Used by the CEO

I know, I'll do it soon. - Every day you say the same thing. - I've been very busy, but I'll find time for it. - Forget it. I'll hire someone, leave it to me, focus on your work. - Ivy! - I know how to do it, just trust me. - Okay. I kissed her on the cheek and waved to Ayra as they left. After my separation, I got custody of my daughter, her mother didn't care since she had no feelings for her. It's strange, I know, but not everyone is ready to be parents.

I met Úrsula at an event, my parents introduced us and within a few months we started dating. Ursula got pregnant after a year of dating, we decided to get engaged and get married before my belly got bigger, that's when we lost the rhythm and rushed everything. Our relationship was good until then, when the change came with the pregnancy, Ursula started to hate having our daughter, we fought a lot and it wore us out. Besides, she is an actress and lost some roles because she was pregnant, all of this only fueled the disgust of having our daughter. Before Ayra was one month old, Úrsula went on a 20-day trip and only told us when she was in Mexico, leaving me alone in Seattle with our daughter. Those were the worst days of my life, because Ayra depended on breast milk and we didn't have a drop at home or where to get it from. She lost weight, cried from hunger, got pneumonia... On one hand, it was my fault, I didn't know how to take care of my own daughter and I did everything wrong. Even with my family around, it was difficult and almost impossible.

But Ayra was fine. And, at the same time that I blamed and hated myself, I swore to take care of her and be a good father. The day before Úrsula returned, I received a letter from her lawyer and the divorce papers. She didn't want that life, she wasn't looking for a family or a marriage, she wanted to live and do soap operas, we weren't in her plans. I thought it would be harder, but with her absence and abandonment, I thought a lot about us, especially about Ayra's future. There was no other way out, only divorce.

After all, you can't miss someone you've never had around completely. - Sir, we're here. Like every morning, I stood admiring the building I had built. I am the CEO of the largest engineering company in Seattle, a long story for another time. I entered the company accompanied by my security guards, greeted my employees and got into the elevator accompanied by my personal assistant. - Sir, you will have a meeting in an hour with all the shareholders. - Where are the reports I requested? - On your desk. - Okay. Anything else? - Your grandfather wants to see you at lunch. The clients from Barcelona will come at 2:00 p.m., everything is ready for the presentation. - What are you not telling me?

- I asked, seeing her restless, holding the tablet. - Your cousin. - What did he do this time? - He wants to cut ties with MAConstrutora. - What? I was outraged by Edgar's decision, he can't make this decision like that. I went to my office thinking about what I had heard from Lorena, it seemed like a lie, but coming from Edgar, I could expect anything. - Excuse me, sir. - What is it now, Lorena? - Your mother sent word that she will be back in three days and wants to meet you at your house. - What did you say? - She said that you have a trip planned and will be out of the country. But, as always, she didn't believe me. - Okay. Leave it as it is. I prepared myself for the meeting, analyzed the dossier that was on my desk, and when I got up from my chair to go to the meeting room, my grandfather came into my office like a hurricane. - What's this mess, can you explain it to me? - he asked, upset, throwing a tablet on my desk. I looked at the screen, watching the news of the separation of the two companies.

- I was also taken by surprise, grandpa. - Lorena looked at me from the door apologetically, I told her to leave and greeted my grandfather. - What happened between you two? - Nothing. But it's no secret that Edgar wants to lead alone and cut all ties with MAConstrutora. - You're the one who should be sitting in that chair, you're the one who should be leading that company. - Let's not talk about this again, I don't want to fight with you. - You don't want to fight? I want to fight. Why do you have to be so stubborn? - she grumbled, walking around the room, breathing fire through her nose. - Grandpa, I have a meeting now, can we solve this later? Thank you! - I said, leaving the room with that excuse. - I'm not finished yet, Miguel Armani! - she shouted. Lorena came towards me nervously. - Sir, I'm sorry, I couldn't hold your grandfather. - No one can do this except my grandmother. Is everyone in the room? - Yes, they're waiting for you. - Go into my room and get the file, I forgot it on the table. If I go in, I won't leave anymore. - Yes, sir. - Oh... good luck. I went to the elevator, before it closed, I saw Lorena take a deep breath before entering my room. That was funny. Before entering the meeting room, I heard my cell phone ring, it was Ivy calling me. "I'm about to enter the meeting room, be quick." "Answer yes or no. Private party tonight, can I confirm your name?" "No." "Miguel, I guarantee it will be fun. You need to have some fun." "No. Was that all?" "I'll put your name on the list. I know you'll change your mind."

