Ceo First love

approached her. - Hey! - She was startled by my sudden presence and automatically raised the shovel towards me. I raised my hands in surrender and took two steps back. - Don't worry, I won't hurt you, I'm just passing through. - I pointed in the direction of the damaged fence, assuming she had come in that way. The girl lowered the shovel, but did not let go immediately. We heard footsteps approaching and turned in the direction of the sound. My eyes fixed, full of apprehension, on the boy, very tall for his young age, with long hair and dark clothes.

His icy gaze gave me goosebumps, however, upon observing the girl, his expression softened. Elijah Richards and his family lived a few houses away, on the corner, but were always ignored by the neighborhood. Their house, modest and unpretentious, was surrounded by mansions whose owners saw them as a nuisance. I remember the next door neighbor had even tried to buy the Richards' property, just to get rid of them, but the offer was turned down. I

flinched as Elijah approached. He walked past me and joined the girl as if I were a mere shadow. I noticed that he was carrying a bouquet of flowers, probably taken from one of the tombs. He and the girl completely ignored me, focused on what they were doing. I should have left, but I stayed. Like I said, my uncontrollable curiosity always got me into trouble, and Elijah Richards was without a doubt about to become the pinnacle of them. I then saw her open the shoe box and put one of the flowers inside. I tried to stretch out to see what was inside, but I couldn't see clearly. However, my instinct whispered to me that it was an animal; maybe a cat or even a puppy. - We need to say a prayer, Elijah - the little girl asked, her voice trembling. - You already did it, it's good. - The boy's low but serious voice did not go unnoticed by me.

- He needs more! -she exclaimed, crossing her arms sullenly. Elijah swallowed hard and clasped his hands together. - Did you see? Okay, I've done it. - It has to be out loud! - He scratched the back of his head, clearly uncomfortable. -I-I can do it. Did I mention I had a habit of being nosy? Two pairs of angry eyes fixed themselves on me, making me reconsider the offer.

- Okay, I'm leaving. - He smiled awkwardly. He was about to turn his back to give them privacy, something he should have done before, when the little girl agreed. - Alright, prayers are always welcome

. - She snorted discontentedly, which made me question whether my offer was really being accepted. I looked at the boy and he gestured with his head indicating that I should come closer, even though he kept a frown on his face. Cautiously, I walked over and knelt beside her, rubbing my sweaty hands on my jeans. - May I take a look at it? - I pointed to the box. The girl hugged her tightly, resisting letting go.

- If I know what it is, I can direct the prayer. It might be more effective that way. - I tried to persuade her. After exchanging a look with her brother, who nodded slightly, the girl gave in and opened the box. "A rabbit," I said out loud. - Long leg. - As? "His name is Bugs Bunny," she clarified impatiently. - OK I understand! - He smiled tenderly. I took a deep breath, clasping my hands together in prayer and closing my eyes. - Lord God, welcome Bugs Bunny into Your home. He was an incredible rabbit and deserves all the privileges in heaven... - What are privileges?

- the girl asked, interrupting my prayer. - These are advantages, benefits. May he make the best of heaven," she agreed, nodding her head. - And let him know that he was very loved by... - I looked at her. - Grace. - Let him know that he was very loved by Grace and that she will always remember him... - And every year I will bring flowers. -And every year, she will bring him flowers. Amen. - Amen! - Grace closed her eyes and said another silent prayer. I glanced quickly at Elijah and caught a fleeting smile. I admit that that smile pleased me more than I should have allowed. I closed my own eyes, controlling my own smile and continued to pretend to pray for a moment longer. When Grace opened her eyes, she placed the box inside the small pit. Elijah stood up and covered the hole with dirt. Soon after, Grace planted the bouquet of flowers and a small cross made of pieces of firewood on the grave. When she got up, she surprised me with a hug. No words were needed to understand that he was thanking me.

It was a brief hug and then Grace led the way, humming. I took a deep breath and looked at Elijah, he was staring at me, so intense that he seemed able to see my soul. "Thanks," he said, and I just nodded. Picking up the shovel, he headed toward Grace. I stood there, watching them walk away, without a formal goodbye. Despite this, I knew that after this funeral, we would be linked in some way, forever.

- I don't want to go, Mom. - Audrey crossed her arms, hugging her teddy bear to her chest. I let go of the box that was in my hands and took a deep breath, approaching it. I knelt in front of her and lifted her chin so our eyes met. - I know this change isn't easy, my sweetie, but we're going to have a lot of fun at grandma's house. - I tried to infuse animation into my words. - Grandma doesn't like us - she complained, her voice was a sad whisper. - Is not true. - I smiled, conveying confidence even though that confidence was still forming in me. - Grandma Hazel is just a little...

