Hidden Ties

I remember as if it were yesterday that tumultuous time when Taylor entered our lives. From the moment I first saw him, I felt an inexplicable aversion. It was as if he were stealing the attention of my brother, Andrew, and sidelining me.

We were at a family dinner, and he was seated at the table, smiling and chatting animatedly with Andrew. I couldn't contain my irritation and decided to confront him.

"So, you're Taylor..." I said, crossing my arms and giving him a cold look.

He smiled gently, trying to ease the tension in the air. "Yes, that's me. It's a pleasure to finally meet you, Kate."

I couldn't disguise my disdain for him. I always saw him as an intruder, someone who stole my brother's attention and left me aside. And now, there, face to face with him, I couldn't hide my feelings.

"Pleasure? Sorry, Taylor, but I can't share that sentiment. On the contrary, since you entered Andrew's life, I feel he's growing more distant from me," I said. He seemed surprised by my frankness but didn't back down.

"Kate, I understand how you feel, but I assure you it was never my intention to cause any separation between you. I'm just a friend, someone who stands by your brother when he needs support."

I let out a sarcastic laugh. "That's precisely the problem, Taylor. You're always there, occupying a space that should be mine. You've become so close to Andrew that it feels like there's no room for me. And I won't accept that." He looked into my eyes, with a calm and understanding expression.

"Kate, I understand your concern and insecurity, but you need to realize that your brother and I have been friends for a long time. He's important to me, just like you are. I don't want to cause problems between you; I just want to be a part of my friend's life."

My hands clenched in fists, controlling the anger that was about to explode. "Well, Taylor, you may want to be part of my brother's life, but it doesn't mean I have to like it. I suggest you understand your place and step back a bit. I won't allow you to take up more space than you already have."

He lowered his gaze for a moment, as if contemplating my words. When he looked up again, there was determination in his eyes.

"Kate, I won't step back just because you don't like me. I'll continue being Andrew's friend, and I hope that one day you can overcome this dislike and see me differently."

I stared at him for a few more moments, my aversion still present in every cell of my body. But I knew that, for the sake of my relationship with my brother, I needed to at least try to accept Taylor's presence in our lives.

"We'll see, Taylor. We'll see. But know that it won't be that easy."

I left the dinner determined not to accept any kind of approach from him. And so it remained until then.

KATE

I am Kate Collins, a passionate architect and co-owner of a successful company with my brother, Andrew. Being his business partner has been a unique experience, but it comes with its challenges, especially when it comes to balancing personal and professional life.

This morning, I woke up early and followed my usual routine. Before even getting out of bed, I checked my messages. As always, there was a good morning message from my brother, Andrew, who is more protective and controlling than any father. I briefly respond, asking him to go straight to the office, as I imagine he spent the night enjoying himself at the clubs.

I walk to the bathroom, take a quick shower, and get ready. However, before leaving, I decide to be a bit affectionate with Andrew and ask him to bring my favorite coffee. I call him, and on the first ring, he answers. "Yes, I admit I'm cheeky, even before you say anything, my dear little brother. Can you bring a delicious coffee with lots of milk for me..." I release a mischievous laugh over the phone as I hear him sigh.

"Kate, you're way too cheeky, we already know that. But you never miss the opportunity to ask for coffee every day," he responds, with a slight tone of complaint. I roll my eyes, knowing he can't see me. "Andrew, don't complain. I'll wait for you at the office with my coffee, or I can tell one of your uninteresting blondes that you're having fun with several, not just one." I hear him curse on the other end of the line.

"I'm on my way, Kate," he quickly responds and hangs up the phone. I start laughing, imagining his unfriendly expression after the blackmail I just pulled off. I grab my bag, put on my shoes, and head down to my private garage. I drive to the office, located in downtown Toronto. While driving, I turn on the radio, and the contagious beat of the music surrounds me. It's incredible how music can transport us to our own world.

I arrive at the company and am promptly greeted by Paul, the valet, who parks my car. I thank him and enter the office, hearing someone asking to hold the elevator. I immediately recognize the voice as Andrew's. I put my hand on the sensor, holding the elevator as my brother rushes to catch it. I start laughing and look at him, who is panting.