I hung up when she finished speaking, but I couldn't disagree. I really needed a good party to relax. I entered the meeting room and found everyone waiting for me. Lorena came in next and left the dossier on the table. "Good morning, gentlemen. You must have already heard about Edgar's announcement. We no longer have any ties to his company. I was also taken by surprise. It was a decision he made, and I don't care about the reasons for it. I propose we continue with our work and continue making a profit." "I don't think your grandparents will accept it," said Erick, a shareholder in my company. "This is their business alone. It's not like I can force him to do anything." "Let's

the talk of the town. - I'll take care of it personally, take care of the news, we won't be the subject of any more gossip. Now, let's talk about profits, I don't know if you noticed, but now without Edgar's support, we'll certainly lose some investors, we need to focus on that to stay where no one can take us away. - I said, changing the course of the conversation. After talking about profits and future investors, we created a new marketing project. That's how we ended the meeting. 12:00 To make up for my absence as a father, I went to Ayra's school to pick her up. She was already waiting.

When she saw me, she ran with a big smile on her face. "Daddy!" "What did I tell you about running?" I scolded her as I hugged her back. "Don't fight with me." "I'm not fighting, I'm just telling you not to do that. You could get hurt, daughter."

"Sorry." "Okay, let's go home." After "sitting her in the car seat," as she likes to say, I picked up her backpack from the doorman and put it in the car. We went home listening to music. Ayra talked about how her day was and how much she played with her friends. It was fun to listen to her. She got excited and said the words halfway through, never making sense. I always tried to understand what she was saying. When I couldn't, I just agreed. "Daddy, I want to go to the park." "Today is not the day." "Please." "Don't be stubborn, okay?" I stopped the car at the traffic light and looked at her, who was pouting cutely and sadly at the same time. "Daughter, what do you think about a nanny?"

"No." "Why? She'll give you attention, play with you, and take care of you." "I want daddy." "I know, daughter, but I need to work." "Auntie can play." "Auntie has her own house, she needs to work too." "Are you going to leave me?" I never thought Ayra would think that one day. Hiring a nanny was like leaving a substitute for me to take care of my daughter. Even though she was young, she was very intelligent. I heard the cars honking as I looked at my princess who was sad. I held her hand and smiled confidently. "I'll never leave you. I can't leave a piece of me behind. You're my life." "You're my life." She repeated my words in a cute voice. "I love you!" I started driving again before anyone had a heart attack from honking so much. When we arrived, Ayra ran to her room to take a shower. While I was waiting in the living room, I saw Ivy arriving. "Hey! Why didn't you say you were going to pick her up? I just came back." "Do you think I'm a bad father?" I asked, seeing Ayra's diary full of messages. Ivy took the diary from my hands and sat next to me. "You're not a bad father. You've always done everything you could to make sure she has everything she needs. You try hard and make her happy."

"I haven't been able to be as present as I used to be. I haven't read your diary or taught her a single activity. She feels that way too, Ivy." "You're right. You've been absent, but I understand. You've been having hard days at work. She'll understand when she's older." "I give my all and it seems like it's not enough." "You demand a lot from yourself, Miguel. She's happy and loves you. What this house lacks is a female presence. That's why she misses you so much. She only has you. When the nanny is here, everything will be different." "Did you manage?" - I interviewed three, but one of them won my heart. - I want to interview her.

- Are you sure? - Yes. Send her to the company tomorrow morning, I need to trust her before she meets my daughter. - Okay, I'll talk to her. - Are you staying for lunch? - Of course. - Are you sure you're not pregnant? You eat for two. - I'm in a growth spurt. I laughed at his joke. - Do you think you'll grow any more than that at 25? - Hope is like a lit candle. - Then let me blow it out. - I blew in his face. - Clown! Did you read my messages? I sent the party address, all your friends will be there. - You're not going to leave me alone, are you? - No. I've already talked to the girls about staying with Ayra. You just have to pay a bonus. - Without my confirmation? - You always say no and go. When Ayra came back, we sat down at the table and had lunch, listening to her repeatedly ask to go to the park. We agreed to go on the weekend, even though she didn't like it. I spent the rest of the afternoon with my guests from Barcelona; I was sure we would do business. At night, I went home feeling tired, my peace was a lively five-year-old waiting for me in the living room. Ayra was watching, she didn't see me coming in. I left my briefcase on the floor, took off my shoes, and closed her eyes with my hands. "Can you guess who it is?"