- I paused for a moment, searching for the right word - quirky, but she's nice, you'll see. - Why did daddy leave? - She asked, her eyes filled with tears as she threw herself tearfully into my arms. This was one of the rare times I allowed the end of my marriage to hit me. If my damn ex-husband -

or to rephrase, almost ex-husband, since we hadn't signed the divorce yet - had simply gone to hell, taking his debts with him and not leaving us in this situation, I admit that getting over all of this would be much calmer. However, the bastard was not only on the run, but he also left us deep in debt, leaving us with no choice but to return to the city where I grew up.

- Trust me, little girl, just this once, okay? - Audrey tightened the hug and nodded, sniffling. I gently pulled away and held her face in my hands. - You're going to like living [1] in Rangeley - I gave him a kiss on the cheek and got up to continue packing the rest of our things. After packing all of our things into the pickup truck I rented for the move, I took one last look at the house we'd lived in for the last six years of our lives. I wiped away a solitary tear that insisted on falling, started the car and left, without looking back. I drove for about twelve hours, making rest stops and meals at gas stations, until we finally arrived in my hometown.

I confess that my reaction was not the best. I lived the best and worst years of my life in that small county, and the memories that assaulted me every time I walked through the familiar streets became overwhelming. As I passed the town cemetery, I was unable to continue forward, so I parked next to the fence we had crossed years ago, on the same deserted road. -Are we there yet, mommy? -

area. - In fact, it took a long time to happen. - I looked at her. - The whole town probably already knows all the details of my wedding, so it shouldn't have been a surprise, right? - I asked with a touch of bitterness, not directing it at her, of course. I always knew that many people there, especially my ex-husband's parents, were hoping for our marriage to end.

The Memphises could never accept that their golden child had chosen to marry the daughter of a "corrupt police officer." They cowardly blamed me for their son's failure, as if I were solely responsible for him choosing a life of crime, even though he pursued a career in politics like his father. Sometimes I felt like I was in a nightmare that I would wake up from at any moment. My seemingly perfect life fell apart before my eyes, and I was too blind to see the signs, always believing the lame excuses without question.

- It's going to be okay, Liv. - Rachel gently rubbed my thigh with her hand, trying to comfort me. I didn't deserve her sympathy, but I gladly accepted it. When we finally arrived, I invited Rachel to come in for a moment, but she declined, explaining that she was busy. - We can arrange something one of these days. I'll call you. - I agreed with a nod. - I really need to go now, an employee asked to leave at the last minute and I'm covering the shift until we find a replacement. - Are you hiring? I'm interested! - I offered without even knowing what the job was. - Is this serious? - She looked at me, uncertain. - You know I have a convenience store at a gas station, right? - I didn't know, but it's okay. - Rachel bit her lip, thoughtfully. - I'll handle it! - I know, honey, but it's for the second round. You would be out very late. Don't you want to try to get something better? How could I if I hadn't even finished college, opting instead to be a full-time wife and mother?

- I'm not in a position to choose, Rachel. - I let her think for a few moments, anxious for the verdict. - Okay, go there tomorrow afternoon and we'll talk. - Thanks! - I thanked her, holding her hand. - Thank you very much, really! - You don't need to say thank you. - Well, I'm going to leave now. - I opened the car door and got out, crouching down next to the window and resting my arm on it. - Rachel, I... I never apologized for everything that happened... I abandoned you, I don't deserve your compassion..

. - Leave it behind, Liv. You were young, in love and a little lost. "Still, I'd like you to know that I'm sorry," I confessed sincerely. - I believe in you. Well, see you tomorrow. - See you. - I waved my hand and walked away. I watched the car drive away, feeling great relief. I thought I would need to work really hard to find a job, but it felt like someone up there was starting to give me a hand. CHAPTER 3 OLIVIA Eleven years earlier Rangeley was known for its natural landscape and the predominance of cottages, cabins and lakefront properties, reflecting a more rustic atmosphere. I liked to sit on the sidelines and think about life, I could hear the sound of the tree leaves whispering in the wind. It was a peaceful place, my refuge from the outside world, but that day I had a surprise; I discovered that I wasn't the only one who liked to sit there and reflect. I noticed him before he noticed my presence, Elijah was standing, looking at the horizon with a distant expression. He was known for being reclusive and averse to social interactions, considered by many to be a problem boy, but to me, he was just a boy with problems. Whenever his father came home drunk, arguments and things breaking inside the house, in addition to children crying, were a daily occurrence. I accidentally stepped on a dry wooden branch, attracting his attention, Elijah looked up and saw me standing there, I thought he would turn his back and leave, but he just frowned and looked away at the lake