"Hi, Superman, don't you think you're a bit desperate?" I tease, watching him hand me the coffee. I try to grab it, but he raises it high, out of my reach.

"Since I'm Superman, as you've called me since we were kids, how about you be Wonder Woman and get the coffee up here?" He taunts, provoking my frustration. I scowl and refuse to respond. As soon as the elevator reaches our floor, I step out, marching straight to the office, wishing my secretary would arrive soon. Andrew follows closely, placing the coffee on my desk. He knows very well that I'm addicted to coffee.

"Andrew, you know I love you, right? But don't mess with my height. It's not my fault I got the short side of the family," I comment, grabbing the coffee and savoring it.

However, as I look at Andrew, I notice something is different. He looks serious, loosening his tie and sighing. "Kate, we need to talk about today's meeting," he says, changing his tone.

I sense his altered expression and pull a chair to sit in front of him. "What's wrong, Andrew? You seem strange. Was last night not good? Your 'blondes' didn't work out?" I joke, trying to ease the tension. "What's the problem with this meeting?"

He is starting to worry me. I don't like it when he gets like this. Andrew takes a deep breath and looks at me seriously. "It's not a big deal for you, but it is for me. This meeting is to close a deal with a new shareholder who will join us. Additionally, we'll have to discuss the assistance you'll receive, which I'm not pleased about."

An ironic smile appears on my lips. I begin to understand where he's going with this. Andrew is overprotective, which is usually good, but sometimes it becomes suffocating. I can't stand being controlled by another man besides him, but it seems I won't have a choice. If he's acting like this, it's because this new shareholder is someone he considers important.

"Andrew, what's the problem? It doesn't mean I'll have anything with this new shareholder, so why are you acting so strange? Don't start with these paranoias. You're my brother and business partner, not my father, who, by the way, doesn't make even half the drama you make." I see Andrew stand up quickly and start pacing back and forth, showing that the problem is bigger than I thought.

"Kate, the owner of the company is an old college friend, Taylor Crawford. You didn't like him back then and thought he was pulling me away from you. Remember him?" He stares at me, waiting for my reaction.

I remain still, remembering the awkward nerd who separated my only companion from me, making our virtual connections increasingly scarce. This memory still bothers me to this day. "Hmm, that clueless guy who wore glasses bigger than himself," I pretend not to care, but Andrew knows it affects me. "Well, it's been years... I couldn't imagine he would come back into my life and even merge with our company. I only saw him once in person, and believe me, it was more than enough."

Andrew shakes his head and puts his hand on my shoulder in a comforting gesture. "I know, Kate. But we need to overcome this. Taylor is interested in investing in our company, and it would be a great opportunity for us to grow. I promise I won't let him interfere in our relationship, but we need to give this partnership a chance."

I take a deep breath and smile at him, knowing he cares about me, even if he exaggerates sometimes. "Alright, Andrew. Let's deal with it together, as we always have. I trust you." I stand up and walk over to him, hugging him. Andrew responds to the hug, relieved.

He leaves my office, informing me that he would take care of a few more things before the meeting. I end up completely absorbed in the new project I'm creating for a special client. Because I'm so focused, I don't hear Camile knock on the door. Only when I realize her presence do I see how distracted I got. She informs me that the meeting will start in 5 minutes, and everyone is already in the boardroom, waiting.

"Thanks for letting me know, Camile. Is Andrew already there?"

"Yes, ma'am. Mr. Andrew is in the room, waiting..."

KATE

I nod affirmatively, stand up, fixing my hair. Grabbing the project papers, I walk to the meeting room.

Upon entering, I sense a pleasant atmosphere and notice a man seated at the table. He appears younger than me and exudes confidence. I wonder where my brother's geeky friend is.

"Good morning, everyone. Thank you for being here. As some already know, I'm Kate, the CEO of the company, along with my brother Andrew."

As I make my introduction, I notice the man observing me with curiosity. It makes me slightly uncomfortable, but I disguise it well. After some adjustments in the meeting, Henry Müller, my assistant, is introduced. I start to understand why my brother was so apprehensive.

Henry is a young man of 25, with an athletic body and an attractive appearance that I can't deny. His youthful face matches his age, but there's an aura of seriousness and mystery about him.

Before the meeting begins, Andrew comments, "Ah, you arrived just in time. Kate, let me introduce Taylor Crawford."

