Chapter 9 Lines Blurred

Hi, Mr. Bernard! Are you ready with the order?" the driver asked, a friendly smile on his face.

"Yes, everything is fully ready," Bernard replied, feeling a rush of excitement.

"Great! Our driver will be with you shortly," the dispatcher said before ending the call.

Before long, the driver arrived, and they quickly packed the orders into the truck. As they finished loading the last box, Bernard's phone buzzed. He glanced at the screen, and a huge smile spread across his face-they had signed another ten-year deal!

"Everyone, gather around!" Bernard called, his voice filled with enthusiasm. "I have fantastic news! We just secured a new contract, and I'm doubling all your salaries! Plus, everyone gets a week off!"

Cheers erupted from the workers, their fatigue forgotten as joy filled the warehouse. Laughter and excitement echoed as they processed the news.

"I can't believe this!" Sophia shouted, her eyes sparkling. "This is amazing!"

"Thank you, Bernard!" Charles chimed in, his gratitude evident. "You really didn't have to do this!"

Bernard beamed at his team. "You all worked so hard. You deserve every bit of it!"

As the excitement settled, Bernard turned to Charles and pulled him into a warm hug. "I really appreciate you, my friend. You've been a rock through all of this."

"I'm so happy we did this!" Charles said, grinning ear to ear.

"Honestly, I thought it was impossible!" Bernard replied, shaking his head in disbelief.

"Same here!" Charles laughed, relief clear on his face. "And we really need to give Hadassah some credit. She was incredible."

Bernard nodded, his expression serious. "Absolutely. She really stepped up when we needed her."

Charles smirked, a playful glint in his eye. "I need a vacation! I'm exhausted."

"I hear you! I miss my bed," Bernard said with a chuckle as he searched for his car keys. "Rest is definitely overdue."

"Let's get out of here," Charles replied, stretching his arms. "I can't wait to crash."

With a final wave to the team, Bernard found his keys and headed for the door. "Alright, I'm off! See you all when I get back!"

---

Charles got home to find Hadassah and Lily asleep on the couch, Lily nestled against Hadassah's chest. He walked quietly into the room, careful not to disturb them. Just as he was about to tiptoe past, Hadassah stirred and smiled at him.

"Welcome back," she said softly.

"Thank you," Charles replied, his voice warm. "I really want to appreciate you for stepping up and looking after Lily when I'm not

around. It means a lot to me."

Hadassah grinned, a teasing glint in her eyes. "I'm always here to help you."

Charles smiled back, feeling lighter.

"You know, I think this is the first time I've seen you smile so deeply!"

They both laughed, their bond feeling stronger in that moment. Charles pulled out his phone and asked for Hadassah's payment information. He sent her $5,000 right away.

"That's not your salary," he clarified. "You'll still get your $10,000 at the end of the month."

Hadassah's eyes widened with happiness. "Thank you so much! This really helps!"

As he turned to leave, Hadassah called out, "I made some sandwiches if you're hungry!"

He paused, the sound of her voice reminding him of his late wife. It had been a while since someone asked if he wanted food. Surprised, he finally replied, "I need to shower first, but maybe later. Thanks."

After he left, Hadassah sat down, jotting down what she needed to do with the money. She remembered she had to pay back $700 to a friend of her mom's and send some to her family. Her mind buzzed with calculations, excitement bubbling up inside her.

About thirty minutes later, Hadassah was still lost in thought when Bernard walked into the living room wearing just a pair of shorts, his chest bare. She couldn't help but admire him. He was tall and handsome, his physique strong and well-defined. She had never seen him like this before, and her heart raced.

As he moved to the kitchen for a sandwich, Hadassah tried to look away, not wanting him to catch her staring.

Suddenly, Bernard turned and asked, his voice casual but bold.

"Do you have a boyfriend?"