"DADDY!" I tickled her belly, making her roll over on the couch. I was surprised by a hug, making me lay my head on her belly. She caressed my face and hair. Her sweet smell brought me peace, meaning, and made me sure I was right in raising my daughter. "How is my diamond?" "I miss you." "Didn't I miss you?" "Play with me, daddy." "Of course. What do you want to play with?" - Paint. - At this time, daughter? - Please. - Okay, let's play with your paints then. We went to the playroom, two canvases were already ready, I pretended she hadn't planned this. It was her favorite game, paints and messes. - What are we going to paint? - I asked, taking off my shirt. - A heart. I was good at drawings, buildings, houses, bridges, constructions... not with hearts or dolls. But for her I would do anything, even a deformed heart. - What do you think of mine? - I asked proudly, because I had tried really hard. She looked at me, putting her hands on her chin, thoughtful, she looked like an adult, I pulled her by the arm and hugged her, enjoying her laughter. - It's ugly, daddy. - How dare you talk about my heart? It's the most beautiful heart. - Mine. - Yours isn't so pretty either. - Yes, it is. - It's missing one little thing. I put yellow paint on what she said was a heart.

Ayra still didn't know how to do these things on her own, just scribbles. She painted the heart I drew blue and then it became a war. I heard my cell phone ring, it was Ivy calling me for the third time. "Hi, Ivy." "Auntie! Show my heart to Auntie, daddy," Ayra said, distracting me. "What are you doing? Are you home yet?" "We're making hearts with her paints." "How cute! Send me a picture. Coming back to reality, I called three times. Are you coming to the party?" "I don't know." "Your friends are already here." "I'm going to have dinner with Ayra." "Okay, you can come when you're done." "Why do you insist so much?" "Because I love you. See you later, brother." I hung up. We continued playing until dinner time. We took a bath, had dinner, did some homework, and I put her to bed. "Daddy." "Hi, daughter. - Are you playing with me again? - she said sleepily. - I promise we'll play more often.

I stayed by her side, stroking her hair until she fell asleep. When I heard her snoring, yes, my diamond snores. I went to my room and got ready quickly to go to the damn party. Before leaving, I told Ivy that I was leaving. Only then did I see the countless

apartment was on the top floor of the penthouse. I could already imagine what this party was like. I went up in the elevator and told Ivy that I was already at the door. When the door opened, I heard loud music and the screams of the women dancing. - You're finally here. - Don't invite me to these parties anymore. - You've just arrived and you already think it's bad? Get rid of that ugly face. You'll scare the women. I made a face at her. My friends called me after Ivy, I greeted them and greeted the women who were close to us.

When I started drinking, Ivy called me and approached with two friends. - Miguel, this is Giselle and Agatha, they are new in Seattle, girls, this is my brother Miguel. - Nice to meet you. - I greeted them looking at Ivy, who was having fun with this. Romeo brought more drinks, after serving us, he hugged Agatha around the waist and kissed her.

- So I'm the last to know that Romeo is dating? - I asked ironically. - I'm not dating yet, let's just say she's difficult. - he said, being pushed by Agatha. - Not at all, your friend is worthless and I'm not looking for a relationship - Agatha asked. - Miguel, you're the most serious of the group, give me a hand. - Romeo looked like a puppy asking for something. - Let's hear your defense. - Agatha said, making everyone look at me, waiting for my answer. - You didn't do it, Romeo. - I grumbled, I wanted to hit him. - Everyone knows you don't want anything serious with anyone, Romeo. Let's drink and dance, Agatha won't fall for your trick. - Ivy said, pushing us to the center of the room, where the girls were. Chapter 3 We got so crazy that we turned the room into a rave, it was amazing how I relaxed in such a short time, and it wasn't just because of the drinks. Even though I was a serious man, I had fun in my own way, I wasn't as crazy as my group, but I knew how to have fun. I went to the balcony to light a cigarette, but I ended up running into Agatha, which made me turn back. - Hey! I don't bite. - But I can bite. She looked at me with doubt and risk in her eyes, we stood there looking at each other and then smiled. - You can stay, I'll leave. - she said. - No, you were there first, I just need a place for it. - I raised the cigarette. - Oh, so that's it? I don't mind, you can smoke." "Are you sure?"