I observe Taylor carefully, and to my surprise, his appearance is completely different from the last time I saw him. The nerd I knew years ago has transformed into an elegant and attractive man, dressed in an impeccable suit. I'm intrigued by this change, but I try to stay focused and not let my surprise show.

"It's a pleasure to see you again, Taylor," I say, regaining composure. He just smiles gently and sits in the chair next to Andrew.

I scrutinize his features more closely until our eyes meet. I immediately avert my gaze and refocus on Andrew, who explains the purpose of the meeting.

"The purpose of this meeting is to introduce Henry Müller, our new intern, who will assist us with the ongoing project. And we're also pleased to announce Taylor Crawford as our new shareholder."

The news that Taylor will be the new shareholder doesn't surprise me, as I was already aware of this partnership. However, his physical transformation intrigues me and sparks a certain curiosity to get to know him better. I concentrate on listening to Andrew's next pieces of information and attentively follow the unfolding of the meeting.

The meeting proceeds as Andrew presents the details of the ongoing project. While he speaks, I notice that both Henry and Taylor continue to observe me with curiosity. Although I try not to show it, I feel slightly uncomfortable with their constant gaze.

As the discussion progresses, I actively participate, sharing my ideas and contributing to the decisions. Despite Taylor's intriguing presence, I make sure to maintain professionalism and focus on the agenda. Andrew and I take turns presenting the plans, explaining the company's strategies and objectives.

During the exchange of information, I realize that Taylor also offers valuable insights and demonstrates a deep knowledge of the field. I'm impressed by his intelligence and skills, setting aside my previous impressions of him based solely on his physical appearance in the past.

As the meeting nears its end, I begin to consider that this new partnership with Taylor could bring significant benefits to the company. Despite the doubts and curiosities that arose, I am willing to be patient and give him a chance. After all, business requires collaboration and teamwork, regardless of appearances or personal prejudices.

With this open mindset, I conclude the meeting, thanking everyone for their presence and expressing optimism about the future of the project.

Once back in my office, I breathe a sigh of relief, as this meeting yielded more than I expected. What was I thinking when I saw Taylor and assumed it wasn't him? It could have been anyone, but it had to be an attractive guy with a well-sculpted body?! I shake my head, slightly dazed by so much information. How could I have guessed that he would change so much from that dull nerd I knew?

I must have been really crazy.

"Kate Collins, this is going to be more challenging than you imagined..."

I fan myself, trying to organize my thoughts. I remember I now have an assistant who is also not to be overlooked. And between us, he also has a certain mystery about him. Although he seems serious, he's here with one goal: to show that he understands the business. I call Camile and ask her to tell Henry to come to my office for a conversation. In a few minutes, he knocks on the door, and I invite him in to sit.

"Welcome, Henry. Can we talk a bit about your goals here at the company?"

I observe him carefully, noting more of his physical characteristics. As he begins to speak, I'm surprised by his slightly deep voice.

"Yes, Miss Kate, we can talk. Thank you for the welcome. As you know, I left all the hotel standards to work with architecture. I'm about to finish college and would like to help you with your projects, which inspire me a lot."

I see sincerity in Henry's words, further convincing me of his commitment. I'm really in trouble with two completely attractive and polite men surrounding me.

I spend a good amount of time talking with Henry, showing him that from now on, he will also help me with new projects and eventually even lead some when I can't be present. However, any changes he deems necessary will have to be communicated to me.

Once we finish, I glance at the clock and am startled to realize that lunchtime has passed. I call Andrew's office, and he answers quickly. I smile upon hearing his voice, happy to be with his friend.

"Tell me, little brother, what do you want?"

It's so good to see him like this, excited about a friend without it always being about a woman, because that's always written on Andrew's forehead: "I'm a player, and I ignore it." I snap back to reality when I hear Andrew ask again:

"Oh, sorry, Superman. I just wanted to know if you want to come down for lunch. My stomach is already giving signs of life."

Andrew starts laughing but stops soon after.

"Yes, little sister, let's have lunch. Any problem if Taylor joins us?"

I smile, even though he can't see it, and confirm that I'll meet them shortly. It will be a great opportunity to find out what happened for him to change so much and become this handsome piece of trouble.