Chapter 5 FIVE

CHAPTER FIVE

STEPHANIE'S P.O.V

I had gotten back from Senegal, grateful to have restored peace in the company, but I haven't been able to see Cole. My main focus was making sure that my uncle never interferes in any of my business

"Ma'am, they are ready for you," my assistant said

"Thank you," I replied, straightening my black jacket. Today, I wasn't just here to lead, I was here to make a statement. From my sleek black stilettos to the sharp lines of my tailored suit, I exuded authority. Even my jet-black hair was tied back with precision. The message was clear today: they would understand who was in charge

I strode to the boardroom, my confidence unwavering. The tension in the air was palpable. My eyes scanned the room, each face reflecting a mix of anticipation and unease.

"Good morning, gentlemen," I began, my voice steady. "Pardon my mother's absence, she is currently on a well-deserved vacation. I'll be standing in for her. Shall we begin?"

The room was tense as discussions bounced around regarding the vacant board positions left by my uncle's mess. I tried to steer the conversation toward practical solutions, but something was off.

"If I get what you are saying, we should leave their positions vacant?" I said incredulously, "I am sorry we can't. It is either we open the word to the world or do it in-house. Ask people if they want to buy shares." I said after a while of going back and forth on the topic. I looked at Cole, noticing he was quiet. "Mr. Sanders, you haven't said anything. What do you think?"

He cleared his throat, his eyes sharp yet measured. "Seeing that we have just one slot left, I feel like there is no point adding a board member. You already have your uncle's shares as per the regulations. I bought one of the shares, and for the last board member, you have his for safekeeping," he said while the other members agreed with it

"I don't like the idea of having a loose end." I declared, my gaze sweeping through the room, "I'd rather buy the shares than any of his family members claim his shares. That being said, who wants to buy the last shares?" No response. "I know it is just one percent, but it can still be useful. That settles it, I'm buying it," I declared when no one said anything. "I'd like a report of every division each of you is responsible for by the end of the month. Have a good day, everyone."

I stood, signaling the end of the meeting, and strode out with purpose. Cole followed close behind, settling into one of the chairs in my office without invitation. His easy confidence was impossible to miss.

"I could have sworn you missed me" he teased a cocky grin on his lips

I chuckled, rolling my eyes. "I have never seen someone who thinks so highly of themselves as you do. You must think the world revolves around you."

"Well," he said, patting down his suit with a smirk, "What can I say, the ladies around the world seem to love me."

"Down to serious business, are you now going to leave high and dry now that you have your uncle sorted out?" he asked, his tone serious with a hint of vulnerability, which took me by surprise

"Am I really your only option?" I asked after a while of silence

"Yup, and I get it if you still want to think about it, but I don't have all the time," he said, looking vulnerable

"I promise to get back to you soon," I said, my voice low

When I finally got home, exhaustion hit me like a freight train. My head was swimming with decisions, and as I stepped into the living room, I didn't notice someone sitting on the couch.

"You look stressed." My mom's gentle voice filled the room, making me yelp in surprise

Holding my beating chest, I swallowed hard. "I didn't know you were around. You didn't tell me you were coming over."

She smiled softly, patting the seat next to her. "Do I need permission to come to my daughter's house?"

"Nope, you don't," I said, sinking into her embrace. "I missed you."

"I am sure you have," she said, patting my head while I hummed in satisfaction. "I hope this stress is because of a man."

I snorted, "How was your trip?" I deflected, leaning more into her embrace

"Nice way to avoid the subject," she teased, her fingers pausing in my hair. " I enjoyed myself, but that's not the main contention. What's troubling you, my baby?"

I sighed, pulling away from her warmth, suddenly feeling exposed. "I'm confused. I think I like this guy, but I am not sure what I want. My head tells me I am doing this for the company, but my heart..." I trailed off, feeling the weight of confusion press heavily on my chest. "I don't want to do anything out of guilt."

My mother's eyes filled with concern. "What do you mean, sweetheart?"

I stood up, pacing in front of her "When the whole Uncle Stan's issue came up, he had suggested that I get married to him. He is also a board member and he was experiencing similar issues though I told him I was going to think about it, we were able to take care of that situation but the issue is, I think I like him but I wouldn't want to rush into something that could jeopardize my future" I finished breathing heavily

Mom tilted her head thoughtfully. "Is he the young man who helped you?"

