter any more I was just his mule. By the time I had managed to reach the top floor it was already thirty minutes after nine and I feared how my dad would react as I gently knocked my fist against his door before opening it. I rushed to make my way inside and closed the door behind me. I didn’t even turn to look up at him as he said, “You are late.” I didn’t know what to say to him in response as I felt my throat dry, I knew that I was late because of Ashley but I couldn’t say that. “Well we have several meetings to attend and now because of you we have to rush to them before you further ruin my image. ``he spoke in an accusing tone. I let out a sigh before I followed behind him. We had two morning meetings with our stock investors and we had taken on a new partner. He was a young man by the name of Richard Rosewood. He was a risky buy but he had great potential and so we had made the decision to give him a try. After the meetings were over I was allowed to return to my desk outside my father's office so that I could work on my minutes as well as the other various projects that I had lined up on my table. I had been working hard when I heard someone clear their throat above me. I was startled at first when I looked up and saw that it was actually Mr. Rosewood. I gave him a small smile and I had to admit that he was quite handsome with his curly brown hair and tan skin. “Good morning. “ He said to them and I nodded my head at him and watched as he took a seat from the corner of my desk and sat down. “I noticed you in the meeting and I don’t normally do this but I think you are pretty attractive and I was wondering if you wanted to go out with me.” He said with an edge of confidence and I felt a frown form on my face as I realized that he was one of ‘those’ types of men. “Sorry sir but I have some level of common decency and I am not going to go out with a random stranger. “I said to him and he seemed slightly taken aback by my words and I watched as he cleared his throat at me. “Well I am sorry for assuming. I thought it was a typical secretary banging the boss relationship. “He said with a smirk on his face and I knew that he was simply there to piss me off and I simply didn’t have that level of patience. “Well I am sorry to disappoint you but I am not sleeping with my boss.” I said to him through gritted teeth and I watched as his eyes widened before he let out a boisterous laugh. “I like you and that was actually a test. You seem closed off like a present I want to unwrap. I believe we are going to have a lot of fun together. “he said as he stood up from the seat and offered me a wink. “Actually I don’t think that is going to work out. I think it would be best if we never see each other again.” I said to him firmly. I watched as his face fell slightly. “Well, I can assure you that this isn’t going to be the last time that we meet. “he said and although I was about to open my mouth and retort, I watched as he slipped the card onto my table. “See you later Miss. I will be having a party at my club ‘Starlight’ and I would love for you to come tonight. “he said as he walked away. “I don’t go to clubs. “I shouted back at him. “Well maybe you should. “he said as I watched as he stepped into the elevator and it slowly began to close. I grinned at him, shaking my head from side to side and I was about to say something back to him when I heard a voice coming from behind me that caused my body to stiffen. “Charlotte. “I heard my father speak and I immediately straightened in my seat. “I need you in my office right now,” He said to me in a cold tone and without warning I jumped out of my seat before I made my way inside. I was quick as I closed the door behind me and I couldn’t help but feel slightly scared at the thought of what it was that he wanted to tell me. “Have a seat. “he said suddenly as he pointed towards the chair in front of him. I gulped before sitting down and he let it a sigh. “I don’t want to waste any further time. But the thing is I want you to give me the family ring.” He spoke and I felt my heart break into a million pieces.