"Sure." I joined her and, after lighting the cigarette, we sat looking at the view. "Why are you here?" I asked. "I think I'm drunk, which I shouldn't be, I have an interview at 8:00." "Good luck, you're going to need it." "Thanks." "What were you doing before you came to Seattle?" "Do you really want to talk about it?" "No." We laughed again, she seemed amused, maybe because she was drunk, but at that moment, who wasn't? "What's going on with you and Romeo?" "Nothing serious, thank God, he's not the right person." "He's a jerk, but he's a good friend." I said, watching Romeo kissing Giselle. "He is. When I got to Seattle, he was the first person I met, he ran me over, to put it mildly." "It wasn't the welcome you were expecting, was it?" "Not at all. I've known Kalie since we were kids, but we drifted apart when she came to live here. I needed to change my life, especially to get away from some people, so I'm staying here for now. - You seem tired.

- Life hasn't been very fair to me. - I hope you pass the interview. - Me too. - Do you plan on staying here? - If everything goes well and I get the job, I'll rent an apartment and start over. - I can help if you want, I have some apartments for rent. - Only if you're generous and give me a good price. - I said, with an amused smile. - Of course. - Thank you! - Why are you here? Let's go for a drink. - Ivy said, interrupting us. - We were just leaving. - I replied, putting out my cigarette. - Brother, this is the most beautiful woman in the world, isn't she? She's single, she's smart, she's nice... As Ivy spoke, I mentally agreed, she was really beautiful, especially when she smiled. Her full lips just made me want to kiss her, but Ivy brought me back to reality. - So, brother, is she beautiful? - Yes, she is pretty, but you are drunk. - No, you are not going to steal my glass. When Ivy walked away, I saw Agatha leave, we rejoined the group and started dancing again. Yanca approached me, making me drink from her glass, she made her move and then kissed me, in my head, it was just a party, but Yanca didn't let go of me, and I hated clingy women.

I left her in the living room with my glass, I looked for the bathroom until I found it, when I was going to open the door, it was opened by Agatha. We stared at each other without moving a finger, my eyes ran over her body, her dress was white and wet, her hard and perky nipples were exposed in the transparent dress. Her black skin shone in the light, my body automatically moved and when I took a step forward, she took a step back. I entered the bathroom and closed the door behind me. Agatha pulled me until I was against the cold wall. I pressed my body against hers, bringing my hands to her legs and moving up, feeling her curves to her hips while I stared at her mouth. We heard Ivy knocking on the door. She was talking to herself. Agatha tried to leave, but I stopped her. "You're not leaving here until I taste those lips." I said seriously, touching her lower lip with my thumb. "I thought you were in a relationship with Yanca." "You didn't think when you pulled me into the bathroom. I know you want this too." "What can tell you for sure that I want it?" I squeezed her ass, making it vibrate. Her hand, which was on my shoulder, squeezed me. She bit her lip, looking at my mouth, and let out a sigh. This woman was driving me crazy, and I wanted her right now.

I got closer to her mouth, brushing our lips against each other. Her sighs drove me crazy. She could feel how hard I was just from that contact, because my body was pressing hers against the wall. Without waiting any longer, I invaded her mouth with my tongue, starting the kiss. Agatha ran her nails down the back of my neck before tangling her fingers in my hair. It was like a shock to my body. I had kissed many women, each more beautiful than the last, but it was the first time I had gotten excited before kissing a woman. Agatha made me want her just by being near her. She broke the kiss when she ran out of breath. I kissed her neck, going from her ear to her shoulder. When the moment was getting hotter, we heard Kalie, the host of the party, knock on the door. "Miguel, are you there? If so, Ivy is feeling sick. Can you help us?" "Damn it!" I muttered softly, wanting to scream in anger. "Go on, she drank too much." I glared at Agatha angrily. I didn't want to stop, and neither did she. It wasn't her fault, but it was a turn-off. "Miguel." Kalie insisted. I opened the door without answering, and went to the living room accompa