Samuel's POV
It's been three months since Angel and I started hanging out whenever we were free. I found out about her anxiety and depression when I spotted her medications in her car one weekend while she was driving us out. Well—technically—it was more like confirmation after seeing her go through a full-blown panic attack right in front of me at the restaurant.
I confronted her about it.
Asked her why she didn't tell me.
Didn't she trust me enough?
At first, she shut down. She didn't want to talk. But eventually, the words came. She said she was ashamed. That she was scared I'd think it was weird how much she'd changed in just three years. Scared I'd judge her.
It hurt to hear her say that.
But if I'm being honest… if the roles were reversed, I probably wouldn't have told her either. Maybe out of pride. Maybe out of fear she'd see me as weak.
Since then, I've gone back to work. Settled things with my dad—even though normal conversations with him are still like walking through a minefield.
I accepted his offer—more like his command—to take over the company. And honestly? No regrets. The company is thriving, and Angel's proud of me. So really… what do I have to lose? Nothing.
---
"Sir, this is your schedule for today," Alex, my secretary-slash-resident-pain-in-the-ass, says as he walks in.
"I'm listening," I reply, sipping my coffee.
"You've got a conference meeting at 10:00 AM, ending by 12:30. Lunch with Mr. Michael from Unique Enterprises at 1:00. Then you're free until 4:00, when you have your monthly check-in with your father to discuss the company's progress. Lastly, dinner with your family at 6:00."
"Thanks, Alex."
I hired him because he's damn good at what he does. Plus, his previous job underpaid and overworked him. At least here, I pay overtime—and for the emotional damage he inflicts daily.
"Try to be professional. We're at work, dude."
"Did you just call your boss 'dude'?"
"Oh no! What will I do? Yeah, I don't care."
"You suck."
"I'm straight. Only thing I suck is boobs, thanks."
"Fuck you."
"Not interested, but thanks for the offer. Also—it's 9:30. You might want to prep for that meeting."
"Yes, I'd very much like that. Kindly get out of my office."
"My pleasure. Have a nice morning, boss."
"Ew, don't call me that."
"Then you shouldn't have hired me."
"Regretting it already."
Silence.
"You're joking, right?"
"Of course I am. Now get out."
"Yes, sir." He winks as he walks out.
And this man says he's straight. I'm seriously starting to doubt that.
---
I step into the conference room with my head high, nerves buried beneath a layer of practiced confidence gotten after a cup of coffee.
"Good morning, everyone. Thank you for taking the time to meet with me today."
Familiar faces: Thompson from marketing. Patel from finance. A few other key players. I'd done my homework—studied their files, prepared for every possible question. I wasn't about to walk in unarmed.
"We're here to discuss the proposed merger with GreenTech Industries" I say, flipping open the folder in front of me.
Thompson jumps in immediately. "Sir, we've reviewed the numbers. The benefits are clear, but the risks…"
I nod. That was expected. "I understand your concerns, Thompson. Let's go through them one by one."
His eyes widen a bit. Surprised I know his name? Good. I'm ready for anything you throw my way.
I walk them through a detailed presentation, dismantling doubts one by one. Charts. Reports. Forecasts. Data-backed projections. Slowly but surely, the skepticism in the room begins to melt away.
Patel finally speaks. "Sir, I'm impressed. Honestly, for someone new to this… you're doing an incredible job."
I smile. "Thank you, Patel. I believe this merger could be a game-changer for us."
The questions keep coming, but I handle them all. Every challenge met with a calm, prepared response. By the time the meeting wraps, even Thompson—the merger's loudest critic—nods in agreement.
"I think we've covered all our concerns. I'm willing to support the merger" he says.
The others follow suit.
Victory.
As they leave the room, shaking hands and offering praise, I feel it: a deep, satisfied pride settling in my chest. I've proven myself today.
"Thank you, everyone. I look forward to making this merger a success."
When the last person leaves, I let out a long breath. One hurdle cleared. Many more to go.
---
Back in my office, I grab a coffee and stare out at the skyline. This company—this legacy—is mine now. Whether I wanted it or not.
I remember my first day as CEO. My father didn't even give me a week's notice. Just threw me into the lion's den with a "Start tomorrow."
I'd stood right here, overwhelmed by nerves and expectations. And yet… determined.
Taking over from Daniel Hartman was never going to be easy. But I've always known I'd leave my own mark someday. And now?
With the merger locked in place…
I'm well on my way.
My phone buzzes.
Alex.
> "Hey, congrats on the merger! I knew you could do it."
I grin. The bastard.
> "Thanks. I couldn't have done it without your guidance."
And I mean it. Every overtime, every late-night prep—it paid off.
I roll up my sleeves and dive into the stack of paperwork Alex dumped on my desk this morning.
Let's go.
---
EVENING
I flop down on the couch, absolutely drained.
First the merger.
Then lunch with Mr. Michael—who never stopped smiling and expected me to match his energy. Exhausting.
Barely got a thirty-minute breather before Alex brought in more documents. Then my meeting with Dad, which—surprise, surprise—ended in raised voices.
He says the company's doing "fine," but he doesn't want fine—he wants great.
And I told him maybe he shouldn't have handed it over if he didn't think I was good enough.
Cue the usual guilt trip: "I did this for you."
Yeah, yeah. Heard that script before countless times.
Then came dinner with the family. I had to put on a smile and play happy son to avoid Mum's interrogation.
Finally—peace.
Sticky, itchy, dead-on-my-feet kind of peace.
I haven't spoken to Angel today. What's she up to? How was her day? Guess I'll find out.
---
TEXTS
Me: What are you doing? – 6:45 PM
Seen 1 minute ago
Kitten: Nothing. What do you want? – 6:47 PM
Me: Nothing, just got back from work. – 6:48 PM
Kitten: So what should I do about that?, Come cook for you? – 6:50 PM
Me: I'd like that if you actually meant it. – 6:50 PM
Kitten: Don't you understand sarcasm? – 6:51 PM
Me: I don't know. Maybe you could teach me more. – 6:52 PM
Me: How was your day? – 6:53 PM
Kitten: Are you really not busy right now? – 6:54 PM
Me: Nope, I'm not. – 6:55 PM
Kitten: You said you just got back from work, right? – 6:55 PM
Me: Yes, why? – 6:56 PM
Kitten: You said you weren't busy. That can only mean one thing… You haven't had your bath yet. – 6:56 PM
…Is she a witch or perhaps a psychic? How the hell did she guess that so fast?
Me: I'm on my way to do that right now. – 6:57 PM
Kitten: Yeah yeah, whatever helps you sleep at night. – 6:57 PM
Me: I'm serious though. – 6:58 PM
Kitten: Whatever. I'm a bit busy right now. Let's talk later. – 7:00 PM
Busy with what? Should I call her just to mess with her?
No. No, I'm better than that.
Time for a bath.
And then, sleep. Because this man? Is TIRED.
No one replies, of course. Because I'm talking to myself in an empty house. I scoff and head for the bathroom.
I'll talk to Angel later.
Right now…
I need to soak the stress out of my bones.
And I did, then had one of the best sleep I ever had.