I nodded

"He seems like a nice person. I want to meet him."

I blinked, my eyes widening. "You can't be serious. You don't even know him."

"But he wants to get to know you," she teased playfully

"Mama," I whined, pouting

Her laughter bubbled up, and she pulled me into another hug. "I believe in your capabilities of making the best decision, that is why your father and I invested so much into you and your siblings. Get me the date and time for the meeting. I can't wait!" she exclaimed, dancing out of the house, making me giggle.

I watched her go, a small smile tugging at my lips. Despite the confusion, despite everything, I had the best mother in the world.

I was on my way to get my nails done when I received a call: "Yes, Stephanie, speaking?"

"Are you always this formal?" the person at the end of the call teased

"Cole?" I asked, confused, "How did you get my number?"

"Take a wild guess. Well, you didn't want to come to me, so I decided to come to you. Where are you?"

"I am on my way to the salon to get my nails done," I replied, driving out of the driveway

"Send me the location, I'll meet you there."

Cole rubbed his hands in anticipation, licking his lips. "Let's get this party started!"

"Why do you look more excited than I am?" I asked chuckling

He shrugged, "I get to do boyfriend duties. Scratch that, fiancé duties," he said, dragging the fiancé part, wiggling his eyebrows, making me shake my head in amusement

We got into the salon, and I immediately regretted it. Cole was like a kid in a candy store, astonished by so many colors and their designs, to the point he even said he wanted to learn. As usual, the women humored him. I finally got my nails done after arguing with Cole over the colors, shape, and length

"Get the red color," he suggested, "It will fit your complexion, make it long so it would look amazing, make it stilettos so that when you point to someone, it would make them cower."

While it was annoying, the women in the salon thought it was cute

"My mother wants to see you," I blurted as we got to my car

"Really? I get the honor of meeting my mother-in-law?" he said, grinning like a Cheshire cat.

I scoffed, "It's the confidence for me. Look," I said getting all serious "If we are going to do this, we need to have it on paper to make sure that you are not after what I have, and also to release us to find our paths later in life seeing that we would be entering into a loveless marriage."

I saw a flash of hurt pass through his eyes, but he quickly masked it, making me wonder what that was about

"Yeah, that can work. We can get our lawyers to draw up a contract. How many years do you think it should be?"

I put my finger on my chin. "Two years should do it. Are you sure I am your last option?"

He sighed, "You know you don't have to do this if you feel uncomfortable, but yes, you are my last option. I don't trust any of those girls out there."

I scoffed, "And you trust me? You don't even know me."

He smiled softly. "And that is more than okay."

"I'll text you the time and address."

**********

I got home feeling completely drained, both physically and emotionally. I plopped onto my bed, staring up at the ceiling, trying to process everything. Why did I feel this way? How much did I really care about Stephanie for her to get under my skin like this? I sat up suddenly, my heart pounding as realization hit me square in the chest.

I love Stephanie.

Shit.

What was I supposed to do with this? Was this bad? Good? All I knew for sure was that she could never, ever know. No way.

My phone rang, bringing me out of the internal turmoil, and it was Adrian

"Cuzzo! What's up?" he greeted cheerfully

"I'm good. How's the tour?" I responded tiredly

"It's goo- you sound depressed. Do I need to come over?" he asked, concerned

I chuckled bitterly, "Depressed should be the right word. Stephanie finally agreed."

He gasped, "Dude, I am happy for you, but why do you sound sad? I thought this was what you wanted."

"I mean, I guess I should be happy, but she agreed to do it on a two-year contract," I said, feeling frustrated

"And that is a problem because?" he asked, evidently confused

"Dude, I just realized that I love this babe."

He started throwing fits of questions, "What? How? Does she know? Do you plan on telling her? No wonder you feel bad about this arrangement."

"Calm down, I am the one meant to be panicking, not you, and no, I haven't told her, but I plan on showing it to her. As they say, actions speak louder than words."

"Are you sure you love her and not the idea of her? I don't want you to go through that phase of life again."

"I understand your concern, but I really do love her."

"I'm glad to hear that. You know I will always support you. I have to go, man, I have a meeting."