. He was the intruder there, not me, that was my place! I ignored the neglect and approached slowly, keeping a respectful distance. I should ignore it, but like I said, my curiosity always got me into trouble. - Hi - I greeted him softly, but he obviously ignored it. - I also like coming here to reflect. Elijah turned his attention to me and fixed his gaze on my face, making me blush slightly, which made me turn my attention to the lake. - Who said I was here reflecting? - The thick and deep voice gave me goosebumps. -No one said, I just assumed from the way you seemed lost staring into space. - I bit my lower lip and waited for the bad answer, but surprisingly it didn't come, Elijah just did his wonderful job of ignoring everything around him. Even before I found him in the cemetery, he had managed to fool me with this attitude of fuck the world and everyone who lives in it, but after seeing him taking so much care to give a decent burial for his sister's pet, I just to make her feel better, that didn't work anymore. - It's a beautiful place, don't you think?

- I insisted. He shrugged, seeming reluctant to join the conversation. - It's just a lake - I agreed, not letting myself be discouraged. - Yes, but sometimes simplicity is what makes things special. - I said something, just to lengthen the conversation. Elijah looked at me, our eyes met for a moment before he looked away. - Do you always talk like that? - Like this? - As if you were living inside a fairytale story? - The question was full of mockery and irony, but I didn't let myself be intimidated, he was talking to me and that was already a big step forward. - If enjoying finding beauty in simple things makes me live in a fairy tale, then yes. - Nonsense. He might try to fool me, but I had a feeling he saw the same thing. - Life is long enough to live bitterly.

- I needled him A silence fell between us. - Do you come here often? - I persisted, afraid that he would leave. Elijah shrugged again. - Sometimes. - I come often, but this is the first time we've met. - It must be because I always come at night when you are sleeping your princess sleep. - He returned the jab, which I ignored. - Why do you come here at night? It's dangerous! - Because it's quieter.

- I smiled, understanding the hint, curiously, he smiled too, making my heart flutter. I think it was the first time I saw him smile and I confess that he only managed to become even more beautiful. - I also come to smoke. - Like I said, it's a good place to think. - I said smoke. - And do you turn off your brain when you do that? Elijah even tried to remain serious, but ended up laughing. I smiled too, feeling millions of butterflies flying in my stomach. It seemed like the defenses he normally kept up were starting to weaken in the face of my persistence. - I like writing - I shared. - Sometimes I come here to find inspiration. - Write what? - Stories. About people, places, emotions. Elijah sat on the trunk of a cut tree and looked further into the water.

- Do you believe you can capture all these things in words? - Sometimes yes. Words have a way of expressing how we feel. - He was silent for a moment before speaking again. - I'm not good with words, that's why I use brushes. I held my breath for a moment, he was sharing something private with me. I wanted to ask more, I wanted to know everything about him, but I was afraid that it

register. I put aside my thoughts about Audrey and went behind the counter to serve him. With a welcoming smile, I made eye contact with the customer and greeted him, striving to make a good impression. - Hello. - She just smiled with effort. I added the products and put them in a bag. - It's fifteen dollars, how are you going to pay? - She didn't answer, just handed me some notes. Her expression denoted a hurry so I was quick to give her the change back. At that moment, the soft sound of the bell at the entrance of the establishment filled the air.

I craned my neck to look, scanning the area to identify the newcomer, but the shelves full of products made it difficult to see directly. In an almost instinctive movement, I turned to the small mirror positioned next to the door, which revealed the man I almost ran over days ago. He was wearing the same mustard-colored hoodie, a cap sitting on his head and the hood over it shadowing his features. His intriguing presence made our eyes meet for a brief moment. The stranger seemed paralyzed for a moment, and I felt my heart accelerate at our small eye contact, however, suddenly and inexplicably, he turned his back and left without saying a word.

The customer I was serving left the register and I walked to the window, curiosity guiding me. Through the glass, I saw the man walking away quickly, with his head down and his hands in his pockets. His step was hurried, he turned the corner with determination, disappearing from my sight. A shiver ran down my spine, leaving me with an unsettling feeling. Who was? And what would have compelled him to enter the store, only to leave without saying a word? Sofia, my coworker, who was helping me on my first day, came over and stood next to me. -Did you see the man who came out just now? - I questioned. - Sorry, just out of stock. As he was? - Tall, with a strong presence, he was wearing a light sweatshirt. I've seen him around town before. - It must be Elijah. - The mere mention of his name made my blood run faster. I understood the reason for my concern, deep down my subconscious already knew who it was. - Let me guess, he bought cigarettes and booze? - He didn't buy anything, he just stayed at the entrance. - She let out a resigned smile. - Don't worry about him. Elijah has a reputation for being a "troublesome" guy around town, but he's not dangerous. He's handsome, but he's definitely trouble.

.. As Sofia continued to speak, my mind wandered, remembering the past. Elijah Richards, the man who had just left the store, was not a stranger but someone I knew intimately. I remembered the way he used to smile, the way his eyes lit up when he let his guard down and showed himself as he really was; an incredible and talented boy, full of dreams and projects, and an incredible artistic streak, despite being trapped in an abusive family environment. A single tear insisted on escaping my eyes as I remembered Grace's memory. She didn't deserve it, just as he didn't deserve the tragic outcome his family faced. Elijah's quick departure from the store made it clear that he had recognized me. His face reflected a mixture of surprise and resentment, only validating what I already imagined; there was a deep-rooted hatred inside him, directed at me. - How it was? - Hazel asked as soon as I entered the house.

- It was tiring, but rewarding. It's been a while since I felt so useful. - Working behind a counter? - She rolled her eyes, as if it were absurd for someone to make an honest living like that. I didn't bother to respond; I threw my bag on the sofa, took off my coat and hung it behind the door. Then I headed to the kitchen, with Hazel close behind. I filled a glass with water from the tap and leaned against the counter. Hazel had no right to judge the way I was trying to start over, especially when she herself had never managed it. Since my father's death, the only thing she has done is become an alcoholic and a gambling addict, acting like a madam even though she was broke. - Did Audrey have dinner? - We ate a burger at Morrison's cafeteria. -

Burger, mom? I prepared dinner for you. Audrey doesn't usually eat this junk! - Why? She's a child, children eat junk food! - I shook my head, resigned. - That girl doesn't like me! I was just trying to get closer! - she complained exasperatedly. - This is not true. You are her grandmother, of course she loves you. You just didn't have time to get along. - It's not my fault you moved away from me - Hazel dramatized as she went to the closet, where she started hiding her drink. At least she was careful to hide them. - I'm doing everything I can to help them in this new phase. You should be more grateful, Liv. It took a while for her to throw it in my face that she was the only one to reach out to me, however, I decided to put the discussion aside and be more grateful.

- I know that and I'm very grateful. I'm just doing my role as a mother, looking after my daughter's health and well-being. - Then go to her room and spend some time with the girl. She complained about her absence today. - I nodded. I drank the water, washed the glass and left the kitchen. Before leaving, I turned to Hazel. - Thank you very much for welcoming us - she said sincerely. - I don't want to seem ungrateful... - It's okay, now go be with your daughter. - He is well. - Hazel poured herself a shot of whiskey. I watched her for a few minutes, although I wanted to take the glass in her hand, I just thanked her once again and left. I went up the stairs and down the hall towards Audrey's room. I knocked lightly on the door and, after a brief moment, entered. Audrey was sitting on the bed, playing with a stuffed bear, and her eyes lit up when she saw me. - May I join you? - I asked, smiling as she brought me closer to the bed. Audrey nodded enthusiastically, pushing some toys aside to make room next to her. I sat down and pulled her into a loving hug. - How was work, Mom?

- Although she was upset about my absence due to work, she made a point of asking. - It was a tiring day, dear, but I'm adapting, and so are you. We'll make it, you'll see. Audrey frowned, looking into my eyes. - I miss the way things used to be. Before daddy leaves. A painful tightness filled my chest upon hearing those words. I put an arm around Audrey and pulled her into my lap. - I know that, daughter, but I know that we are also strong and we will face this together, right? - Audrey nodded, clinging to me. - I just don't like that you have to work late now. - I know, Audrey, but you need to understand that this is our new reality. I need to work to support ourselves, to have a decent life. I know it's difficult right now, but you will adapt, you will make new friends and at the first opportunity, I will involve you in various activities. You're going to get distracted, hold on just a little